Credit card review
Aspire Cash Back Rewards Card Review
AspireMastercardSecuredCash back
Aspire Cash Back Rewards Card earned 2.0 / 5 in our 2026 review. The Aspire Cash Back Rewards Card earns 3% on gas with a $175 annual fee. Here is the full Fintiex review for 2026.
By the Fintiex Card Desk · Updated 2026-08-04
Aspire
Aspire Cash Back Rewards Card
Aspire
Aspire Cash Back Rewards Card
TL;DR
Annual fee
$175
Signup bonus
None
Top reward rate
3% on gas
Intro APR
None
Issuer
Aspire
Network
Mastercard
Min credit score
300
Fintiex rating
2.0 / 5
Pros
- +3% cash back on gas, groceries, and utility payments, 1% on everything else, unusual for a subprime card
- +Unsecured, so no security deposit required
- +Prequalification with a soft pull that does not hurt your score
- +Reports to all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)
- +Credit limits up to $1,000 for the strongest approved profiles
Cons
- -Annual fee is $85 to $175 the first year, then $49 plus a $5 to $15 monthly maintenance fee starting in year two (up to about $229 per year), as of mid-2026; exact fees vary by offer
- -Fee math: a $175 first-year fee on a $350 starting limit consumes 50% of your available credit on day one
- -The cash back cannot outrun the fees: you would need over $5,800 a year in 3% category spending just to cover a $175 fee, unrealistic on a limit this small
- -Purchase APR of 29.99% to 36% makes carrying any balance very expensive
- -Issued by The Bank of Missouri and serviced by Atlanticus, a fee-heavy subprime program with frequent servicing complaints
- -A Discover it Secured earns 2% at gas stations and restaurants with a $0 annual fee and a refundable $200 deposit; it beats Aspire on both cost and rewards for anyone who can fund the deposit
- -Verdict: the cash back is a distraction, not a reason to apply; only consider Aspire if you cannot fund any deposit, were declined for Mission Lane, and you land one of the lower-fee offers
Rewards detail
gas
3%
groceries
3%
utilities
3%
everything else
1%
Rates and fees
Annual fee
$175
Purchase APR
29.99% to 36%
Variable, based on prime rate and creditworthiness
Intro APR
Not offered
Balance transfer APR
29.99% to 36%
Cash advance APR
36%
Balance transfer fee
None
Foreign transaction fee
3%
Who it's for
The Aspire Cash Back Rewards Card is built for people who want a secured or cash back card. Most approvals land at FICO 300 and above, but issuers prefer scores near 550. If your credit profile is below the minimum, look at one of the secured or student picks on our hub before applying to avoid an unnecessary hard inquiry.
Not sure this is the right fit? See our best secured cards roundup.
Compare with similar cards
Frequently asked questions
Does the Aspire Cash Back Rewards Card have a foreign transaction fee?
Yes. The Aspire Cash Back Rewards Card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee on purchases made outside the United States. If you travel internationally often, pair this card with a no-foreign-fee travel card.
What credit score do I need for the Aspire Cash Back Rewards Card?
Approvals typically start around a FICO score of 300, but Aspire prefers 550 and above. Income, debt-to-income ratio, and existing relationships with the issuer also factor in.
Does the Aspire Cash Back Rewards Card have a welcome offer?
No. The Aspire Cash Back Rewards Card does not run a traditional signup bonus right now. The ongoing rewards rate is the main reason to apply, not a one-time promotion.
Does the Aspire Cash Back Rewards Card have a 0% intro APR offer?
No. The Aspire Cash Back Rewards Card does not currently offer a 0% intro APR period. The standard variable purchase APR is 29.99% to 36%. If you need a 0% intro card for a big purchase or balance transfer, check our 0% APR picks instead.
How much is the annual fee on the Aspire Cash Back Rewards Card?
$175 per year. To break even you need to earn enough rewards and credits to cover that fee. We walk through the math in the rewards detail section above.
Is the Aspire Cash Back Rewards Card worth it?
Fintiex rates the Aspire Cash Back Rewards Card 2.0 out of 5 for 2026. It is best for secured and cash back. Compare against our top picks in each category before you apply to make sure it matches your spending pattern.
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