Credit One Bank American Express® Card review: A card with unlimited cash back
Great for straightforward rewards
Annual Fee: $39
This content is curated by Intuit Credit Karma’s Editorial team using data from members who were approved for this card or similar cards, or who self-matched this card or similar cards. Intuit Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse this content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.
Here’s the average credit limit of members who matched their Credit One Bank American Express® Card or similar cards.
% of members by credit limit range
The average credit limit for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is $1,710, with $300 being the most common.
Here’s the average credit score of members who matched their Credit One Bank American Express® Card or similar cards.
% of members by credit score range
The average credit score for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is 604, with 572 being the most common. Note this is just one of the deciding factors when it comes to getting approved.
Member stats
Updated daily
56.5%
Average credit utilization (or what percent of the card’s credit limit is being used) of members who matched with this card or similar cards.
44 years
Average age of members who matched this card or similar cards.
$78,443
Average annual income of members who matched this card or similar cards. Note: Income may be estimated for some members by Credit Karma and may differ from members’ actual incomes.
Pros and cons
Unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases
No security deposit required
Offers perks, plus American Express discounts
Annual fee
Low minimum credit line
High purchase APR
Credit One Bank American Express® Card review
Updated November 1, 2024
This date may not reflect recent changes in individual terms.
Written by: Kim Porter
Credit One Bank American Express® Card: Core features
The Credit One Bank American Express® Card may be able to help people with fair credit improve or build a credit history. And while the card has a high APR and an annual fee, cardholders can earn unlimited cash back on all purchases and get access to other perks and benefits.
1% cash back rewards
Credit One Bank American Express® Card users earn unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases, which you’ll automatically get as a statement credit during each statement cycle. If you’re looking for more than just a bare bones card, this might be a nice-to-have feature.
High APR and some other fees
The Credit One Bank American Express® Card’s variable purchase APR, at 29.24%, is high compared to some other cards. It’ll also cost you an annual fee of $39 (you might see different terms on Credit Karma). But if you use the card’s unlimited 1% cash back feature, you may be able to break even on that annual fee if you charge $3,900 per year and pay your balance in full each month.
With this card, you can expect to pay both cash advance and foreign transaction fees. And if you’re late with a payment or don’t have enough cash in your account to cover it, you could be charged a fee of up to $39.
American Express discounts and other perks
Cardholders have access to exclusive American Express benefits, including travel deals, early access to entertainment tickets and other special dining, shopping and travel offers from American Express partners.
The Credit One Bank American Express® Card comes with some other benefits such as retail protection for purchases that are accidentally damaged or stolen and fraud liability if your card is used for unauthorized purchases.
What else you need to know about the Credit One Bank American Express® Card
If you’re considering applying for the Credit One Bank American Express® Card, here are a few more things to keep in mind.
- No security deposit required — This credit card is unsecured, which means you won’t have to put down any cash to open the account.
- Potentially low credit limit — With this card, you might start with just a $300 credit line, but you may be able to qualify for an increase down the road.
- Free online access to Experian credit information — You’ll be able to check your Experian credit score and view a summary of your credit report each month.
- Credit Protection Program available — If you enroll in this optional program, you’ll start paying 96 cents per $100 of your balance each month, up to $10,000. Then, if you lose your job or become disabled, the program covers your card’s minimum payment for up to six payment periods.
Who this card is good for
If you have fair credit and are looking for a card that offers perks like cash back, travel insurance and retail protection, along with exclusive access to some lifestyle benefits from American Express, the Credit One Bank American Express® Card may be a good fit for you. But if you don’t want to pay an annual fee, you might want to consider another card.
Not sure this is the card for you? Consider these alternatives.
- Petal® 2 Visa® Credit Card: This card could be right for those looking for a first-time credit card with strong perks.
- Capital One Platinum Credit Card: This card is designed for people with fair credit and charges no annual fee.
Member reviews
Most helpful positive review
January 29, 2023
Got my American express
— Credit Karma Member
Yes I got my AE! I see that there are some people who complain about the $38.00 initial payment either before or after getting their cards without using them. We'll these complaints are a result of not reading and or nor comprehending what they've read and agreed to. Either way you'll HAVE to pay the fee so griping about it isn't going to change their policies and it's not gonna change the mailing system either. You have it and was approved and that's great! Accept the responsibilities of your new card and it's fee thar come with! Oh I'm not an employee or a robot! Lol
Most helpful negative review
December 19, 2022
Shady company - beware
— Credit Karma Member
Was initially approved for $700 limit. After long wait, got email saying card shipped, after longer wait got nothing. Called company and they claim limit is really $600 and the shipping email was automated, there are delays in shipping card due to "supply chain issues". This is ridiculous and unheard of, and it didn't feel right. Don't need this $600 credit line with annual fees bad enough to deal with shady company. No thank you.