Key takeaways

If you’re looking for a credit card that can help you build credit, the Petal 1 Visa® Credit Card should be on your list.
This unsecured credit card offers a range of useful benefits, including no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees and the opportunity to earn cash back on purchases with select merchants.
While the Petal 1 offers a low starting credit limit in some cases, it’s possible to graduate to a higher credit limit with six on-time payments on the card.

If you’re searching for a credit card to help you build credit, the Petal 1 Visa® Credit Card is one of the best credit cards to help you accomplish this goal. Unlike secured cards for limited credit, this unsecured credit card doesn’t require a cash deposit as collateral. The card’s issuer (WebBank) also makes the application process simple, especially compared to other unsecured credit cards.

Before you apply for the Petal 1 Visa Credit Card, though, you should have a general idea of how to maximize this card’s perks and features. Here’s an overview of the main benefits of the Petal 1 Visa and how they can work on your behalf.

Features of the Petal 1 Visa Credit Card

Wondering how to use the Petal 1 Visa® Credit Card, and what the benefits are? The main benefit of the Petal 1 Visa is that WebBank uses alternative data to approve applicants with no credit history. For approvals, the issuer considers factors, such as banking history, which makes it easier to qualify for this card with no credit history or a low credit score (note that approval isn’t guaranteed).

Other features of the Petal 1 Visa Credit Card include the following:

No annual fee

The Petal 1 Visa does not have an annual fee, whereas many other credit cards for those with no credit history do charge annual fees. Some even charge hidden credit card fees.

That said, you should know that some Petal cardholders have been downgraded to the Petal 1 Rise credit card after being approved for the Petal 1 or Petal 2 cards. Since the Petal 1 Rise charges an annual fee, this is something to be aware of.

No foreign transaction fees

The Petal 1 Visa doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees either, which can be an excellent benefit to consider if you plan to use it for international travel. This helps you avoid paying extra fees for overseas purchases, which typically increase the cost of everything you purchase by 3 percent or more.

Ability to earn a higher credit limit

The Petal 1 Visa also gives you the chance to secure a higher credit limit over time through its Leap program, which may be important if you start with a low credit limit of $300 or $500. Once you make at least six on-time payments on your card while maintaining or improving your credit score, you can graduate to a higher limit and more purchasing power.

Ability to earn rewards on eligible purchases

This card also offers cash back rewards on purchases made with participating merchants via the Petal Perks program. This isn’t the same as earning cash back on everything you buy, but it’s better than nothing.

Maximizing the Petal 1 Visa Visa Credit Card

While these features can be useful if you want to build credit quickly, how you use your card will determine whether it’s beneficial or harmful to your finances. With that in mind, we have some suggestions on the best ways to maximize the Petal 1 Visa as you build credit for the future.

Make the most of the Petal 1 Visa with the following moves:

Use it for small purchases you can afford to pay off. The Petal 1 Visa charges a 28.99 - 33.99% Variable APR when you carry a balance, so you should only buy items you can afford to pay for in cash.
Pay your bill early or on time each month. In addition to paying your credit card bill in full each month, you should always pay your bill on time, regardless of the circumstances.
Check which retailers offer cash back. Before making a purchase, check which retailers offer cash back when you use your Petal card.
Monitor your card usage with the mobile app. Use the highly-rated Petal app to track your spending and credit card due dates. Doing so can help you stay on top of your credit usage no matter where you are.

The bottom line

The Petal 1 Visa can be a valuable tool for building credit with a credit card, especially when used responsibly with on-time payments. Over time, it can help you qualify for better cards. If you’re considering it, check out our Petal 1 Visa Card review and Visa benefits guide, and compare it with other cards for no or fair credit, including secured cards and student cards.

WebBank allows you to check for Petal 1 preapproval with no hard credit check, and you may even qualify for a different Petal card — like the Petal 1 Rise or the Petal 2 Visa® Credit Card, which offers cash back and lower fees. Prequalification helps you see your best option before applying.

*The information about the Petal 1 Visa® Credit Card, Petal 1 Rise Visa Credit Card and Petal 2 Visa Credit Card has been collected independently by Bankrate. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the issuer.

Holly Johnson writes expert content on personal finance, credit cards, loyalty and insurance topics. In addition to writing for Bankrate and CreditCards.com, Johnson does ongoing work for clients that include CNN, Forbes Advisor, LendingTree, Time Magazine and more.

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How to use the Petal 1 Visa Credit Card