M&T Visa Credit Card Review

Who is the M&T Visa Credit Card for?

The M&T Visa Credit Card is the most entry-level credit card available from M&T Bank. With its 0% introductory APR on purchases, no annual fees, and low annual APR, the M&T Visa Credit Card is a great first credit card. It’s even better for individuals who want to learn how to manage a credit card and pay it off every month with little consequences, all while building up a credit score. 

M&T Bank is a community-focused bank with locations almost solely in the Northeast US region. If you live in the area and need a first credit card or transfer debt, the M&T Visa Credit Card is a good beginner card.

This no-hassle credit card is great for those who need to transfer debt from another credit card with its 0% introductory APR on balance transfers. In short, if you are looking for a first credit card or need to transfer a balance and live in the Northeast region, the M&T Visa Credit Card might be the card for you to pick up.

No Initial Bonus or Cash Back

Unsurprisingly, just like with most other first credit cards, the M&T Visa Credit Card has no initial or welcome bonus. This makes sense as welcome bonuses usually require spending a significant amount in the first few months after opening the account, which most first-time credit card owners are not looking to do.

Similarly, cash back or points are usually most useful for credit card owners who spend often and regularly, which is not that the target audience of the M&T Visa Credit Card.

Other Benefits

Although this card is simple in its structure and offerings, there are a few other benefits that might be appealing to credit card owners. For starters, the card itself is customizable using M&T Bank’s design studio. Make the background of the card a family photo or select from one of the many available images; it’s up to the cardholder.

In order to separate itself from the rest of the regional banks, M&T Bank offers convenient ways to make payments, transfer funds, or review account details. These ways include M&T’s Online Banking site, the mobile banking app, or Bill Pay, M&T’s complimentary payment service. You can also visit any local M&T branch or ATM in person, but of course a majority of these are located in the Northeast region.

Additionally, the credit card has M&T Assurance, the bank’s fraud detection and theft protection program. It lets you temporarily lock your card at any time and offers zero liability against unauthorized purchases. You will also receive transaction alerts right to your phone so you can be up to date with all purchases.

Technology

M&T Bank offers chip and contactless technology with this credit card. These chips have enhanced security, leading to safer purchases, and greater acceptance on purchases at chip terminals around the world. The credit card can also be added to your smartphone’s digital wallet, allowing for easy purchases at millions of stores around the globe.

No Annual Fee

One of the main selling points of this card is its zero annual fee. The M&T Visa Credit Card brings peace of mind and security of having some form of payment in your wallet, even when cash or debit is unavailable. With its zero annual fee, you never have to worry about additional payments. From another viewpoint, you can use the card for everyday purchases to build up a credit score. However frequently or infrequently you use this card, it will remain easy to use, hassle-free, and secured. For frequent travelers, it is important to note that the card does have foreign transaction fees of 3% when you spend outside of the United States. This is quite standard for a basic credit card as it is not meant to replace a travel card.

Low APR

Of course, like with almost every other credit card out there, the M&T Visa Credit Card has an APR in effect when you miss a payment or transfer a balance. However, the APR is just 10.24%-17.24%, significantly lower than most cards out there. Additionally, there is an intro APR of 0% for both purchases and balance transfers for 12 months after opening the account. This is amazing for first-time card owners as there is very little consequence in missing a payment the first year the card is in use. Even after the 12 months are over, the APR is low enough that missing a payment won’t have dire consequences. The card can be perfect for parents looking for a credit card for their children due to limited liabilities.

Conclusion

Overall, the M&T Visa Credit Card is a good option for those who live in the Northeast region and are looking to obtain a beginner credit card. With no annual fees, zero introductory APR for both payments and balance transfers, and a low annual APR, this credit card is easy to use and manage. Additionally, the card has enough security features to help owners feel safe and secure whenever they need to use it.