The Sable Secured Credit Card is one of the better credit building platforms for people who are looking to repair their credit. It has some great features, as well as a few drawbacks. In this Sable Credit Card Review, we’ll take a closer look at its pros and cons to help you decide if it is the right option for you.
What is Sable?
Sable was founded by U.S. immigrants who encountered a number of challenges with the country’s financial system. Among the toughest challenges were difficulties in receiving their salaries, the inability to open a U.S. credit card, and unusually high rental security deposits.
After navigating the difficult international banking experience in the United States, the founders decided that something needed to change. With that experience in mind, the Sable Card was created to provide a simple banking experience for users from all over the world.
Sable believes in the principles of easy and borderless banking that provides equal access regardless of citizenship.
What is a Secured Credit Card?
A secured credit card is one that requires a deposit or security to be used as collateral. This makes it an excellent choice for people with poor or limited credit histories who may not qualify for traditional unsecured cards.
Secured credit cards are typically easier to obtain than unsecured cards and have a less stringent credit score and income requirements.
Depending on the issuer, the collateral deposit can range from $200 to $2,000. The size of the security deposit usually determines your credit limit; some issuers offer cards with deposits of up to $5,000. You can use the card just like any other credit card.
Rebuilding Your Credit with A Secured Card
A secured credit card is an excellent tool for rebuilding your credit. By using a secured card, you demonstrate to lenders that you are a responsible borrower who can manage payments successfully.
Your monthly activity is reported to the three major credit bureaus, Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax, by the bank or lender. A good track record using a secured credit card contributes to the development of a positive credit history and the improvement of your credit score.
The benefits of using a secured card don’t stop there. Many credit card issuers will allow you to convert your secured credit card into an unsecured card after 6-12 months of consistent use and payment history, giving you greater spending power and higher credit limits.
Overall, a secured credit card can be a great way to rebuild your credit and get back on track with financial security.
The Sable Secured Credit Card Overview
Card Basics and Benefits
Cash Back Rewards
Dollar-for-dollar match of cash back earned in your first year. If you use your card frequently during the first year of membership, you could end up with a lot of cashback rewards
Earn 2% Cash Back
You can earn 2% cash back on everyday purchases at Amazon, Uber, Uber Eats, Whole Foods, Netflix, and Spotify. Plus you can earn 1% cash back on all other purchases. This is a very valuable benefit considering that most secured cards do not offer rewards for purchases
Graduate to Unsecured
Auto-review to an unsecured credit card in as fast as 4 months, 3X faster than anywhere else with Sable’s graduation promise.
You can graduate from a secured credit card to an unsecured one by following the Sable “Path to Unsecured Credit” plan. Sable will take into account elements like your monthly active usage, your history of timely payments, and your outstanding balance when determining whether you are eligible to graduate.
Build Your Credit Faster
Offers enhanced reporting on more data points than any other card so you can build your credit faster.
Sable credit activity reports to all three major credit bureaus, including Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion, and will show up on your credit report. If you’re able to build your credit score to 700+ in 12 months, Sable will reward you with $25 for your efforts.
Credit Limit up to $10,000
Sable accepts deposits of up to $10,000, resulting in a $10,000 credit limit Most secured credit cards require a security deposit to establish your credit line, and your deposit amount is frequently limited.
US Credit History is not Required
You can apply for Sable without having your credit checked, so the process has no effect on your credit score.
SSN is not Required for Non-US Citizens
You can submit an application if you don’t have a Social Security number (SSN) and are not a citizen of the United States by using your passport and U.S. visa. SSNs must be provided when applying by US citizens.
Zero Annual Fee
This card has no annual fee, making it simple to determine whether it’s worth keeping year after year.
Cell Phone Protection
If you pay your monthly cell phone bill with this card, you’ll get protection for your phone against damage or theft.
Car Rental Insurance
You receive car rental coverage against damage or theft through Master Rental Insurance.
Price Protection
If you purchase something and find it cheaper somewhere else within a certain amount of time, you can get the difference in price back.
New Purchase Insurance
Receive coverage against theft or damage to new purchases for up to 90 days.
Travel Assistance
When traveling abroad, receive assistance with emergency roadside situations, destination information, and contact information for a network of physicians, embassies, and attorneys.
Satisfaction Guarantee
Get protection for eligible purchases that the merchant refuses to accept for returns within 60 days of purchase.
Rates and Fees
Intro Purchase APR – N/A
Regular Purchase APR – Prime + 6.99% (Variable)
Intro BT APR – N/A
Regular BT APR – N/A
Annual Fee – $0
Cash Advance Fee – N/A
Foreign Transaction Fee – 2% fee on all foreign transactions.
Balance Transfer Fee – N/A
Drawbacks
No Balance Transfers
Balance transfers are not permitted with the Sable Credit Card. But the majority of secured credit cards lack this function.
Minimal Reward Benefits
If the reward categories don’t match your regular expenses, there isn’t much you can do with this card. There are some well-liked categories on the Sable Credit Card, but they might not be suitable for everyone.
Requires a Sable Bank Account
You must have a Sable bank account to make the security deposit for the Secured Sable One Credit Card. If you don’t already have a bank account, Sable’s emphasis on online banking via its mobile app may provide an easy way to manage your money, and each account is FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per depositor through Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC.
Cash Back Restrictions
The 2% cash back rate on this card is only available for purchases made at select merchants such as Amazon, Uber, Uber Eats, Whole Foods, Netflix, and Spotify. Other purchases will result in a 1% cash back rebate. If you don’t do a lot of shopping at merchants that qualify for the 2% rate, the rewards program may be less appealing.
You should also be aware of the $20,000 annual spending cap, after which you will not be able to receive cash back on your purchases.
Is the Sable Secured Credit Card Right for You?
The Sable Secured Credit Card, like the majority of secured credit cards, is intended to assist those with poor credit or little credit history in improving their credit. It has lax credit requirements, such as no credit check and no requirement for a Social Security number (or U.S. credit history).
The company claims that Sable provides enhanced reporting on more data points than any other card, allowing you to reach your credit-building goals faster. For those who are new to the United States and are attempting to build a credit history here, it might also be a wise choice.
Alternatives
Kikoff
Kikoff is a fintech firm that provides individuals with tools and solutions to create and enhance their credit profiles, aiding in the establishment and improvement of creditworthiness.
Credit Strong
Credit Strong is a financial service company that offers credit-building products designed to help individuals strengthen their credit histories and achieve greater financial stability over time.
Conclusion
In this Sable Credit Card Review, we’ve highlighted features and benefits that make it a viable option for those with no credit history or who need to repair damaged credit. It might not be the best option for everyone who’s in the same boat, but the ability to build credit while also earning cash back is very very appealing.
FAQ
How to open an account with Sable?
Go to the Sable website and click on ‘Open An Account.’ Sable will inquire about your personal information. Once your contact information has been verified, you must download the Sable app to complete your account.
Prepare your information ahead of time. If you do not have a Social Security Number, you should bring your passport, a U.S. Visa, and proof of residency in the United States. A scan of the passport will be required.
This should take no longer than 5 minutes.
Is it safe and secure?
Through Sable’s partner, Coastal Community Bank, the funds in your Sable deposit account are FDIC-insured. The funds are thus protected for up to $250,000. Furthermore, the credit card provides Zero Liability protection, which should shield you from liability for unauthorized charges.
How to contact sable?
You can email them at help@sablecard.com or give them a call at 1-888-583-8383.
You can also get in touch via social media:
Facebook @sablemoney
Instagram @sablecard
Twitter @sable_card
LinkedIn @sable-card
