Jasper summary
Pros
- Earn up to 6% cash back with referrals
- Up to $5,000 credit limit
- No credit history required to apply¹
Cons
- Cash back rate starts at 1%
- No introductory APR
Overview
Jasper is a unique credit card designed to make it easy to build your credit and maintain a healthy financial lifestyle. You don’t need a credit history to apply for the card and there’s no security deposit required. If you do have a credit background, you can qualify for a credit limit of up to $5,000.
The credit card comes with a rewards program that offers up to 6% cash back by referring friends. You start out with 1% cash back and receive an extra 0.5% cash back for a full year for every friend you refer.³ Jasper also has a mobile app to help you manage your transactions and build your financial literacy through targeted advice.
Suitable for?
Jasper is especially suitable for professionals who are relocating to the US or recent college graduates with limited or no credit history. You don’t need a credit history to apply for the card, although if you do, Jasper will check it out. Instead, Jasper considers factors like your income and employment history to determine whether you qualify. You also don’t need a social security number to apply if you are new to the US and on a work visa (you must submit a social security number within 60 days of activating your card).
Interest Rates and Fees
Jasper charges an interest rate between 15.49% and 24.99% APR depending on your creditworthiness at the time of application. Cash advances carry an interest rate between 24.99% and 29.99% APR. The Jasper Mastercard has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
| APR for Purchases | 15.49%-24.99% |
| APR for Cash Advances | 24.99%-29.99% |
| Annual Fee | None |
Rewards & cash back
Jasper offers up to 6% cash back by referring friends. You start out with 1% cash back and receive an additional 0.5% cash back for a full year for every friend you successfully refer. cash back is automatically credited to your account each month after three on-time payments, and you can earn cash back as long as your account is in good standing. See Jasper’s terms and fees for more information.
The Application Process
You can apply for the Jasper Mastercard online. You must submit your social security number unless you are new to the US on a work visa. You must also consent to a credit check, although a credit history is not required to apply and a credit check is only performed if you have been living in the U.S. for over a year at the time of application. Jasper will offer you a credit limit of up to $5,000 and interest rates for purchases and cash advances based on your creditworthiness.
Help & Support
Jasper offers support by email only and typically responds within one business day.
Security
Jasper uses Plaid to connect your bank account during the application process and only ships credit cards to US addresses. If your card is ever lost or stolen, you can report it instantly via the mobile app. Your card also comes with Mastercard’s Identity Theft Resolution Services, which help you detect identity fraud without out-of-pocket expenses.
FAQ
Does my cash back expire?
Your cash back never expires as long as your account remains open. After three on time payments, it is applied to your account automatically every month as a statement credit, unless your account falls out of good standing.
Does Jasper offer autopayments?
Yes, Jasper has several autopay options so you can pay off your whole balance, pay only your minimum due, or build credit as efficiently as possible.
Conclusion
The Jasper Mastercard is a unique credit card that’s especially suitable for relocating professionals and recent college graduates. There’s no annual fee² and you don’t need a credit history to apply. You can earn up to 6% cash back by referring friends and you’re guaranteed 1% cash back on almost all purchases. The card comes with a mobile app that allows you to track your transactions and offers targeted financial advice.
Methodology
This review was created using information from the Jasper website and cardholder agreement.
Jasper disclosures
¹ If you have just arrived in the U.S. on a work visa, Jasper will not run a hard inquiry with the credit bureaus to process your application. If you are a U.S. citizen, a U.S. permanent resident, or if you have been living in the U.S. for more than one year at the time of application, Jasper will run an inquiry with the credit bureaus. However, application review is always based on multiple criteria, not just your credit score.
² Review the Jasper fee schedule.
³ Your cash back rate will be increased by 0.5% for 12 months for each referred applicant that activates their card, up to a limit of 6% total cash back. To earn 6% cash back, you must successfully refer 10 new cardholders within the same 12-month period. To become eligible to redeem cash back, you must first make three on-time payments. The purchases on which you can earn cash back are limited each billing cycle to an amount equal to your credit limit. Review the Rewards Terms and Conditions.
Michael Graw is a Bellingham, Washington-based writer focusing on finance, tech, and science. His work has been featured in print magazines and high-impact websites. He writes for BestMoney and enjoys helping readers make sense of the options on the market.
