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BrightWay+ credit card review: A solid credit-builder card with no annual fee

Updated:

image_c067b4Image: image_c067b4

95

reviews

3.2

Rating: 3.2 out of 5.

Great for unlocking better terms

Annual Fee: $0

The average credit score for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is 619

The average credit limit for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is $3,859

Explore more about this card:

Here’s the average credit limit of members who matched their BrightWay+ or similar cards.

% of members by credit limit range

$0-$3K $3K-$5K $5K-$10K $10K-$20K $20K+ 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 43% 32% 25% 1% 0%
$0-$3K $3K-$5K $5K-$10K $10K-$20K $20K+ 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 43% 32% 25% 1% 0%
$0-$3K $3K-$5K $5K-$10K $10K-$20K $20K+ 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 43% 32% 25% 1% 0%

The average credit limit for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is $3,859, with $2,000 being the most common.

Here’s the average credit score of members who matched their BrightWay+ or similar cards.

% of members by credit score range

Thin file Poor Fair Good Excellent 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 2% 42% 24% 28% 3%
Thin file Poor Fair Good Excellent 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 2% 42% 24% 28% 3%
Thin file Poor Fair Good Excellent 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 2% 42% 24% 28% 3%

The average credit score for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is 619, with 579 being the most common. Note this is just one of the deciding factors when it comes to getting approved.

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 daily

50.2%

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.

53 years

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

$84,110

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.


Pros and cons

yesImage: yes

No annual fee

yesImage: yes

No security deposit

yesImage: yes

Ability to unlock better terms


ConImage: Con

Only available via invite

ConImage: Con

High APR


BrightWay+ review

Updated November 4, 2024

This date may not reflect recent changes in individual terms.

Written by: Sean McQuay


What you need to know about the BrightWay+ card

With no annual fee, the BrightWay+ could be a strong option for people who are building or rebuilding credit. And since it’s an unsecured credit card, you won’t have to put down a security deposit.

Only available by invite

But to get this credit card, you’ll have to be invited to apply — unless you already have the entry-level BrightWay card, in which case you might qualify for an upgrade to the BrightWay+ after six months of on-time payments.

Ability to unlock higher credit limit and lower APR

This card starts with high APR of 35.99% (you may see different rates on Credit Karma), which can add up to significant interest fees if you carry debt on the card. But you keep up with your payments, you may be able to get better terms.

To be eligible for credit limit increases and lower APRs, you’ll have to make qualifying payments over six consecutive months. Your credit limit won’t be super high, though — the max is $2,000.

Cash back rewards

While the main point of a card like this is to build credit, having a simple 1% cash back rate on all purchases is a nice perk. And these rewards dollars are applied directly to your account every month.

Just be careful not to overspend in order to rack up the rewards.

What else you need to know

Here’s a few other additional things to consider if you’re thinking about the BrightWay+ credit card.

Who the BrightWay+ card is good for

If you’re looking to build your credit with a simple cash back card, the BrightWay+ card could be a good fit — but that’s only if you’re invited to apply or if you already have the entry-level BrightWay card. If not, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

Not sure this is the card for you? Consider these alternatives.

Here are some other cards to think about if you don’t score an invite for the BrightWay+.


Member reviews

Overall rating:

3.2

Rating: 3.2 out of 5.

95

reviews

Most helpful positive review

May 6, 2024

5

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Easy Peasy, less than 5 mins

Credit Karma Member

I've looked at the neg reviews and yes, I've run into what they are with ongoing questions and 'proofs' required. With this car, this time though? Less than 5 mins from start to the highest limit they offer on my now approved card. YES the interest is ridiculous, but I don't intend on using this card for anything but the add'l credit I have available and a boost to my score. So it doesn't matter if they're going to charge 150% interest - what matters is that there's NO yearly fee and so, all good to go, IF the card isn't used save for once a year, any purchase made in order to show the card is still active - and then pay it off before interest kicks in. I mean go buy a designer coffee for a few days and then just before the month ends, pay it off.

Most helpful negative review

August 26, 2024

2

Rating: 2 out of 5.

Hard Inquiry for nothing

Credit Karma Member

I was guaranteed to get an account of $1,000-$2,000. I did not get approved. I hope CK send me that $50!!!

All member reviews