AvantCard Credit Card Review

If you’re looking for a way to establish credit history or rebuild your credit, check out the AvantCard Credit Card, issued by WebBank. It’s a solid choice for those who want a credit-building card without having to tie up money in a security deposit (though there is an annual fee).

The AvantCard Credit Card reports account and payment activity to all three credit bureaus and is geared toward those with limited / poor / fair credit.

If you use the AvantCard Credit Card responsibly and improve your credit, then you may be able to qualify for a credit card with better rewards down the line.

• Good for rebuilding credit

  This credit card is aimed at applicants with limited / poor / fair credit.

  While some cards for people with less-than-stellar credit hit you with a variety of hidden fees, the AvantCard Credit Card is pretty straightforward. It’s a no-frills card with a low annual fee of $59 and a credit limit ranging from $300 to $3,000.

  For those who might have trouble qualifying for other cards, but don’t want to fall into the trap of applying for a subprime credit card that charges a lot of fees, the AvantCard Credit Card could be a lifeline that can help you improve your credit score.

• Ability to check if you prequalify

  You can check on Avant’s website to see if you’re eligible for the AvantCard Credit Card without impacting your credit score. (However, applying for the card after you qualify will affect your credit score, since it will generate a hard inquiry on your credit.) The website also offers the option to redeem an offer you received in the mail.

• Reports to all three credit bureaus

  This card reports your account and payment activity to the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — on a monthly basis. So, if you’re practicing responsible credit behavior, the AvantCard Credit Card can help you improve your credit score.

• No penalty APR

  The AvantCard Credit Card has no penalty APR. A penalty APR is a higher rate you’re charged on a balance if it’s paid late (usually after 60 days). Since this card doesn’t have one, you don’t have to worry about your APR going up if you can’t pay on time. However, the AvantCard Credit Card already has a high regular purchase APR of 35.99%. Additionally, because paying late will negatively impact your credit score, it’s important to always pay your balance on time and in full when possible.

• Annual fee

  The AvantCard Credit Card has an annual fee of $59, but if you’re working to rebuild your credit, the fee may be worth it. That said, there are other cards available geared toward rebuilding credit that have no annual fee, such as some secured cards. But secured cards do require a security deposit.

• High APR

  This card’s interest rate is a very high 35.99%. While that’s comparable with other cards for consumers with limited / poor / fair credit, you’ll want to avoid carrying a balance to avoid hefty interest charges on this card.

• Low credit limit

  The credit limit for the AvantCard Credit Card only ranges from $300 to $3,000. The Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa^® may be a better fit for you if you have fair credit and need a higher credit limit. The Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa^® offers credit lines ranging from $500 to $2,500. If you graduate to a credit card for good or excellent credit with another issuer, you can expect a much higher credit limit than $3,000.

• No rewards program

  This card doesn’t offer a rewards program. If you’d prefer a card that lets you earn rewards for the purchases you make while building your credit, then the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card may be a better fit. The card offers 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply).

Compare it to the Discover it^® Secured Credit Card

If you’re planning to keep your card for a while, the Discover it^® Secured Credit Card could cost less in the long run than the AvantCard Credit Card. While it requires a security deposit of at least $200, it charges a $0 annual fee. Plus, the security deposit is refundable when you pay off and close your account or if you graduate to an unsecured card. Additionally, after after seven months, Discover begins monthly reviews of your card to see if you’re eligible to upgrade to an unsecured card and get your deposit refunded.

Furthermore, the Discover it^® Secured Credit Card offers a solid cash back rewards program. Cardholders 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically

Rewards shouldn’t be your focus when working to establish or repair your credit score, but if you use the card responsibly and always pay it in full, earning cash back is a nice additional benefit.

If you have limited / poor / fair credit and are looking for a card that can help you improve your credit score, the AvantCard Credit Card may be a good choice — if you manage the card responsibly. Just keep in mind, there’s an annual fee of $59.

If you don’t want to pay an annual fee, an alternative to consider would be a secured card, such as the Discover it^® Secured Credit Card. The card does require a security deposit, but you can get it refunded once you pay off and close the card, or if you get to transition to an unsecured card.