Tilt Motion: Build Credit, No Annual Fee or Deposit Required

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Thanks to Tilt’s unique underwriting process — the company says it uses “250+ non-traditional signals of financial health” to evaluate creditworthiness — it may be easier to qualify for the Tilt Motion compared with another card from a traditional bank. For example, Tilt says that linking your bank account can increase your approval odds, as it'll show your income and spending habits.

None of the Tilt cards has a security deposit requirement either, and the $0 annual fee on the Tilt Motion makes it easy to keep around long term.

Comprehensive credit reporting

Activity on your Tilt Motion card will be reported to the three major credit bureaus, which compile the information that forms the basis of your credit scores. If you use the card responsibly — keeping credit utilization low and paying balances on time — the credit bureaus will note that information. With a track record of healthy credit habits, your credit scores may eventually increase.

Path to a higher credit limit

Those who are building or rebuilding credit will typically receive smaller credit limits. But Tilt gives its cardholders clear pathways for receiving credit line increases.

• First, you’ll receive an automatic increase for linking your bank account with your Tilt card.

• Another raise is possible in four months if you demonstrate “positive spending and repayment behavior,” according to a company spokesperson.

• And through Tilt’s Leap Program, you can get another limit increase by making six qualifying, consecutive on-time payments. The minimum increase amount is $50.

Note, however, that as of August 2025, Tilt cardholders are only eligible for one credit limit increase through the Leap Program.

Potential for modest rewards

Earning rewards isn't the priority when you’re building or rebuilding credit — but it's a nice bonus if you can get it. The Tilt Motion earns 1-10% cash back at select merchants. Cardholders are automatically enrolled in cash-back offers, no activating or opting in required.

The only redemption option is a statement credit, but there’s no redemption minimum.

Rewards aren’t capped and never expire.

Travel-friendly features

Feel free to pack the Tilt Motion on your international trips. The card doesn’t have foreign transaction fees, and because it’s a Visa, it has broad international acceptance. Rewards may also be earned on qualifying purchases made in a foreign currency.

» LEARN: Visa vs. Mastercard: Why it doesn’t make much difference

No introductory incentives

Most credit-builder cards don’t come with generous welcome bonuses or promotional APR periods, and that's true of the Tilt Motion, as well. However, there are exceptions to this rule. For instance, if you're willing and able to put down a refundable security deposit, you could consider a product like the $0-annual-fee Discover it® Secured Credit Card. Not only does it earn ongoing rewards, but it also features a unique and potentially lucrative bonus offer, which Discover phrases this way: "INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers—only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards."

Limited ongoing rewards

While it's possible to earn rewards with the Tilt Motion card, you'll have to shop with qualifying individual merchants (which may not line up with your spending plans) — and even then, reward rates will vary. The aforementioned Discover it® Secured Credit Card, meanwhile, is less restrictive. It earns 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. All other purchases earn 1%. But of course, unlike the Tilt Motion, you'll have to put down at least $200 as a security deposit.

No upgrade path

While the Tilt Motion is a solid option for those with poor credit, there's currently no way to "graduate" to Tilt's best card — the Tilt Essentials — which earns superior ongoing rewards. So once you've used the Tilt Motion to help your credit and are ready to move on to something better, you'll have to open up a new card with a different issuer. Once again, the previously mentioned Discover it® Secured Credit Card could be a better starter option. After you've had the card for seven months, Discover will start automatically reviewing your account each month to see whether you’re ready to move to an unsecured card with the issuer, one that could be even more rewarding. (When you graduate to the new card, your deposit will be returned.)