Build your credit score and earn rewards, but there’s a high annual fee and those rewards are limited.
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.
For the credit building plan you'll pay $149 per year or $20 per month and with the plan that includes rewards you'll pay $199 per year or $25 per month. However, 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.
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 $149 and $199 annually, and your rewards are limited.
While you might try Extra out with monthly payments, you’ll want to switch to an annual payment as soon as possible. Annual payments save you $91 per year for the Credit Building plan and $101 for the Rewards + Credit Building plan.
| Plan | Cost | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Building | $149 per year, $20 per month |
|
| Rewards + Credit Building | $199 per year, $25 per month | Everything in the Credit Building plan, plus:
|
Applying for a debit card only takes a few minutes and you won’t get a credit check during the sign-up process.
You must meet the following eligibility requirements to get an Extra debit card.
Provide the following information during the application process.
The Extra debit card works by connecting it to your bank account. Extra does not perform a credit check, but the company will determine your spending limit based on your current bank balance, payment history, and whether you’ve verified your identity. When you make a purchase with your Extra card, Extra pays for it. On the following business day, Extra debits the same 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.
The Extra debit card has a few standout features that might entice you to open an account.
The Extra card also has some significant drawbacks to bear in mind before opening an account.
The Extra debit card isn’t accredited by the BBB yet, although it’s in the process of membership approval. 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 other popular debit cards based on their features and ATM networks.
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.
★★★★★ — Excellent
★★★★★ — Good
★★★★★ — Average
★★★★★ — Subpar
★★★★★ — Poor
We analyze top checking accounts and rate them one to five stars based on factors that are most important to you. These factors include: monthly fees, the ease at which monthly fees can be waived, the breadth of ATM access, ATM and overdraft fees, and customer service.
Michael Finder
Staff writer
Hi there, looking for more information? Ask us a question.
You are about to post a question on finder.com:
Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our finder.com Terms of Use and Privacy and Cookies Policy.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.