Card Score: ✅✅ 2.55/5
*The credit card score is based on the sole opinion of Credit Mileage without input or influence from the card issuer.
Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature Credit Card Overview
The Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature Credit Card is a straightforward cash back card designed to complement Fidelity’s investment and retirement accounts. With 2% cash back on every purchase when redeemed for deposits into eligible Fidelity accounts, it aims to reward customers who want to boost their savings while spending. This card can be particularly appealing to those looking to maximize their cash back rewards and seamlessly grow their investments.
Key Features:
- 2% Unlimited Cash Back: Earn 2% cash back on every eligible purchase, as long as the rewards are deposited into a Fidelity account.
- No Annual Fee: Enjoy the benefits of the card without worrying about an annual fee.
- Visa Signature Benefits: Access perks such as travel and purchase protection.
How the Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature Card Works
The Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature Credit Card is tailored to individuals who already have or are willing to open Fidelity investment accounts. When you make a purchase, you’ll earn 2% cash back, which can be deposited into a Fidelity account like a brokerage, IRA, 529 college savings plan, or other eligible accounts.
The rewards accrue without limit, meaning there is no cap on the amount of cash back you can earn. However, if you choose to redeem your rewards as a statement credit or for other non-Fidelity purposes, the cash back rate may be lower than 2%.
APR, Fees, and Financing Options
The Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature Credit Card does not have an introductory APR for purchases or balance transfers, which may be a drawback for those looking for initial financing benefits. The standard APR can be high, potentially leading to significant interest charges if a balance is carried. However, it does not charge an annual fee or foreign transaction fees, making it suitable for frequent travelers or international use.
Cardholder Benefits and Perks
As a Visa Signature card, the Fidelity Rewards Visa offers a range of benefits, such as:
- Travel Protections: Includes travel accident insurance and car rental insurance.
- Purchase Protections: Offers purchase security and extended warranty protection.
- Concierge Service: Provides access to Visa Signature’s concierge service for event planning and travel assistance.
While these benefits are valuable, they may not be as comprehensive as premium travel rewards cards.
Who Should Consider the Fidelity Rewards Visa?
The Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature is an excellent option for:
- Investors and Savers: People who already have Fidelity accounts and want to grow their investments with cash back rewards.
- Fee-Conscious Users: Those who prefer cards with no annual fees.
- Frequent International Travelers: People who want a card without foreign transaction fees.
It may not be the best choice for individuals who frequently carry a balance due to the high standard APR or those seeking an initial 0% APR offer.
Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High Cash Back Rate: 2% cash back on every purchase with no caps or rotating categories.
- No Annual Fee: Ideal for budget-conscious cardholders who want rewards without an annual fee.
- Seamless Integration with Fidelity Accounts: Cash back is automatically deposited into eligible Fidelity accounts, making it easy to save or invest.
- Visa Signature Benefits: Enjoy travel, purchase protection, and concierge services.
Cons:
- Limited Redemption Flexibility: The 2% cash back is only available if deposited into a Fidelity account; otherwise, the value is reduced.
- High Standard APR: The card’s APR can be high for those carrying a balance.
- No Introductory APR Offer: There is no 0% introductory APR on purchases or balance transfers.
Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature Credit Card Compared to Other Cards
Citi® Double Cash Card
Read our review of the Citi Double Cash Card here.
The Citi Double Cash Card offers 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy and 1% when you pay). The primary advantage over the Fidelity Rewards card is its redemption flexibility, as cardholders can redeem cash back for statement credits, direct deposits, or checks. However, it lacks the investment-oriented focus that Fidelity offers.
Key Differences:
- Redemption Flexibility: Citi Double Cash provides more flexible redemption options compared to the Fidelity Rewards card.
- Investment Integration: Fidelity’s card automatically deposits cash back into eligible investment accounts, while Citi does not offer this.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase Freedom Unlimited offers 1.5% cash back on most purchases but has higher cash back rates for select categories (e.g., 3% on dining and drugstore purchases, 5% on travel booked through Chase). For users who want higher rewards in certain categories, the Chase card may be more appealing.
Key Differences:
- Category Bonuses: Chase Freedom Unlimited gives higher cash back in certain categories.
- Flat-Rate Rewards: Fidelity provides a flat 2% on all purchases, which is more straightforward for users who prefer a simple rewards structure.
Discover it® Cash Back
Read our review of the Discover it Cash Back card here.
The Discover it Cash Back card offers 5% cash back in rotating categories (up to a quarterly limit) and 1% on other purchases. While this can provide higher rewards in select categories, it requires more effort to keep track of the categories and activate them each quarter. Fidelity’s 2% flat rate may be simpler for those who prefer consistent rewards.
Key Differences:
- Earning Potential: Discover can offer higher cash back rates but requires more management.
- Flat Rate vs. Rotating Categories: Fidelity’s card offers a consistent 2%, while Discover varies by quarter.
Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature vs. Prime Visa
Read our review of the Prime Visa and Amazon Visa here.
Cash Back and Rewards
- Fidelity Rewards Visa: Offers 2% cash back on all purchases when redeemed for a deposit into an eligible Fidelity account. There is no cap on the rewards you can earn.
- Prime Visa: Provides 5% back on Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market purchases, 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.
Redemption Options
- Fidelity Rewards Visa: Cash back must be deposited into a Fidelity account to earn the full 2% rate. Other redemption options, like statement credits, may reduce the value.
- Prime Visa: Offers more flexible redemption options, including applying points toward Amazon purchases, statement credits, or gift cards.
Annual Fees
- Fidelity Rewards Visa: No annual fee.
- Prime Visa: No annual fee, but requires an Amazon Prime membership
Travel and Benefits
- Fidelity Rewards Visa: Offers Visa Signature perks like travel insurance and purchase protections, but does not provide extensive travel benefits.
- Prime Visa: No foreign transaction fees, which can make it more suitable for international use.
Conclusion: The Bottom Line
The Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature Credit Card is a solid choice for Fidelity account holders who want to seamlessly integrate their rewards into investment or savings strategies. With 2% cash back on all purchases when deposited into a Fidelity account and no annual or foreign transaction fees, it offers good value for those seeking simplicity in their rewards strategy. However, the card’s high APR, lack of introductory financing offers, and limited redemption flexibility may not appeal to everyone.