The Maverick Credit Card is a no-annual-fee option for people building or rebuilding credit
The Maverick Credit Card charges no annual fee and reports to all three major credit bureaus, which means your payment history can help build your credit score over time. The card is issued by Pathward, N.A., a bank that specializes in credit products for people with limited or damaged credit histories. There is no rewards program, no cash back, and no sign-up bonus — the card's value lies in access to credit and the ability to demonstrate responsible payment behavior.
This is a unsecured credit card, meaning you do not need to put down a cash deposit to open the account. That distinguishes it from secured cards, which require a deposit that becomes your credit limit. The trade-off is that the card carries a higher interest rate than cards for people with excellent credit, and approval depends on a credit check.
Key Takeaways
- The Maverick card has no annual fee and reports to all three credit bureaus, making it useful for building credit history from scratch.
- The card carries a variable interest rate (APR) that depends on your creditworthiness at the time you open the account.
- There are no rewards, cash back, or sign-up bonuses — you pay interest on any balance you carry.
- You can request a credit limit increase after making on-time payments for several months, though approval is not may provide.
- The card is unsecured, so you do not need a deposit, but approval requires a credit check and a Social Security number.
Interest rates and fees you will actually pay
The Maverick card's annual percentage rate (APR) is variable, which means it can change over time. The exact rate you receive depends on your credit score and credit history at the time you open the account. People with lower credit scores typically receive higher APRs. Pathward does not publish a single rate; instead, you will see a range in the offer you receive.
Beyond the APR, the card charges a late fee if you miss a payment. There is no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee, and no fee for going over your credit limit (though going over your limit may trigger a penalty APR). If you carry a balance, interest accrues daily on the unpaid amount.
How to open a Maverick Credit Card account
You can open an account online through Pathward's website or by phone. The process takes about 15 minutes. You will need your Social Security number, a valid government-issued ID, your date of birth, and current income information. Pathward will run a hard credit inquiry, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points.
After you submit your process, you will receive a decision within minutes or within a few business days, depending on whether additional verification is needed. If you are approved, your card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can set up online account access when ready after approval, even before the physical card arrives.
If you are denied, you can reapply after addressing the reason for denial — usually a very recent late payment, a very low credit score, or too many recent credit inquiries. Pathward will tell you the specific reason if you ask.
Building credit with the Maverick card
The Maverick card reports your payment history, credit limit, and balance to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion every month. This means every on-time payment you make strengthens your credit score, and every late payment damages it. The card is most useful if you plan to make small purchases and pay them off in full each month, so you avoid interest charges.
Your credit utilization — the percentage of your credit limit that you are using — also affects your score. If your credit limit is $500 and you carry a $400 balance, your utilization is 80 percent, which can lower your score. Keeping your balance below 30 percent of your limit is ideal for credit building.
After 6 to 12 months of on-time payments, you can request a credit limit increase. Pathward will review your account and may raise your limit without another hard credit inquiry. A higher limit makes it easier to keep your utilization low, which helps your score.
When the Maverick card makes sense for you
The Maverick card is useful if you have a credit score below 650, no credit history at all, or a recent late payment or collection account. It is also a reasonable choice if you have been denied for other unsecured cards and want to rebuild without a secured card deposit.
The card is not a good choice if you plan to carry a balance month to month. The APR is high enough that interest charges will outweigh any credit-building benefit. If you cannot pay your full balance each month, a secured card with a lower APR or a credit-builder loan may be a better option.
The card is also not useful if you are looking for rewards, cash back, or travel benefits. There are no perks beyond credit reporting.
Comparing the Maverick card to other options
| Feature | Maverick Card | Typical Secured Card | Credit-Builder Loan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | None | $0–$50 | None |
| Deposit Required | No | Yes ($200–$2,500) | No |
| APR | Variable, typically 24%+ | Variable, typically 18%–24% | Fixed, typically 6%–12% |
| Reports to Credit Bureaus | Yes, all three | Yes, all three | Yes, all three |
| Best For | No deposit available; building from very low score | Willing to deposit cash; want lower APR | Prefer fixed payments; want lowest cost |
A secured card requires you to deposit cash (usually $200 to $2,500) that becomes your credit limit. The APR is typically lower than the Maverick card, and you get your deposit back after 12 to 24 months of on-time payments. A secured card makes sense if you have cash available and want to minimize interest charges.
A credit-builder loan works differently: you borrow money from a credit union or bank, but the money is held in a savings account while you make monthly payments. Once you finish paying, you get the money. The APR is usually the lowest of the three options, and you build credit by making payments on time. A credit-builder loan is the cheapest way to build credit if you can may have access to and can commit to monthly payments.
Managing your Maverick account after opening it
Set up automatic payments for at least the minimum amount due each month. Missing even one payment will damage your credit score and trigger a late fee. If you can, pay the full balance every month to avoid interest charges.
Log into your account online or through the Pathward mobile app to check your balance, view your statement, and update your contact information. Pathward will send you a paper statement each month, but you can also view statements online.
After several months of on-time payments, contact Pathward to request a credit limit increase. There is no penalty for asking, and approval does not require another hard credit inquiry if Pathward reviews your account internally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get approved for the Maverick card if I have no credit history?
Yes. Pathward approves people with no credit history, though approval is not may provide. You will need a Social Security number, a valid ID, and proof of income. Having a bank account and a steady job history improves your chances.
What happens if I miss a payment?
You will be charged a late fee (the amount varies). Your payment will be reported as late to the credit bureaus, which will lower your credit score. After 30 days late, the late payment appears on your credit report. After 60 or 90 days, Pathward may close your account or charge off the debt.
Can I use the Maverick card internationally?
Yes, the card works at merchants and ATMs worldwide. There is no foreign transaction fee. However, your bank or the ATM operator may charge their own fees for international withdrawals.
How long does it take to build credit with this card?
You will see small improvements within 30 to 60 days of opening the account, as long as you make on-time payments. Larger improvements typically take 6 to 12 months. The longer your payment history, the more your score improves.
What if I want to close my Maverick account?
You can close your account by calling Pathward or through your online account. Closing the account does not remove your payment history from your credit report, so the account will continue to help your score for years. However, closing an account can lower your score temporarily because it reduces your total available credit.