5 Things to Know About the Zurp Card

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As of early 2024, Zurp's website notes that the company is "undergoing a transition right now and is no longer online." See NerdWallet's list of the best secured credit cards for other options.

The Zurp Card — created by the financial technology company Zurp and issued by First Pryority Bank — is a secured credit card with an experienced-based rewards program. It was originally envisioned as a card where users could redeem points to attend exclusive events with their choice of YouTube, TikTok or e-gaming creator. However, by the time it launched, the Zurp Card changed into a product still aimed toward Generation Z consumers new to building credit, but without the creator focus.

You can get the Zurp Card with no credit check, and the annual fee is $0. But there are some caveats to be aware of.

Here are five things to know about the Zurp Card.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best starter credit cards for no credit

1. The card must be paired with a Zurp bank account

To get a Zurp Card, you must open a Cash Account, a Zurp bank account held by First Pryority Bank. As of this writing, Cash Accounts can potentially earn a 5% annual percentage yield on balances up to $2,000 if you are a “Silver Member,” and 4.27% APY on any balance above $2,000. To become a Silver Member, you must be considered an “active user” every month, meaning that you’ve made at least five purchases or received one direct deposit in a calendar month. If you fall short of this activity, you’ll earn an APY of 1.5% regardless of the balance.

There's no minimum required balance to open a Cash Account, but the amount of money you deposit will determine your credit limit on the Zurp Card. That gives you some control over your credit limit and the ability to change it over time by depositing more into your account. This differs from most secured cards, where you make a fixed security deposit, which becomes your credit limit until the issuer chooses to raise your limit or graduate you to an unsecured card.

» MORE: 'Debt-proof' credit cards lower some barriers but raise their own

2. Experiences are the focus of rewards

Products for younger consumers tend to lean heavily on providing meaningful experiences instead of "boring" stuff like cash back, and the Zurp Card is no exception. You can earn extra points, and redeem those points, on things for a quiet night at home or experiences that get you out of the house (not to mention points for paying for housing in the first place):

• Earn 8 points per $1 on food purchases, which includes restaurants, food delivery, groceries, travel, entertainment, and ridesharing services.

• Earn 3 points per $1 on all other purchases.

Zurp may also offer additional points through its “Spin the Wheel” sweepstakes. One way to enter is by spending $5 or more with the Zurp Card to get a maximum of one entry per day. You’ll have to set up your account and actually spin the wheel for a chance to win a prize. You can also make rent or mortgage payments, or student loan payments, through the Zurp app from your Cash Account, which will earn you 1 point per $1. With either option, you can only earn up to 4,000 points per month. Terms apply.

Reward redemption options can change over time and include things such as a statement credit, gift cards, merchandise, discounts, event tickets and access to exclusive experiences and content.

Note, however, that point values will vary depending on the redemption option, and that points also expire if you haven't used your Zurp Card to make a purchase in two years.

» MORE: Can I pay rent with a credit card?

3. The welcome bonus is split several ways

As a new cardholder, you can earn up to 95,000 points by hitting certain milestones:

• First, earn 10,000 points when you open a Zurp Cash Account.

• Second, earn 10,000 points when you make your first deposit of $100 or more into your Cash Account.

• Third, earn 25,000 points when you spend $1,000 within the first three months.

• Fourth, earn 50,000 when you set up $1,000 in direct deposits for three months.

It's rare to find a bonus that you can acquire through several different options. It will take more effort on your part to get, but it can be easier to target than offers on other cards.

» MORE: Credit cards with potentially confusing rewards programs

4. Get instant access with a virtual card

It'll take seven to 10 business days to receive your physical Zurp Card, but until then, you can make purchases online with a virtual card you can access through the Zurp app.

» MORE: Credit cards you can use instantly after approval

5. Card activity is only reported to some bureaus

Activity on the Zurp Card is reported only to TransUnion and Experian at this time. When you’re on a credit-building journey, it’s ideal to have a credit card that reports payments to all three major credit bureaus. Plenty of secured credit cards offer this option. You'll have to weigh the trade-offs of holding each card to determine what's better suited for your goals.