Key Points:
- The
Robinhood Gold Card is a new credit card linked to Robinhood's financial
ecosystem, offering benefits mainly for existing Robinhood Gold
subscribers.
- It
features 3% cashback on all purchases, with additional perks like no
annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and 5% back on travel booked
through Robinhood’s travel portal.
- The
card requires a Robinhood Gold subscription, which costs $5 per month or
$50 per year.
- The
card's value is highest for those who are already Robinhood Gold
subscribers and use the service regularly.
- There
are some limitations, such as potential issues earning rewards on certain
large payments and no current introductory bonus offer.
A Deep Dive into the Robinhood Gold Card: Is It Worth Your Wallet?
Robinhood, known for revolutionizing commission-free
trading, has made another move to expand its financial offerings with the
introduction of the Robinhood Gold Card. This new credit card adds to the
growing list of products under the Robinhood Gold subscription, aiming to
provide users with a robust cashback solution. In this article, we'll explore
how the card works, its benefits, and whether it's a good fit for your
financial toolkit.
The Backstory: Robinhood's Evolution into Credit Cards
Robinhood launched in 2013, disrupting the brokerage market
with commission-free trades. Since then, the company has diversified its
offerings to include cash management accounts, a debit card, and various
premium services under Robinhood Gold. In its latest expansion, Robinhood
acquired X1, a company known for its alternative credit approval methods, to
power its push into the credit card market. The result is the Robinhood Gold
Card, which combines elements of traditional credit cards with the fintech approach
that Robinhood is famous for.
What Is the Robinhood Gold Card?
The Robinhood Gold Card is a stainless steel credit card
(with a gold color) that aims to provide significant rewards to Robinhood Gold
subscribers. To qualify, you must be a member of Robinhood Gold, the platform’s
premium service, which costs $5 per month or $50 annually. Robinhood Gold
offers benefits such as higher interest on uninvested cash, professional
investment research, and other perks.
Card Benefits at a Glance:
Feature |
Details |
3% Cashback on All Purchases |
Uncapped cashback rate, available on all spending. |
5% Back on Travel Booked through Robinhood |
Rewards for booking through Robinhood's travel portal. |
No Annual Fee |
No extra charge to hold the card. |
No Foreign Transaction Fees |
Makes it cost-effective for international use. |
Cash Management Integration |
Rewards can be transferred to Robinhood Cash Management. |
How Does Robinhood Gold Fit In?
The card is an extension of Robinhood's premium service,
Robinhood Gold. For $5 per month or $50 annually, subscribers gain access to:
Robinhood Gold Perks |
Description |
5% Interest on Uninvested Brokerage Cash |
Cash sweep allows earning interest on idle funds. |
Bigger Instant Deposits |
Access to funds before the transaction is settled. |
Professional Investment Research |
Includes Morningstar research and Level 2 Market Data. |
Interest-Free Margin Borrowing |
The first $1,000 of margin borrowed incurs no interest. |
3% IRA Match on Eligible Contributions |
Boosts retirement savings for eligible IRAs. |
These features add up to a comprehensive package for those
who are active on the Robinhood platform, making the Gold Card a potentially
lucrative addition to their financial setup.
Comparing the Robinhood Gold Card to Other Cashback Cards
While the 3% cashback on all purchases is an attractive
feature, it's important to consider how it stacks up against other cards. For
example, the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa offers 5% cashback on Amazon purchases
but requires an Amazon Prime membership. Similarly, other cashback cards may
provide higher rates in specific categories, but the Robinhood Gold Card’s
uncapped 3% rate on all purchases is more versatile.
Comparison of Cashback Cards |
Robinhood Gold Card |
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa |
Citi Double Cash Card |
Annual Fee |
None |
None (requires Amazon Prime) |
None |
Cashback Rate on All Purchases |
3% (uncapped) |
1% |
2% |
Bonus Categories |
5% on travel through Robinhood |
5% on Amazon purchases |
None |
Foreign Transaction Fees |
None |
None |
3% |
Pros:
- High
Uncapped Rewards Rate: Few cards offer 3% cashback on all purchases
with no spending caps.
- No
Extra Fees: With no annual or foreign transaction fees, it’s a
low-cost card to hold.
Cons:
- Requires
Robinhood Gold Membership: If you’re not already a Robinhood Gold
subscriber, the card's value diminishes.
- Limited
Travel Benefits: The 5% travel rewards only apply to bookings made
through Robinhood’s travel portal.
- No
Introductory Offer: Unlike some competitors, the Robinhood Gold Card
currently lacks any welcome bonus.
Who Should Get the Robinhood Gold Card?
The card’s value proposition depends on your usage of
Robinhood services. Here are scenarios where the card might or might not make
sense:
Ideal For:
- Existing
Robinhood Gold Subscribers: If you already pay for the Robinhood Gold
membership and enjoy using the platform, this card integrates well into
your financial routine.
- Cashback
Enthusiasts: With a consistent 3% cashback rate, it appeals to those
who prioritize cashback over points or miles.
- Simple
Wallet Users: If you prefer using one or two credit cards, the
uncapped 3% rate makes it a straightforward choice.
Not Ideal For:
- Travel
Rewards Seekers: If you prefer earning travel points or booking with
more flexible travel platforms, other cards may offer better rewards.
- People
with Multiple High-Rewards Cards: For those who juggle multiple cards
with higher rewards in different categories, adding another card may lead
to diminishing returns.
- Non-Robinhood
Users: If you don't use Robinhood's services or don’t plan to, the
Gold Card’s perks will likely not justify the subscription cost.
The Bottom Line: Is It Worth It?
The Robinhood Gold Card is a strong contender in the
cashback space, especially for users who are already immersed in the Robinhood
ecosystem. It provides a unique set of benefits and integrates smoothly with
the platform's other financial tools. However, those who are not current
Robinhood Gold subscribers may find the cost of entry prohibitive, given the
availability of other competitive cashback cards.
For prospective cardholders, it might be wise to wait for
potential introductory offers or enhanced rewards, as the market for credit
cards is competitive and constantly evolving. Robinhood may eventually
introduce sign-up bonuses to attract more users, much like other major credit
cards have done.
In conclusion, the Robinhood Gold Card has a lot to offer,
but its true value shines for those who are already benefiting from Robinhood
Gold’s subscription service. If that sounds like you, it might just be the
perfect addition to your wallet.