Discover the Steps to Apply for the Varo Believe Card
Varo Believe, true to its name, offers a journey for the world to trust in you — and to provide the excellent credit you rightfully earn.
If you’re looking to establish or improve your credit in the U.S. without unexpected fees, the Varo Believe Credit-Builder Card could be just what you need.
Essential Information
Varo Bank is a digital-first financial institution that provides more accessible banking options, completely online, and devoid of the usual bank charges.
With a customer base exceeding 4 million, Varo offers various services including a no-fee checking account, early direct deposits, cash advances, personal loans, and a secured credit card.
The Varo Believe is a genuine credit card—not a prepaid card—that can be used for everyday transactions. It requires a security deposit moved from your checking account into a separate secured account.
The amount you deposit into the card’s account serves as your spending cap. So, if you deposit $400, that’s your limit for the billing cycle.
This card doesn’t have an annual fee, offers 0% APR, and imposes no foreign transaction fees. To prevent debt, the Varo app automatically enables Safe Pay, which sets aside the necessary funds and pays off your balance each cycle.
Varo reports your payment activity to all three major credit bureaus in America: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Users typically experience an average credit score boost of over 40 points within their first three months of responsible usage.
Varo does not carry out a hard inquiry on your credit. This is because the goal of the card is to assist in building or rebuilding credit.
Who is eligible to apply?

The Varo Believe Card is available to a diverse group of individuals, specifically tailored to accommodate various financial circumstances.
Here are the necessary qualifications:
- Hold an active Varo bank account. The account is free and can be set up via the app.
- Receive a minimum of $200 in eligible deposits (salary, transfers, etc.) within the past 31 days.
- Maintain no negative balance in your Varo account and no delays in the “Varo Advance” feature.
If you qualify, the Varo app will directly invite you to apply for the Believe Card.
This means there’s no need to look for an “Apply” button on the site—the application will show up automatically when you’re eligible.
Here’s another important detail: there’s no conventional credit check (no hard pull). This is fantastic for newcomers or anyone looking to prevent a temporary dip in their score.
How Can I Apply for the Varo Believe?
To get the card, your first step is to create a Varo account, if you haven’t done so already:
- Get the Varo Bank app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Opening the account is completely free and online.
- After setting up your account, wait for the necessary deposits to qualify.
When you meet the requirements, the Varo app will automatically notify you to apply.
Just follow the prompts on your phone.
After approval, you’ll activate your card and deposit the amount you wish into the secured account—this will serve as your credit limit.
- For example: Transfer $300? Your limit will then be $300.
- The highest billing cycle limit is $10,000.
Use the card like any regular card to build your credit. At the close of each billing cycle, your bill is settled, and your positive credit activity is reported to the bureaus.
Further Information
Inside the app, Varo provides your VantageScore 3.0 at no cost. Most users without previous credit history can build a score in under 30 days.
Those with an existing score often experience an average increase of over 40 points in just 3 months if they manage the card wisely—that’s the feedback from most users.
Varo is a licensed U.S. bank with national charter status since 2020, providing FDIC insurance up to $250,000 per customer, robust encryption, and dependable digital support.
The Varo Believe card operates on the Visa network, making it a popular choice for purchases both in the U.S. and internationally.
Interested in exploring more options?
If you’re seeking another secured credit card in the U.S., Current is a great alternative offered by a digital bank.
The terms are quite similar, and it’s a solid choice for daily transactions. Discover how to apply.
