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
Rewards
| 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
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 $6,000 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.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
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 $6,000 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.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.