Avant Credit Card Requirements: Eligibility & How to Apply
The Avant Credit Card is available to eligible consumers who are building or rebuilding their credit. The application process is straightforward—check if you qualify without impacting your credit score, complete the simple online application in minutes, and receive a fast decision. If approved, you'll receive your card and can start building positive credit history through the convenient Avant mobile app, with no security deposit required.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
U.S. Residency and Age
You must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. resident with a valid U.S. mailing address to apply for the Avant Credit Card. International applicants and temporary residents are not currently eligible. Avant verifies identity during the application process, so ensure your personal information matches your government-issued identification. Residency verification helps Avant comply with lending regulations and ensures the card is available only to consumers within its authorized service area.
Credit Profile Considerations
The Avant Credit Card is specifically designed for consumers with fair credit or those building/rebuilding their credit history. While Avant doesn't publish a minimum credit score requirement, the card is positioned for consumers who may not qualify for traditional rewards cards or premium credit products. Your credit profile will be evaluated during the application process, but checking if you qualify won't impact your credit score—only the formal application after pre-qualification will involve a hard credit inquiry.
Income and Ability to Repay
You'll need to provide information about your income during the application process. Avant evaluates your ability to repay based on your stated income, existing debts, and credit profile. Acceptable income sources typically include employment wages, self-employment income, retirement benefits, investment income, or other regular income streams. The income verification helps Avant determine an appropriate credit limit and ensure you can manage the credit card payments responsibly.
Valid Personal Information
During the application, you'll provide your legal name, date of birth, Social Security Number, current address, contact information (phone number and email), and income details. This information must be accurate and verifiable—Avant uses identity verification procedures to prevent fraud and ensure applicants are who they claim to be. Providing false information can result in application denial and may have legal consequences, so ensure all details are current and correct.
Bank Account for Payments
You'll need a valid U.S. bank account to make payments on your Avant Credit Card. While you can make payments through various methods including the mobile app, online banking, phone payments, or mailed checks, having a linked bank account simplifies automatic payments and helps ensure you never miss a due date. Setting up automatic minimum payments from your bank account can protect your credit score by preventing late payment reports to credit bureaus.
Agreement to Terms and Conditions
By applying for the Avant Credit Card, you agree to the terms outlined in the AvantCard Cardmember Agreement issued by WebBank. This agreement includes details about APR, fees, payment terms, credit limit policies, and your rights and responsibilities as a cardholder. You'll also consent to receive electronic communications from Avant regarding your account, payments, promotions, and other card-related information. Review these terms carefully before submitting your application.
Cost Breakdown & Card Terms
Standard Fees (Website Applications)
These terms apply to applications submitted directly through the Avant website. If you received a pre-approved offer in the mail, refer to your letter for specific terms offered to you. Pricing may vary based on offers provided through different channels.
APR Range for All Applications
Your actual APR depends on your creditworthiness and the specific offer extended to you. The APR is variable and may change based on market conditions. Website applications currently receive 35.99% APR, while mailed offers may have different rates.
Credit Limit Options
If you qualify, your actual credit line may vary based on credit history, ability to repay, and other factors. Avant may proactively offer credit line increases to qualifying cardholders who demonstrate responsible credit management over time.
Representative Example
Scenario: $1,000 balance at 35.99% APR
This example illustrates why paying more than the minimum payment is crucial. At 35.99% APR, interest charges accumulate quickly. Paying your balance in full each month avoids interest charges entirely and maximizes the card's credit-building benefits.
How to Apply for the Avant Credit Card
Check If You Qualify
Start by visiting avant.com/credit-card and clicking "See If You Qualify." This pre-qualification process uses a soft credit check that won't impact your credit score. You'll provide basic information including your name, date of birth, address, income, and Social Security Number. Avant will evaluate your eligibility and, if you pre-qualify, show you the credit card terms you're eligible for before you formally apply.
Timeframe: Instant results (1-2 minutes)
Complete the Full Application
If you pre-qualify and decide to proceed, complete the full credit card application. This step involves providing additional details about your income, employment, housing situation, and financial obligations. You'll also review and accept the terms of the AvantCard Cardmember Agreement, including the APR, annual membership fee, and credit limit you're being offered. The application takes just a few minutes to complete online.
Timeframe: 3-5 minutes
Receive Your Decision
Avant provides credit decisions as quickly as possible, often within minutes of submitting your application. You'll receive notification of your approval status, and if approved, you'll see your credit limit and card terms. Some applications may require additional verification or documentation before a final decision can be made, in which case Avant will contact you with specific instructions on what's needed.
Timeframe: Instant to few minutes (most cases)
Wait for Your Card to Arrive
If approved and verified, your Avant Credit Card will be issued and mailed to the address you provided during the application. The card typically arrives within 7-10 business days, though delivery times may vary depending on your location and postal service. Your card will arrive in plain packaging for security purposes. Keep an eye on your mailbox and contact Avant if your card doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe.
Timeframe: 7-10 business days
Activate Your Card
When your card arrives, activate it following the instructions included with your card. You can typically activate online at dashboard.avant.com/activate-card, through the Avant mobile app, or by calling the activation phone number. Activation confirms you've received the card and authorizes it for use. Once activated, your card is ready to use immediately for purchases anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
Timeframe: 2-3 minutes
Download the Mobile App and Start Building Credit
Download the Avant mobile app from the App Store or Google Play to manage your credit card conveniently. The app lets you check your balance, view transactions, make payments, set up payment reminders, track your credit progress, and contact customer support. Start using your card responsibly—make purchases within your means, pay on time (ideally in full), and watch as your positive payment history potentially improves your credit score over time.
Ongoing: Manage your card and build credit
Related Financial Guidance:
Frequently Asked Questions
Does checking if I qualify impact my credit score?
No, checking if you qualify for the Avant Credit Card uses a soft credit check that does not affect your credit score. Only when you proceed with the full application after pre-qualifying will Avant perform a hard credit inquiry, which may temporarily impact your credit score. This pre-qualification process allows you to see if you're eligible and view potential terms before formally applying.
What credit score do I need for the Avant Credit Card?
Avant doesn't publish a specific minimum credit score requirement, but the card is designed for consumers with fair credit or those building/rebuilding their credit. Generally, fair credit ranges from approximately 580-669 on the FICO scale. However, Avant evaluates multiple factors beyond just credit score, including income, debt-to-income ratio, and credit history. The best way to know if you qualify is to check your eligibility on Avant's website.
How is the Avant Credit Card different from a secured card?
The Avant Credit Card is an unsecured card, meaning you don't need to provide a security deposit to open the account. Secured cards typically require you to deposit $200-$500 or more, which serves as collateral and usually equals your credit limit. With the Avant Credit Card, your approved credit limit (ranging from $300-$3,000) is available to use immediately without tying up your cash in a deposit. However, the card does have an annual membership fee, which secured cards may not have.
Can I get a credit line increase with the Avant Credit Card?
Yes, Avant proactively monitors accounts and may offer credit line increases to qualifying cardholders who demonstrate responsible credit management. If you qualify for a higher credit limit, Avant will notify you—you don't need to request increases manually. Factors that may help you qualify for increases include consistent on-time payments, maintaining low credit utilization, and overall positive credit management over time.
What happens if I pay late or miss a payment?
Late or missed payments can have serious consequences. Avant reports payment activity to the major credit bureaus, so late payments may negatively impact your credit score. You may also incur late fees and penalty APR increases. To avoid these issues, set up payment reminders in the Avant mobile app or consider enrolling in automatic payments to ensure your minimum payment is always made on time. Timely payments are crucial for building positive credit history.
Who issues the Avant Credit Card?
The Avant Credit Card is issued by WebBank, a Utah-chartered industrial bank that partners with fintech companies like Avant to offer credit products. Avant, LLC (Nationwide Multistate Licensing System #1246731) is the servicer and handles customer service, account management, and collections. The card operates on the Mastercard network, giving you acceptance at millions of locations worldwide. WebBank is the actual creditor, while Avant manages the customer experience.
Important Considerations
High APR requires careful management. At 29.99%-35.99% APR (35.99% for website applications), interest charges accumulate quickly on unpaid balances. Pay your balance in full each month whenever possible to avoid interest charges and maximize the card's credit-building benefits.
Annual membership fee applies. Website applications currently have a $39-$75 annual membership fee. This fee is charged once per year and cannot be waived. Factor this cost into your decision when comparing credit card options.
Starting credit limits may be low. Website applications typically start with a $300 minimum credit limit. While proactive increases are possible with responsible use, initial limits may be lower than you need for large purchases.
Designed for credit building, not rewards. This card focuses on helping you build or rebuild credit, not on earning rewards points or cashback. If you have good to excellent credit, you may qualify for cards with better terms and rewards programs.