Sallie Mae Ignite Credit Card Review: $50 Welcome Bonus, 1.25% Cash Back, No Annual Fee

Sallie Mae Ignite Credit Card

Benefits

• 25% bonus for on-time payments: If you make on-time payments for six consecutive months, you get an extra 25% cash back bonus, bringing the maximum cash back rate to 1.25%.
• 0% APR on purchases for the first 6 months: For purchases, you only need to pay the minimum due and no additional interest will be charged during the intro period. For details on how to use this benefit, see: How to Use 0% APR Purchase and Balance Transfer Offers
• 0% APR on balance transfers for the first 6 months: You need to complete the BT within 60 days of opening the card. For details on how to use this benefit, see: How to Use 0% APR Purchase and Balance Transfer Offers
• Cell phone protection: If you use this card to pay your monthly cell phone bill, you automatically get cell phone protection for up to 3 phones (the primary account holder plus the first two family members). Each claim covers up to $600, with a $50 deductible, and up to $1,000 total every 12 months. See details here: Introduction to Credit Card Cell Phone Protection Benefits

My Take

The issuer positions this card as a student card, but you still need an SSN to apply. The bonus for six consecutive months of on-time payments is also meant to encourage cardholders not to miss payments. However, for most international students, it makes more sense to apply directly for one of the other two cards with higher cash back, rather than specifically getting a student card.

• Sallie Mae Evolve Credit Card Review: $200 Welcome Bonus, Up to 2% Cash Back in Top Spending Categories, No Annual Fee
• Sallie Mae Accelerate Credit Card Review: $200 Welcome Bonus, 1.5% Cash Back on All Purchases, No Annual Fee

Application

• I previously applied for Sallie Mae's grocery card (long discontinued), and it felt relatively easy to get approved.

Application Link