Is a Deserve credit card right for you?

Deserve is a company with a unique premise: It scopes out consumers who typically wouldn’t have access to credit cards.

When you apply for a Deserve card, the company uses its proprietary algorithm to gauge your potential as a customer. Deserve will consider factors such as:

Our pick for a Deserve credit card

Deserve® Classic Card

• Apply if you’re new to credit or have a credit score of at least 650
• $0 annual fee
• No security deposit required
• Credit limit up to $1,500

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Many banks, on the other hand, simply look at traditional factors like your FICO score and current income.

Deserve offers a few credit cards for different needs: a credit-builder card, a student card and a card with strong rewards.

Deserve’s credit cards

Deserve® Classic Card: For customers new to credit

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If you have no credit history, you might find it difficult to get approved for a credit card. That’s because banks want to see a record of you paying your card bills on time.

Because Deserve considers more factors than just credit scores, it’s willing to bring in customers that are new to credit. That’s where the Deserve® Classic Card comes in.

Deserve® Edu Card: For college students

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As a college student, you may be at the perfect age to get a credit card. This can help you learn the ropes of using credit and paying off debt responsibly.

The Deserve® Edu Card is a solid student credit card. With no annual fee, a free Amazon Prime Student offer and even cash back, it’s a strong choice for your first card.

Deserve® PRO: For customers who want powerful rewards

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For a card with great cash back rewards, try the Deserve® PRO. It offers 3% cash back on travel and entertainment and 2% on restaurants on up to $500 in combined purchases each billing cycle. Earn 1% after that and on all other purchases. Plus, the earnings are all upside, because the card comes with no annual fee.

Deserve credit card benefits

All of Deserve’s products are Mastercards. Accordingly, they come with perks such as:

• Car rental coverage.
• Travel assistance services for lost luggage and medical assistance.
• Extended warranties on products you buy.
• Roadside assistance.
• Price protection that partially reimburses you if you find lower prices on items you’ve purchased.

Learn more about Mastercards.

Deserve doesn’t offer balance transfers or cash advances. However, it charges no foreign transaction fees.

How to apply for a credit card with Deserve

If you’re interested in a Deserve® PRO, check that you meet the eligibility criteria. You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a card with the company, but you don’t have to be a US citizen.

Information you’ll need for a Deserve® PRO application

• Personal information. First and last name, email address, date of birth and citizenship status.
• Contact information. Permanent address and primary phone number.
• Financial information. Social Security number, monthly housing expense, monthly income, available assets, employment status, occupation and employer name.

Deserve customer support

If you have questions, contact Deserve customer support at 800-316-7258. Representatives are available at these times, Pacific standard time:

• Monday to Thursday: 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Friday to Saturday: 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Bottom line

There are many credit card companies, but Deserve stands out with its unique philosophy on customer screening. If you’re having trouble getting approved for a card with another bank, Deserve may be the provider that welcomes you.

As always, compare your options with our comprehensive guide to credit cards.

Frequently asked questions

• Is a student credit card a “normal” credit card?

  Yes. You can use it like you would any other credit card. A student card typically comes with student-specific bonuses, such as rewards for good grades.

• How do I redeem my cash back?

  When you accumulate $25 in cash back, Deserve will automatically redeem it for you as statement credit.

• Does my cash back expire?

  As long as your card stays open, your cash back won’t expire.

• Why doesn’t the Deserve® Classic Card offer rewards?

  The Deserve® Classic Card is aimed at customers with less-than-stellar credit scores. Typically, this type of card doesn’t offer rewards because banks see very little reason to. They usually offer rewards and signup bonuses to attract customers with good credit.

  Though you might not qualify for rewards just yet, don’t be discouraged. As you consistently make your card payments on time, you’ll steadily increase your credit score. Then you’ll qualify for cards that offer rewards like cash back, points and miles.