Petal Credit Card: A Smart Option for Building Credit Without Fees

For anyone looking to build or rebuild credit without getting trapped in unnecessary fees, the Petal credit card stands out as a solid choice. 

This guide will walk you through what Petal offers, including card features, interest rates, the application process, and important bank contact information. 

ADVERTISING

Overview: What is Petal?

Petal is a financial technology company that partners with WebBank, Member FDIC, to issue credit cards that use more than just credit scores to evaluate applicants. 

To assess spending and income behavior, providing a more flexible way to qualify for a credit card, even if you have limited or no credit history.

Their two products (Petal 1 and Petal 2) share a mission to eliminate common credit card barriers, such as annual fees and excessive penalties.

ADVERTISING

Petal 1: For Credit Starters and Rebuilders

The Petal 1 Visa Credit Card is ideal for those just starting out with credit or working to rebuild after setbacks.

Key Features:

  • Annual Fee: $0
  • Late/Returned Payment Fees: Up to $40 and $29, respectively
  • Variable APR: 28.99% to 33.99%
  • Credit Limit: $300 to $5,000 (subject to approval)
  • Cashback Rewards: 2% to 10% at select merchants (through Petal Offers)
  • APR: varies between 28.99% and 33.99%, depending on your credit profile and financial behavior.

Petal 2: For Responsible Spenders Seeking More Rewards

The Petal 2 Visa Credit Card is better suited for individuals with a bit more credit experience or a stronger financial profile.

ADVERTISING

Key Features:

  • Annual Fee: $0
  • No Late Fees or Foreign Transaction Fees
  • Variable APR: 28.99% to 30.99%
  • Credit Limit: $300 to $10,000 (based on approval)

Cash Back Rewards:

  • 1% on eligible purchases right after approval
  • 1.25% after 6 on-time monthly payments
  • 1.5% after 12 on-time monthly payments
  • 2% to 10% at select merchants via Petal Offers

This card incentivizes timely payments and consistent financial behavior by gradually increasing your rewards rate. 

Petal 2 also does away with all fees, making it one of the few truly no-fee credit cards on the market.

What Are The Petal Credit Card Requirements?

You must be at least 18 years old, reside in one of the 50 U.S. states, and link a U.S.-based checking or savings account.

You also must have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).​

Applicants residing in correctional institutions are ineligible, also individuals who currently have or previously had a Petal card.​

Those who have filed for bankruptcy within the past 48 months are disqualified.

Application Process: What You Need to Apply

The Petal Credit Card application on the website includes a pre-qualification step that does not affect your credit score.

  1. Pre-qualification Check – Fill in some basic information to see which card you're eligible for (Petal 1 or Petal 2).
  2. Submit Personal Details – You’ll need to provide your full name, phone number, home address, Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN, annual income, and expenditures.
  3. Verify Income and Financial Activity – You may be asked to link your bank account to securely share income and expense data, allowing Petal to evaluate your application even if your credit score is low or nonexistent.
  4. Review and Approval – If approved, you’ll receive a credit limit and APR based on your financial profile.

How Petal Helps You Build Credit

Both cards report to all three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—which is essential for building a positive credit history.

Additionally, Petal offers a feature called the Leap Program, where your credit limit may be automatically increased after 6 months of on-time payments. 

This not only boosts your credit score by improving your credit utilization ratio but also rewards responsible card usage.

Cashback Breakdown

The cashback rewards are deposited as a statement credit, reducing your balance. This is especially useful for budgeting and managing monthly payments.

Card Cashback Rate Extra Offers
Petal 1 2% - 10% at select merchants Via Petal Offers
Petal 2 1% to 1.5% on all eligible purchases 2% - 10% at merchants

Interest and Repayment Details

Both cards come with a grace period of at least 25 days after your billing cycle ends. 

If you pay your balance in full within this window, you won’t be charged interest.

Interest is calculated using the average daily balance method—a standard approach among credit card issuers.

To avoid costly interest, aim to pay off your statement balance in full each month.

Customer Service and Contact Information

If you have questions or need support, you can reach Petal Credit Card customer service using the details below:

  • Phone Support: 1-855-697-3825 (Monday–Friday, 9 AM – 6 PM EST)
  • Email: support@petalcard.com
  • Mailing Address for Payments: Petal, P.O. Box 1150, New York, NY 10008-1150
  • Mailing Address for Documents: Petal Card Inc., MSC – 166931, P.O. Box 105168, Atlanta, GA 30348-5168

Who Should Consider a Petal Credit Card?

It is especially useful for college students, young professionals, those recovering from financial difficulties, and newcomers without a U.S. credit history.

The Petal 1 is a strong option if you’re starting out or have a lower credit profile. 

Petal 2 is better suited if you already have some history and want extra rewards and no fees.

Final Thoughts

The Petal 1 and Petal 2 credit cards are some of the most accessible and consumer-friendly products available for credit building. 

With no annual fees, cashback rewards, and a modern approval process that goes beyond just credit scores, these cards help make credit more inclusive.

If you're committed to improving your financial future, Petal offers a practical, low-risk entry point. Apply responsibly, pay on time, and watch your credit profile grow.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Terms, conditions, and interest rates may change; please visit the official Petal Card website or contact customer service for the most up-to-date details. Card approval is subject to creditworthiness and other eligibility criteria determined by WebBank, Member FDIC.

No posts to display