Our Verdict
The Avant Credit Card is a plain-vanilla option that can help you build your credit if used responsibly. But there are similar options on the market that come with perks and are more upfront about what you’ll be charged.
Pros
- Check to see if you pre-qualify for the card without affecting your credit
- Aimed at those with fair credit
- Reports to all three major credit bureaus
Cons
- Product terms may vary depending on where you receive your offer, making it hard to know if you’re getting the best terms
- Balance transfers not allowed
- No rewards or other meaningful perks
Highlights
- No deposit required
- Reports to all three major credit bureaus
- No penalty APR
- No hidden fees
- Late Fee up to $39
- We may periodically review your account for credit line increases
- Fast and easy application process
- Help strengthen your credit history with responsible use
- Zero fraud liability for unauthorized charges
- Conveniently pay your card through our online portal, 24/7
- Get Mastercard® ID Theft Protection by Mastercard
- Disclosure: If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than $1.00. Cash Advance Fee 3%, Min: $10
- Checking your eligibility does not affect your credit score
- Avant branded credit products are issued by WebBank, member FDIC
- See the Provider’s terms for more information
Introduction
The Avant Credit Card is not the only game in town when it comes to cards for so-so credit. But it’s got a few things in its favor you may not find with other options. If you’re new to credit or had a few missteps, it can be challenging to find a card that doesn’t require an upfront security deposit. But the Avant card is unsecured, so you won’t have to pony up anything to get it.
One of the most appealing features of the Avant Credit Card is that you can pre-qualify with a soft credit check to see what rates and fees you’ll qualify for before you submit your application. The Avant Credit Card also reports your payment behavior to all three major credit bureaus—a must for anyone trying to improve their credit standing.
But these are among the bare minimums you should expect when you’re seeking a card to help take your credit score to the next level. There are other cards that offer these basics and more, like a lack of annual fees and some offer rewards and other money-saving extras.
Quick Facts
- $59 annual fee
- Minimum credit limit of $300
- APR: 35.99% variable APR for purchases
- Reports to all three major credit bureaus
- Soft credit check to see if you qualify
- Proactive reviews of your credit line
Other Avant Credit Card Benefits
As a Mastercard, the Avant credit card comes with a variety of benefits, including:
- Lost wallet assistance. Get assistance with notifying the appropriate issuing authorities to cancel and replace stolen or missing items.
- Emergency card replacement. Arrange for a replacement card as soon as the next day and/or arrange for an emergency cash advance.
- Airport concierge discount. Get a 15% discount off airport meet and greet services.
- ID theft protection. Access to a team of identity theft resolution specialists.
Fine Print
Interest Rates
- Regular APR: 35.99% Variable
- Purchase intro APR: N/A
- Balance transfer intro APR: N/A
Fees
- Annual fee: $59
- Balance transfer fee: See Terms
- Foreign purchase transaction fee: None
How the Avant Credit Card Stacks Up
Avant Credit Card vs. Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card*
The Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card* (issued by WebBank) is one of the best of the bunch when it comes to unsecured cards aimed at those with little to no credit. There’s no annual fee or security deposit with the Petal 2 card and you’ll earn 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away, 1.25% cash back on eligible purchases after making 6 on-time monthly payments, and up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments. Plus, earn 2% - 10% cash back at select merchants. One caveat: this card is not meant for those with limited credit. If that sounds like you, consider the Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card*, issued by WebBank.
Avant Credit Card vs. Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a flat 1.5% cash back on every purchase and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel right out of the gate. It also has no annual fee (rates & fees) and you’ll get the possibility of a higher credit line starting at six months of card membership. The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card comes with some additional perks like the ability to apply your rewards towards a recent purchase and access to select event tickets and experiences.
Avant Credit Card vs. Apple Card*
The Apple Card* offers a tasty rewards plan, particularly for those who can use Apple Pay for most of their purchases. The card charges no annual fees, foreign exchange fees or late fees and is paired with an app designed to show how much your interest charges would be in different payment scenarios.
Note the rewards rate of 3% back on eligible purchases from Apple including the Apple Store, apple.com, the App Store and iTunes, 2% back on purchases when using Apple Pay and 1% back on all other purchases. Those who are unable or unwilling to use Apple Pay should steer clear of this card.
Compare Avant Credit Card With Other Cards
Is the Avant Credit Card for You?
When your credit is fair, the Avant card could be a decent option to help you on the road towards building a stronger profile. But as your credit improves, this won’t be a card you’ll want to keep long-term. In addition to the options shown above, Forbes Advisor has compiled a list of best cards for bad credit to help you choose the right card for your particular situation.
Methodology
Forbes Advisor considers a variety of criteria when assigning credit cards a rating. Cards are graded based on numerous factors, including:
- Annual fees
- Welcome bonus offers
- Ongoing earning rates
- Value of individual points or miles
- Included travel or merchant credits
- Additional cardholder benefits
Card features we expect cardholders to use the most often are weighted more heavily in our ratings. Altogether, the factors come together to provide a star rating for each individual card.
To learn more about our rating and review methodology and editorial process, check out our guide on how Forbes Advisor rates credit cards.
*The information for the following card(s) has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor: Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card, Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card, Apple Card. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
