Sable Card Review (2024 Updated) Secured Credit Card?

Last Updated on December, 2024

If you think, “Why a Sable credit card?” I have a lot to discuss with you. 

It’s a secured credit card that helps you rebuild your credit, and it comes with some other great features that aren’t provided by most secured credit card(s) out there. 

You can improve your credit score by getting physical cards or digital wallets. There are a lot more, including the good, bad, and mystery sides of Sable credit cards.

Continue reading this Sable credit card review to understand everything!

About Sable Credit Card

sable card logo

A secured Sable One credit card is a type of financial tool that helps people manage their money. It’s like a regular debit card but with extra features to make banking easier. With a Sable secured credit card, you can deposit money, withdraw cash, and make purchases just like any other card.

What makes it special is its focus on helping people save and budget. 

One feature of the secured Sable One credit card is its automatic savings tool. This means that every time you make a purchase, a small amount of money is set aside in a savings account. 

It’s like putting spare change into a piggy bank, but it happens automatically. This can help you build up savings without even thinking about it. 

The Sable secured credit card also provides easy-to-use tools that help you track your spending and set budgets for different categories like groceries, entertainment, or bills. This can help you stay on track with your finances and reach your savings goals faster.

Card TypeSecured/Cash Back
Credit Card Issuer Provided by Coastal Community Bank
Credit Card NetworkMastercard
Reward RateGet 2% cash back on purchases from places like Amazon, Uber Eats, Uber, Whole Foods, Netflix, Spotify, and more. 
Also, receive 1% cash back on all other purchases
Foreign Transaction FeeIf you use this card to buy items in another country, you’ll pay an additional 2%
Recommended Credit ScoreThis card is suitable for individuals with poor or bad credit scores

Sable Card Features

  • Earn 2% cash back on most subscriptions like Netflix, Whole Foods, Uber Eats, and others. 
  • You can choose your credit limit, from $10 to as high as $1000, through a Sable bank account. 
  • There is no need for a credit check when you apply so that it won’t affect your credit report.
  • Receive 1% cash back on all other purchases deposited straight into your bank account.
  • Sable credit card offers Zero Liability Protection against fraud or chargebacks.
  • You can get a physical Mastercard to use, which can help you build your credit score. 
  • Price protection ensures you get refunded the difference if you find an eligible item at a lower price. 
  • Car rental insurance covers physical damage and theft for most rental vehicles. 
  • Sable reports your credit history to all three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
  • You can make your consecutive payments to your secured card, and you can graduate to an unsecured credit line. 
  • Identity Theft Protection safeguards you against any fraudulent activity on your credit card.
  • Extended Warranty doubles the manufacturer’s Warranty on eligible purchases for up to one year. 
  • Cell Phone Protection provides insurance for stolen or damaged phones, including cracked screens.

Who Should Get the Sable Card?

sable credit card

Sable cards are ideal for people with bad or limited credit history. It has lenient requirements, meaning you don’t need a good credit score or a Social Security number to apply. 

This makes it accessible, especially for newcomers to the U.S. looking to establish credit. 

What makes the Sable card unique is its cashback rewards and additional perks like cell phone insurance and car rental coverage. These benefits are rare for secured credit cards. 

In comparison to other secured cards that offer minimal rewards, the Sable card provides both credit-building opportunities and valuable benefits.

When Sable Card Works and When it Doesn’t?

When it Works?

  • Sable offers secured credit cards to help build your credit score in the US. You deposit a certain amount of money, which becomes your credit line. The Sable app guides you on how to use your credit wisely, improving your credit score gradually. 
  • It also provides fully functioning checking accounts, regardless of your credit score or US residency status. You can use this account for various purposes like sending and receiving money domestically and internationally, paying bills, and shopping online or in-store.
  • You can send money internationally through Sable using Wise, covering 70+ currencies at the mid-market rate. This feature is beneficial for sending money back home or to friends and family abroad.
  • Sable debit cards are approved for international use in 200+ countries wherever Mastercard is accepted. You can withdraw money from ATMs and make purchases abroad, with cashback rewards available for certain transactions. 
  • Both virtual and physical debit cards from Sable can be used online and in stores worldwide. Plus, you can earn cashback rewards on select purchases, including Netflix, Uber, and Amazon. 
  • You can withdraw cash from your Sable checking account using a debit card, typically without fees, at Mastercard ATMs in the US. However, fees may apply at other ATMs.

When it Doesn’t Work?

To obtain a credit card with Sable without a credit check, some of your money may be locked up while rebuilding your credit score. However, you can upgrade to an unsecured credit card in as little as four months. 

Note: If you need a higher limit, you may first have to increase your credit score so you will qualify for an unsecured credit card with high limits.

Sable debit cards do not support contactless payments in stores but are compatible with mobile wallet payments via Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. Sable does not offer a savings account, and the money in your account does not accrue interest.

For large international transfers or transfers involving exotic currencies, Sable recommends other services like OFX or CurrenciesDirect instead of Wise, which is better suited for smaller transfers.

While Sable cards work internationally, they can only be loaded with US dollars, which may charge fees for frequent travelers. Wise’s multi-currency account, offering support for 55+ currencies and local receiving accounts, can be a more cost-effective solution. 

Fees

sable credit card on a dollar background

Fees? Yes, like most secured credit cards, the Sable credit card also incurs some charges. Check out the following table to understand the types of fees and how they are incurred.

Types of FeeFee Description 
Account FeesMonthly & annual charges$0
Minimum balanceNot required
Sending MoneyDomestic wire transfer$5
ACH transfersFree
International transferMid-market exchange rate + additional fees based on amount, target currency, and payment method
Receiving MoneyRegular ACHFree
Same-day ACHFree
Domestic wire transfer$3
International wire transfer$15
Card FeesInterest Current APR is 6.99% + prime rate (applies to secured card)
Card issue fee $0
Card delivery fee$0
Expedited card delivery fee$20
Domestic ATM withdrawalFree
International ATM withdrawalFree (with 2% currency conversion charges)
Foreign transaction fee2%

Note: New Sable cardholders will have to pay a security deposit upfront, which becomes their credit line. 

What Bank is Sable Credit Using?

Sable Credit teams up with a bank protected by the member FDIC called ‘Coastal Community Bank’. Plus, they have joined forces with a fintech company supported by Y-Combinator to offer a modern, mobile-focused service.

This card works by allowing you to secure your credit line with a deposit of your choice without needing a credit check. This deposit acts as collateral and determines the card’s spending limit.

You can then make purchases with the card, just like a regular credit card. It also offers rewards for spending. As users make payments on time and manage their cards responsibly, their credit scores can improve over time. 

The card helps people build or rebuild credit without some common barriers found with other secured cards.

How to Earn and Redeem Cash Back in a Sable Card?

Earning and redeeming cash back with your Sable Secured Credit Card account is easy. To earn some money back, use your card for everyday purchases like utilities, gas stations, groceries, and entertainment.

You’ll earn 2% cash back on purchases at Amazon, Uber, Whole Foods, Uber Eats, Netflix, Spotify, and similar merchants, while all other purchases earn 1% cash back. 

When redeeming your cash-back rewards, there’s only one option: statement credits applied to your account’s complicated redemption processes.

Just keep your card for purchases and enjoy the cash-back benefits applied directly to your account.

Sable Credit and Debit Card

sable credit and debit card

Sable Credit Card

Sable offers a secured credit card option. With this card, you can begin to build or improve your credit score. 

By responsibly using these most secured credit cards without missed payments, you can go for a positive payment history with a credit report to credit bureaus. 

Unlike some other beginner credit tools, the Sable credit card provides this opportunity for credit building along with additional benefits, helping users with their financial stability.

Sable Debit Card

The Sable debit card is a free, premium cashback debit card accessible to all, including those without a Social Security Number who can utilize a passport. This card offers various benefits, such as 1% unlimited cash back on favorite brands, purchase protection, and price matching on foreign transaction fees.

It also provides multilingual customer support, international money transfers, integration with popular apps like Venmo and CashApp, and no minimum deposit requirement to get started. 

Plus, users benefit from features like no overdraft or insufficient funds fees, incoming direct deposits, and the option to improve credit through Sable’s credit builder program.

Sable App and App Features

The Sable app is now available for both iOS and Android devices. With this app, you can easily track your account activity and monitor your progress in improving your credit score. You’ll find all your account details and credit score conveniently displayed in one place. 

Plus, you can manage your credit limit, set financial goals, and transfer money to your Sable bank account from your linked checking account. 

Key features of this app include:

  • Scheduling recurring payments.
  • Instantly freezing and unfreezing your card.
  • Receiving instant transaction notifications.
  • Setting up direct deposit from your payroll.
  • Viewing your credit history online.
  • Participating in a referral program. 

Plus, the ‘For You’ section offers helpful guidance and access to free online resource tools. Take advantage of the Sable app to stay on top of your finances and make informed credit decisions.

Is Sable Card Safe and Legit?

Yes, both Sable accounts and cards are completely safe for your use.

Your accounts are supported by the Coastal Community Bank (already discussed above), providing solid backing for your funds. Plus, the money you hold is safeguarded up to $250,000 by the FDIC. 

Sable ensures that you won’t be held responsible for any unauthorized purchases made with your cards. Moreover, they offer coverage for most new items bought with your Sable credit card if they are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase.

custom image of a sable cards

To enhance security, you receive instant notifications for all activities on your account. Plus, you have the OPTION to set up two-factor authentication for the mobile app.

Customer Reviews 

GUESS WHAT? When I checked the Sable customer reviews on Trustpilot, it raised my eyebrows. They’ve got only 1.6 stars out of 129 reviews. (mostly negative reviews, and I couldn’t find any recent ones)

  • Customer Review 01:
The hate and bad reviews are far from my experience. I had the account for over 1,5y and never had issues with them, either with international or domestic wire transfers or using the debit card in several countries. App is basic but modern and always worked great and has the features I need.

John had a positive experience with Sable Bank for 1.5 years. He didn’t face any problems with wire transfers, using his debit card internationally, or with the app. He liked the card-pausing feature and found customer service responsive.

John says he will miss Sable but had to switch banks because he moved out of the US.

  • Customer Review 02:
If you’re not aware Sable is closing and it’s no surprise to me. After all the craziness I’ve experienced with this account and all the hoops I jumped through to have the card unsecured they NEVER did. People complained that they never received their deposits back after requesting the account closed.

Estelle Crayton says Sable, where she had an account, is closing. She’s not surprised by problems like not getting her deposit back. Others also complained about not receiving their money back. Estelle’s account was untouched for two months until she used it for moving expenses.

She’s relieved even if Sable takes her remaining balance, less than $5. She hopes others get their money back.

  • Customer Review 03:
They closed my account just yesterday “due to recent activity”. They refuse to credit my money back from a dispute I filed back in January. I reported them and now THIS! PLUS, my boyfriend says his account was closed too. 

LaShonta has given only 1 star, showing her dissatisfaction with the Sable card. She says that her account and her boyfriend’s account were closed, and she refused to credit her money back.

However, you cannot judge a book by its cover. Isn’t it? So, keep an eye on the pros and cons too.

Pros and Cons

The Sable secured credit card has both pros and cons. Understanding these will help you decide whether it’s your cup of tea or not.

Ready?

Check out the table below. 

Pros

You can upgrade from an unsecured to a secured line of credit within just 4 months
No yearly fees to worry about
Your credit activity is reported to the credit bureaus every month
You can apply without needing a Social Security Number

Cons

Customer support receives a lot of negative reviews 
There’s a 2% fee for foreign transactions 
Many users find the app slow or difficult to use 

Alternatives

Check out my top picks: Wise Card, PREMIER Bankcard, Applied Bank, and OpenSky to meet your financial needs. Whether you’re seeking budgeting tools, credit-building opportunities, or transparent rates, you can find the BEST match among these options. 

Wise Card

A Wise card is a convenient alternative to a Sable card. It offers a range of services designed to meet your financial needs. With Wise card, you can manage your money properly with features like budgeting tools and real-time spending notifications. 

They prioritize transparency and provide competitive exchange rates for international transactions. 

Wise card also offers low fees compared to traditional banks, making it an affordable OPTION for everyday use. Their user-friendly app makes it easy to track your spending and manage your finances.

PREMIER Bankcard

PREMIER Bankcard stands out as another alternative to the Sable card for individuals looking for a reliable banking solution. They offer a variety of credit cards suitable for different credit profiles, including those with less-than-perfect credit.

With PREMIER Bankcard, you can access online account management tools, making it convenient to monitor your spending and make payments. 

While they may have higher fees and interest rates for some customers, they provide opportunities for credit-building and financial stability.

Conclusion

Yes, what you’re thinking is correct!

Sable’s secured credit card is a great option if you have bad credit or if you want to start building your credit. If you’re looking for an alternative, choose one from the above list.

However, my favorite choice is Wise because its transparency and low fees made most of my transactions easier.

What’s in your mind – Sable or? (Think).

FAQs

Sable Gold is a banking service for newcomers to the USA, international students, and people with low credit scores. They offer accounts without credit checks and provide a secured credit card to help users build credit.

Yes, the Sable credit card offers standard protections, ensuring you’re not liable for unauthorized purchases. The Sable app also allows you to lock or unlock your card if it’s lost or stolen.

Sable does not charge extra fees for late secured credit card payments. However, if you carry a balance and don’t pay it off on time, they will charge interest.

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Author
Allen Morning
I'm Allen Morning, with a background spanning over 15 years in international finance and education from Harvard and Stanford. I founded Currenciap with a vision to demystify and streamline global financial transactions. My journey in finance has fueled my commitment to creating a platform that is both user-friendly and efficient, making international finance accessible to everyone. You can find more about me here.

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