NerdWallet is launching its first consumer-facing bank card known as NerdUp.
Launched in partnership with Evolve Financial institution & Belief and Bond, NerdUp goals to assist shoppers construct credit score responsibly.
The NerdUp card comes with advantages shoppers count on from conventional credit score scores, reminiscent of 1% cashback and free credit score scores.
NerdWallet is increasing from monetary content material manufacturing into client merchandise this week. The California-based firm introduced as we speak it’s launching a bank card known as NerdUp, its first consumer-facing monetary product.
Banking-as-a-service gives the chance for any firm to change into a fintech firm, and NerdWallet is a primary instance of this. By way of partnerships with Evolve Financial institution & Belief and FIS‘ Bond, NerdWallet’s NerdUp goals to assist customers construct and enhance their credit score responsibly.
NerdWallet is concentrated on serving to shoppers and small companies make smarter monetary selections, and the corporate’s new card has a handful of options that assist cardholders construct credit score responsibly. First, the cardboard doesn’t cost a month-to-month payment; it’s free to make use of. Second, NerdUp doesn’t conduct a tough credit score examine, which implies that practically all U.S. adults can qualify. Third, the cardboard solely requires a minimal deposit of $100.
However simply because it’s meant for credit score novices doesn’t imply that the NerdUp card is void of typical bank card advantages. NerdUp cardholders earn 1% cashback on purchases. Every month, the cashback earned is mechanically added to person’s deposit account to spice up their credit score restrict. NerdUp additionally gives customers a free credit score rating, together with insights and suggestions to enhance their monetary state of affairs. Moreover, since NerdUp requires customers to repay their stability each month, the NerdWallet’s bank card gives a 0% rate of interest. This will appear to be semantics, however it’s a key function for customers making an attempt to construct their credit score.
Nonetheless, in keeping with NerdWallet CEO and Co-Founder Tim Chen, the corporate could not add extra monetary merchandise to its lineup. “We don’t try to supply our personal monetary merchandise, however on this case we noticed a chance to handle a spot out there,” stated Chen. A current survey NerdWallet carried out with The Harris Ballot discovered that 23% of Individuals point out {that a} lack of credit score or horrible credit prevents them from reaching their monetary objectives. In one other research, 43% stated their credit score rating has negatively impacted them previously.
“With NerdUp, we imagine we are able to create a win-win-win for shoppers, conventional card issuers, and NerdWallet,” Chen added. “By leveraging our current distribution channels to cut back prices, we’re uniquely positioned to design and supply a product that passes decrease prices on to shoppers, with a secured card that requires a low minimal deposit, no annual charges, and no credit score examine whereas additionally providing money again rewards, serving to shoppers construct good credit score conduct and unlock new credit score alternatives.”
With its launch of NerdUp, NerdWallet is in good firm with different credit-building bank cards. Credit score Karma, Credit score Sesame, Chime, Petal, and Experian all supply credit score constructing packages that require the person to pre-fund their account. And one other fintech, Neu, launched as we speak with its bank card aimed to assist school college students construct their credit score.
With its seasoned model and well-earned client belief, NerdWallet ought to do nicely with its new bank card. Based in 2009, NerdWallet is a public firm listed on the NASDAQ below the ticker NRDS. The corporate has a present market capitalization of $511 million.
Photograph by Redowan Dhrubo on Unsplash
- by William M. Peaster 
