Aven Credit Card is a real Mastercard issued by WebBank, a Utah-based bank
Aven is not a scam, but it is a secured credit card — meaning you put down a cash deposit that becomes your credit limit. WebBank, which holds the banking license, is a real FDIC-insured institution. The card itself works like any other Mastercard at stores and online. Where Aven differs from a standard credit card is that it requires upfront money and targets people rebuilding credit or with no credit history.
The card is marketed heavily online and through social media, which is why many people wonder if it is legitimate. That marketing volume does not make it fraudulent, but it does mean you should understand what you are actually getting before you hand over money. Aven makes money by charging you fees — not by stealing your information or running a scam.
Key Takeaways
- Aven is issued by WebBank, a real FDIC-insured bank, and functions as a legitimate Mastercard.
- You must deposit cash upfront (usually $200 to $2,500) to get a credit line of the same amount.
- Aven charges an annual fee, a monthly maintenance fee, and other fees that add up quickly and reduce the value compared to other secured cards.
- Your payment history reports to the three major credit bureaus, so the card can help build credit if you use it responsibly.
- Aven is real, but whether it makes sense for you depends on whether the fees are worth what you are paying for credit-building.
How Aven Works and What It Costs
When you open an Aven account, you deposit money into a savings account held at WebBank. That deposit becomes your credit limit. If you deposit $500, you get a $500 credit limit. You then use the card like a normal credit card — make purchases, receive a bill, and pay it back each month.
The fees are where Aven's cost becomes clear. Most secured cards charge an annual fee, but Aven also charges a monthly maintenance fee (sometimes called a service fee). On top of that, there are fees for late payments, returned payments, and cash advances. A $200 deposit with a $95 annual fee and $10 monthly maintenance fee means you are paying roughly $215 per year just to hold the card — before you make a single purchase or miss a payment. That is a significant cost for a $200 credit line.
Your deposit sits in a savings account and earns little to no interest. You cannot access that money while the account is open. Once you close the account or graduate to an unsecured card, you get the deposit back.
How Aven Reports to Credit Bureaus
Aven reports your payment activity to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — the three major credit bureaus. This is the main reason to consider a secured card at all. If you pay your bill on time every month, that positive history builds your credit score over time. If you miss payments or pay late, that damage also reports to your credit file.
The reporting itself is legitimate and works the same way as any other credit card. The value depends on your situation. If you have no credit history or are recovering from past damage, a secured card can be a tool to demonstrate responsible borrowing. If you already have access to unsecured cards or other credit products with lower fees, Aven is likely not the best choice.
Comparing Aven to Other Secured Cards
Aven is not the only secured card on the market. Other options include the Capital One Secured Mastercard, the Discover Secured Card, and the OpenSky Secured Visa. These cards vary in their deposit requirements, fees, and terms.
| Card | Deposit Range | Annual Fee | Monthly Fee | Reports to Credit Bureaus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aven | $200–$2,500 | ~$95 | ~$10 | Yes |
| Capital One Secured | $200–$2,500 | $0 | $0 | Yes |
| Discover Secured | $200–$2,500 | $0 | $0 | Yes |
| OpenSky Secured | $200–$3,000 | $35 | $0 | Yes |
Capital One and Discover both charge no annual or monthly fees, which makes them significantly cheaper than Aven over time. If you can open either of those cards, you will save money and get the same credit-building benefit. OpenSky charges an annual fee but no monthly fee, which is still lower than Aven's combined annual and monthly costs.
The reason to choose Aven over these alternatives would be if you cannot open a Capital One, Discover, or OpenSky card — for example, if you have a very poor credit history or are new to the country. Aven's approval standards are looser, but that flexibility comes at a higher price.
Red Flags to Watch For
Aven itself is not a scam, but there are real risks to be aware of. First, the aggressive online marketing can create false urgency or make promises that the card itself cannot keep. No credit card can may provide that your credit score will improve — that depends entirely on how you use it. Second, the fees can add up faster than you expect, especially if you carry a balance or miss a payment.
Third, make sure you are signing up through Aven's official website or a trusted partner, not through a third-party site that claims to help you. Some websites pose as credit card comparison tools but are actually affiliate sites designed to earn commissions when you sign up. They may add extra steps or collect unnecessary information.
Fourth, never pay an upfront fee to someone claiming they can get you a credit card. Legitimate credit card issuers do not charge fees before you open an account. If someone asks you to pay money before you can explore, that is a scam — Aven is not involved in that transaction.
When Aven Might Make Sense for You
Aven is worth considering if you have exhausted other options and genuinely cannot open a Capital One, Discover, or OpenSky card. This might happen if you have very recent negative credit events, no credit history at all, or if you are rebuilding after bankruptcy or default. In those situations, the higher fees are a trade-off for access to credit when other doors are closed.
Aven also makes sense if you are certain you will use the card responsibly — making small purchases and paying the full balance every month. The credit-building benefit only works if you demonstrate on-time payment. If you think you might carry a balance or miss payments, the fees will compound the damage to your finances and credit score.
Before you open an Aven account, check whether you can open a Capital One Secured or Discover Secured card first. Both have straightforward online applications and will tell you within minutes whether you are approved. If either of those works, choose it and save the monthly fees.
What Happens After You Build Credit
The goal of a secured card is to use it as a stepping stone to an unsecured card. After 6 to 18 months of on-time payments, you may be able to graduate to a regular credit card with no deposit requirement. Aven allows this transition — you can request to convert your account to an unsecured card, and if approved, your deposit is returned to you.
Some people also close their secured card after building credit elsewhere and move to a different card entirely. Either way, the deposit you put down is not lost — it comes back to you once the account is closed or converted. The fees you paid along the way are gone, but the credit history you built stays on your report and continues to help your score.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aven a real credit card or a scam?
Aven is a real credit card issued by WebBank, an FDIC-insured bank. It is not a scam. However, the high fees make it more expensive than competing secured cards, so you should compare your options before signing up.
Can I get my deposit back?
Yes. Your deposit is held in a savings account at WebBank and is returned to you when you close the account or convert to an unsecured card. You cannot access it while the account is open, but it is not at risk.
Will Aven help me build credit?
Yes, if you use it responsibly. Aven reports to all three credit bureaus, so on-time payments build your credit history. Late or missed payments will damage your score the same way they would with any other card.
What if I cannot afford the monthly fees?
The monthly maintenance fee makes Aven expensive for small deposits. If the fees are a burden, look at Capital One Secured or Discover Secured instead — both charge no monthly or annual fees and have the same credit-building benefit.
How long does it take to graduate to a regular credit card?
Most secured cards, including Aven, allow you to request conversion to an unsecured card after 6 to 18 months of on-time payments. Approval is not may provide and depends on your credit history and payment record with Aven.