Discover the Process to Apply for the Varo Believe Card
Varo Believe, true to its name, represents a journey for the world to place their trust in you — and to grant you the credit you rightfully earn.
If you’re looking to establish or restore your credit safely in the U.S. without hidden fees, the Varo Believe Credit-Builder Card could be just what you need.
Essential Information
Varo Bank is a digital banking platform that provides simplified banking services, entirely online and free from conventional bank fees.
With more than 4 million customers, Varo provides a no-fee checking account, early direct deposits, cash advances, fixed-rate personal loans, and a secured credit card.
The Varo Believe is a legitimate credit card—not a prepaid one—allowing users to make everyday purchases. It requires a security deposit moved from your checking account into a separate secured account.
The amount you deposit into the card’s account determines your spending limit. For example, if you deposit $400, your spending limit will be $400 for the billing cycle.
This card has no annual fee, offers 0% APR, and imposes no foreign transaction fees. To help prevent debt, the Varo app activates Safe Pay, which sets aside the necessary funds to pay your full statement each cycle.
Varo reports your payment history to all three major credit bureaus in the United States: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Users have reported an average increase of over 40 points in their credit scores within the first 3 months of responsible usage.
Varo does not conduct a hard credit check because the card’s aim is to assist in building or rebuilding credit.
Eligibility Criteria
The Varo Believe Card is available to a broad audience, specifically tailored to accommodate diverse financial situations.
Here are the eligibility requirements:
- Maintain an active Varo bank account. This account is free and can be set up via the app.
- Have at least $200 in eligible deposits (salary, external transfers, etc.) within the past 31 days.
- Keep your Varo account in good standing with no negative balance and no delays on the “Varo Advance” feature.
Should you fulfill these requirements, the Varo app will automatically extend an invitation for you to apply for the Believe Card.
This means you won’t have to hunt for an “Apply” button on the site — the application process will pop up as soon as you’re eligible.
One more important detail: there’s no conventional credit check (no hard inquiry). This is excellent for newcomers or anyone looking to dodge a temporary dip in their score.
How Can I Apply for the Varo Believe Card?
The initial step to obtain the card is to create a Varo account if you haven’t done so already:
- Get the Varo Bank app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Opening an account is entirely free and digital.
- After setting up your account, await the necessary deposits to qualify.
Once you satisfy the requirements, the Varo app will promptly notify you to apply.
Simply follow the prompts on your device.
Upon approval, you’ll activate your card and transfer the funds you wish to the secured account—this will set your credit limit.
- For example: Transfer $300? Your limit will be $300.
- The highest billing cycle limit is $10,000.
Use the card as you normally would to build your credit. At the close of each billing cycle, your balance will be cleared, and your positive payment history will be reported to the credit agencies.
Additional Information
Within the app, Varo provides your VantageScore 3.0 at no cost. Most users without prior credit history manage to establish a score in under 30 days.
Those with existing scores frequently notice an average boost of over 40 points in just three months when using the card responsibly — at least, this is what many users report.
Varo operates as a licensed bank in the U.S., having national charter status since 2020. They provide FDIC insurance up to $250,000 per customer, robust encryption, and dependable digital support.
The Varo Believe card operates on the Visa network, making it a popular choice for transactions both in the U.S. and abroad.
Curious about another option?
If you’re seeking an alternative secured credit card in the U.S., Current is a digital bank that provides a similar offering.
The terms are quite similar, and it’s a solid choice for daily expenses. Discover how to apply.
