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Aspiration Zero Credit Card
Plant Trees with Every Purchase
- Regular Purchase APR 11.65% to 21.45% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR 11.65% to 21.45% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR 18.25% to 23.25% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee $60
- Credit Needed Excellent , Good
- Processing Network Mastercard
- Plant a tree with every purchase
- Reach carbon neutral and earn 1% cash back for every purchase in that billing period
- Sustainable card design, made with plant-based materials
- Regular Purchase APR: 11.65% to 21.45% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 11.65% to 21.45% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 18.25% to 23.25% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $60
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 2% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $10
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $35
At a Glance
The Aspiration Zero Mastercard is a fintech credit card that strives for carbon neutrality. Like the Aspiration Debit Card, the Zero offers the chance of cash back rewards and tree planting for every purchase made – for a $60 annual fee.
Ideal for Those Who:
- Are passionate about saving the planet
- Want to plant a tree with every eligible card purchase
- Plan on using the card at least once per day, on average
Aspiration Zero Credit Card Review
The Aspiration Zero is a credit card with a difference. The card works exactly like any other credit card but can help users reduce their carbon footprint with regular use.
Aspiration Zero achieves its lofty goals by planting one tree for every purchase made with the card. Make a purchase – and plant a tree – every day, and Aspiration can help the cardholder reach carbon-neutral status. Getting carbon neutral status entitles the cardholder to 1% cash back on all purchases, with this cash back reward payable every eligible month.
Introductory Bonus
The Aspiration Zero offers far more than basic cash back and the prospect of carbon neutrality. The card also comes with a decent sign-up bonus of $300 back after spending at least $3.000 on purchases within the first three months of opening an account. The sign-up cash back offer isn’t spectacular but provides an additional nudge to those on the fence about getting the card – especially as it amounts to 10% cash back on your first $3,000 in spending.
Sustainability Built-In
Aspiration’s commitment to sustainability extends far beyond merely planting trees. The card itself is sourced from sustainable materials, and the physical Aspiration Mastercard is sourced entirely from plant-based material and not plastic. This construction helps the consumer feel good knowing that they are planting trees, earning cash back, and breaking the cycle of creating plastic waste.
Competitive Rates and Fees
The interest rates with Aspiration Zero are competitive with other cash back cards on the market. The APR with the card starts at around 12%, which is significantly lower than the average APR for a cash back credit card. The card features an annual fee of $60. This yearly charge may also be off-putting, but given a chance to plant 60 trees or more every month, it’s worth it for those who have an eye on conservation.
Other Card Features
Other notable features of the Aspiration Zero Mastercard include:
- Zero Fraud Liability
- Mastercard ID Theft Protection
- Monthly reporting to all the major credit bureaus
- Apple Pay and Google Pay compatibility
- EMV chip and contactless payment technology
- Aspiration mobile app to track carbon footprint
- 2% foreign transaction fee
Should You Apply for the Aspiration Zero Mastercard Credit Card?
Overall, Aspiration sets lofty goals of carbon neutrality – goals it mostly meets. The card provides 1% cash back on all purchases after the cardholder reaches carbon neutrality for the billing period – which Aspiration equates to one purchase per day. This goal is very achievable, especially when considering that the company will plant trees for those purchases.
The $60 annual fee might be off-putting to some, especially given the basic rewards, but that charge is justified for those who care about reaching carbon neutral. Each month, reaching that status results in roughly 60 trees being planted, meaning each cardholder can plant over 700 trees every year.
Ultimately, Aspiration Zero offers enough to justify an application for those with excellent credit, a passion for helping the environment, and a desire to earn cash back with every purchase.
