Avant Credit Card review: A simple way to build credit
Avant Credit Card overview
The Avant Credit Card does not offer all the thrill and excitement of other rewards credit cards but is intended for those with average credit. As an unsecured credit card, it does not require a deposit and can help build credit with responsible usage.
For those with mediocre credit, the Avant Credit Card offers a competitive starting credit limit compared to other unsecured and secured credit cards. Despite having an annual fee, the Avant Credit Card may make sense if you don't qualify for a higher-tier rewards credit card. Card rating*: ⭐
*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG's editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
The Avant Credit Card is designed for those with fair credit who want to establish their credit score and history with positive habits and practices. The appeal of the Avant Credit Card is the ability to prequalify with a soft credit inquiry, informing you of your approval odds and the rates and fees you'd qualify for before applying.
The card can help you build your credit easily as it reports to all three major credit bureaus— TransUnion, Experian and Equifax. Approved applicants for the Avant Credit Card typically have a credit score between 580 and 669.
Applicants who apply now will pay a $39 annual fee and receive an annual percentage rate, or APR, that ranges from 29.24% to 35.99%, based on creditworthiness. Although the card starts off with a $300 credit limit, Avant proactively increases your credit limit based on positive practices.
The Avant Credit Card makes sense if you focus on building your credit rather than earning rewards.
The information for the Avant Credit Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Avant Credit Card pros and cons
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Avant Credit Card benefits
The Avant Credit Card does not have a welcome offer of any sort. Cardholders are initially approved with a credit limit of $300 and can build their way up to a maximum of $3,000.
A major benefit of the Avant Credit Card is that it reports to all three major credit bureaus. TransUnion, Experian and Equifax have different methods of calculating FICO scores, and banks and issuers pull reports from one of the three bureaus.
In my experience, Chase pulls credit reports from TransUnion, whereas Citi pulls credit reports from Experian, as a couple of examples.
The Avant Credit Card utilizes the Mastercard network, which provides some basic benefits. These include lost-wallet assistance, emergency card replacement, an airport concierge discount and ID theft protection. As a Mastercard, the Avant Credit Card can be used anywhere that accepts Mastercard payments.
Related: What is a secured credit card?
Earning and redeeming rewards on the Avant Credit Card
The Avant Credit Card is designed for those with fair credit as a way to build their credit with responsible practices, and for those rebuilding their credit. Because of this, the card does not earn any rewards based on credit card spending.
This is fairly typical of credit-building cards, but it doesn't help justify the card's annual fee in the slightest.
Which cards compete with the Avant Credit Card?
The Avant Credit Card is unique because it is an unsecured credit card for those with fair credit and does not require a deposit to secure a credit line. If you aren't willing to pay its annual fee, here are three other beginner-level options:
- If you prefer Capital One: The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Credit Card earns 1.5% back on all purchases with no limit. Although this card requires a $200 deposit to secure a credit line, the ability to earn rewards and have no foreign transaction fees is great. To learn more, check out our full review of the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Credit Card.
- If you prefer Discover: The Discover It Secured Credit Card earns 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter) and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Your credit limit is equal to your deposit amount. This card has a great earning structure for a secured credit card.
- If you have a good credit score: The Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) earns unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay your bill). Its simple earning system is a favorite for those starting off with cash-back cards. This card has no annual fee. To learn more, see our full review of the Citi Double Cash.
For additional options, check out our picks for the best beginner credit cards.
The information for the Discover it Secured has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: Credit cards 101: A beginners guide
Is the Avant Credit Card worth it?
For those with fair credit, the Avant Credit Card can be a solid option to help you build your overall credit history, yet its annual fee makes it a poor choice compared to other credit-building cards. This card can't do much for you as your credit score improves due to its maximum credit limit and lack of benefits. Overall, I recommend going with a different choice.
Related: Why I closed my first credit card, and what I'd do differently if I could go back
Bottom line
Whether you're just starting out in the world of credit cards and have fair credit or have had some mishaps in the past that led to a decline in your credit score, the Avant Credit Card can help you fix that. With the ability to prequalify with a soft inquiry and its reporting to all three major credit bureaus, the Avant Credit Card is a safe bet for those looking to improve their financial habits and standing.
That said, make sure you take the time to consider all of your options before settling on this card.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.