What is Jasper Mastercard and Who Are It's Founders?
Jasper is especially helpful for foreign professionals who have recently arrived to the US on a working visa. Most professional workers who have just arrived in the US have no credit history and will have some difficulty getting a US based credit card because of the lack of a US credit history. Jasper aims to fill this gap by looking at factors other than your credit report.
The card is also great for new to credit young professionals. There are many young professionals who did not get any credit card in college to build their credit history and graduate with a great job without any credit history or one with a very thin file. Jasper is ideal for such folks as well.
Card Details
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Regular APR | 15.49% Variable |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 0% |
| Cash Advance APR | 24.99% Variable |
| Late Payment | Up to $27 |
Fees - The Jasper Credit Card has no annual fee* or foreign transaction fee.
Credit Limit - You will be given a credit limit of up to $5,000.
Rewards Program - At this moment, Jasper has no rewards program though they are working on one right now.
Credit Bureau Reporting - Jasper reports to to both TransUnion and Equifax but not Experian. They are working with Experian with regards to this issue.
Mobile App - Jasper has a mobile app where you can manage your account. One thing to note is that you can only manage you account from the app. You cannot manage it from your desktop computer.
Mastercard Benefits
Security Benefits
- Mastercard ID Theft Protection Provided by CSID
- Satisfaction Guarantee on Purchases for 60 days - If you are not satisfied with any purchase, you can get a full refund within 60 days.
- Purchase Assurance - From theft, damage within 90 days
- Price Protection - You are protected if you find a lower price within 60 days of your purchase
- Zero Liability - On unauthorized purchases.
Travel Benefits
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance
- Travel Accident Insurance with Baggage Delay
- Lost or Damaged Luggage Insurance
- MasterRental® Collision Waiver
- Mastercard Airport Concierge
- Priceless City Offers and Experience
- Online Travel Booking Tool
Cell Phone Protection
- Cell Phone Protection - You are protected against theft and damage if you pay your cell phone bills with the Jasper Mastercard.
How Jasper Evaluates Applicants With No US Credit History?
Less Than One Year in the US - For those of you who have been in the US for less than a year, you will need to provide your passport, Visa information and proof of US employment . If you have not gotten your Social Security Number (SSN) at the time of application, it is ok. However, once you have gotten it, you have to provide it within 60 days of your card application. Also, if you have been in the U.S. for less than and one year and are in the country on a work visa, you will not get any hard pulls on your credit report.
US Citizen or Green Card Holder, More Than One Year in US - If you are a U.S. Citizen, permanent resident, or if you have been living in the U.S. for more than one year at the time of application, Jasper will run a hard credit inquiry.
Competition
Folks who come to the US on a work visa like the H1B or L1 visa also have alternatives. For example, American Express will give you up to two cards for every international Amex cards that you have. Mainstream issuers like Wells Fargo and Citi also give exceptions to workers here on a work visa especially if your company have direct deposit relationship with these banks.
However, if you do not have one of these cards (like Amex or Citi) from your home country and your credit card is issued by a local bank in your country, then the Jasper Mastercard is perhaps the card you have to look at.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Ideal for Alien residents on a work visa - Workers just arriving in the US on a work visa have hardly any credit history. Using your income and other criteria gives you a much better chance at getting a US credit card.
- No Annual Fee* and Foreign Transaction Fees - This card has no annual fee* and foreign transaction fee. This is really helpful because if you are here on a working visa, chances are that you will take a couple of vacations back home and you can use this card since they do not charge any foreign transaction fees.
- Can Upload I-797 form if Visa is not stamped on passport during application - Jasper is very flexible in this aspect of their application.
- Can add to Apple Pay and Google Pay - This is a must for any credit card today.
Cons
- No Reward Program "at the moment" - Jasper does not have a reward program though on their website, they said they are working on one right now.
- Does Not report to Experian "at the moment" - At this moment, Jasper reports to both TransUnion and Equifax. However, they did say they are working with Experian to be able to report to them.
- Cannot Add Authorized Users At The Moment - At this moment, you cannot add an authorized user. Jasper does say on their website that they are working on this issue at the moment.
- $5,000 Maximum Credit Limit May Be Too Low For Some - Jasper is targeting foreign workers with high income so a $5,000 credit limit may be low for a high paying white collar worker on a six figure salary.
Our Take: Is the Jasper Mastercard Good?
The advantage that Jasper Mastercard offers to those who are coming or have just arrived in the US on a work visa is that they will not perform a credit check. Rather they will rely more on factors like your job and income. What is more appealing is that you can actually apply for this card before you starting your new job in the U.S. (you do need to provide a US address).
When you arrive in the US to work, chances are that you will have to get a new US cell phone and have a US based plan. Jasper Mastercard offers cell phone protection insurance against theft and damage if you pay your monthly cell phone bills with the card. This is a very useful feature to have.
You have to be aware that there are issuers like American Express that will issue you up to two cards in the US for every international Amex you have from your home country. However, if you do not have an Amex but rather a credit card from your local bank back in your home country, then the Jasper Mastercard is a perfect credit card to get when you arrive in the US.
How to Apply?
- Passport
- Proof of Employment
- Work Visa
- Address in the US
Green card holders or US Citizens do not need a passport or work visa. However, they still need a valid U.S. address and proof of income which can be provided via PLAID or uploaded. Below is a screenshot of the first application page.
FAQS 
