Skip to Main Content

Credit One Bank® Wander® American Express® Card review: Earn travel rewards with fair credit

A rare chance for fair credit cardholders who like to travel to earn rewards

 
 /  12 min
Bankrate logo

The Bankrate promise

At Bankrate we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. While we adhere to strict , this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for .

Snapshot

3.2

Bankrate rating
Info Icon
Rating: 3.2 stars out of 5

Bottom line

This card is one of the best and only travel cards on the market for people with fair credit, with rewards rates rivaling some premium travel cards. However, these perks come at a high price, making the card less than ideal if your main goal is to build credit rather than earn rewards.

Best for travel

Recommended credit score:(580 - 740)
Apply nowLock

on Credit One Bank's secure site

See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply

Intro offer

N/A

Rewards Rate

1X - 10X

Annual fee

$95

APR

29.99%* Variable

3.2
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon

Bankrate Score

Cost of membership

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
1.0 / 5

Ease of building credit

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
4.0 / 5

APR

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
2.0 / 5

Features

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
5.0 / 5

Why you'll like this: It’s one of the few travel cards available for fair credit and includes an exceptional rewards rate on eligible travel purchases.

compare
Compare

Credit One Bank Wander Card Overview

While it’s far from the best travel credit card out there, the Credit One Wander Card fills a gap in the travel rewards card market: It’s one of the few travel cards available for people with fair credit. It offers a surprisingly high rewards rate and doesn’t restrict you to earning rewards with specific airlines or hotels. Plus, since it’s an unsecured card, you don’t have to worry about putting money down for a security deposit as you would with a secured card.

However, it comes at a cost of $95 per year, which is high for a card for fair credit and costly for cardholders who should be focusing on building credit rather than paying to access it. This cost is on par cost of some of the best travel and rewards credit cards on the market, but its rewards don’t pack the same punch. While the card offers a mix of redemption options, its rewards program can’t compete with the flexibility of top travel cards from Chase, American Express and Capital One.

If you have fair credit you may be eager to earn big rewards on travel with the Credit One Wander Card, but a lower-cost credit-building card may make more sense until you qualify for better cards. 

  • Credit Card Cash Back Icon

    Rewards

    • 10X points on eligible hotel and car rentals booked using the Credit One Bank travel 
    • 5X points on eligible travel including flights, dining, and gas purchases
    • 1X points on all other purchases

    Expert Appraisal: Exceptional
    See our expert analysis

  • Rewards Icon

    Welcome offer

    • None

    Expert Appraisal: Weak
    See our expert analysis

  • Credit Card Search Icon

    Rates and fees

    • $95 annual fee 
    • Ongoing APR: 29.99* percent variable
    • Up to $39 late payment and returned payment fees
    • 5 percent cash advance fee (minimum $10) 
    • No foreign transaction fees 

    Expert Appraisal: Unimpressive
    See our expert analysis

  • Congrats Icon

    Other cardholder perks

    • Zero fraud liability
    • Flexible payment due date
    • Free credit score access
    • Automatic credit increase opportunities

    Expert Appraisal: Typical
    See our expert analysis

Credit One Wander Card pros and cons

Pros

  • Checkmark Icon

    The card has generous rewards rates that aren’t limited to specific hotel or airline brands.

  • Checkmark Icon

    You can get prequalified online without a hard inquiry on your credit report, which is a major plus if you’re not sure you’ll be approved.

  • Checkmark Icon

    You can qualify for the card with fair credit, which is rare for a travel rewards card.

Cons

  • The rewards program and redemption options come with more restrictions than most other reward cards

  • The $95 annual fee is very high for a card available to consumers with fair credit.

  • Credit One Bank's rewards travel providers may change, making it hard to plan future redemptions.

Why you might want the Credit One Bank Wander Credit Card

The Credit One Wander Credit Card is a superb choice if you want reward flexibility but you don’t yet have the credit for a better reward card. Also, you have a chance to offset the card’s annual fee thanks to the card’s rewards on everyday expenses, such as gas and dining.

Recommended credit score: An accessible travel card

Since nearly all travel cards require you to have at least good credit for approval, the Credit One Wander Card is a rare find on the market and a boon if you have less than good credit. The card is especially handy if you spend a lot of time on the road or in hotels thanks to its elevated rewards rates on eligible travel, gas, hotel and rental car bookings.

Rewards rate: Big on travel and shopping

The Credit One Bank Wander Card offers generous rewards rates for a credit card available to consumers with fair credit. In fact, it has perhaps the highest and widest-reaching rates available in a credit-building card category. You can earn 10X points on eligible hotels and car rentals using a Credit One Bank travel partner, 5X points on eligible travel, including flights, dining and gas purchases and 1X points on all other purchases. 

The card’s rates even rival some premier travel rewards cards on the market, making it a competitive rewards option if you don’t prioritize travel perks like credits for expedited security screening or transferring points to travel partners (neither of which are available with the Wander card).

The Credit One Bank Wander Card also comes with a bonus program called the More Cash Back Rewards Program that lets you earn up to 10 percent more cash back from eligible purchases at participating merchants. Credit One frequently also adds new offers to the program, similar to other issuers’ card-linked offer programs, such as Amex Offers.

Why you might want a different travel card

While the rewards rate and accessibility are great, the card’s $95 annual fee still stings because of the lack of card benefits. Plus, redeeming the points you earn with this card can be challenging because of its redemption limitations.

Annual fee: High for a fair-credit card

The Credit One Bank Wander Card charges a $95 annual fee, which is higher than what you'd find on many credit cards for fair credit (some cards charge no fees at all) or travel cards without premium benefits. This fee is worth factoring into your budget since it can potentially offset a sizable chunk of your yearly earned rewards.

There are more affordable cards for building credit, and they’re arguably more valuable in your wallet than this card. Many credit-building cards lack hefty fees and offer features to help you build credit quickly. Still, the fee may be worth it if you think you’ll spend enough in the Wander card’s categories to offset the fee every year.

Benefits: Only the basics are included

This card includes essential card protections and features, including zero liability, contactless payments and access to free credit scores. These perks can provide you with peace of mind and are easy to use. However, these perks are industry standard and lacking considering the card’s annual fee.

The only unique feature is Credit One’s Credit Protection Program. In the event of involuntary unemployment or disability, you can waive your minimum payment for up to six months if you pay 96 cents per $100 of your new monthly balance. For example, if you have a $1000 balance on your card, you’ll only be required to pay $9.60 under the Protection Program.

However, there's a catch. Rather than activating immediately, it will take 30 days for your policy to take effect. Your account is frozen during this time, but compound interest will continue to accrue. Since this can snowball your balance when you might not be able to make your minimum payment to begin with, you might consider a more cost-effective debt management plan that won’t pose the risk of overextending and closing your account.

Welcome offer: No intro bonus available

Unlike most travel rewards cards, the Credit One Bank Wander Card does not offer a welcome bonus. In the past, the card has offered bonuses as high as 10,000 points after you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days (equivalent to $100 toward a statement credit, gift cards or travel), so now may not be the best time to apply if your priority is earning rewards rather than building credit.

That said, sign-up bonuses are hard to find on cards for fair credit in general. There's also no telling if Credit One will offer a bonus on this card again, so it's still worth a look if the Wander card aligns with your goals.

Redemption: Plagued by travel restrictions

You have several options for redeeming your rewards with this card: statement credits (in 1,000-point increments), gift cards, merchandise and travel. However, while the statement credit, gift card and merchandise options are cut and dry, travel redemptions come with a few caveats.

Many travel card rewards programs guarantee at least 1 cent per point in redemption value when you redeem for travel. The value you receive from your Wander card points however will vary depending on your booking details. In addition, you can only redeem for travel through Credit One Bank’s travel portal, which partners with Aspire Loyalty Travel Solutions, LLC. This means you can’t use or transfer your points to book directly with airlines, hotels and other travel vendors for a better deal.

How the Credit One Wander compares to other rewards cards for fair credit

While the Credit One Wander card is a rewards card, it’s best to compare it to other cards that accept fair credit. If you don't travel much, a flat-rate rewards card might be a better fit. Or, if your focus is building credit, you might consider a secured card instead.

Image of Credit One Bank® Wander® American Express® Card
Bankrate Score
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Apply now Lock Icon
on Credit One Bank's secure site

Annual fee

$95

Intro offer

N/A

Rewards rate

1X - 10X
Info Icon

Recommended Credit Score

Fair to Good (580 – 740)
Info Icon
Image of Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Bankrate Score
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Apply now Lock Icon
on Capital One's secure site

Annual fee

$39

Intro offer

N/A

Rewards rate

1.5% - 5%
Info Icon

Recommended Credit Score

Fair to Good (580 – 740)
Info Icon
Image of Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card

Annual fee

None

Intro offer

N/A

Rewards rate

1% - 3%
Info Icon

Recommended Credit Score

No Credit History
Info Icon

Who is the Credit One Bank Wander Card for?

If you have fair credit and love to travel or prefer dining out, the Credit One Bank Wander Card might be the perfect addition to your wallet.

Bankrate’s Take — Is the Credit One Bank Wander Card worth it?

The Credit One Bank Wander Card is worth considering if you’re focused on earning travel rewards while improving your credit score. Its generous rewards rates in several categories and its standard card protections are a huge advantage for potential cardholders with fair credit.

However, you’ll have to pay a $95 annual fee with the card, which will cut into your rewards earnings. The card’s rewards rate on non-category purchases is also low, making it a poor card for earning rewards outside of travel. Considering the lack of perks, you may be better off building your credit score with a more cost-effective credit-building option.

*The information about Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.

How we rated this card

Document Icon
150+
cards rated
Congrats Icon
50+
rewards programs valued
Search Icon
1800
data points analyzed
Credit Card Reviews Icon
40+
perks evaluated

We rate credit cards using a proprietary card scoring system that ranks each card’s estimated average rewards rate, estimated annual earnings, welcome bonus value, APR, fees, perks and more against those of other cards in its primary category.

Each card feature is assigned a weighting based on how important it is to people looking for a card in a given category. These features are then scored based on how they rank relative to the features on other cards in the category. Based on these calculations, each card receives an overall rating of 1-5 stars (with 5 being the highest possible score and 1 being the lowest). 

We analyzed over 150 of the most popular rewards and cash back cards to determine where each stacked up based on their value, cost, benefits and more. Here are some of the key factors that influenced this card’s overall score and how the score influenced our review:

Frequently asked questions

What cardholders think

Image of Credit One Bank® Wander® American Express® Card

Credit One Bank® Wander® American Express® Card

4.3 Star Icon
44 ratings
Info Icon
Score breakdown
5 stars
52%
4 stars
30%
3 stars
16%
2 stars
2%
1 star
0%
Score by category
Overall 4.3 / 5
Extra perks 3.7 / 5
Privacy and security 4.0 / 5
Customer service 4.2 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4.0 / 5

In May 2024, Bankrate collaborated with third-party SliceMR to survey 6160 cardholders nationwide. Bankrate and Slice MR collected, averaged and presented website analytics and cardholder responses to six questions on a 5-point scale. Responses are based on individual cardholder’s product details, and therefore cannot be verified for accuracy. User ratings are unedited and have not been reviewed or approved by credit card issuers, nor do these ratings reflect Bankrate’s own reviews of these cards.

Community Reviews

Explore Credit One Bank® Wander® American Express® Card reviews from certified cardholders.
Search Icon
Caret Down Icon
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
I just like it
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
Best experience
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
I would recommend because I have had the best experience while using this card. Customer service is very helpful
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
Easy to use as far as being accepted at places I shop
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 3 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
I use this card for business expenses. So while not used everyday it is used most days of the week.
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 3 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
Yes absolutely
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
No because it cost to much to pay babk
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
I have great perks
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
Good cash back
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
The interest rates aren’t that bad
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 2 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
No it’s not, I like pay off card as soon as I charge
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 3 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
I love the interest rate
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
Cash back for gas
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
Yes use it often
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
Yes it is. I'm glad I have it
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
I got some cash back into my checking account that I wasn't expecting and it came at the time I needed it most
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
Yes it is an everyday part of life because I like the rewards it offers
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 2 / 5
Customer service 3 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
Because of the multiple great reviews
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
When I lost my wallet they wanted to charge me $25 for a new card so I canceled my account
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 1 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 2 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
I like they benefits
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
The benefits take a while to earn, but they are worth it.
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 3 / 5
Customer service 3 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
I use this card. It’s just easier. I use it for most of my purchases.
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
Got approved
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
It’s good for building credit.
Score by category
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
It's a good card for putting little purchases on, it is very good when it comes to customer service.
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
I recommend this car because it was easy to get. My credit card is still active the balance it came with $300 for my credit line, ready to use easy to use.
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
You are required to pay a fee to make a same day express payment.
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
Cash back
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
very reliable and good service
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
Great experience and great staff they know everything lol
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
Cash back points
Score by category
Customer service 3 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
The extra benefits
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
I was able to buy a projeduct for my son with rewards
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
Ive gone out for a couple nice nights with the rewards from it
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 3 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
I gain a lot of rewards and it’s really good
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
Great service
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
I would recommend this card, I have not had any issues with this card.
Score by category
Online portal or mobile app 3 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
Cash back
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 2 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
no only for emergencies
Score by category
Extra perks 2 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
needed it for a trip
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 3 / 5
Customer service 3 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
Better card deals out there
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 3 / 5
Customer service 3 / 5
Privacy and security 2 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
I would recommend because it is easy to get for people with less than perfect credit
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 3 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
I earn 10 points per dollar and I could use these points on any purchases anywhere from small to big purchases
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 3 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
Fees are way too high
Score by category
Extra perks 2 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 2 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Written by
India Davis
Editor, Credit Cards
India Davis is an editor specializing in credit cards and updates. She believes in putting the reader first and carrying out a brand’s voice to its fullest potential. She has lived and worked in three different countries and hopes to explore more of the world post-pandemic.
Edited by Senior Editor, Credit Cards
Reviewed by Senior Editor, Credit Cards

* See the online application for details about terms and conditions for these offers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. After you click on the offer you desire you will be directed to the credit card issuer's web site where you can review the terms and conditions for your selected offer.

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including card rates and fees, is accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information.