AvantCard


Great for building a credit history

Annual fee: $39
This content is curated by Intuit Credit Karma’s Editorial team using data from members who were approved for this card or similar cards, or who self-matched this card or similar cards. Intuit Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse this content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.
Member stats
Updated: November 1, 2023

62.3%
Average credit utilization (or what percent of the card’s credit limit is being used) of members who matched with this card or similar cards.

45 years
Average age of members who matched this card or similar cards.

$71,586
Average annual income of members who matched this card or similar cards. Note: Income may be estimated for some members by Credit Karma and may differ from members’ actual incomes.
Card highlights

Quick and easy application process

Chance to see if you qualify without affecting your credit scores

No penalty APR
AvantCard review: A solid starter credit card
Updated July 24, 2023
This date may not reflect recent changes in individual terms.
Written by: Aja McClanahan
Pros
- Quick and easy application process
- Chance to see if you qualify without affecting your credit scores
- No penalty APR
Cons
- The purchase APR is on the high side
- No rewards
What you need to know about AvantCard
Let’s get one thing out of the way: AvantCard likely won’t dazzle you with its rewards. You won’t find any points or miles here, but if used carefully, this no-frills, no-thrills credit card may give you a big boost when it comes to building credit. Here are the card’s highlights.
A solid first step in your credit journey
Though AvantCard doesn’t offer much in the way of rewards, it can be a valuable tool on the path to better credit.
Whether you’re just starting to build your credit, or you’ve fallen behind and want to climb back up, your options may be limited. Chances are, you won’t have access to some of the more appealing card offers that come with cash back rewards, travel points or other perks. That’s just the nature of the credit game.
Reports to the three main consumer credit bureaus
Like many other credit cards that cater to first-timers, AvantCard reports your credit card activity to the major consumer credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. So as long as you pay off your bill on time and don’t rack up more debt than you can manage, you could see a positive impact on your credit health over time.
On-time payments may bring higher credit line
You may be eligible for an automatic credit line increase with AvantCard, according to the website, if you’ve demonstrated a history of on-time payments.
Even if you don’t necessarily need more credit, a higher credit line can still be a good thing.
One of the high-impact factors that make up your credit scores is your credit card utilization ratio. This refers to how much of your available credit you’re using at any given time.
Most experts recommend keeping your overall credit card utilization below 30%, which generally suggests to creditors that you are maintaining a manageable balance of credit to debt.
If you keep spending and paying off the same amount but see your credit line increase, that translates to lower credit card utilization — not a bad thing when you’re trying to build credit.
See if you qualify with no damage to your credit
Checking to see if you qualify for an AvantCard will result in a soft inquiry on your credit. This is the same type of inquiry that happens when you check your credit scores from Equifax and TransUnion for free on Credit Karma, and it won’t affect your credit scores.
Once you see if you qualify and submit your application, you’ll be able to see the credit line and annual fee you qualify for based on your credit profile.
Though prequalification can be a helpful tool to minimize your risk when applying for a credit card, actually applying for a card typically triggers a hard inquiry. It’s important to understand the difference between hard and soft credit inquiries before applying for any credit card.
What else you should know about AvantCard
Nothing in life is perfect, and AvantCard is no exception. Here are some details you’ll want to be aware of before you apply.
- Potentially high regular variable purchase APR — You should know that AvantCard is targeted toward individuals who may not have a long or pristine credit history. For this reason, the regular variable purchase APR, at 31.24%, is pretty high. (You might see different terms on Credit Karma.)
- Annual fee — You’ll want to think about the annual fee of $39 (you might see different terms on Credit Karma) in light of the fact that this card offers no rewards or points-based perks. But if you don’t have other choices because of your credit history or credit health, the card’s modest annual fee could be more of an investment than an inconvenience.
Who this card is good for
AvantCard isn’t a rewards credit card, so don’t treat it like one. Instead, try to think of it as a sort of credit lifeline if you’re just starting (or restarting) a journey toward improving your credit.
AvantCard probably wouldn’t be the best credit card to ever grace your wallet, but it could be a valuable stepping stone to a card with more-favorable terms. With that in mind, keep your balance low to avoid steep interest charges and a high credit utilization ratio.
Member reviews
Updated: November 8, 2023
Most helpful positive review
April 14, 2022
Instantly approved
— Credit Karma Member, verified cardholder
Was approved with high 500 score. I appreciate the chance to rebuild. Went to 702 in 8 month's
Most helpful negative review
November 17, 2022
Do not recommend at all
— Credit Karma Member, verified cardholder
They do not cover you for fraud. My purse was stolen and my card was inside. The person spent over $800 on my card. I contacted Avant right away and they said I’m responsible for the charges. Fraud department never answers the phone. Rebecca was my case worker she never once returned my calls. The customer service reps hang up on you. They pretend to get their supervisors but really they just hang up on you. I do not recommend this card to anyone ever. Capital one is way better
*Approval Odds are not a guarantee of approval. Credit Karma determines Approval Odds by comparing your credit profile to other Credit Karma members who were approved for the card shown, or whether you meet certain criteria determined by the lender. Of course, there's no such thing as a sure thing, but knowing your Approval Odds may help you narrow down your choices. For example, you may not be approved because you don't meet the lender's "ability to pay standard" after they verify your income and employment; or, you already have the maximum number of accounts with that specific lender.