If your credit sits in the fair range and most cards keep saying no, the Avant Credit Card is one of the few unsecured options that might say yes without asking for a deposit. But saying yes and being worth it are two different things. This card carries a high APR and an annual fee, so it makes sense for some people and quietly drains money from others.
Here is a straight look at what the Avant Credit Card actually offers as of July 2026, what it costs, and who should think twice. Terms and conditions apply, and rates and fees can change, so confirm the current numbers on Avant's site before you apply.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Feature | Detail (as of July 2026) |
|---|---|
| Issuer | WebBank |
| Network | Mastercard |
| Card type | Unsecured, no deposit |
| APR | 29.99% to 35.99%, varies by creditworthiness |
| Annual fee | Around $39 (some approvals $0 to $75) |
| Credit limit | $300 to $3,000 |
| Rewards | None |
| Credit score to qualify | Roughly 640 and up (fair credit) |
| Bureaus reported to | All three (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) |
| Prequalify | Yes, soft pull, no score impact |
Numbers above are drawn from public reviews and may vary by applicant. Always check the current cardmember agreement.
What the Avant Credit Card Is For
The Avant Credit Card is a credit-building tool, not a rewards card. Its whole pitch is access. It is unsecured, so you do not put down a security deposit, and it targets people with fair or average credit who may not qualify for premium cards yet.
The most useful thing it does happens quietly in the background: it reports your account to all three major credit bureaus every month. On-time payments and low credit utilization can help your score climb over time. If your goal is to build a positive history and eventually graduate to better cards, that reporting is the real value here.
What it does not do is earn you anything. There is no cash back, no points, no welcome bonus. You are paying for access and credit reporting, not perks.
The Costs You Need to Watch
This is where the Avant Credit Card demands attention. The high APR runs from about 29.99% to 35.99% depending on your creditworthiness, which is high even for a card aimed at fair credit. If you carry a balance, interest piles up fast. A $500 balance left unpaid can cost real money in a matter of months.
There is also an annual fee, commonly around $39, though some approved applicants may see a range from $0 to $75. On the upside, Avant skips a few charges that trip up other starter cards: no security deposit, no monthly maintenance fee, and no over-limit fee.
The takeaway is simple. This card works best if you pay the full balance every month and treat the annual fee as the price of building credit. Carry a balance and the high APR can erase any benefit.
How Approval and Credit Limits Work
Avant lets you prequalify with a soft credit check, so you can see your odds without hurting your score. That is a genuine plus, because a hard inquiry only hits your report if you move forward and formally apply. Most people who qualify have a credit score around 640 or higher, putting it in fair-credit territory.
Starting credit limits range from $300 to $3,000. Where you land depends on your income, credit profile, and overall risk. A lower limit is common at first, and responsible use can lead to increases later.
How It Compares to Other Cards for Fair Credit
The Avant Credit Card is not the only unsecured option for people rebuilding credit. It helps to line it up against a few alternatives before you commit, because a small difference in fees or features can matter over a full year of use.
The Aspire Mastercard is another unsecured card built for people with less-than-perfect credit. It reports to the major bureaus and, depending on the offer, may include cash back on eligible purchases, which the Avant card does not offer at all. If earning something back matters to you, it is worth a side-by-side look. You can review the Aspire Mastercard details here. Terms and conditions apply, and APRs vary by creditworthiness.
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard. Prequalify* For Up To $1000 Credit Limit. No security deposit. Packed with great benefits, it’s designed to give you more flexibility—and purchasing power—along with up to 3% cash back rewards!** Good anywhere Mastercard is accepted, it’s the go-to card for any lifestyle.
Standout feature
Up to 3% cashback rewards
Fees
$49 to $175; after that $0 to $49 annually; - $60 to $159 annually billed at $5 to $12.50 per month after the first year.
Pros
No Deposit Required. Prequalify for up to $1000 credit limit
Cons
High APR. 25.74% to 36%, based on your creditworthiness.
If a high APR worries you, the Perpay Credit Card takes a different approach. It ties spending to a structured payment setup, which can help people who want more guardrails while building credit. It is not a rewards-first card either, but the model suits shoppers who like predictable payments. Rates and terms depend on your profile.
Perpay Credit Card
Perpay Credit Card
Meet the only card powered by your paycheck. With automatic transfers from your paycheck, you can manage payments stress-free and build credit with ease.
Fee
$9/month plus $9 account opening fee
APR
Marketplace: 0% / Credit Card: 27.74% to 29.99% depending on your creditworthiness.
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Credit Check
No
Cashback
2% reward on purchases made in Perpay Marketplace
Benefit
2% rewards, no security deposit
Finally, the Arro Card focuses on credit building with tools meant to encourage good habits, and it may fit people who want coaching-style features alongside a credit line. Like Avant, it reports to the bureaus, so on-time use can help your score. Compare the fee structure closely, since starter cards vary a lot on what they charge. Terms and conditions apply.
Arro Card
Arro Card
No deposit. No hard credit check. Start with up to $300 and grow your credit line to $2,500 by completing in-app tasks. Earn 1% cash back on gas and groceries — including Walmart and Target.
Standout feature
Unsecured — no deposit required
Fees
up to $60/ year
Pros
1% cash back on gas & groceries
Cons
Starting credit limit: $50–$300
The right pick depends on what you value most: the lowest fees, some rewards, or built-in tools that nudge better habits. Prequalify where you can so you can compare real offers without stacking up hard inquiries.
Who Should Get the Avant Credit Card
The Avant Credit Card is a reasonable choice if you have fair credit, want an unsecured card without a deposit, and can commit to paying your balance in full each month. In that scenario, the annual fee is a modest cost for steady credit reporting, and the high APR never comes into play.
It is a poor fit if you tend to carry a balance. The APR near 35.99% at the top end can turn a small unpaid balance into a growing problem. It is also underwhelming if you want rewards, since it earns nothing. And if you can qualify for a card with no annual fee or some cash back, you may do better elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score do you need for the Avant Credit Card?
Most approved applicants have a credit score around 640 or higher, which falls in the fair-credit range. Avant lets you prequalify with a soft credit check, so you can gauge your odds without hurting your score. A hard inquiry only occurs if you formally apply after prequalifying.
Does the Avant Credit Card have an annual fee?
Yes. The annual fee is commonly around $39, though some approved applicants may see a range from $0 to $75. There is no monthly maintenance fee and no security deposit required. Always confirm your exact fee in the cardmember agreement before you accept the card.
Does the Avant Credit Card earn rewards?
No. The Avant Credit Card does not offer cash back, points, or a welcome bonus. Its main value is helping you build credit through monthly reporting to all three major bureaus. If earning rewards is a priority, compare other unsecured cards for fair credit.
Is the Avant Credit Card worth it?
It can be worth it if you have fair credit, want an unsecured card with no deposit, and pay your balance in full each month. The high APR makes it a costly choice for anyone who carries a balance. Weigh the annual fee and APR against alternatives before deciding, since APRs vary by creditworthiness.
The Bottom Line
The Avant Credit Card fills a real gap: an unsecured card, no deposit, for people with fair credit who want to build a positive history. Just go in clear-eyed. Pay in full every month and it is a fair deal. Carry a balance and the APR near 35.99% works against you. Prequalify first, compare it with other unsecured cards for people with bad credit and no deposit, and pick the one whose fees and features match how you actually use a card. This review is for general information only and is not financial advice.
