Avant Credit Card
Is the Fee Worth It?
Based on $1,500/mo average spend
Worth it if you spend more than ~$492/month. You come out $121 ahead at $1,500/mo.
Avant Credit Card
Quick Snapshot
- Annual Fee: $0-$59 (varies based on creditworthiness)
- APR: 26.99%-35.99% variable
- Rewards: No rewards program
- Bonus: No welcome bonus
- Best For: People with fair to bad credit (580+) who want an unsecured card to rebuild credit without a deposit
- Credit Needed: Fair to Bad (580+)
Overview
The Avant Credit Card is an unsecured credit card designed for people with credit scores of 580 and above who want to rebuild their credit without putting down a security deposit. Avant is primarily known as a personal loan provider, and the credit card extends their mission of serving underbanked and credit-challenged consumers.
The card has no rewards program and no welcome bonus, but it provides the key benefit that matters most for this audience: it reports to all three major credit bureaus, allowing you to rebuild your credit profile with on-time payments. There is no penalty APR, so a late payment will not cause your interest rate to spike. The annual fee ranges from $0 to $59 depending on your credit profile.
The APR range of 26.99% to 35.99% is high, which is standard for cards targeting applicants with below-average credit. Avant strongly encourages paying your balance in full each month. The card includes a mobile app with payment scheduling, spending tracking, and credit score monitoring. Initial credit limits typically range from $300 to $1,000 and can increase over time with responsible use. The Avant Card is best viewed as a temporary tool: use it for 12-18 months to rebuild your credit, then graduate to a rewards card with better terms.
APR Breakdown
- Purchase APR: 26.99%-35.99% variable
- Balance Transfer APR: N/A
- Cash Advance APR: N/A
- Penalty APR: None
Note: Variable APR of 26.99%-35.99% based on creditworthiness. Designed for applicants with fair to bad credit (580+). No penalty APR.
Benefits Overview
Unsecured Access
- No security deposit required
- Available to applicants with credit scores of 580+
- Unsecured card for fair and bad credit
- Pre-qualification available with soft pull
- Higher accessibility than many competitors
Credit Rebuilding
- Reports to all three major credit bureaus
- No penalty APR protects against rate increases
- Credit limit increases possible with responsible use
- Credit score monitoring in the Avant app
- Payment scheduling and reminders
Card Management
- Mobile app with spending tracking
- Payment scheduling for on-time payments
- Customer service support
- Avant banking relationship for loan holders
Rewards & Points
The Avant Credit Card does not offer a rewards program. The card is a pure credit-rebuilding tool for people with damaged credit who need bureau reporting without a security deposit.
Welcome Bonus
No welcome bonus is offered. The Avant Credit Card provides credit-rebuilding value through bureau reporting and unsecured access for applicants with scores as low as 580.
Fees Summary
- Annual Fee: $0-$59 (varies by creditworthiness)
- Foreign Transaction Fee: N/A
- Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
- Cash Advance Fee: N/A
- Balance Transfer Fee: N/A
- Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40
Who This Card Is Best For
Ideal For
- Credit rebuilders with 580+ who want an unsecured card without a deposit
- Avant loan customers who want to add a credit card to their Avant relationship
- Deposit-averse applicants who cannot or do not want to put down a security deposit
- Transitional credit builders who plan to upgrade to a rewards card in 12-18 months
Not Good For
- Rewards seekers as the card offers no cash back, points, or miles
- Balance carriers as the APR of 26.99%-35.99% is very expensive
- Good credit applicants who qualify for much better cards with rewards
Key Pros & Cons
Pros
- Unsecured card with no security deposit for credit scores of 580+
- Reports to all three major credit bureaus
- No penalty APR
- Pre-qualification with soft pull available
- Credit limit increases with responsible use
- Mobile app with credit score monitoring and payment scheduling
- Potential for $0 annual fee on better credit profiles
- Simple card with no complicated terms
Cons
- No rewards, cash back, or points program
- No welcome bonus
- Annual fee ranges from $0 to $59
- APR of 26.99%-35.99% is very high
- Low initial credit limits ($300-$1,000)
- No balance transfer or cash advance options
- No purchase protection or other card benefits
- Foreign transaction fees may apply
Alternatives to Consider
| Card | Best For | Annual Fee | Rewards | Credit Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mission Lane Visa® | 1%-1.5% cash back for fair/bad credit | $0-$59 | 1%-1.5% | Fair/Bad |
| Petal® 2 Visa® | 1%-1.5% cash back with zero fees | $0 | 1%-1.5% | Fair+ |
| Discover it® Secured Credit Card | 2%/1% cash back with Cashback Match (secured) | $0 | 2%/1% | No minimum |
How the Rewards Add Up
Example Annual Value
| Category | Annual Spend | Reward Rate | Earned | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Purchases | $5,000 | N/A | $0 | $0 (credit building) |
Annual cost of $0-$59 in fees with no rewards to offset them. The value is entirely in credit rebuilding: 12-18 months of positive payment history can improve your score by 50-100 points, qualifying you for rewards cards that provide hundreds of dollars in annual value.
Should You Get This Card?
You Should Get It If...
- You have a credit score of 580+ and need an unsecured card to rebuild
- You do not want to put down a security deposit
- You want a card that reports to all three credit bureaus
- You are an existing Avant customer and want to expand the relationship
- You see this as a stepping stone to better cards within 12-18 months
- You appreciate credit score monitoring and payment reminders
You Should Skip It If...
- You want cash back or rewards on your purchases (consider Mission Lane instead)
- You can get a no-fee secured card with rewards (Discover Secured, Capital One Secured)
- You would be assigned the $59 annual fee tier
- You carry a balance and the 26.99%-35.99% APR would be costly
- You already have good credit and can qualify for better cards
- You want a welcome bonus or other card perks
Apply Now
Information accurate as of May 2026. Terms and conditions apply. Please visit the issuer's website for the most current information.
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