There are two Deserve® credit cards: one for students and one for professionals. Both cards are available to borrowers without credit histories, as eligibility can be based on financial status instead of credit.
For those starting their financial journey in the US, Deserve® credit cards can be a no-fuss option for building up a borrowing history while earning cashback rewards and perks along the way.
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What is a Deserve® Credit Card?
A Deserve® credit card is a Mastercard credit card issued by Celtic Bank. The two Deserve® credit cards currently available are:
While the Deserve® PRO Mastercard® is available to all qualifying borrowers, the Deserve® EDU Mastercard® is only available to active college students.
However, both Deserve® credit cards are geared toward new borrowers with limited credit histories, including recent US immigrants. For example, international students studying in the US can qualify for the Deserve® EDU Mastercard® and begin building credit in the US, even if they don’t have a Social Security number.
Both cards have notable perks, including:
- No annual fees
- No foreign transaction fees
- Cashback rewards
- No security deposits required
However, both cards may be harder to qualify for than other starter credit cards on the market. While they don’t require a credit report (aka credit history) to qualify, the cards are offered based on other aspects of your creditworthiness, likely including your employment status, income, and financial history.
What’s the Difference Between Deserve® Credit Cards?
Comparing Deserve® Credit Cards
| Card name | Available to | Social Security number required? | APR | Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deserve® EDU Mastercard® | Students | No | 18.74% (Variable) | - 1% cash back on all qualifying purchases |
| Deserve® PRO Mastercard® | Students Professionals | Yes | 16.24%–23.24% (Variable) | - 3% cash back on travel - 2% cash back on restaurants - 1% cash back on all qualifying purchases |
Deserve® Credit Card Important Details
For a detailed review of each Deserve® credit card, click the credit card name below.
Should I Get a Deserve® Credit Card?
FinanceJar verdict
You should consider a Deserve® credit card if you’re an international student or a foreign professional with a regular income in the US. While this card can be a valuable tool for building a credit history, its basic functionality and low rewards mean there are better cards available to borrowers who can qualify for other options.
If you’re not set on a Deserve® credit card, consider these alternatives:
Who is a Deserve® credit card for?
Deserve® credit cards can most benefit the following types of borrowers:
- Borrowers with limited credit history: Unfortunately, many credit cards and loans rely on established credit histories to determine a borrower’s qualification. If you don’t have a credit history but do have an income, you can most likely secure a Deserve® credit card.
- International students: The Deserve® EDU is a particularly useful resource for international students who need a line of credit while studying in the US, or who plan to live in the US post-grad and want to build credit now. As the Deserve® EDU doesn’t require a Social Security number and won’t charge foreign transaction fees, this is also a good card option for borrowers living far from home for their studies.
- Foreign professionals: If you’ve recently relocated to the US to work, the Deserve® PRO could be a beneficial tool for financing your daily expenses and building a credit history in the US. The card is available to those legally working in the US, and offers the same benefits to foreign borrowers as domestic.
FAQs About Deserve® Credit Cards
1. Is Deserve® credit card activity reported to the credit bureaus?
If you use a Deserve® credit card, your borrowing activity will be reported to two of the three major credit bureaus: TransUnion and Experian.
Credit reporting is a major factor in building up your credit score, so any reporting helps credit builders establish a history. However, cards that report to all three bureaus (the ones mentioned plus Equifax) build credit even faster.
As your borrowing activity (such as balances, late payments, penalties, etc) will be reported monthly, make sure you make your minimum monthly payments on time to ensure your credit score improves rather than suffers.
2. How do I apply for a Deserve® credit card?
You can apply for Deserve® credit cards online. You can apply directly for the Deserve® EDU, but you’ll need to request an invitation to apply for the Deserve® PRO.
Both cards may take up to 3 business days to process your application and send you a credit card offer.
Also, keep in mind that your Deserve® credit card application may result in a hard inquiry on your credit report.
3. Where can I use my Deserve® credit card?
You can use your Deserve® credit card anywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is widely accepted abroad, which, coupled with their lack of foreign transaction fees, makes Deserve® credit cards good options for international travelers.
4. How do I pay my Deserve® credit card bill?
You can pay your Deserve® credit card bill in any of the following ways:
- Online: By logging into your account
- In the app: Only available on Apple devices
- Over the phone: By calling the number on the back of your card
- By mail: By sending a check to the address on your latest credit card statement
