Finance

How to Apply for an Avant Credit Card

clevernero By clevernero 13 Min Read

In this article, I’ll walk you through exactly how to apply for an Avant Credit Card, sharing my experience and tips to make the process as smooth as possible. Applying for an Avant Credit Card was a game-changer for me when I was looking to build my credit without getting tangled in complicated processes.

How to Apply for an Avant Credit Card
How to Apply for an Avant Credit Card

If you’re someone with fair or average credit, or maybe you’re just starting your credit journey, this card could be a solid option. It’s designed to be straightforward, with no hidden fees and a focus on helping you improve your credit score through responsible use. By the end, you’ll know what to expect, what you need, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

Why I Chose the Avant Credit Card

Before diving into the application process, let me tell you why I went for the Avant Credit Card. I wasn’t looking for flashy rewards or travel perks—my goal was to boost my credit score without putting down a security deposit like secured cards require. The Avant Credit Card is unsecured, meaning you don’t need to tie up your cash upfront.

It’s issued by WebBank and reports to all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), so your on-time payments can help your credit grow over time. Plus, it has a reasonable annual fee of $39 (sometimes up to $59, depending on your offer), which felt manageable compared to other cards for folks with fair credit.

What sold me was the pre-qualification process. You can check if you’re eligible without a hard inquiry on your credit report, which means your score won’t take a hit just for exploring your options. If you’re like me and want to avoid unnecessary dings to your credit, this is a huge plus.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for an Avant Credit Card

Here’s how I applied for the Avant Credit Card, broken down into clear steps so you can follow along. I’ll share what worked for me and what you should watch out for.

Step 1: Check If You Pre-Qualify

The first thing I did was visit Avant’s official website (www.avant.com) to see if I could pre-qualify. This step is super easy and doesn’t affect your credit score because it uses a soft inquiry. You’ll need to provide some basic info like your name, address, phone number, and Social Security Number (SSN). I also had to share details about my income and employment status, but it wasn’t overwhelming—just straightforward questions.

Once I submitted the form, Avant showed me if I was pre-qualified and what terms I might expect, like the credit limit and annual fee. For me, this was a relief because I could see the $300 minimum credit limit and 35.99% APR upfront. If you get a pre-qualification offer, double-check the terms to make sure they fit your budget. Pre-qualification isn’t a guarantee of approval, but it gives you a good idea of your chances.

Step 2: Gather Your Information

Before you start the actual application, make sure you have all your info ready. I learned the hard way that missing details can slow things down. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Personal Details: Your full name, date of birth, SSN (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number in some cases), and a physical U.S. address (no P.O. boxes allowed).
  • Financial Info: Your annual income, sources of income (like your job or side gigs), and employment status. If you’re under 21, you’ll need proof of independent income to cover monthly payments.
  • Contact Info: A valid phone number and email address.

I jotted everything down in a notebook to avoid scrambling mid-application. Trust me, it saves time and stress.

Step 3: Submit Your Application Online

The Avant Credit Card application is online-only, which I found convenient since I could do it from my couch. You can start the process directly on Avant’s website or through a trusted partner site like WalletHub by clicking “Apply Now.” I went straight to Avant’s site to avoid any confusion.

The application form asked for the same details I used for pre-qualification, but this time, I had to authorize a hard credit inquiry. This is where you need to be sure you’re ready to apply, because a hard inquiry can lower your credit score by a few points temporarily. I double-checked all my info for accuracy—mistakes like a wrong SSN can lead to delays or even a rejection.

Once I hit submit, Avant’s system worked fast. I got a decision in about 60 seconds, which was a huge relief. If approved, you’ll see your credit limit and final terms. If it takes longer, don’t panic—Avant might need 7-12 business days to review your application.

Step 4: Review the Terms and Accept the Offer

When I got approved, Avant sent me the full terms, including the APR (which ranges from 29.99% to 35.99%), the $39 annual fee, and other details like no foreign transaction fees. I read through everything carefully to make sure I understood what I was signing up for. You should do the same—look at the fine print for things like late payment fees ($39) or cash advance fees (3%, minimum $10).

If the terms look good, you’ll accept the offer online. I got my card in the mail within 7-10 business days, and it was ready to activate by calling the number on the back or using Avant’s mobile app.

Step 5: Start Using Your Card Responsibly

Once I had the card, my focus was on using it wisely to build my credit. I kept my balance low (under 30% of the credit limit) and paid on time every month. Avant reports to all three credit bureaus, so your good habits can boost your score over time. I also downloaded the Avant app to track my transactions and schedule payments, which made managing the card a breeze.

Tips to Boost Your Approval Odds

From my experience, a few things can help you get approved for the Avant Credit Card:

  • Check Your Credit Score: You need at least fair credit (a FICO score of 580-669). I used a free service like Credit Karma to check mine before applying.
  • Pay Down Debt: Lowering your existing balances can improve your credit utilization ratio, which lenders love.
  • Be Honest: Make sure all the info you provide is accurate. Avant verifies income and other details, so don’t fudge the numbers.
  • Consider Timing: Avoid applying for multiple cards at once, as too many hard inquiries can hurt your score.

Potential Drawbacks to Watch For

No card is perfect, and the Avant Credit Card has a few downsides. The APR is high (up to 35.99%), so you’ll want to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid hefty interest charges. The annual fee, while reasonable, is still a cost to factor in. Also, there are no rewards or signup bonuses, so if you’re after cash back or points, you might want to look elsewhere once your credit improves.

I also noticed that Avant doesn’t let you pick your payment due date, which was a minor inconvenience. If flexibility is important to you, keep this in mind.

FAQs About Applying for an Avant Credit Card

Here are some common questions I’ve seen about the application process, along with answers based on my experience.

What Credit Score Do I Need for the Avant Credit Card?

You’ll need at least a fair credit score, typically a FICO score of 580 or higher. I had a score in the low 600s when I applied, and it worked out fine. Check your score beforehand to gauge your chances.

Does Pre-Qualifying Guarantee Approval?

No, pre-qualifying doesn’t guarantee you’ll get the card, but it shows you’re likely to be approved. It’s a soft inquiry, so it won’t hurt your credit to check. I found this step reassuring before committing to the full application.

How Long Does It Take to Get the Card?

If approved, you’ll get the card in the mail within 7-10 business days. Mine arrived in about a week, and I activated it right away using the Avant app.

Can I Apply If I Don’t Have a Social Security Number?

In some cases, Avant accepts an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of an SSN. You’ll need to confirm with Avant’s customer service (855-752-7012) to see if you qualify.

Will Applying Hurt My Credit Score?

Yes, the full application triggers a hard inquiry, which can lower your score by a few points temporarily. I made sure I was ready to apply before submitting to minimize the impact.

Conclusion

Applying for an Avant Credit Card was a straightforward process that helped me take control of my credit journey. It’s not the flashiest card out there, but it’s a solid choice if you’re starting or rebuilding your credit. By pre-qualifying, gathering your info, and using the card responsibly, you can set yourself up for success. I’ve seen my credit score improve over time, and I’m grateful for the simplicity and transparency Avant offers.

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