Do you want to build your credit score without opening a physical credit card or taking out a loan? Consider a Sesame Cash account with its credit builder feature. It takes an innovative approach to improve credit health – members use debit to build credit without any added fees or hidden costsbanks_disclaimer id=”36045″ text=”(1)”/].
Read on to learn more about Sesame Cash and how to get started with a free account.
What is Credit Sesame?
Founded by Adrian Nazari, Credit Sesame is an online platform that offers a multitude of resources to help consumers improve their financial health. The company takes pride in its credit score and monitoring, credit builder, identity theft protection and saving products that empower individuals to achieve financial goals. You will also find home and auto insurance quotes, student loan repayment and credit card recommendations, along with educational content to help you stay on top of your finances.
What is Sesame Cash?
Sesame Cash is a fee-free prepaid debit account. It comes with a prepaid MasterCard that can be used for everyday purchases. You’ll earn cashback rewards from leading brands, like Nike, Uber, Walmart, Apple, Sam’s Club and Footlocker (2) . Plus, you can earn cash rewards as your credit score improves (3) .
Sesame Cash’s credit builder feature can also be enabled to help improve your credit score.
Is Sesame Cash a Bank?
Sesame Cash is a digital account. It’s offered by the issuing bank, Community Federal Savings Banks (CFSB), Member FDIC.
How Does Sesame Cash Work?
You can use Sesame Cash to make everyday purchases and pay bills. When you sign up for a free Credit Sesame account, you’ll get a debit card that can be used anywhere MasterCard is accepted.
Eligible purchases from leading brands earn cashback rewards (2) . You can also have your paychecks deposited into your Sesame Cash account and receive the funds two days early without incurring interest or paying fees (4) .
If you’re looking to build credit, you can allocate a portion of your Sesame Cash account funds to create a virtual secured line of credit (“Credit Builder”)banks_disclaimer id=”36045″ text=”(1)”/]. The money serves as a security deposit, and the account is reported to the credit bureaus. You’ll also set your own utilization. Credit Sesame will use a portion of the purchases made with your debit card each month to create a balance on your secured line of credit. Payment is remitted automatically by the due date to improve your payment history and build credit.
How Can You Withdraw Money from Sesame Cash?
You can withdraw money from Sesame Cash at over 55,000 Allpoint ATMs around the globe.
The Benefits of Sesame Cash Account
Here’s an overview of the key advantages offered by Sesame Cash:
- Open an account with no minimum deposit or credit check
- View your credit score for free daily
- Get cashback when you make purchases (2)
- Get paid when your credit score improves (4)
- Get paid 2 days early with direct deposit (3)
- No monthly minimum balance required
- No maintenance or foreign transaction fees
- Withdraw funds free of charge at more than 55,000 ATMs around the world
- Free mobile device protection (up to $500 annually) when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with Sesame Cash (See program terms)
- Purchase protection and $1 million ID theft insurance through MasterCard
- Ability to enable credit builder
Sesame Cash Account Features
Early Paycheck Access
Do you already have your paychecks deposited elsewhere? Sesame Cash offers direct deposit if you’d prefer to receive your wages electronically. Consider switching as Credit Sesame releases your money right away when received from your employer. Consequently, you could receive your funds up to 2 days earlier than you would with traditional banks (4) .
Rewards When You Increase Your Credit Score
When your credit score goes up, Sesame Cash will reward you for your efforts. You’ll get $10 when your score improves by 10 to 99 points in 30 days. But if your score increase is 100 or more within this same period, Credit Sesame will pay you $100 (3) .
No Minimum Deposit to Open Account or Monthly Maintenance Fees
Unlike most bank accounts, there’s no minimum opening deposit requirement for Credit Sesame Cash accounts. Plus, you’ll never pay monthly maintenance fees to keep your account open.
Online Banking and Mobile App
You can manage your Sesame Cash account directly from your mobile device by:
- Downloading the Credit Sesame mobile app
- Adding money to your account
- Viewing recent transactions
- Activating online savings and in-store offers to earn up to 15 percent cashback when using your Sesame Cash debit card (2)
- Establishing direct deposit to receive your paycheck up to two days early
- Depositing funds from your Sesame Cash balance to the credit builder feature
Cash Back Rewards Debit Card
The prepaid Mastercard debit card lets you make everyday purchases that earn you up to 15 percent cashback. Simply activate an offer, pay with your debit card and receive your cashback into your Sesame Cash account (2) .
You can also pay bills, transfer money to other accounts or set aside funds for financial goals. And if you misplace or lose your debit card, you can freeze and unfreeze your account directly from the mobile app.
FDIC-Insured Deposits
Deposits made to your Sesame Cash are insured by the FDIC for up to $250,000.
How to Open a Sesame Cash Account
It’s easy to get started with Sesame Cash. If you’re at least 18 years old, here’s how to apply for a Sesame Cash account:
- Download the free Credit Sesame mobile app on your iOS or Android device.
- Create a free account and access the dashboard on your mobile device.
- Tap the $ icon at the bottom of the screen to access your Sesame Cash account.
- Tap the “Add Money” button to transfer funds to your Sesame Cash account. You can transfer money from a bank account, initiate an instant transfer from a digital wallet, enroll in direct deposit or deposit a check.
- Get your debit card in the mail.
- Start using your Sesame Cash account.