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Extra debit card review
Build your credit score and earn rewards, but there’s a high monthly fee and those rewards are limited.
finder.com’s rating: 4.0 / 5.0
★★★★★
The Extra debit card isn’t like most debit cards because it can strengthen your credit and lets you earn rewards. That makes this card a good choice if you want to strengthen your credit without getting a credit check, racking up debt or paying interest on your purchases. But depending on the plan you choose, you’ll pay anywhere between $8 and $12 a month, and your rewards are limited.
$8 per month
Fee
N/A
APY
$0
Minimum deposit to open
Details
| APY | N/A |
|---|---|
| Fee | $8 per month |
| Minimum deposit to open | $0 |
| ATMs | No access to ATMs |
| Overdraft fee | $0 |
Review by
Michael Benninger
michael.benninger@finder.comMichael Benninger is a staff banking writer at Finder. He is a former credit analyst and longtime freelancer whose articles have been published by Intuit, Business Insider and the Los Angeles Times. Michael is passionate about all facets of personal finance and has written hundreds of articles about money management during the past decade.
Expert review
The Extra card is best if you want to try to rehabilitate your credit score without worrying about adding on to your debt or getting a credit check during the sign up process. But whether or not you choose to have access to its rewards, it will cost you to use the card.
You’ll either pay $8 per month for the basic plan or $12 per month for the plan that includes rewards. But the rewards may not be worth the Extra monthly cost, as you’ll only earn $3 in rewards for every $500 you spend. Plus, when you’re ready to use your rewards, you’re limited to using Extra’s store.
If you want more reward options, you may want to consider a secured credit card. This type of credit card works similarly to a debit card in that you only have access to the money you put into it. Most secured cards require a minimum security deposit of around $200, which also acts as your credit limit. Plus you may get extra perks like travel insurance, roadside assistance and more.
But these types of cards also have higher interest rates, so if you don’t pay your balance at the end of the month you may end up paying more each month than you would with an Extra debit card.
How much does an Extra debit card cost?
There are only two paid plans to choose from.
| Plan | Cost | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Building | $8 per month/$84 per year |
|
| Credit Building + Rewards | $12 per month/$108 per year | Everything in the Credit Building plan, plus:
|
How do I get the Extra debit card?
Applying for a debit card only takes a few minutes and you won’t get a credit check during the sign-up process.
- Click Apply now.
- Tick the box that asks you if you’re at least 18 years old and select Begin application.
- Enter your phone number and email address and select Continue.
- Enter the verification code sent to your phone and select Continue.
- Provide your personal information and link a funding source.
- Once approved, fund your Extra card and wait for it to arrive in the mail, which may take up to 10 business days.
Eligibility
You must meet the following eligibility requirements to get an Extra debit card.
- At least 18 years old
- US or Canadian bank account
- US mailing address
Required information
Provide the following information during the application process.
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Physical address
- Social Security number or ITIN
- Routing and account numbers from a US checking or savings account
How does the Extra debit card work?
The Extra debit card works by connecting it to your existing bank account. Extra does not perform a credit check, but the company will determine your spending limit based on your current bank balance. When you make a purchase with your Extra card, Extra temporarily pays for it. On the following business day, Extra debits the exact amount from your checking account. Then, at the end of the month, Extra adds up all of your transactions and reports the amount to major credit bureaus, which can prove you are a responsible borrower.
5 things you’ll like about the Extra debit card
The Extra debit card has a few standout features that might entice you to open an account.
- Builds credit. Every purchase you make with your Extra card helps you build credit and there’s no risk of paying interest or falling into debt.
- No credit check. You get most of the benefits of a credit card without having a credit inquiry on your record.
- Earn rewards. Unlike most debit cards, this card earns points you can use in Extra‘s rewards store. According to a customer representative, most users receive up to 1% back on most purchases.
- Virtual card. While it will take up to 10 business days to receive your card, you can start using the virtual card right away.
- Connects to existing account. You won’t need to open a new bank account to use Extra. It works by connecting to your existing bank account.
5 things to look out for
The Extra card also has some significant drawbacks to bear in mind before opening an account.
- Monthly fee. Most standard debit cards that come with fees give you options to waive it, but this one doesn’t. You’ll pay $8 for the Credit Building plan or $12 a month for the Credit Building + Rewards plan.
- Limited spending. When you first sign up, the amount you can spend on your Extra debit card is capped at $10. Your spending power increases once you verify your identity and continues to go up as you establish a positive payment history. Your bank account balance also determines how much you can spend.
- Limited rewards. You’ll only earn $3 in rewards for every $500 you spend, and you can only redeem your rewards points in Extra‘s store.
- No ATM access. Unlike most debit cards, you can’t use the Extra card to withdraw cash from ATMs.
- Limited support. The only way you can contact Extra is through the live chat on the website or app. But while their support options are limited, we contacted Extra three times and they responded right away.
Is Extra debit card safe?
Extra‘s partner bank, Evolve Bank & Trust, is FDIC-insured for up to $250,000. Extra can also handle issues related to disputes or fraud before your bank account is affected. Also, the Extra app will alert you as soon as your card is used, so you can find out about fraudulent purchases fast.Extra reviews and complaints
The Extra debit card isn’t accredited by the BBB. But it earns 4.6 out of 5 stars on the Apple App store. The 10 customer reviews praise Extra for helping them build their credit with two praising the app for helping their score go up by 100 points over the course of two to three months.
Compare Extra debit card with other accounts
Compare other popular debit cards based on their features and ATM networks.
How to contact Extra‘s customer service
If you have questions or need help with your account, you can chat with a representative in the app or via Extra‘s website. If they’re unavailable, you can leave a message.
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