Tomo Credit Card Review: Your New Credit-Building Tool?

Being stuck with poor or limited credit history is like swimming against the tide with an anchor weighing you down. 

The Tomo card claims to be a lifeline, regardless of your credit score. While it doesn’t shower you with rewards, it could help you improve your credit history.

Is Tomo just another sinking ship disguised as a credit builder? 

Let’s find out—

Read more: 

Tomo Credit Card at a Glance 

Full name: Tomo Charge Card 

Best for: Those with poor credit 

Issuer: Community Federal Savings Bank

Required credit score: No credit check

What’s The Tomo Credit Card?

The Tomo Card is a charge card designed to help enhance your credit history. 

The card sets itself apart by not doing a credit check when you apply. So even if you’re just starting out and don’t have a credit score yet—you still have good approval odds. 

One of the key benefits of the Tomo Credit Card is its credit-building features. 

The card reports to all three credit bureaus—so if you use the card responsibly and keep making on-time payments, you can work your way to a positive credit history. 

You can manage your account easily through Tomo’s user-friendly mobile app. From checking your balance and making payments, you can access everything on the go. 

How does the Tomo Credit Card work? 

Here’s a breakdown of how the card works:

Application process

When applying online, Tomo won’t give you the cold shoulder for not having a credit history. 

They know everyone starts somewhere, so they even consider applications from folks new to the credit game.

Credit limit

Once approved, they’ll give you a credit limit, ranging from $100–$10,000. 

But you can’t find your spending power before applying, as it can depend on your personal and financial details. 

Making purchases

You can use the Tomo Credit Card to make purchases just like any other card. 

Whether it’s buying groceries, booking flights, or treating yourself to a spa day, the card is accepted by millions of merchants worldwide.

Repayment options

When it’s time to pay the piper, you must pay your balance in full in each cycle. 

Their seven-day automatic payment feature ensures you make those timely payments. 

Building credit

The Tomo Card reports to all three credit bureaus, so by using the card responsibly you’ll start building a credit history. 

Having a good credit score opens doors to better loan terms, lower interest rates, and increased financial opportunities. 

Try our debt payoff calculator to stay on top of your payments.

The Tomo Credit Card can be a great tool to help you on your credit-building journey, but it’s up to you to use it responsibly.

Read more:

Tomo Credit Card: Quick Summary Review

Here’s a brief overview of the Tomo card:

* Tomo doesn’t have annual fees but charges an annual participation fee of $35.88.

** Tomo used to offer 1{1652eb1ffa4184925f6a63a9c04ea6b421acb7a78117241e7d4325cdca8339fa} rewards, but they stopped doing this in 2023. 

Tomo Credit Card Fees 

Tomo makes it clear that they don’t charge annual fees. 

While this is technically true, they do charge an annual participation fee of $35.88 (or $2.99 per month).

Since you’ll be paying this charge yearly, we’ve included it as the annual fee in our breakdown:

And if you’re looking at this and thinking about how they make any money, it’s simple. Every time you whip out your card and make a purchase, Tomo receives a small fee from the merchant.

Tomo Credit Card: Pros & Cons 

Time to see if the Tomo benefits outweigh the drawbacks—

Pros

Cons

Pros: What We Like

No credit check

With the Tomo Credit Card, you don’t have to worry about that low credit score dragging you down.

Their no credit check system means that even if you’re just starting or have a limited credit history, you still have a shot at getting approved.

Check out the best credit cards for bad or no credit.

Can’t carry a balance 

While this may be inconvenient for some, not carrying a balance can be beneficial if you’re trying to improve your credit score. 

By not having a balance, you won’t accumulate debt and have to worry about those sneaky interest charges.

User-friendly mobile app

The Tomo Credit Card comes with a user-friendly mobile app. 

You can track your spending, manage your account and make payments in just a few taps. 

On a less positive note, the app has received low scores of 2.5/5 and 3.1 on Google Pay and the Apple Store, respectively (though many of these reviews focus on the services rather than the app itself). 

Credit-building benefits 

Building credit can feel like climbing a mountain. And with the Tomo Credit Card, you get a leg up. 

By using the card responsibly and making regular, on-time payments, you can start building a positive credit history. This is crucial because it lays the foundation for better financial opportunities in the future. 

Learn more about building credit with a credit card. 

Mastercard perks

When you carry the Tomo Credit Card, you unlock a range of Mastercard perks. 

This includes a 24/7 concierge service, ID protection, zero liability, and global assistance. 

You also get the freedom to use Tomo anywhere they accept Mastercard, which covers millions of merchants across 200 countries.

Potential for higher credit limits

With responsible usage, the Tomo Credit Card offers the potential for higher credit limits over time (up to $10,000). 

As you demonstrate your creditworthiness, Tomo will recognize your progress and may give you access to more spending power. 

Cons: Things to Consider 

No sign-up bonus 

When signing up for the Tomo Credit Card, don’t expect to receive a sign-up bonus. 

Unlike other cards that try to woo you with statement credits or bonus points, Tomo skips the introductory bonus bandwagon.

Participation fees 

Tomo’s promise of no annual fees is a little misleading. 

To maintain your Tomo Credit Card, there’s a participation fee of $35.88 annually (or $2.99 per month). 

This might not seem like much, but it’s still handy to factor in this cost when considering the overall value the card can bring to your wallet.

Poor customer reviews 

The Tomo Credit Card currently has a rating of 1.8/5 from 63 reviews on Trustpilot, not to mention the poor reviews from iOS and Android users. 

We recommend reading these reviews to gauge potential pitfalls or concerns from actual users. 

At the same time, remember everyone’s experience is different, so weigh customer feedback against other factors before deciding.

No spending rewards or cashback 

While the Tomo Credit Card offers several benefits (mostly through Mastercard) it doesn’t currently provide spending rewards or cashback. 

This is only a recent development, as they used to offer a flat 1{1652eb1ffa4184925f6a63a9c04ea6b421acb7a78117241e7d4325cdca8339fa} cashback on all eligible purchases. Sadly, this move means users are no longer rewarded for their spending habits. 

But try not to focus too much on rewards, especially for a card designed for bad credit. 

If you’re still keen for rewards, you’ll need to qualify for these top cashback cards. 

Tomo Credit Card: Things to Know 

How to apply for the Tomo credit card

Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for the Tomo card: 

1. Visit the Tomo Credit Card website: Head over to the Tomo Credit Card website, where you can find the application icon in the top right corner. 
2. Fill out the application form: Complete the application form with your personal information, such as your name, address, and Social Security number. 
3. Link your bank account: You’ll have to link your bank account as part of the Tomo application process. You have the option to link from checking, investment accounts, or savings accounts. 
4. Wait for approval: The Tomo Credit Card team will review your application and consider factors beyond your credit score. Just keep in mind that if you get rejected, you won’t be able to apply again. 
5. Get approved: Once you receive that glorious approval notification, you’ll have to wait seven to ten business days to receive your new Tomo Credit Card in the mail. You can then activate your card from the TomoCredit app or web dashboard.

How to get approved for the Tomo credit card 

Follow these steps to maximize your chances of getting approved for the Tomo credit card:

Build a solid financial foundation

Tomo doesn’t check your credit score, but there’s no harm in showing them you’re a trustworthy candidate. 

Make sure to pay your bills on time, manage your existing debts, and maintain a healthy credit utilization ratio (aim for below 30{1652eb1ffa4184925f6a63a9c04ea6b421acb7a78117241e7d4325cdca8339fa} of your credit limit).

Gather your documents

Grab your paperwork to breeze through the application process. Have your identification, proof of income, and any other required documents ready. 

And if you’re not a US citizen, you’ll need a valid SSN or ITIN and a government-issued ID. 

Provide accurate information

Be honest and accurate when filling out your application. Double-check every detail to avoid any red flags or discrepancies that could hinder your approval. 

Remember that you can’t apply again if you’re rejected. 

Apply even without a credit history

Don’t worry if you’re new to the credit game. The Tomo Credit Card promises to let it slide if your credit history is lacking. 

They consider applications from folks without a credit history and don’t even ask for any collateral. 

For all the credit newbies, learn how to build your score at 18. 

Does the Tomo credit card report to the credit bureaus?

Yes, the Tomo Credit Card reports your credit activity to all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian). 

This means you can improve your score by using the card responsibly. 

When your payment history, credit utilization, and account behavior are reported to the credit bureaus, it paints a picture of your overall creditworthiness. 

This matters, as lenders and other financial institutions typically rely on credit reports when making decisions about granting loans, issuing credit cards, or setting interest rates. 

So by using your Tomo Credit Card wisely and making timely payments, you can open doors to better financial opportunities down the road. 

Read more: 

Where can you use the Tomo credit card?

You can use the Tomo credit card online and with millions of merchants across 200 countries where Mastercard is accepted.

Unfortunately, you don’t get any rewards for splurging—but Tomo does offer discounts and deals that come with its Mastercard status. 

Here’s a rundown of the spending perks:

Is the Tomo credit card safe?

As a Mastercard, the Tomo Credit Card offers a zero fraud liability policy. 

This means if you come across any unauthorized charges, they won’t hold you responsible. 

And the cash in your Tomo Credit Card account is also FDIC-insured, so your money is protected. 

For online transactions, the Tomo Credit Card uses encrypted connections and follows industry-standard practices to protect your information. 

These measures help safeguard your data from threats and ensure secure online transactions.

If you find yourself disputing a charge on your Tomo Credit Card, just head to your dashboard, click on the transaction, and click the “Dispute” button. 

Fill out a form with all the details, then muster all your patience as you’ll be waiting 60 days or more for a resolution. 

Is the Tomo credit card legit?

Yes, Tomo Credit is a legitimate company with headquarters in San Francisco. 

Dmitry Kashlev and Kristy Kim founded the company in 2018, and its since had 22 investors (including Hypen Capital and Mastercard).

The Tomo Credit Card also has a strong online presence with a dedicated website that provides all the details about its services, fees, and terms. 

This transparency is key to establishing trust and showing their legitimacy as a credit card provider.

When considering any financial product, it’s always wise to do your research to ensure the institution is legit. In the case of the Tomo Credit Card, its registration, partnerships, and transparent online presence all contribute to its credibility. 

Tomo Credit Card Customer Reviews 

However, just because something is legit doesn’t mean it’s well-liked. Tomo Credit has received a disastrous 1.8/5 from 63 reviews. 

Many customers have highlighted Tomo’s recent changes, such as getting rid of cashback rewards and introducing participation fees, “They should let the people who signed up before the new fees rule continue to get a $0 annual fee. Instead, Tomo is holding our credit profiles hostage, as we must pay a fee to keep the account open and not hurt our credit by closing.”

Many have also criticized their customer service, “There is no phone number to contact them, it was just by luck and an email that I finally spoke with someone. However, their customer service is horrible, and the people answering the phone are extremely rude.”

Despite the overwhelming amount of negative reviews, 6{1652eb1ffa4184925f6a63a9c04ea6b421acb7a78117241e7d4325cdca8339fa} of users gave Tomo a five-star rating.

One happy customer said, “This was my first card as a student, and being able to build credit without having a credit history was exactly what I needed. The benefits are all right, but this is a builder’s card at its root.” 

How Does the Tomo Credit Card Compare? 

If those negative reviews have left a bad taste in your mouth, you’re free to explore other options.

Here are some more credit-building cards worth checking out:

Petal 2 Visa Credit Card

The Petal 2 card is a great credit-builder option with a generous rewards program.

You’ll start with 1{1652eb1ffa4184925f6a63a9c04ea6b421acb7a78117241e7d4325cdca8339fa} cashback on eligible purchases, and if you consistently make 12 on-time monthly payments, you can unlock up to 1.5{1652eb1ffa4184925f6a63a9c04ea6b421acb7a78117241e7d4325cdca8339fa} cashback. Plus, there’s the potential for 2{1652eb1ffa4184925f6a63a9c04ea6b421acb7a78117241e7d4325cdca8339fa} to 10{1652eb1ffa4184925f6a63a9c04ea6b421acb7a78117241e7d4325cdca8339fa} cashback at select merchants. 

Worried about lacking credit history? Petal’s issuer, WebBank, considers various factors like income, savings, and spending to qualify you for the card. 

Self Visa Credit Card

To get the Self Visa Secured Credit Card, you must open a Self Credit Builder Account. 

It’s a secured credit building loan, funded by one of Self’s partners and held in an interest-bearing CD rather than being given directly to you. 

To access a portion of those funds (after deducting fees), you’ll need to make flat payments for either 12 or 24 months. 

No credit check or additional deposit is required, and Self will inform you once you qualify.

Once you have the card, there’s a $25 annual fee, which is charged when you open your account, and then once per year to keep the card active.

You can use the Self Visa Secured Credit Card just like any other Visa secured credit card. 

Tomo Credit Card: Useful Links 

Is the Tomo Credit Card Good For Me?

The Tomo credit card is good for—

• Individuals looking to build credit.
• Those seeking unsecured credit cards.
• Anyone with a low or limited credit score.

The Tomo Credit Card can be a solid choice if you want to build credit. Whether you’re starting your credit journey or aiming to improve your credit history, this card provides an opportunity to establish a positive credit record. 

However, Tomo loses points for not having a rewards system and charging participation fees. 

Finally, Tomo doesn’t do a credit check—so, despite the lack of rewards, you still have the chance to get your hands on the card, build your credit, then graduate to a better credit card.