The Aspiration Zero Credit Card is a unique financial product designed for those who are environmentally conscious and seeking to limit their carbon footprint. Issued by Aspiration Partners Inc., this cashback card offers a range of features, including planting a tree with every purchase and going carbon neutral when planting 60 trees in a month.
With a $60 annual fee and running on the Mastercard network, the Aspiration Zero Credit Card caters to individuals with good to excellent credit scores, ranging from 670 to 850. Cardholders can benefit from up to 1% cashback rewards, as well as the opportunity to qualify for a $300 welcome bonus by meeting certain spending criteria.
This review offers an in-depth look at the Aspiration Zero Credit Card, exploring the perks and potential drawbacks for potential cardholders who are focused on combating climate change and want a financial tool that supports their green lifestyle.
Aspiration Zero Credit Card Overview
Key Features
The Aspiration Zero Credit Card is a cashback card issued by Aspiration Partners Inc. It is designed for consumers with good to excellent credit scores (670+). Some of its key features include:
- Regular APR: 13.15% – 22.95% variable
- Annual Fee: $60
- Credit Score Requirement: Good, Excellent (670+)
- Sign-up bonus: Aspiration offers a welcome bonus for new cardholders (details may vary)
- Rewards: Cardholders can earn cashback rewards by planting trees with their purchases
Eco-friendly Initiative
The main focus of the Aspiration Zero Credit Card is to fight climate change and promote an eco-friendly lifestyle. As part of their “Plant Your Change” initiative, Aspiration has designed this card to:
- Plant a tree with every purchase: Every time cardholders use their Aspiration Zero Card, a tree is planted on their behalf
- Go carbon neutral: Aspiration encourages cardholders to plant 60 trees per month, which would make their spending carbon neutral
These efforts align with Aspiration’s broader mission to create a more sustainable and socially conscious banking experience for their customers.
Rewards and Bonuses
Earning Rewards
With the Aspiration Zero credit card, cardholders can earn up to 1% cash back on their purchases. To unlock the full potential of the cash back rewards, users must reach the Carbon Zero status. This is achieved by planting a certain number of trees through transactions made with the card. The card offers a unique opportunity to earn rewards while contributing towards a greener environment.
Redeeming Rewards
Redeeming rewards with the Aspiration Zero credit card is straightforward. The cash back earned can be applied as a statement credit, ensuring users gain value from their rewards. It’s important to note that the rewards rate is based on the cardholder’s progress towards achieving Carbon Zero status. As cardholders increase their tree-planting efforts, they will be able to maximize their earning potential through the rewards program.
Welcome Bonus
When signing up for the Aspiration Zero credit card, new cardholders can take advantage of a generous welcome bonus of $300. This sign-up bonus allows users to start their journey with a solid cash-back reward, thereby maximizing the overall value of the card. However, it’s essential for cardholders to focus on consistent usage and tree-planting efforts to maintain their rewards earning potential throughout their card membership.
Fees and Rates
Annual Fee
The Aspiration Zero Credit Card comes with an annual fee of $60. This fee, which is relatively low for a credit card, needs to be considered when assessing the overall benefits of the card.
APR
The Aspiration Zero Credit Card has a regular APR range of 13.15% – 22.95% (Variable), depending on your creditworthiness. Keep in mind that a higher credit score will likely result in a lower APR, so maintaining good credit is essential.
Foreign Transaction Fee
When using your Aspiration Zero Credit Card outside of the U.S., be aware that it charges a foreign transaction fee of 2% for every transaction made in a foreign currency. Therefore, this card may not be the best choice for frequent travelers or those who regularly make international purchases.
Balance Transfer Fee
Information on the balance transfer fee for the Aspiration Zero Credit Card is not readily available. Please consult the card’s terms and conditions or contact customer service for more information on potential fees related to balance transfers.
Late Payment Fee
It’s essential to pay your Aspiration Zero Credit Card bill on time, as late payments may result in a late payment fee. The specific amount is not available from the provided sources, but consult the card’s terms and conditions or contact customer service for more details.
Returned Payment Fee
If a payment made towards your Aspiration Zero Credit Card bill is returned, a returned payment fee may be charged. The exact amount of the fee is not disclosed in the provided sources, so it’s essential to read the card’s terms and conditions or get in touch with customer service for clarification.
Added Benefits and Services
Partners and Statement Credits
Aspiration Zero has partnered with various eco-conscious brands to offer statement credits. Cardholders can benefit from these credits when shopping at partnered stores, amplifying the impact of their responsible spending. By collaborating with brands that share the same environmental values, Aspiration Zero promotes transparency and sustainability in the fintech sector.
Carbon Neutral Goals
The Aspiration Zero Mastercard is designed to help cardholders achieve carbon neutrality, encouraging users to actively reduce their carbon footprint. By promoting responsible spending and a carbon-conscious lifestyle, the card aims to offset carbon emissions generated by regular card transactions.
Planting Trees and Eco-Conscious Efforts
As a part of their eco-conscious mission, Aspiration Zero aims to plant 125 million trees by 2030. Through partnerships with organizations like One Tree Planted and Eden Reforestation Projects, every transaction made with the card contributes to tree planting efforts. Additionally, the card is made from biodegradable and compostable materials, minimizing plastic waste and environmental impact.
Customer Service and Fraud Liability
Cardholders can enjoy robust customer service support and peace of mind with fraud liability protection. As an additional security measure, the Aspiration App allows users to seamlessly monitor their credit score, track transactions, quickly lock or unlock their card, and access real-time updates on their carbon offsets.
Aspiration App
The Aspiration App offers a user-friendly platform for cardholders to access their account, track spending, and stay up-to-date with the card’s carbon-neutral features. Users can visualize the impact of their transactions on the environment, providing an interactive and immersive experience. The app allows cardholders to conveniently round up their purchases, with the rounded amounts funding further tree-planting initiatives.
Alternatives and Comparisons
In order to evaluate the Aspiration Zero Credit Card offering, it’s useful to compare it to other eco-friendly credit card alternatives.
One example is the Beneficial State Bank credit card. This card shares a similar mission to Aspiration in that it aims to have a positive environmental and social impact through its transactions. Beneficial State Bank is a certified B Corporation and allocates a portion of its profits to support various nonprofit organizations. Comparing the rewards and fees of both cards could help determine which offers better value for your spending habits.
When it comes to card design, both Aspiration Zero and Beneficial State Bank make efforts to reduce their environmental footprint. The Aspiration card is made from recycled plastic which sets it apart from most traditional credit cards. However, other sustainable card options may also use eco-friendly materials in their design.
Evaluating rewards programs and statement credits is another essential aspect of comparing these credit cards. The Aspiration Zero Credit Card offers cashback rewards that can be directly applied as statement credits, or alternatively, you can choose to donate your rewards to support various nonprofit organizations. On the other hand, the Beneficial State Bank card might have different rewards schemes which could be more suitable for specific spending patterns.
Depending on your spending habits and financial goals, choosing between these alternatives may involve taking into account the value of the rewards program and their alignment with your personal values. For some, the Aspiration Zero Credit Card rewards system, along with its commitment to fighting climate change, might prove to be more compelling. Meanwhile, others may prefer a card with lower APR or different perks.
It’s always important to thoroughly review and compare credit card offers before making a final decision, as each card can cater to different needs and preferences. By considering factors such as environmental impact, rewards programs, fees, and card designs, you can make an informed choice and select the right eco-friendly credit card for your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the credit limit?
The credit limit for the Aspiration Zero card varies depending on factors such as your credit score, income, and debt. As with most credit cards, the issuer will review your application and determine an appropriate credit limit based on your individual financial situation.
Is pre-approval available?
Aspiration does not currently offer a pre-approval process. You’ll need to apply for the card and receive a decision based on your creditworthiness, just like with other cards. Keep in mind that applying for a credit card can result in a hard inquiry on your credit report, which may temporarily impact your credit score.
How to apply?
To apply for the Aspiration Zero card, visit the Aspiration website and navigate to the credit card section. Complete the online application form, providing your personal and financial details. After submitting the application, you’ll receive a decision on your approval status.
What are annual fees?
The Aspiration Zero credit card has a $60 annual fee, which is not waived in the first year. This means you will be charged this fee each year as a cardholder, even during the first year of having the card.
Any unique perks?
The Aspiration Zero card aims to help cardholders offset their carbon footprint. For every purchase, Aspiration will plant a tree on your behalf. Additionally, if you reach a certain spending threshold (known as “Carbon Zero”), the card will help you completely offset your carbon footprint. Apart from the eco-friendly angle, the card does not offer other significant perks commonly found in credit cards, such as travel rewards or cash back.
Is it a legit card?
Yes, the Aspiration Zero credit card is a legitimate product from Aspiration, a socially conscious bank founded in 2013. Aspiration has a proven track record in providing personal finance solutions focused on sustainability and eco-friendliness. The Aspiration Zero card is issued by Mastercard, making it a widely accepted card available for use at millions of locations worldwide.
