5 Things to Know About the Credit One Wander Card

When the Wander Card debuted in 2021, its issuing bank was quick to point out that it’s not a “typical travel credit card” that involves miles, luxury lounges or lavish vacations. And while all that's true, note that it charges the same annual fee as credit cards that have those perks.

Issued by Credit One (not to be confused with Capital One) and running on the American Express payment network, the Wander Card does stand out, however, as one of the only travel credit cards available to those with fair credit — aka average credit — an underserved market that typically includes those with FICO scores of 630 to 689. Most travel credit cards from major players like Chase, American Express and Citi require at least good credit, meaning scores of 690 or higher.

If you meet that threshold and don't mind paying an annual fee in exchange for valuable travel rewards and perks, you can pass on the Wander Card. You'll get much more out of other similarly priced travel cards.

Here are five things to know about the Credit One Wander Card.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best travel credit cards

1. It has an annual fee typical of travel credit cards

The Wander Card carries a $95 annual fee, which is assessed upon account opening.

And that's more or less the going rate among general-purpose, midtier travel credit cards. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, for example, charge the same annual fee.

But those cards offer you a lot more back.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best no-annual-fee travel credit cards

2. But it lacks the perks typical of travel credit cards

The Credit One Wander Card comes with the same price tag as other travel cards, but it doesn’t boast the same benefits. For example, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card packs several perks that can offset its $95 annual fee, including up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. The card also comes with travel insurance and car rental insurance — plus, it gets you two visits to eligible airport lounges per year.

The Wander Card only offers travel accident insurance. On the plus side, it doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, but that should be a given for any travel credit card that you might take abroad. The Wander Card also runs on the American Express payment network, which has limited acceptance overseas.

3. There's no sign-up bonus

The Wander Card used to have a modest sign-up bonus, but as of this writing, it doesn't offer one at all. That's a major knock against a credit card with a $95 annual fee.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best credit card sign-up bonuses

4. You'll get solid rewards on travel expenses

As to be expected in a travel card, the Wander Card offers its highest rewards rates on travel purchases. You'll earn:

• 10x points on eligible hotels and car rentals booked using the Credit One Bank travel platform, accessed via the link in the Credit One Bank mobile app or your online account.

• 5x points on flights, dining and gas as well as on eligible travel not booked using the Credit One Bank travel partner.

• 1x points on all other purchases.

» MORE: What is Credit One Bank, and are its credit cards right for you?

5. There are flexible redemption options

Credit One Wander cardholders have a healthy menu of redemption options for their points, which never expire as long as the account is in good standing. Points may be redeemed for:

• Statement credits. (Cardholders must redeem in increments of 1,000 points.)

• Gift cards.

• Travel.

• Merchandise.

• Eligible activities.

Points are worth 1 cent when redeemed for a statement credit. However, point values may vary when redeemed for gift cards, goods and activities.