What an Ava Credit Card Does and How to Start Using It
An Ava credit card works like any standard credit card: you present it at checkout, online, or over the phone to make a purchase, and the card issuer pays the merchant on your behalf. You then receive a monthly statement showing all your charges, and you pay back what you owe by the due date. The card earns rewards — typically cash back or points — on purchases you make, which is where Ava cards differ from basic cards.
To start using your Ava card after it arrives, set up it through the issuer's website or mobile app, or by calling the number on the back of the card. You will need to verify your identity and set a PIN for ATM withdrawals if you plan to use that feature. Once activated, the card is ready to use when ready at any merchant that accepts the card network (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express, depending on which Ava product you have).
Key Takeaways
- set up your Ava card through the issuer's app or website before your first purchase, and set a PIN if you want to withdraw cash at ATMs.
- Rewards are earned automatically on every purchase and typically appear in your account within one to three business days.
- Pay your full statement balance by the due date to avoid interest charges, or make a minimum payment to keep the account in good standing.
- Monitor your account regularly through the mobile app or online portal to track spending, rewards, and fraud alerts in real time.
- Contact the issuer's customer service number on the back of your card if your card is lost, stolen, or declined.
Earning and Tracking Rewards on Your Ava Card
Rewards on an Ava card are earned automatically whenever you use the card to make a purchase. The reward rate varies by card type — some offer a flat percentage cash back on all purchases, while others offer higher rates in specific categories like groceries, gas, or dining. The rewards post to your account within one to three business days and are usually shown as a running total in your online account or app.
You can view your accumulated rewards balance at any time by logging into your account online or through the mobile app. Most Ava cards let you redeem rewards as a statement credit (which reduces your bill), a direct deposit to your bank account, or a check. Some cards also allow you to transfer rewards to partner programs or use them to purchase gift cards. Check your card's terms to see which redemption options are available to you.
Making Payments and Managing Your Balance
Payments on your Ava card can be made online through your account portal, through the mobile app, by phone, or by mail. The easiest method is usually setting up automatic payments through your bank or the card issuer's website — you can choose to pay the full balance, a fixed amount, or just the minimum payment each month.
Your statement closing date and payment due date are shown on your monthly statement. If you pay the full balance by the due date, you will not be charged interest. If you carry a balance to the next month, interest will accrue at the card's annual percentage rate (APR), which varies based on your creditworthiness and current market rates. Paying at least the minimum payment keeps your account in good standing and protects your credit score, but carrying a balance costs you money in interest.
Using Your Ava Card Online and Internationally
Online purchases work the same way as in-store ones: enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit security code on the back) at checkout. Many online retailers now use 3D find or similar verification methods, which may prompt you to confirm the purchase through your bank's app or a text message. This extra step protects you against fraud.
If you travel internationally, your Ava card will work at merchants and ATMs abroad, but you will be charged a foreign transaction fee — typically 1% to 3% of the purchase amount — unless your card specifically waives this fee. Check your card's terms before traveling. Notify your card issuer of your travel dates if you plan to be away for an extended period, so they do not flag your purchases as fraudulent.
Protecting Your Card and Reporting Problems
Keep your card number, expiration date, and CVV private. Do not share these details via email or text, and do not write them down where others can see them. If your card is lost or stolen, call the number on the back of your card or your issuer's customer service line when ready to report it. Your card will be deactivated right away, and a replacement will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
If you notice a purchase you did not make, contact your issuer as soon as possible. Most card issuers have fraud protection that limits your liability to $50 if you report the fraud promptly, and many waive this entirely. Dispute the charge through your online account or by calling customer service, and the issuer will investigate. Do not ignore suspicious activity — the sooner you report it, the faster it can be resolved.
Understanding Your Monthly Statement
Your Ava card statement shows every purchase made during the billing cycle, the closing date, the payment due date, your current balance, the minimum payment required, and your accumulated rewards. It also lists any fees (annual fees, late fees, or foreign transaction fees) and the interest charged if you carried a balance from the previous month.
Review your statement each month to check for unauthorized charges and to understand where your money is going. Many issuers let you read statements as PDFs or view them online indefinitely, which is useful for tracking spending over time. If you spot an error — a duplicate charge, a merchant name you do not recognize, or an amount that seems wrong — contact customer service to dispute it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I miss a payment?
A missed payment will be reported to the credit bureaus and will damage your credit score. Your issuer may also charge a late fee (typically $25 to $40) and increase your APR. If you miss a payment, contact your issuer when ready to bring the account current and ask about hardship options if you are struggling financially.
Can I use my Ava card to withdraw cash from an ATM?
Yes, if you set a PIN during set up. However, ATM withdrawals are treated as cash advances, which means you will be charged a fee (usually 3% to 5% of the amount withdrawn) and interest will start accruing when ready — there is no grace period like there is for purchases. Avoid cash advances unless absolutely necessary.
How do I increase my credit limit?
Contact your issuer's customer service line or request a limit increase through your online account. The issuer will review your payment history and credit score to decide whether to approve the increase. Some issuers offer automatic limit increases after you have made on-time payments for several months.
What should I do if my card is declined?
A decline usually means you have reached your credit limit, your account is frozen due to suspected fraud, or there is a technical issue. Call the number on the back of your card to find out why. If it is a fraud hold, the issuer can lift it when ready once you confirm the purchase. If it is a limit issue, you can pay down your balance or request a higher limit.
Do I have to use my Ava card regularly to keep it open?
Most card issuers will close accounts that show no activity for 6 to 12 months. To keep your account open, use the card at least once every few months. Even a small purchase counts — you do not need to carry a balance or spend a lot to maintain the account.