Learn more
Apply now
Don't worry, clicking "Apply now" won't leave a mark on your credit report. It may only appear on your report after you submit an application.
You don’t need a credit history to be eligible for this no-fee card.
- Get this card if you want something without any fees.
- Pick something else if you want a card that’ll help repair your credit score.
- Apply if you have no credit history, or if you have an existing fair to good credit score around 670.
| Product Name | Petal Cash Back Visa® Card |
|---|---|
| Card Type | Visa |
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Standard Purchase APR | 15.24% to 26.24% variable |
| Intro Purchase APR | N/A |
| Intro Balance Transfer APR | N/A |
| Cash Advance Fee Description | N/A |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None |
| Interest Free Period | Up to 21 days |
| Rates & Fees | Rates & Fees |
| Minimum Age | 18 years of age |
|---|
The basics
Petal recently dropped a huge update to their consumer-friendly, zero-fee credit card. Petal Cash Back Visa® Card users can now earn 1% cash back on all purchases. And, in line with their vision of rewarding responsible spending, that cash back value will be bumped to 1.25% after six on-time monthly payments and then to 1.5% after 12 on-time monthly payments.
That’s not all: this cashback structure is retroactive to May 1st. That means you’ll be awarded cash back for all purchases made starting on the first of May.
This makes the Petal Cash Back Visa® Card a unicorn of sorts in the credit card market — a cashback rewards card with no fees and no penalties whatsoever.
Who is the Petal Cash Back Visa® Card for?
The Petal Cash Back Visa® Card is designed for those who want access to great credit but are considered ineligible for cards by most credit companies. According to Petal’s site, nearly 45 million people in the US are “credit invisible” and unscoreable — with nearly 62 million considered thin-file and on the margin.
These people have a chance to find approval for the Petal Cash Back Visa® Card because their full digital financial records are reviewed rather than just their credit score.
Is “no fees” for real?
Yes. Petal really means it: You won’t pay annual fees, foreign transaction fees, overlimit fees or even late fees when you use this card.
Who’s eligible for the Petal Cash Back Visa® Card?
Anyone can apply for the credit card, even if you have no prior credit history. That’s unusual for an unsecured credit card that doesn’t charge fees. That said, the Petal Cash Back Visa® Card is not for rebuilding poor credit. A history of bad credit or a poor financial history will likely disqualify you from obtaining the card.
You’re more likely to get approval with a fair to good credit score. Your credit history can also factor into your credit limit, along with the rest of your financial history.
If you want to rebuild poor credit, consider a secured card option instead.
Why choose the Petal Cash Back Visa® Card over a secured card?
The Petal Cash Back Visa® Card is an excellent alternative to a secured card if you have no prior credit history because you won’t need to foot the security deposit required of most secured cards.
Many secured cards can also start you with a credit limit as low as $200. The Petal Cash Back Visa® Card starts at a $500 minimum limit if you’re approved, and a maximum of $10,000.
The Petal Cash Back Visa® Card also offers cash back on purchases. Not many secured cards offer opportunities for rewards.
Is there a catch?
There isn’t a “catch,” per se. But because the Petal Cash Back Visa® Card doesn’t collect fees, it tries to serve only customers who can responsibly pay their card bills.
Note that you might be required to sync your bank account through a secure third-party when you apply. Petal will have read-only access, allowing them to analyze your digital finances by looking at your income, savings and spending if necessary during the pre-qualification process.
By linking your account, you may be able to find approval in circumstances that you would otherwise result in denial other credit cards. Its intuitive mobile app also allows Petal to help you monitor your spending practices.
Petal doesn’t appear to pad its bottom line through sneaky tactics — for example, it doesn’t spike your APR for late or missed payments. According to Petal’s CEO, the company makes money purely through merchant transaction fees and from consumer interest payments.
The perks
-
No fees.
There’s no annual, foreign transaction, overlimit or even late fees. -
No credit history required.
If you have no credit score or limited credit history, your income and financial records, including your checking accounts and bill payments, may be analyzed to determine your eligibility. You can still apply if you already have a good credit history and you want to take advantage of the card’s generous fee structure. -
Potentially high credit limit.
Petal offers credit limits between $500 and $10,000. This range is higher than average compared to similar cards. However, your limit is ultimately based on your ability to pay. - Cash back rewards. You’ll earn 1% cash back on all eligible purchases. Petal will increase this cash back rate to 1.25% after you make six on-time monthly payments. Make 12 on-time monthly payments and your cash back rate will increase again to 1.5%.
Secured cards vs. unsecured cards: What’s the difference?
You’ll also like…
-
Money-management tools.
Download Petal’s associated mobile app to track your spending and upcoming payments. Streamlined information and data through the app gives you a high level view of your finances and spending. You can track all your accounts connected to Petal, as well as schedule payments. -
Set your own spending.
Petal lets you set your own spending plan to track over a given time period.
What to watch out for
-
No signup bonus.
Unlike many of its competitors that offer signup bonuses or introductory cards, Petal has no such offer.
Compare unsecured cards that can help you build credit
What should I know before I apply?
You must be at least 18 years old or 19 years old in AL and NE and a US resident with a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Information you’ll need
- Full name and contact information
- Residential status
- Annual income, source of income and employment information
- Social Security number and date of birth
What credit score do I need?
You don’t need a credit history to apply for the Petal Cash Back Visa® Card. However, Petal will first check for pre-qualification based on your credit score, so you’ll have a better chance of approval if you have a fair to a good credit score.
If you don’t have a credit history, Petal may allow you to link your financial accounts, including your bank information, to prove sufficient income and a responsible history of paying your bills.
How to apply for the Petal Cash Back Visa® Card
Applying for the Petal Cash Back Visa® Card is simple:
- Click apply now.
- Fill out the requisite information on each form to complete your application.
- If preapproved, Petal will alert you and invite you to fill out the full application
Credit pulls during the approval process.
Petal will perform a soft pull during the preapproval process and a hard pull during the full approval process. Note the difference between a soft and hard pull.
I got the card. Now what?
- Spend responsibly and pay off your balance in full at the end of each month.
- Use the accompanying Petal app regularly to see the state of your finances and spending habits and to develop better financial awareness.
- Set up autopay in your Petal account to ensure you never miss any payments.
Bottom line
The Petal Cash Back Visa® Card has no associated fees and can help you learn to use credit responsibly. And the addition of a cashback structure makes this card an even more appealing option than before. It’s a good choice if you don’t have a credit score but feel like you’re a responsible borrower.
Can you use non-US bank or credit history to apply for Petal, or do they accept US data only? For example, if I have no US credit history but I have good bank records and credit history with a foreign bank, can I use that info to apply?
Hi Lein,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
You may apply for this Petal Visa credit card even if you do not have credit score yet, so long that you are a legal U.S. resident from one of the 50 states with a valid SSN or ITIN. I’m afraid that they are not checking the applicant’s foreign bank but you may include your foreign bank’s financial details if asked.
Please make sure though to read the eligibility criteria, features and details of the card, as well as the relevant PDS/T&Cs of the card before making a decision and consider whether the product is right for you.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
Hi Kelly,
Thanks for your question.
If you are referring to Petal card’s credit limit, this will depend on your repayment history with them. You have a big chance of getting approved for a credit limit increase if you have a good payment history. You may give Petal Card a call to check their criteria for increasing credit limit.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Anndy
Hi Kelly,
Thanks for your question.
You need to log-in to your bank account when you apply for a Petal credit card. If you don’t have a checking account, you may use any other type of bank account but kindly note that they currently don’t support prepaid accounts.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Anndy
Watch out I applied and they hard pulled all 3 credit bureaus
Does the petal card report to all three major credit bureaus?
Hello Brandon,
Thank you for reaching out to us.
Yes, the Petal Card still reports to all three major credit bureaus.
Although, even if you don’t have a credit score, you can still apply for the Petal card. Petal will analyze your income and your financial records — such as checking accounts or bill payments — to determine your eligibility.
Hope this helped.
Cheers,
Gru