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.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees