As someone who’s always on the lookout for innovative financial products, I’m excited to dive into the M1 Finance Credit Card – a unique offering that combines traditional credit card benefits with modern investing features. This card stands out in the crowded credit market by seamlessly integrating with M1 Finance’s investing platform.
I’ve found that what makes this card particularly interesting is its Owner’s Rewards program, which offers enhanced cashback when you spend money at companies you’re invested in through M1 Finance. It’s a clever way to align your spending with your investment strategy while earning rewards. Whether you’re an experienced investor or just starting your financial journey, understanding how the M1 Finance Credit Card works can help you make informed decisions about adding it to your wallet.
M1 Finance Credit Card
- The M1 Finance Credit Card offers a unique tiered rewards system with up to 10% cash back when spending at companies you’re invested in through M1 Finance
- Cardholders earn 1.5% base cash back on all purchases, with enhanced rates of 2.5%, 5%, and 10% based on investment holdings in specific companies
- The card requires an M1 Plus membership ($125/year) but has no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and features a metal design with tap-to-pay functionality
- Eligibility requirements include a minimum credit score of 680, U.S. residency, and an M1 Invest account with at least $100 balance
- All rewards are automatically deposited into your M1 investment account, integrating spending with investment strategy seamlessly
What Is the M1 Owner’s Credit Card
The M1 Owner’s Credit Card is a rewards credit card that links spending rewards directly to investment holdings in an M1 Finance account. The card offers 1.5% base cash back on all purchases plus enhanced rewards of up to 10% when spending at companies owned through M1 investments.
Key features of the M1 Owner’s Credit Card include:
- No annual fee for M1 Plus members ($125 subscription required)
- Automatic cash back deposits into M1 investment accounts
- Metal card design with tap-to-pay functionality
- Virtual card access for immediate online purchases
- Zero foreign transaction fees for international purchases
The Owner’s Rewards program offers tiered cashback rates:
| Reward Tier | Cash Back Rate | Example Companies |
|---|---|---|
| Top Tier | 10% | Netflix, Spotify, Amazon |
| Mid Tier | 5% | Target, Starbucks, Nike |
| Base Tier | 2.5% | Home Depot, CVS, McDonald’s |
The card integrates with the M1 Finance ecosystem through:
- Direct deposit of rewards into investment accounts
- Real-time transaction monitoring in the M1 app
- Automatic payment scheduling from M1 Spend accounts
- Investment portfolio alignment with spending habits
- Digital wallet compatibility with major platforms
- Active M1 Plus membership
- Minimum credit score of 680
- U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
- Valid Social Security number
- Verifiable income source
Key Features and Benefits
The M1 Finance Credit Card combines innovative rewards with seamless investment integration. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its standout features.
Cash Back Rewards Structure
The Owner’s Rewards program offers a tiered cash back system based on investment holdings. Here’s how the rewards are structured:
| Reward Tier | Cash Back Rate | Example Companies |
|---|---|---|
| Top Tier | 10% | Netflix Amazon Spotify |
| Mid Tier | 5% | Target Starbucks Nike |
| Base Tier | 2.5% | Home Depot CVS Best Buy |
| All Other Purchases | 1.5% | Any merchant |
Key earning features include:
- Automatic cash back deposits into M1 investment accounts
- No minimum redemption threshold
- No earnings cap on rewards
- Instant rewards availability after purchase posting
Integration With M1 Finance Platform
The card connects directly with the M1 Finance ecosystem through these features:
- One-click activation within the M1 Finance app
- Real-time transaction monitoring in the dashboard
- Automated payment scheduling from M1 Spend accounts
- Direct rewards investment into chosen investment pies
- Instant virtual card access for immediate use
- Smart rebalancing of rewards into existing portfolios
- Zero foreign transaction fees
- Tap-to-pay functionality
- Metal card construction
- Digital wallet compatibility with Apple Pay Google Pay Samsung Pay
Eligibility Requirements and Application Process
M1 Finance Credit Card maintains specific eligibility criteria to ensure cardholders meet financial stability standards. The application process integrates seamlessly with existing M1 Finance accounts.
Credit Score Requirements
Applicants need a minimum FICO credit score of 680 to qualify for the M1 Owner’s Credit Card. The credit requirements align with industry standards for rewards credit cards, factoring in payment history, credit utilization ratio, and length of credit history. M1 Finance conducts a hard credit inquiry during the application process to verify creditworthiness.
- Maintain a U.S. residential address with proof of residency
- Provide a valid Social Security number
- Establish a verifiable income source through employment documentation
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of application
- Open an M1 Invest account with a minimum balance of $100
- Complete identity verification through the M1 Finance platform
- Link a valid U.S. bank account for payments
| Requirement Type | Specification |
|---|---|
| Credit Score | 680+ FICO |
| Age | 18+ years |
| M1 Plus Fee | $125/year |
| Min. Investment | $100 |
| Residency | U.S. resident |
Card Fees and Interest Rates
The M1 Finance Credit Card maintains a transparent fee structure with competitive interest rates. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the associated costs and rates.
Annual Fee and Foreign Transaction Fees
The M1 Owner’s Rewards Card charges $0 in annual fees for M1 Plus members ($125 membership required). Foreign transaction fees are eliminated completely, enabling international purchases without additional charges. The card includes several other fee exemptions:
- Late payment fees: Up to $25
- Returned payment fees: Up to $25
- Cash advance fees: 3% of transaction amount ($10 minimum)
- Card replacement: $0 for standard shipping
APR and Balance Transfer Details
The card features a variable APR structure based on creditworthiness and market conditions:
| APR Type | Rate Range |
|---|---|
| Purchase APR | 18.24% – 26.24% Variable |
| Balance Transfer APR | 18.24% – 26.24% Variable |
| Cash Advance APR | 28.24% Variable |
- Transfer fee: 3% of transferred amount ($10 minimum)
- Introductory APR: None available
- Grace period: 25 days on purchases if paying balance in full
- Interest calculation: Daily periodic rate method
- Balance computation: Average daily balance including new purchases
How M1 Owner’s Card Compares to Competitors
The M1 Owner’s Card stands out from traditional rewards credit cards through its unique investment-linked rewards structure. Here’s a detailed comparison with similar cards:
Cash Back Comparison
| Card | Base Rate | Maximum Rewards | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| M1 Owner’s Card | 1.5% | 10% | $0 (with M1 Plus) |
| Fidelity® Rewards | 2% | 2% | $0 |
| Charles Schwab Investor Card | 1.5% | 1.5% | $0 |
| SoFi Credit Card | 2% | 3% | $0 |
Investment Integration Features
- M1 Owner’s Card: Direct deposit into investment accounts with automatic portfolio allocation
- Fidelity® Rewards: Deposits into Fidelity investment accounts only
- Charles Schwab: Deposits limited to Schwab accounts
- SoFi: Rewards redeemable for investments in SoFi active investing accounts
Unique Advantages
- Elevated rewards (up to 10%) for shopping at owned companies through M1
- Automatic investment of rewards into existing portfolio strategies
- Metal card design with tap-to-pay functionality
- Zero foreign transaction fees
- Virtual card access for enhanced security
Reward Structure Flexibility
- M1 Owner’s Card: Three-tiered rewards (10%, 5%, 2.5%) plus 1.5% base
- Fidelity® Rewards: Flat-rate structure
- Charles Schwab: Single-tier rewards
- SoFi: Two-tier system based on direct deposit status
- M1 Owner’s Card: Full integration with M1 Finance ecosystem
- Real-time spending notifications
- Automated payment scheduling
- Investment performance tracking
- Mobile wallet compatibility
The M1 Owner’s Card provides superior earning potential for investors who align their spending with their investment portfolio, offering significantly higher rewards rates than traditional investment-focused credit cards.
Best Ways to Maximize Card Benefits
Strategic Investment Planning
I maximize M1 Owner’s Credit Card rewards by strategically investing in companies where I frequently shop. By holding shares of companies like Amazon Netflix or Target in my M1 portfolio, I earn enhanced cashback rates of up to 10% on purchases from these merchants.
Optimizing Purchase Timing
I coordinate large purchases with my investment holdings to maximize rewards potential. For example:
- Making major Amazon purchases after adding Amazon stock to my portfolio
- Timing Netflix subscription payments when holding Netflix shares
- Planning Target shopping trips once Target stock is in my portfolio
Reward Stacking Techniques
I combine multiple reward opportunities through these methods:
- Using special promotions during peak shopping seasons
- Shopping through M1-partnered merchant portals
- Linking offers to my card through the M1 app
- Utilizing price protection benefits on eligible purchases
Portfolio Management for Rewards
I maintain my rewards optimization through these practices:
- Reviewing my investment portfolio quarterly for reward alignment
- Adjusting stock holdings based on spending patterns
- Monitoring Owner’s Rewards program updates
- Tracking reward rates across different merchants
| Reward Tier | Cashback Rate | Example Merchants |
|---|---|---|
| Top Tier | 10% | Netflix Amazon |
| Mid Tier | 5% | Target Starbucks |
| Base Tier | 2.5% | Home Depot CVS |
| Standard | 1.5% | All other purchases |
- Setting up automatic reward deposits into my investment account
- Enabling dividend reinvestment
- Creating recurring investments with earned rewards
- Establishing automatic payment scheduling to avoid late fees
A Revolutionary Financial Tool That Bridges the Gap Between Everyday Spending and Investing
The M1 Finance Credit Card stands out as a revolutionary financial tool that bridges the gap between everyday spending and investing. I’m impressed by how it rewards cardholders for shopping at companies they believe in through their investment choices.
For investors who want to maximize their returns while making routine purchases the card’s Owner’s Rewards program is a game-changer. The seamless integration with M1’s ecosystem paired with competitive cashback rates makes it an attractive option for those who want their credit card to work harder for their financial future.
While it does require an M1 Plus membership the benefits can far outweigh this cost for active investors and regular shoppers at participating companies. It’s truly a next-generation credit card that transforms daily transactions into investment opportunities.
