Got a Question?
Here's what people usually ask when they discover Jasper
What is the Jasper Mastercard?
Jasper is a prime Mastercard tailor-made for individuals just like you – high-earning, quality employees, with no local U.S. credit history¹. Most financial products and offerings, including eligibility for a credit card, loan, or mortgage require an established credit history. Jasper relieves the burden of starting your professional journey in the U.S. with little or no credit history. With a high credit limit (up to $5,000) and best-in-class terms, the Jasper Mastercard allows you to begin building great credit as soon as you start your new job in the US.
Are there any costs involved?
We don’t believe prime customers should be charged high fees for using their credit card, which is why our card carries no annual fees³. As long as you pay your balance on time, you won't run into any interest or surprise fees either.
What kind of protection do I have against theft and fraud?
Through our partnership with Mastercard, you get Identity Theft Resolution Services that help you detect and stamp out identity fraud while eliminating out-of-pocket expenses. With the Mastercard Identity Theft Alerts®, a no-fee service offered by Jasper Mastercard, you are immediately alerted if your personal information is flagged as being at risk. Learn more.
I already have a U.S. bank account. Am I still eligible for a Jasper Mastercard?
Yes. Jasper’s unique rewards program and innovative app were designed to benefit any consumer who resides in the U.S. and wants to maintain a healthy financial lifestyle.
In addition, even if you already have a U.S. bank account, if you have limited credit history, your bank still may not be able to offer you a prime-grade credit card. Instead, they may offer you a debit card (which doesn't help build your credit) or secured credit card with a low credit limit. The Jasper Mastercard offers an independent credit card account with the ability to pay your balance using your existing bank account.
I heard many Jasper customers are new arrivals in the U.S. If I am a US citizen or green card holder, can I still qualify?
Because we don’t require a credit history to apply, Jasper is a very appealing choice for relocating professionals or recent college graduates with limited credit. But we designed Jasper’s unique rewards program and innovative app to benefit any consumer who resides in the U.S. and wants to maintain a healthy financial lifestyle. So yes, U.S. citizens and permanent residents (“green card holders”) can definitely qualify to become Jasper cardholders if you meet our underwriting criteria!
Can I use my Jasper Mastercard outside the United States?
Yes. There are no foreign transaction fees³ and the Jasper card is accepted everywhere Mastercard is. Feel free to get swiping across the globe!
Can I add my Jasper card to my digital wallet, i.e. Google Pay or Apple Pay?
Yes. The Jasper Mastercard is completely compatible with Google Pay or Apple Pay. Simply add your Jasper card to your digital wallet and enjoy effortless payment and total peace of mind knowing your credit card number is never transferred – no additional app needed to download.
I was approved for my Jasper Mastercard! When should I expect it to arrive?
If you’re already in the U.S. or moving in the upcoming 10 days, your card will be shipped in 1-2 business days post-approval. It will be shipped to you via UPS, which generally takes 5-7 business days.
Once your card is shipped, we will notify you via email. If your expected move date is more than 10 days away, you will be notified 10 days prior to your expected move date prompting you to confirm your shipping address. Please note that cards can only be shipped to a valid U.S. address and can only be activated from within the United States.
Can I add authorized users, such as a spouse or significant other, to my Jasper Mastercard?
We are working towards launching an extension to our program which will allow our customers to add an authorized user to their account. Unfortunately, we still cannot provide an ETA for when this extension will be launched. If someone you know is interested in becoming a Jasper cardholder, we invite them to complete our online application.
What information will I need to provide?
To apply for Jasper, you must provide personal and financial information to help us verify your identity:
Full legal name, birthday, and residence address
Email address
Social Security Number (if you do not yet have an SSN, you may apply, but will be required to provide your SSN within 60 days of card activation, if approved)
Estimated annual income and monthly housing payment
Other personal information
To help us assess your financial situation, we may also ask you to link a checking account from a U.S. financial institution where you receive your income.
What documents do I need to apply?
US citizens and permanent residents (green card holders) can apply using Plaid verification. If you prefer not to use Plaid or if your financial institution is not available within the Plaid system, in some cases you may be permitted to upload proof of income such as a recent payslip instead. For work visa holders, we will require your passport, work visa, and proof of income.
Do I need a bank account to apply?
It depends. Many Jasper applicants are asked to link a bank account during the application process, as part of the financial review step. If you are one of these applicants, you will need a bank account to complete your application. Rest assured, the connection will be handled securely through Plaid, and Jasper will not be able to access your bank credentials at any time.If you prefer to complete the financial review step without linking your bank account, you may upload your financial documents to Jasper instead. Be aware, this may add extra time to your application review.
What criteria does Jasper consider in reviewing my application? Does my credit score matter?
Jasper’s approval decisions are based on multiple factors, such as your income, employment history, and in the case of applicants who have over one year of U.S. credit history at the time of application, your credit history. So, if you are not a newcomer to the U.S. when you apply for Jasper, your credit score does matter, but it is only one factor we look at in the context of many others when we make our approval decision.
Will you run a hard inquiry with the credit bureaus when I apply for the card?
We are not your typical credit card company. At Jasper, we do things differently. We know you are more than just your credit score, which is why we use alternative methods of credit assessment.
As such, if you just arrived in the U.S on a work visa, we will not run a hard inquiry with the credit bureaus to process your application. We know that as a newcomer to credit in the U.S., you lack the credit history required by most banks for a credit card, which is why we use our proprietary underwriting procedures to look at you as the person you are (current employment, etc), not just as a credit score.
However, if you are a U.S. citizen, a U.S. permanent resident (“green card” holder), or if you have been living in the US for more than one year at the time of application, please be advised that we will indeed run an inquiry with the credit bureaus.
I am in the midst of applying, but am nervous to upload such sensitive personal information. Is it safe?
We know how important your privacy and security are. We protect all our users' information with the utmost security measures. Rest assured that all documents uploaded are encrypted, and all data is safely stored.
Why does Jasper use Plaid for the financial verification step? Is it safe?
Plaid is a trusted industry leader that powers financial apps like Venmo and Chime. Jasper uses Plaid because for many of our applicants, Plaid makes the income verification step of the application easy and quick.
You can rest assured, connecting your bank account to your Jasper application through Plaid is safe. Plaid is connected to 15,000+ financial institutions, ranging from big banks to small credit unions, and securely encrypts all your information. And Plaid never shares your bank credentials with Jasper. We never see your bank login or password.
When I try to link my bank account, I get the error message, “username/password error.”
If you are having trouble signing into your bank account, try troubleshooting as follows.
1. Double check that you are selecting the correct financial institution when you link to Plaid. Many financial institutions have similar names.
2. Confirm the username and password are correct by logging into your financial account directly, and ideally from a secure web browser rather than a mobile app. Sometimes, when you log into your financial account on a web browser, your financial institution may have additional prompts for you to complete before you can access your data, and those prompts may be what’s preventing Plaid from accessing your data.
When I try to link my bank account, I get the error message, “couldn’t connect to your financial institution.”
This error message can happen for a variety of reasons, usually minor issues that resolve quickly on their own. Please try connecting your bank account again later. Rest assured, when you return to your Jasper application, you’ll be able to pick up right where you left off.
If Jasper doesn’t require a credit history to apply, why did Jasper run a hard inquiry against my credit report?
Jasper does not require credit history to apply, but if you have one, we will review it as part of your application.
If you have just arrived in the U.S. on a work visa, and therefore do not have much credit history yet, we do not run an inquiry against your credit report. We know you may qualify for a Jasper card in other ways and your lack of U.S. credit history alone should not be an obstacle.
However, if you are a U.S. citizen, a U.S. permanent resident, or if you have been living in the U.S. for more than one year, we do indeed run an inquiry with the credit bureaus when you apply for Jasper. The U.S. credit history you have built is one piece of information, among many others, that helps us view you holistically and determine whether you qualify for the card.
Why was my Jasper application declined?
When we consider an application for Jasper, we take into account multiple data points and generate a score, in order to make sure our customers can afford the offered credit line. If your Jasper application was declined and you would like more information about this decision, contact support@jaspercard.com.
How can Jasper help me build my credit score?
By using your Jasper Mastercard (with a credit limit of up to $5,000) and making all payments by your due date, you can rapidly start building your credit score. We report your credit utilization to the credit bureaus Equifax and TransUnion, so that other credit suppliers (banks, lenders, etc.) can quickly learn that you are a strong and credible customer. We are working hard to report to the other main credit bureau Experian as well, and will update our cardholders when this process is completed. Jasper will also provide you with guidelines, recommendations, and best practices to help you build credit with ease. Jasper will report your credit activity, whether positive and negative, to the credit bureaus. On-time payments are a critical aspect of building your credit score. To help ensure that your reports are positive, the Jasper app allows you customize automatic payments several different ways.
The Jasper mobile app offers different auto payment settings. What’s the difference between the settings?
Everyone's financial goals are different. Jasper offers several unique autopay settings so you can choose one that matches your credit goal, whatever it may be: avoid late fees; clear out your entire balance once a month on your due date; or build excellent credit as efficiently as possible. To explore Jasper’s unique autopay options, log in to the app and tap Payments. Then activate the plan that fits your “payment style.” Read more.
I heard managing my credit utilization rate can help me build better credit. Can Jasper help me do this?
Keeping your credit balance well below your available credit limit throughout any given month is a smart strategy for building your credit. This does not mean you should avoid using your card. Go ahead and use your card as usual, but make a payment whenever your balance approaches 30% of your credit limit. 30% is the recommended threshold for building your credit efficiently.
Keeping track of your credit utilization rate throughout the month can be tedious and time consuming. But its impact on your credit score is so important that we at Jasper decided we needed to help customers track and optimize it. To learn more about Jasper’s unique auto pay schedule based on credit utilization, explore the Jasper app. Read more.
I know using my credit card helps me build credit, but it’s also important to me to avoid debt. How can Jasper help with this?
Don’t give debt a chance to snowball. Pay off your credit card multiple times throughout the month, so minor expenses here and there have no chance to sneak up on you and hit you with a huge credit card bill on your due date.
If you’re a Jasper customer, you can even automate this strategy. Just pick the "Avoid Debt" autopay option in the Jasper mobile app. Payments will be made automatically, as often as needed throughout the month, whenever your balance hits the dollar amount you select. You’ll save yourself time and stress, avoid debt, and yes, you’ll likely also build excellent credit.
Does Jasper have a rewards program?
Yes. As a Jasper customer, you can earn up to 6% cash back by referring friends. You'll earn cash back on almost all everyday purchases made with your Jasper card. Terms apply.
You will always receive at least 1% cash back on eligible purchases. For every friend you refer who becomes a Jasper cardholder, you will earn an additional 0.5% cash back for a full year. Learn more.
After three on-time payments, you will receive your cash back rewards automatically every month, as long as your account is active and in good standing.
How it works: You’ll accumulate cash back throughout the month as you use your Jasper card. When your statement is issued at the end of the billing cycle, your accumulated cash back will be deducted from your statement balance, reducing the amount you owe.
How do I earn cash back?
You will earn at least 1% and up to 6% cash back by referring friends. You'll earn cash back on almost all everyday purchases you make with your Jasper card, with certain exceptions, as long as your account is active and in good standing. If your account is past due, accumulation of cash back will pause until you make a minimum payment.
How will I receive my cash back?
After three months of on-time payments, the amount of cash back you accumulated in a given month will be applied automatically to your statement balance at the end of every month, reducing the amount you owe.
If your account is not in good standing (i.e. if you are past due), no cash back will be applied to your account until you make a minimum payment.
When will I start earning cash back?
You will start accumulating cash back as soon as you’re approved and begin using your Jasper card. However, we do require three months of on-time payments before your accumulated cash back becomes redeemable.
After three months of on-time payments, you will receive your accumulated cash back as a credit to your account. From that point forward, your earned cash back will be applied as a credit to your account once a month, reducing the amount you owe.
When will I receive my cash back? Do I need to accumulate a minimum amount first?
There is no minimum amount of cash back you need to accumulate. However, we do require three months of on-time payments before your cash back becomes redeemable. After three months of on-time payments, you will receive your accumulated cash back as a statement credit. From that point forward, your earned cash back will be applied as a credit to your account once a month, reducing the amount you owe, as long as your account is in good standing.
What do I do if I don’t see a cash back amount that I expected to earn on a purchase?
First, ensure that your account is in good standing. If your account is past due, accumulation of cash back will pause until you make a minimum payment.
If your account is in good standing, check to see if the transaction is eligible⁴ for cash back. Although most purchases are eligible to earn cash back, certain types of transactions are ineligible. See the list of ineligible transactions here.
Are all transactions eligible for cash back?
Most purchases you make with your Jasper card will be eligible to earn cash back. The transactions below are ineligible:
Balance transfers, direct or indirect
Cash advances
Traveler’s checks, purchases of foreign currency, money orders, wire transfers or similar cash-like transactions
Lottery tickets, casino gaming chips, race track wagers, or similar betting transactions
Purchases that are returned or otherwise credited to your card
Illegal purchase transactions
Money orders
Wire Transfers or similar cash-like transactions
Any checks that access your account
Interest and fees of any kind including annual, if applicable
Unauthorized or fraudulent charges
Account adjustments
Finance charges
Loan payments
Purchases of gift cards or prepaid cards
Purchases of cash equivalents
Person-to-person payments
Manufactured spend
Pending transactions. For the purpose of calculating your eligible amount, we generally use the posting date of the purchase, not the transaction date.
Does my cash back expire if I don't claim it by a certain date?
No, as long as your account remains open, your earned cash back doesn’t expire, and you never need to claim your rewards. The cash back you earn will be applied as a credit to your account balance every month, automatically, as long as your account is active and in good standing.
If your rewards are ever locked because your account is past due, the locked earned cash back may be applied to your account balance after your account is restored to good standing.
Is my cash back balance calculated and displayed in real time?
Your cash back balance will update quickly, but not precisely in real time. This is because when we calculate and display your cash back, we use the posting date of the purchase, not the transaction date. By posting date we mean the date that the funds for the purchase are taken from your account.
What happens to my cash back if I return a purchase?
If you return a purchase, the earned cash back on that purchase will be deducted from your accumulated cash back in the current period. You will see this as a red transaction on the activity screen in your app.
If I don’t pay the minimum payment, what happens to my accumulated cash back?
If you miss a payment and your account becomes past due, rewards will be locked and accumulation of cash back will be paused. The locked cash back will be unlocked and applied as a credit to your account after you make a minimum payment and your account is restored to good standing.
How do I boost my cash back rate?
You will always earn at least 1% cash back on most purchases. To boost your cash back rate higher, refer friends to Jasper by tapping “add friends” in the Jasper mobile app, or by sharing your unique referral link. Whenever one of your referred friends applies, is approved, and activates their Jasper card, your cash back rate will increase by an extra 0.5% for a full year. Learn more
How can I get up to 6% cash back?
You will always receive a minimum of 1% cash back on almost all everyday purchases, as long as your account is in good standing. To boost your cash back rate, simply refer friends to Jasper. For each friend you refer, you’ll receive a cash back boost that lasts for a full year.
For a limited time: Get a head start on reaching 6% cash back! Start at 1%, then get to 3% cash back by successfully referring just two friends. Earn 0.5% more per subsequent referral, up to 6% cash back.
I referred a friend to Jasper and my cash back rate went up by 0.5%. How long will this rate boost last?
Each 0.5% rate boost has a duration of 12 months.
Where can I see what my "rewards rate" is right now?
Your cash back rate can vary from a base rate of 1% all the way up to 6%, one of the highest in the industry. Learn more. To see what your rewards rate is right now, check the home screen on your mobile app.
Is there a limit to the amount of cash back I can earn?
The amount of cash back you can earn depends on two things: your credit limit, and your cash back rate.
For example, a customer with a $5,000 monthly credit limit and a 6% cash back rate can earn up to $3,600 cash back per year.
Explore our Cash Back Calculator to learn more.
Where can I see the cash back I have earned so far this month?
To see how much cash back you have earned so far this month, check your home screen. Your earned cash back for the month to date appears under your current balance. This amount also appears on the Rewards screen.
I want to see the amount of cash back that was applied to my last statement. Where do I look?
Check your mobile app. Both the Rewards screen and the Activity screen show this information.
On the Rewards screen, the cash back amount that was last applied as a credit to your account is labeled Last Redeemed and it appears under the Total Earned amount. On the Activity screen, the cash back amount that was last applied as a credit to your account is among the transactions listed. It is labeled Cash Back Applied. To find it faster, filter for Cash Back Applied transactions.
Where can I see the total cash back I have received since the beginning of the rewards program?
Check the Rewards screen in the mobile app. The total amount of cash back you have earned since the beginning of the rewards program is labeled Total Earned.
I'm relocating to the U.S. for work. Can I be accepted as a cardholder before I start my new job in the U.S.?
Yes! If you are relocating to the U.S. for work, one of the Jasper Mastercard’s most exciting features is that we will process your application even before you start your new job in the US. If you are accepted, your Jasper Mastercard will be waiting on your desk on day one. If you are already residing in the U.S., you can get your card shipped to your work or home address.
I don’t yet have my visa stamped in my passport. Can I still apply?
Yes. If you do not yet have your U.S. visa stamped in your passport during your application process, you can still apply by simply uploading your completed I-797 form.
I don't have an SSN - Can I still apply?
Yes. You can apply without an SSN and with little or no U.S. credit history. You will need to provide your passport, visa information and proof of U.S. employment. After you obtain your SSN, you will be required to provide it within 60 days of card activation. Applicants who have been living in the US for one year or more are required to provide SSN at the time of application and will undergo a credit check. Reporting your credit activity to the credit bureaus Equifax and TransUnion is one of the ways Jasper helps you build your credit score.
Can I choose to ship my card to a non-U.S. address?
We apologize for any inconvenience, but for security reasons, we will only ship your card to a verified work address within the U.S. If extenuating circumstances arise and you cannot receive your card to your provided work address, you will be asked to provide proof of your U.S. residence in the form of a utility bill or government-issued document.
