Are you someone who cares about the environment and wants to make a positive impact with your spending habits? If so, the Aspiration Zero Credit Card might be worth considering.
This unique credit card aims to help neutralize your carbon footprint by funding tree-planting efforts with every purchase you make.
In this blog post, we will explore the features, rewards, and value proposition of the Aspiration Credit Card and determine if it truly is a game-changer for eco-conscious consumers.
What is the Aspiration Credit Card?
The Aspiration Zero Credit Card is a unique offering from Aspiration, a financial firm that prides itself on its commitment to sustainability and ethical banking practices.
Unlike traditional credit cards issued by major banks, the Aspiration Credit Card is designed to offset your carbon emissions by planting trees every time you make a purchase.
Key Features of the Aspiration Credit Card
- Rewards for Tree Planting
- Earn 0.5% unlimited cash back on all eligible transactions each payment period.
- Earn an additional 0.5% cash back on all qualifying purchases each month when you achieve “carbon zero” status.
- Aspiration plants a tree for every eligible transaction you make through their “A Swipe for a Tree” program.
- You can opt-in to the “Plant Your Change” program, which rounds up your purchases and uses the difference to fund tree planting.
- Welcome Bonus
- Earn a $300 bonus by spending $3,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.
- Annual Fee
- The Aspiration Credit Card carries a $60 annual fee.
- Interest Rates
- Variable APR ranging from 13.15% – 22.95%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Eco-Friendly Card Material
- The physical card is made from corn-based PLA, which has a smaller carbon footprint than traditional plastic cards.
- Carbon Footprint Tracking
- The Aspiration app allows you to track your progress towards achieving personal carbon neutrality.
Aspiration Credit Card Rewards and Redemption
While the rewards rate of 0.5% – 1% cash back may seem modest compared to other cashback cards, the real value of the Aspiration Credit Card lies in its tree-planting initiatives.
By default, half of your cash back rewards are automatically redeemed for tree planting, while the other half is issued as a statement credit.
For every $1 in rewards redeemed towards tree planting, Aspiration funds the planting of one tree through its reforestation partners. You can choose to allocate all your rewards towards tree planting or redeem them entirely as a statement credit.
Rates, Costs, and Fees
- Annual Fee: $60
- APR Range:15% – 22.95% variable APR based on creditworthiness
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 2% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
- Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount transferred, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount advanced, whichever is greater
Pros and Cons of the Aspiration Credit Card
Pros:
- Supports tree planting and offsets carbon emissions
- Welcome bonus of $300 for new cardholders
- Rewards can be redeemed for statement credits or tree planting
- App tracks your progress towards carbon neutrality
- Eco-friendly card material
Cons:
- $60 annual fee
- Modest rewards rate compared to other cashback cards
- Limited to cash back rewards (no travel or other redemption options)
- Eligibility requirements for the highest rewards tier may be challenging for some
Is the Aspiration Credit Card Right for You?
The Aspiration Credit Card is an excellent choice for individuals who are passionate about environmental sustainability and want to make a positive impact with their spending habits.
If you’re someone who values eco-friendly initiatives and is willing to sacrifice slightly lower rewards rates for the sake of offsetting your carbon footprint, this card could be a worthwhile consideration.
However, if maximizing rewards is your primary goal, there are other cashback credit cards on the market that offer higher earning potential without an annual fee. It’s essential to weigh your priorities and determine whether the Aspiration Credit Card’s unique value proposition aligns with your lifestyle and spending habits.
Alternatives to the Aspiration Credit Card
If the Aspiration Credit Card doesn’t quite fit your needs, here are some alternative credit card options to consider:
- Citi Double Cash Card
- Earn 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay)
- No annual fee
- Simple and straightforward rewards structure
- Chase Freedom Unlimited
- Earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- No annual fee
- Bonus categories for additional earning potential
- Bank of America Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Earn 3% cash back in a category of your choice (gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings)
- 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- No annual fee
How to Apply for the Aspiration Credit Card
- Visit the Aspiration website (aspiration.com) and navigate to the credit card section.
- Click on the “Apply Now” button to begin the application process.
- Provide personal information, such as your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number.
- Enter your employment and income details.
- Review and agree to the terms and conditions.
- Submit your application for review.
Tips to Activate the Aspiration Credit Card
Once you receive your new Aspiration Credit Card in the mail, you’ll need to activate it before you can start using it.
Here are the steps:
- Locate the sticker on the card with the activation instructions.
- Call the toll-free number provided or visit the website listed on the sticker.
- Follow the prompts to activate your card by providing the required information, such as your card number and security code.
- Set up your PIN (Personal Identification Number) for added security when making transactions.
- Once activated, you can start using your Aspiration Credit Card for purchases and other transactions.
How to Login to Your Aspiration Account
- Visit the Aspiration website (aspiration.com) and click on the “Login” button.
- Enter your username (typically your email address) and password.
- If you have enabled two-factor authentication, follow the prompts to enter the verification code sent to your registered device or email.
- Once logged in, you can view your account details, transactions, rewards balance, and manage your Aspiration Credit Card settings.
Forgotten Login Details
If you’ve forgotten your login credentials for your Aspiration account, you can easily reset them by following these steps:
- Visit the Aspiration website and click on the “Forgot Username/Password?” link.
- Enter the email address associated with your account.
- Follow the prompts to reset your password or retrieve your username.
- Check your email for instructions on how to complete the reset process.
How to Make Payments on Your Aspiration Credit Card
Aspiration offers several convenient ways to make payments on your credit card balance:
- Online Payments
- Log in to your Aspiration account
- Navigate to the “Make a Payment” section
- Enter the payment amount and payment source (checking account, debit card, etc.)
- Review and confirm the payment details
- Mobile App Payments
- Download the Aspiration mobile app (available for iOS and Android)
- Log in to your account
- Access the “Make a Payment” feature
- Follow the prompts to make a payment from your linked accounts
- Automatic Payments
- Set up automatic recurring payments from your bank account or debit card
- Choose the payment amount and due date
- Aspiration will automatically deduct the payment each month
- Phone Payments
- Call Aspiration’s customer service line
- Provide your account information and payment details
- Make a one-time payment over the phone
- Mail Payments
- Write a check payable to Aspiration
- Include your account number on the check
- Mail the payment to the address provided on your monthly statement
By following these steps and making timely payments, you can maintain a good standing on your Aspiration Credit Card account and continue contributing to eco-friendly initiatives with every purchase.
Conclusion
The Aspiration Credit Card is a unique offering that caters to eco-conscious consumers who want to make a positive impact on the environment through their spending habits.
Ultimately, the decision to choose the Aspiration Credit Card over other cashback or rewards credit cards will depend on your personal priorities and commitment to sustainable practices. If you’re willing to sacrifice slightly lower rewards in exchange for contributing to a greener future, the Aspiration Credit Card could be an excellent choice for you.
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