Eric Bank is an M.B.A. who has covered financial and business topics since 1985, appearing regularly on Credible, eHow, WiseBread, The Nest, Zacks, Chron, BadCredit.org and dozens of other outlets. Eric specializes in taking complex subject matters and explaining them in simple terms for consumer audiences, particularly in the world of personal finance. Eric holds a Master's in Business Administration from New York University and a Master's in Finance from DePaul University.
Lillian Guevara-Castro brings more than 30 years of editing and journalism experience to the CardRates team. She has worked at The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, Gwinnett Daily News, Gainesville Sun, and The New York Times, where she covered demographics, consumer issues, and the business and financial sectors. Lillian has a degree in journalism and communications from Georgia State University and brings her fact-checking expertise to ensure Digital Brands content is accurate and engaging.
Ashley Fricker has more than a decade of experience as a finance contributor and editor, and has specialized in the credit card industry since 2015. Her credit card commentary is featured on national media outlets that include CNBC, MarketWatch, Investopedia, and Reader's Digest, among many others. She has worked closely with the world’s largest banks and financial institutions, up-and-coming fintech companies, and press and news outlets to curate comprehensive content and media. Ashley holds a bachelor's degree in multimedia journalism from Florida Atlantic University.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
Despite what you may believe, consumers with bad credit have many credit card options. You can quickly get a secured credit card by putting down a deposit equal to your credit line, or you can choose an unsecured card and use your money to pay the card’s upfront fees.
The Revvi Card belongs to the latter group. But unlike many other cards for poor credit, this one pays cash backrewards. Before you apply, you’ll want to consider the three alternative cards we include in this review, as they may save you a considerable amount in interest and fees.
The Revvi Card welcomes consumers with imperfect credit. It provides a flat cash back rate, a mobile app, $0 fraud liability, and monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus.
You can redeem your cash back in $5 increments as statement credits beginning six months after you activate the account. Cardmembers can avoid the card’s sky-high APR by paying their entire balance each month. The card provides an interest-free grace period between the end of a billing cycle and the payment due date.
You’ll pay upfront program and annual fees to secure the card. The card waives its fees for maintenance and cash advances for the first year, and its annual fee declines after 12 months.
You must have a checking account to apply for the card. The initial credit limit is low, but you can request an increase after one year. Revvi assesses a credit limit increase fee if it raises your credit line, and it has several miscellaneous fees.
How to Qualify
To qualify for this card, you must:
Be 18 or older
Reside legally in the United States
Own a checking account
There are two ways to apply for the card. The first is to accept a pre-approved letter offer by entering your Reservation Code and other data online. Or you can easily apply online directly on the issuer’s website:
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
To complete the application, you must provide your:
Name
Contact information
Confirmation of owning an active checking account
Date of birth
Social Security number
Employer name and phone number
How long you’ve lived at your current residence
Pay frequency, typical amount, and next payment date
Estimated monthly expenses, including housing, utilities, debt payments, and other regular expenses)
Whether you have a debit or credit card
Whether you intend to use the card for cash advances
Whether you would like to add authorized cardholders
The bank may also ask to see your driver’s license or other identifying documents. The credit card issuer, MRV Banks, will perform a hard credit check when you submit your application. This check may have a small impact on your credit score.
Upon approval, Revvi will confirm your credit limit and interest rate. If you agree, you’ll choose a card design, e-sign the card agreement, and pay the one-time program fee. The issuer will send you your new card after your payment clears. Expect a delivery time of up to 10 days unless you pay for expedited shipping.
When the card arrives, you can activate it online or over the phone. Your opening balance will reflect the card’s initial annual fee, which reduces your available spending amount until paid.
Benefits & Drawbacks of the Card
The Revvi Card offers few benefits beyond cash back, particularly the ability to improve your credit with regular on-time payments. But you should weigh its benefits against the card’s significant drawbacks, which mostly come down to the card’s cost.
Benefits
Accessibility for less-than-perfect credit: Revvi does not require good credit for approval.
Cash back rewards: The card offers a flat cash back rate on eligible purchases.
Building credit: Revvi reports your account status and payments to all three major credit bureaus, which can help you build credit through on-time payments.
Nosecurity deposit required: Revvi does not require a refundable security deposit, unlike secured credit card offers for consumers with poor credit.
Fast approval process: The application process often provides an instant response.
Visa Zero Liability coverage: You are not liable for unauthorized charges due to card theft or fraudulent use.
Mobile app: You can use the app to manage your card and make payments.
Payment Guard Plus: The credit card issuer offers an optional program that will cancel your balance or monthly payment if you die, lose your job, undergo hospitalization, become disabled, or have eligible expenses for medical care or automobile service. Fees apply.
Drawbacks
High fees: The card includes an annual fee, a one-time setup fee, and a monthly service charge after the first year. It charges fees for late/returned payments, additional cards, premium designs, express delivery, cash advances (after the first year), and duplicate billing statements.
High APR: The Revvi Card has an APR of 35.99%, which is about as expensive as a credit card can get. You can avoid interest charges by paying your entire balance monthly.
Low initial credit limit: The starting credit limit is low. You can apply for an increase only after a year of responsible use. You must pay a fee each time the card limit increases.
Cash back redemption conditions: You must wait six months from account opening to begin redeeming rewards. You can only apply rewards to your statement balance.
Cash advance conditions: You must wait the greater of 90 days or three billing cycles before you can take a cash advance. The maximum advance amount is half of the overall credit limit. A fee applies for each advance (waived for the first year), and interest accrues immediately. ATM fees may apply.
Checking account requirement: You must have an active checking account in your own name.
In light of this card’s elevated costs, you would do well to consider the alternatives we’ve chosen for this review. Aside from cash back, most of its benefits are the bare essentials that subprime credit cards usually provide.
Other Cards Worth Considering
The following cards may provide better value than the Revvi Card. The first one is issued by a major bank and offers several other cards you can graduate to if you improve your credit over time. Plus, building a good relationship with a big bank is never a bad thing.
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
4.5/5.0
About this rating
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
4.5/5.0
About this rating
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
No rotating categories or limits to how much you can earn, and cash back doesn't expire for the life of the account. It's that simple
Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
Help strengthen your credit for the future with responsible card use
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card, without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you're all set
The card prohibits potential owners from submitting two or more card applications within 30 days. Other circumstances that could cause your denial include non-discharged bankruptcies, overdrawn credit lines, charge-offs in the last year, and serving time in a correctional facility.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
Earn Cash Back Rewards* on All Eligible Purchases – 3% on Gas, Groceries, and Utilities, and 1% on All Other Eligible Purchases
Use Anywhere Mastercard is Accepted
$0 fraud liability**
Free access to your VantageScore 4.0 credit score from TransUnion®†
*See Program Terms for important information about the cash back rewards program.
**Fraud liability subject to Mastercard rules.
† Your credit score will be available in your online account starting 60 days after your account is opened. (Registration required.) The free VantageScore 4.0 credit score provided by TransUnion® is for educational purposes only. This score may not be used by The Bank of Missouri (the issuer of this card) or other creditors to make credit decisions.
The Bank of Missouri issues the Fortiva® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard. The card offers bonus cash back on groceries, gas, and utilities and the standard rewards rate on all other eligible spending. This unsecured credit card delivers instant credit decisions, transaction alerts, and the standard Mastercard zero liability protection.
When you make timely payments, the Fortiva card helps you build credit by reporting your activity to at least one major credit bureau. Fortiva enables you to monitor your progress by giving you free online access (after 60 days) to your VantageScore credit score.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
Earn Cash Back Rewards* on All Eligible Purchases – 3% on Gas, Groceries, and Utilities, and 1% on All Other Eligible Purchases
Up to $1,000 credit limit subject to credit approval
Prequalify** without affecting your credit score
No security deposit
Free Access to your Credit Score†
*See Program Terms for important information about the cash back rewards program.
** Prequalify means that you authorize us to make a soft inquiry into your credit history (that will not affect your credit) to create an offer. If you accept an offer a hard inquiry will be made. Final approval is not guaranteed if you do not meet all applicable criteria (including adequate proof of ability to repay). Income verification through access to your bank account information may be required.
† Your credit score will be available in your online account starting 60 days after your account is opened. (Registration required.) The free VantageScore 4.0 credit score provided by TransUnion® is for educational purposes only. This score may not be used by The Bank of Missouri (the issuer of this card) or other creditors to make credit decisions.
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard is another rare subprime unsecured credit card that offers cash back rewards. This card, issued by the Bank of Missouri, has periodic credit increase reviews and free transaction alerts. You also receive an instant credit decision, online and mobile account access, and $0 fraud liability.
As with all unsecured subprime cards, it has a steep APR, so you’ll save money by paying your balance in full each month. The card’s maintenance fee doesn’t kick in until the second year, and the issuer may waive your annual fee after the first year.
Real Cardholder Reviews
Cardholder reviews skew toward complaints and warnings, but it also has some fans.
Jenna voiced positive thoughts about the Revvi Card:
“Good card so far! I’m not sure what’s with all of the negative reviews but it’s a subprime credit card designed to help people rebuild credit so you should expect a lot of fees and high interest. With that being said. I have had almost no issues. I applied, got approved, paid the program fee, activated my card, enrolled in the app, and just used the card on Hulu, transaction went through just fine. The only issue that I having is for some reason, it won’t let me enroll it on Apple Pay. But besides that, no issues.”
“I’ve not had the card even a year yet, and I’ve already been charged two annual fees. I’m getting charged the monthly service fee even though that’s not supposed to start until year two. Loan sharks charge lower fees and are more upfront than Revvi. The worst card you could ever get.”
It’s up to you to carefully read the cardmember agreement before deciding to apply and accept the terms. Understanding its many fees is crucial to making an informed decision.
FAQs: What is the Credit Limit?
The Revvi Card’s initial credit limit is low, which isn’t a surprise given that it caters to consumers with poor credit. You can request a credit limit increase after 12 billing cycles, but the issuer reserves the right to decline your request.
The card charges a fee if it increases your credit limit. Generally, only cards for abysmal credit impose this type of fee.
The credit limit on cash advances cannot exceed half of your overall limit. You must wait 90 days after account opening before you can take your first cash advance.
What is the Minimum Credit Score Required to Apply?
Revvi declares that it doesn’t require a perfect credit history, a statement vague enough to include virtually every consumer. In fact, it does not have a minimum score requirement. The card issuer does not offer a prequalification step. It will perform a hard credit check when you apply for a card, which may have a negligible effect on your credit score.
Which Bank Issues the Revvi Card?
MRV Banks issues the card. Established in 2007, it is a locally owned, independent bank serving consumers and small businesses throughout Missouri. MRV Banks is a member of the FDIC and an equal housing lender.
The Better Business Bureau has not accredited MRV Banks and has assigned it a rating of C+. The bank has closed 11 BBB-posted complaints in the last 12 months.
Trustpilot gives the bank a “Poor” rating, with a score of lower than 2 out of 5. This generally paints a picture of poor customer service, so that’s something to keep in mind.
Can I Repair My Credit With this Card?
The issuer reports your card activity to the three major credit bureaus, which is the most efficient way to build credit. To benefit from this reporting, you must pay at least the minimum amount due each billing cycle.
Payments overdue by 30 or more days will appear on your credit reports and damage your score. The longer the delinquency, the more your score will suffer. If you are 90-plus days late, the card may close and write off your account, causing yet further erosion to your credit score.
Your credit score will benefit if you keep your credit utilization ratio (i.e., the credit you are currently using divided by your credit limit) relatively low.
It can take six to 12 months of on-time payments before your credit score begins to improve. But you will eventually rebuild credit through responsible use of your credit card. Once your credit score recovers, you can apply for a less costly, more beneficial credit card.
This Card May Be For You If…
The Revvi Card offers several advantages that you may find appealing. Here are three key reasons why you could consider getting this card:
Cash back rewards: Its cash back program caters to consumers with a poor credit history, and the rewards are unlimited.
Building credit: The bank reports to the three major credit bureaus, so responsible use (i.e., making payments on time and keeping the balance low) can help you improve your credit score over time.
Easy acceptance: This card is available to consumers with poor credit. There is no minimum credit score requirement.
Consider the three alternative cards reviewed above before you apply for a Revvi Card, which may not be your best credit card option. If you look at each card’s Schumer Box, you’ll see that all three competitors offer better value and cost less.
About the Author
Eric Bank
Finance Expert
Eric Bank is an M.B.A. who has covered financial and business topics since 1985, appearing regularly on Credible, eHow, WiseBread, The Nest, Zacks, Chron, BadCredit.org and dozens of other outlets. Eric specializes in taking complex subject matters and explaining them in simple terms for consumer audiences, particularly in the world of personal finance. Eric holds a Master's in Business Administration from New York University and a Master's in Finance from DePaul University.
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