Jasper Card Review: Once a Standout, Now Lost in the Crowd
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Our Take
3.6
The bottom line: When it was available to those with fair credit (a Vantage Score of 640 or higher), this card was worth exploring as a low-fee option. But if you have good credit, you’re likely to qualify for better offers.
Full Review
Jasper Mastercard®
Annual fee
$0*
Regular APR
15.49% - 24.99% Variable
Intro APR
N/A
Recommended Credit Score
Quick FactsView rates and fees
Pros & Cons
Pros
- No annual fee*
- Qualify with limited/bad credit
- Reports to the three major credit bureaus
- Earns rewards
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Longer approval process
- Mobile-only account access
Alternate Pick: Earn up to 2% cash back
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Earn rewards while building credit
This card requires a minimum $200 security deposit upfront, but it offers rewards and a path to upgrade to an unsecured card. The annual fee is $0. A Social Security number is required.
Compare to Other Cards
Jasper Mastercard® | ||
|---|---|---|
Annual fee$0* | Annual fee$0 | Annual fee$0 |
Regular APR13.99%-23.99% Variable APR | ||
Intro APRN/A | Intro APR0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months | Intro APR0% intro APR for 14 months on purchases and balance transfers |
Recommended Credit Score |
Recommended Credit Score |
Recommended Credit Score |
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Full Review
The Jasper Mastercard®, issued by WebBank, falls short on value when compared with other credit cards in its class.
Launched in 2018, under the name CreditStacks, it originally targeted working professionals who were new to the U.S. and lacked a credit history. The startup company behind the card broadened its focus in mid-2020 to professionals with no credit history, but the card has since shifted its underwriting. As of summer 2021, the card requires a Social Security number and a traditional hard credit inquiry. It was once a valuable alternative credit card, but as a traditional credit card, it doesn’t hold up to the competition.
Back when it was targeted at people with fair credit (a Vantage Score higher than 640), its ongoing rewards rate of 1% on all purchases was attractive. But those with hood credit can easily find stronger rewards on other credit cards.
Jasper Mastercard®: Basics
Card type: Cash back.
Annual fee: $0*.
Rewards: At least 1% cash back on every eligible purchase. (It's possible to boost this rate up to 6% back, but you have to refer the card to friends. More on that below.)
APR: The ongoing APR is 15.49% - 24.99% Variable.
Penalty APR: None.
Foreign transaction fee: None.
Other perks:
Travel benefits, including a collision damage waiver for rental cars, insurance for lost or damaged luggage, travel accident insurance and trip cancellation/interruption reimbursement.
Safety benefits and other perks, including MasterCard ID Theft Protection and cell phone protection.
Why you're better off passing on the Jasper Mastercard®
Mediocre incentives
With the Jasper Mastercard®, you'll earn at least 1% back on all eligible purchases. You can increase that rate up to 6% back, but it isn't easy. On top of the base rate of 1%, you'll get an additional 1% back (up to 6% for the year) for each successful referral to the card. Essentially, you'd only attain 6% back if you had five friends who wanted and were approved for the card in the same year. Any successful referrals will also earn an extra 1%, for a total of 2% back, for a 12-month period. Terms apply. Rewards redeem for statement credit.
It's a decent offer if you have a lot of friends who will follow your recommendations, but you may qualify for bigger baseline rewards — that don't hinge on referrals — on other credit cards.
NerdWallet's list of best credit cards can also offer you some ideas.
A potentially long approval process
The approval timeline for the majority of Jasper Mastercard® applications is currently two to three business days. Contrast that with an application for a credit card from a major issuer, which will typically approve or deny an application within minutes. For a more streamlined process, you can apply for a credit card with an established issuer.
Mobile-only account access
With the Jasper Mastercard®, you can only manage your account via the Jasper app. If you need to access your account via a computer, you'll need to look for a different credit card that can offer that user experience.
Is the Jasper Mastercard® right for you?
The Jasper Mastercard® was a decent option for people who have fair credit. But those with good credit or better will find better options.
