Neu Card 2 Review: Low Barriers to Credit Access

It's highly accessible

The Neu Card 2 doesn't require a security deposit, annual fee or monthly fee, making it a cost-effective option for those new to credit. The $0 annual fee, in particular, makes it easy to keep the card open and active, preserving the length of your credit history — a key factor in your credit scores.

It's also more accessible than other credit-building options, since you don't need a credit history or, potentially, even a Social Security number or ITIN to qualify. (If you don't have one, you can apply with other documents, including a passport and a visa that's valid for a minimum of six months.)

It boasts travel-friendly features

Credit-builder cards aren't typically known for their travel perks. But the Neu Card 2 earns 3% cash back on air travel purchases, including airfare purchased directly from airlines or major travel websites, checked bags, seat upgrades, most in-flight purchases and related add-ons. Occasionally, Neu may also offer merchant-specific or category-specific offers that earn a higher rewards rate in the app.

Cash back is automatically applied as a statement credit toward your outstanding balance.

Plus, the Neu Card 2 doesn't charge foreign transaction fees on purchases made abroad, and because it runs on the Visa payment network, you won't run into acceptance issues, even internationally.

Credit limits start at $350

You’ll receive a credit limit of $350 or higher, depending on your creditworthiness. Factors that determine your credit line will include your credit history (if available), income and expenses. It’s a decent starting limit, considering you don’t need a credit history or security deposit to qualify.

There's no penalty APR

Being late on a payment isn’t ideal, but if it happens with the Neu Card 2, you won't be subject to a penalty APR, which would otherwise make carrying a balance even more expensive.

Note, however, that you will be charged a $30 late fee. And on top of that cost, you also run the risk of hurting your credit scores if your payment is late enough.

Live customer service

This feature is typical of credit cards from major banks, but it's not always the case with nontraditional cards from smaller companies like Neu.

Doesn’t report to all major credit bureaus

As of November 2025, the Neu Card 2 doesn’t report payments to Equifax. It only reports them to TransUnion and Experian. That's not ideal when you're attempting to establish credit because if a potential lender ends up pulling your credit report from Equifax, there may be nothing to see.

For more comprehensive bureau reporting, you could consider a product like the Zolve Classic Credit Card. It, too, welcomes those without a Social Security number or ITIN who can qualify, but it reports payments to all three major credit bureaus. It also doesn’t require a security deposit, and it earns 1% cash back on all purchases.

Better options exist with a Social Security number or ITIN

The rewards on the Neu Card 2 are healthier than you might find on other credit-builder cards, but when you're establishing credit, it's less of a priority. If you do have a Social Security number or ITIN, you could qualify for a credit card that reports payments to all three major credit bureaus and also offers a path to upgrade to a better credit card once you work your way up to better credit.