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When starting a credit-building journey, you may not know where to begin. Used correctly, a credit card is often one of the best tools for building credit. It helps you understand how credit scores work while showing lenders you can borrow responsibly.
The challenge? Many traditional credit cards require a credit history to qualify — something you may not have yet. That’s where credit-building cards come in. The is designed for people just starting their credit journey or rebuilding after past credit issues.
Over time, responsible use of a card like this can help you qualify for options reserved for excellent credit. Let’s dig into the details of the Avant Credit Card to see if it’s the right credit card for you.
- 2% Unlimited Cash Back on Every Purchase†, Everywhere Mastercard is accepted
- No Limit On The Monthly Rewards You Can Earn†
- Cash back will be awarded as points redeemable for a statement credit†
- $0 Foreign Transaction Fees
- Cash Advance Fee - The greater of $10 or 3% of the amount of the cash advance
- Fast and Easy Application Process
- Zero Fraud Liability for Unauthorized Charges
- Conveniently Pay Your Card Through Our Online Portal, 24/7
- Checking your eligibility does not affect your credit score
- Minimum Finance Charge - If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than $1.00
- Help Strengthen Your Credit History With Responsible Use
- We May Periodically Review Your Account For Credit Line Increases
- Returned Payment Fee : Up to $25
- Avant branded credit products are issued by WebBank
- ^See the Provider’s terms for more information
- † See the Rewards Terms and Conditions for more information
- 2% unlimited cash back on every purchase, everywhere Mastercard is accepted
Avant Card Pros
- Possible credit line increases with on-time payments
- Reports activity to three main credit bureaus
- No security deposit
Avant Card Cons
- Variable annual fee
- Limited rewards
- Possible monthly fee
Avant Card Benefits
The Avant Credit Card includes several features aimed at people building credit. Plus, since it runs on the Mastercard network, cardholders also receive additional Mastercard benefits.
Prequalification
The Avant Credit Card allows applicants to check their eligibility without impacting their credit score. Because the card features a variable rewards structure and annual fee, it’s important to review the details of your offer before applying.
Credit building
As a standard benefit, the Avant Credit Card reports to all three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Consistent on-time payments can help improve your credit score over time.
Zero fraud liability
As a Mastercard product, the includes zero liability protection against fraud. If your card is used for unauthorized purchases, you won't be responsible for those charges provided you've taken reasonable steps to safeguard your card.
For more details, review the card's terms and conditions.
Mastercard ID theft protection
As a standard benefit of Mastercard, the includes ID theft protection. This service will monitor the cardholder's identity, banking information, and online accounts for suspicious activity across the internet and the dark web.
Emergency concierge
Mastercard Global Services come with the card and provide emergency assistance for lost or stolen cards, replacement cards, and emergency cash advances while traveling. Temporary cards are typically available the next day in the United States and within two days abroad.
Discounted airport concierge
At over 700 airports worldwide, cardholders can save 15% on meet-and-greet services that help streamline the arrival process. At some airports, this also means expedited security and immigration. For a complete list of airports, review Mastercard's website.
$0 foreign transaction fees
The offers $0 foreign transaction fees for purchases made abroad. This is especially helpful when booking tours and hotels before departure, since international merchants may process those charges outside the United States.
Avant Card Welcome Offer and Earning Rates
Avant Credit Card does not have a welcome offer for applicants. This is common practice for a credit-building card.
What is somewhat unique about the Avant Credit Card is its variable annual fee and earning rates. Depending on your credit profile, the card may come with one of four combinations:
- Intro $0 annual fee and no rewards
- Intro $0 annual fee and 2% rewards
- Intro $39 annual fee and 1% rewards
- Intro $75 annual fee and 1% rewards
While the underwriting process that determines which offer you receive isn't transparent, you'll be able to see your specific offer before submitting an application. Rewards are unlimited and paid as cash back.
Avant Card Application Restrictions
There are no blanket application restrictions for the Avant Card, though applicants must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. The card does not allow co-signers or joint applicants, meaning only one person can apply for the account.
Is the Avant Card a Good Credit Card?
For a credit-building credit card, the Avant Card is a decent option. However, applicants with lower credit scores may be approved for versions of the card that carry higher annual fees and lower rewards rates, meaning the card’s value can vary significantly depending on the offer received.
While the card doesn’t require a security deposit, its variable fee and rewards structure can make it harder to quickly evaluate how competitive the card is compared with other credit-building options.
Cards That Compete With the Avant Card
Several other credit cards directly compete with the Avant Card.
- If you're looking for a card to help you rebuild credit, the Capital One Platinum Credit Card offers tools for repairing and rebuilding credit, similar to the Avant Card. However, this card has no annual fee, making it a more attractive option for those in this market.
- If you're looking for a card that earns 2% cash back, the Discover it Secured Credit Card offers cash back while helping establish credit. Cardholders earn 2% back at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter) and 1% back on all other purchases. While it requires a refundable security deposit, the card charges no annual fee and may offer a path to upgrade to an unsecured card over time.
- If you're looking for a secured credit card, the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card offers 1.5% back on every purchase with a $200 refundable deposit. This type of credit card product is primarily for those rebuilding credit, as the $200 security deposit serves as your credit line until your score improves.
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Bottom Line
The Avant Card is unusual because you must complete the prequalification process before seeing the exact rewards rate and annual fee attached to your offer. Depending on your credit profile, the terms can vary significantly.
For those looking to rebuild credit, the card may provide a path forward without requiring a security deposit. However, applicants should review the details of their prequalification offer carefully before submitting a full application.
- 2% Unlimited Cash Back on Every Purchase†, Everywhere Mastercard is accepted
- No Limit On The Monthly Rewards You Can Earn†
- Cash back will be awarded as points redeemable for a statement credit†
- $0 Foreign Transaction Fees
- Cash Advance Fee - The greater of $10 or 3% of the amount of the cash advance
- Fast and Easy Application Process
- Zero Fraud Liability for Unauthorized Charges
- Conveniently Pay Your Card Through Our Online Portal, 24/7
- Checking your eligibility does not affect your credit score
- Minimum Finance Charge - If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than $1.00
- Help Strengthen Your Credit History With Responsible Use
- We May Periodically Review Your Account For Credit Line Increases
- Returned Payment Fee : Up to $25
- Avant branded credit products are issued by WebBank
- ^See the Provider’s terms for more information
- † See the Rewards Terms and Conditions for more information
- 2% unlimited cash back on every purchase, everywhere Mastercard is accepted
For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: Avant Cash Back Rewards Card (Rates & Fees)
