In a nutshell
The REVVI VISA® CREDIT CARD is a cash back rewards Visa card for applicants with a mediocre credit history.
- Revvi offers unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases, making it a standout in the cards-for-poor-credit category.
- It’s important to consider the card’s high interest rate and fees, which are high compared to alternatives in this class.
Revvi Visa® Credit Card
Annual fees
$75.00 1st year, $48.00 after*
Pros and cons
If you’re on the fence about the Revvi card, consider these pros and cons:
Pros:
- Get a credit card without a good credit score.
- Earn 1% cash back on purchases.
- Benefits to help you build credit.
Cons:
- High interest rates and fees.
- No travel insurance or purchase protection benefits.
Who the Revvi credit card is for
The Revvi card is designed for users looking to get a credit card with poor credit or a thin credit history. Borrowers with less than good credit typically don’t qualify for many credit cards, limiting their ability to improve their credit score. Revvi still considers your credit history but accepts applicants with less-than-perfect credit.
Related: How to fix your credit score in 10 easy steps
As long as your account is in good standing, you’ll earn 1% cash back on all purchases. For example, someone who uses the card for $20,000 in annual purchases, an average of about $1,667 per month, would earn $200 in cash back that year.
The rates and fees present a big downside, however. As of November 26, 2023, the interest rate is a whopping 35.99% APR, higher than most other cards. There’s also a $95 fee for new users, a $75 annual fee the first year, followed by $48 per year after that, and a monthly service fee of $99 per year, which comes out to $8.25 per month. That means you’ll pay around $150 to $175 per year, a significant cost for a card paying just 1% cash back rewards.
Revvi card perks
As a card designed for those without great credit, it offers helpful tools to put you on track to a good credit score.
Not a secured card
Many cards for low-credit applicants require a security deposit equal to the credit limit. This is a true credit card without a security deposit requirement.
Monthly reporting to all three major credit bureaus
While many cards only report monthly activity to one credit bureau, Revvi reports to all three: Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. This helps you build credit with all three bureaus, any of which may be used for future credit applications. Keeping your balance low and paying at least the minimum by the monthly due date helps you improve your credit score.
Free credit monitoring
Credit monitoring alerts you about activity on your credit report, including fraud and other negative information. Keeping appraised of your credit report helps you ensure it’s moving in the right direction. Credit monitoring is provided through a partnership with TransUnion.
Related: What is credit monitoring?
Revvi rewards and bonuses
The rewards program with the Revvi card is a simple cash back feature where you earn 1% back on all standard purchases. The account must be in good standing to redeem rewards. Rewards are earned as points and redeemed as a statement credit, which lowers your outstanding balance.
You’ll earn enough to cover the card’s fees if you make $15,000 to $17,500 in purchases per year. Any additional earnings help you save on regular purchases.
How to get the most out of the Revvi card
To get the most out of the Revvi card, use it carefully and always pay off your balance in full by the monthly due date. You won’t owe any interest if you pay off the card completely every month.
With a high interest rate and steep fees, you likely won’t want to keep the card forever. If you can use it to fix past credit mistakes and build a positive credit history, you may qualify for better cash back cards with no annual fee.
Alternatives to the Revvi card
If you’re looking for another card as a Revvi card alternative, consider these cards.
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Credit score
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This card offers decent cash back earnings for select categories, not as common for one with no annual fee.
The card_name card may be a good option if you have better credit. It offers superior cash back rewards with no annual fee. But if you’re credit score is below 670, you probably won’t qualify.
Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa Credit Card
Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card
Credit score
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The [Chime(R) Credit Builder Secured Credit Builder Visa(R) Card](https://secure.money.com/pr/x862a0945b85) is available with no credit check and doesn’t charge any interest or annual fee. Like other secured credit cards, you have to have money in your card account to make purchases, but unlike other secured credit cards that money comes from your Chime Checking account. Of course, you have to have a Chime Checking account to get this card.
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Card
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
Credit score
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The card_name is a traditional secured credit card, and unlike the Chime card, you don’t need to open a checking account at Capital One to get the card. Earn 1.5% cash back with no annual fee, but you need to put down a security deposit. You can upgrade to an unsecured credit card after responsible use.
The AP Buyline roundup: A reasonable option to build credit
If you have some bad marks on your credit reports, the Revvi card may be a reasonable option to get your credit score back on track. Just be sure to pay off your balance in full monthly to avoid the high interest rate and take note of the expensive annual fees. If you’re okay with the costs, you may want to use the Revvi card to rebuild your credit.
