X1 Card – Is the X1 Card Right for You?

Are you looking to build or rebuild your credit history while earning generous rewards on your spending? The X1 Card could be an excellent choice.

This unique credit card takes a different approach to approvals and credit limits, basing decisions on your income rather than just your credit score.

With no annual fee and the potential to earn up to 3X points on purchases, the X1 Card offers an attractive combination of value and rewards. Let’s look at what makes this card stand out in the crowded credit card market in this article.

What is the X1 Card?

The X1 Card is a Visa Signature credit card issued by X1 Inc., a fintech company founded in 2016. Unlike traditional credit cards, the X1 Card doesn’t rely solely on your credit score for approval and credit limit determination. Instead, it considers your current and potential future income as a key factor.

This approach can be particularly beneficial for individuals with limited or poor credit histories but solid incomes. By taking income into account, the X1 Card may offer higher credit limits than what you might receive from a traditional credit card issuer.

Benefits

The X1 Card comes with a range of valuable benefits that add to its overall appeal:

Cell Phone Protection: Get up to $800 in coverage for damage or theft of your cell phone (subject to a $25 deductible) when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your X1 Card.
Trip Interruption/Cancellation Reimbursement: If your trip is interrupted or canceled due to covered reasons, you can be reimbursed for the non-refundable portions of your fare.
Purchase Security: Eligible items purchased with your X1 Card are covered against theft, damage, or involuntary and accidental parting for up to 90 days from the date of purchase.
Extended Warranty Protection: The X1 Card extends the original manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year on eligible warranties of 3 years or less.
Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Decline the rental company’s collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to your X1 Card to receive coverage for damage and theft.

Key Features of the X1 Card

No annual fee
No foreign transaction fees
No late payment fees
Earn 2X points on every dollar spent on the first $1,000 each month
Earn 3X points on the next $6,500 spent after reaching $1,000 in monthly spending
Earn 2X points on all additional spending above $7,500 each month
Earn 4X points for each successful referral (some referrals may earn up to 10X points for a month)
Redeem points for statement credits, gift cards, or stocks with select X1 partners
Visa Signature benefits like purchase protection, travel insurance, and concierge services

Rates, Costs, and Fees

Annual Fee: $0
APR for Purchases: Variable 20.24% – 29.99% APR based on your creditworthiness
Cash Advance APR: Variable 29.24%
No Foreign Transaction Fees
No Late Payment Fees
No Over-Limit Fees

Building Credit with the X1 Card

One of the primary advantages of the X1 Card is its potential to help individuals build or rebuild their credit history. Since the approval process doesn’t rely solely on your credit score, you may have a better chance of getting approved compared to traditional credit cards, even with a limited or poor credit history.

Once approved, the X1 Card will report your account activity to the major credit bureaus, allowing you to establish or improve your credit score through responsible usage and timely payments.

X1 Card Alternatives

While the X1 Card offers a unique value proposition, it’s not the only option available for those looking to build credit or earn rewards. Here are some notable alternatives to consider:

Petal 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa Credit Card: This card also bases approval on factors beyond just your credit score, and offers cash back rewards with no annual fee.
Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students: Designed for students with limited or no credit history, this card offers cash back rewards and the opportunity to build credit.
Secured Credit Cards: These cards require a refundable security deposit but can be a good option for those with poor or no credit history.

How to Apply

Visit the X1 website and click on “Apply Now.”
Complete the pre-qualification form with basic personal and financial information.
X1 will conduct a soft credit pull, which won’t impact your credit score.
If pre-qualified, you’ll be prompted to complete the full application.
Provide additional details like income, housing costs, and monthly expenses.
Review and accept the terms and conditions if approved.
X1 will then conduct a hard credit inquiry and set your credit limit.

How to Activate the Card

Once you receive your X1 Card in the mail, you’ll need to activate it before using it. You can activate your card by:

Call the number provided in the sticker on your new card.
Providing the required information like your card number and security code.
Setting up online account access and enrolling in paperless statements (optional).

Your card will be ready to use once the activation process is complete.

How to Log In

Visit the X1 website and click on “Log In” at the top right corner.
Enter your username (typically your email address) and password.
If you have enabled multi-factor authentication, you’ll be prompted to enter a verification code sent to your registered phone number or email.

Forgotten Login Details

If you forget your login credentials, you can reset them by:

Clicking on the “Forgot Username” or “Forgot Password” links on the login page.
Follow the prompts to reset your username or password using the registered email address or phone number associated with your account.

How to Make Payments

You can make payments on your X1 Card through the following methods:

Online Account: Log in to your online account and navigate to the “Make a Payment” section to pay from a linked bank account or debit card.
Mobile App: Download the X1 mobile app and use the app to make payments from your linked accounts.
Phone: Call the customer service number on the back of your card to make a payment over the phone.
Mail: Send a check or money order to the payment address provided on your monthly statement.

Be sure to make at least the minimum payment due by the due date each month to avoid potential late fees and negative impacts on your credit score.

Is the X1 Card Right for You?

The X1 Card can be an excellent choice for individuals with solid incomes but limited or poor credit histories who are looking to build or rebuild their credit while earning rewards on their spending.

The no-annual-fee structure and the potential to earn up to 3X points on a significant portion of monthly spending make it a compelling option.

However, if you prioritize the flexibility of cash-back redemption or prefer a more traditional credit card with a wider range of redemption options, you may want to consider alternative rewards cards.

Conclusion

The X1 Card offers a unique approach to credit approvals and credit limits, making it an attractive option for those with strong incomes but weaker credit scores.

With its generous rewards program, valuable benefits, and potential to help build or rebuild credit, the X1 Card is worth considering for those looking for a rewarding no-annual-fee credit card option. Just keep in mind the limitations of the redemption options and weigh your priorities accordingly.