M1 Finance launches its Owner’s Rewards credit card

M1 Finance is known for offering app-based investing with fewer fees and smarter tools, yet M1 enthusiasts now have a new way to invest through everyday spending. With the new M1 Finance Owner’s Rewards Card, launched in August of 2021, investors can beef up their accounts by earning 1.5% back in rewards on everyday spending that is automatically invested back into their portfolio.

Better yet, bonus rewards are afforded when cardholders shop with companies whose stock they own. Major retailers and brands like Amazon.com, Walmart, Netflix and Peloton are on the list.

The investing-focused cash back credit card is currently on a waitlist, but should you get in line? While the M1 Finance Owner’s Rewards Card is certainly attractive, the way rewards are earned and redeemed makes this card a very specific option geared to a specific type of consumer.

M1 Finance Owner’s Rewards overview

People who sign up for the M1 Finance Owner’s Rewards Card will need to have an M1 Finance investing account. As of writing, M1 Finance is offering a free year of M1 Plus for new users to experience the firm’s upgraded investing experience ($125 retail value). If you get the card and use M1 Plus beyond the first year, you’ll need to pay the $125 annual fee. If you decide to keep the card and drop M1 Plus, a $95 annual card fee applies.

Cardholders earn a flat 1.5% back for every dollar they spend, as well as 2.5%, 5% or 10% back when they shop with select retailers or brands in which they own stock. Big brands that are currently eligible for bonus rewards include Amazon.com, Target, Netflix, Walmart, Delta, Starbucks, Peloton and more. The cash back is then automatically invested back into customers’ M1 Finance investing portfolios.

Other M1 Finance Owner’s Rewards benefits

The biggest benefit of the M1 Finance Owner’s Rewards Card is the fact your rewards are automatically added to your M1 Finance investment account. Cardholders can use M1 automation to move their rewards into their portfolio for continued growth and compounding.

The M1 Finance Owner’s Rewards Card is a Visa Signature card, so it comes with benefits like Visa Signature concierge, access to the Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection, lost and stolen card reporting and more. Your card is also set up to seamlessly integrate with your M1 Finance account.

What is M1 Finance?

M1 Finance was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The investing firm aims to offer a “finance super app” with the capability to help investors make seamless trades and build long-term wealth with cutting edge and user-friendly tools.

M1 Finance recently raised a $150 million Series E at a $1.45 billion valuation. It’s also approaching $5 billion in client assets on the platform after having reached $4 billion in client assets as of May 2021.

Should I get the M1 Finance Owner’s Rewards card?

If you want to invest your rewards and you’re a M1 Finance customer already, getting on the waitlist for the M1 Finance Owner’s Rewards Card makes sense. After all, you’ll earn a flat 1.5% back, as well as 2.5% to 10% back when you shop with big companies whose stock you already own.

You can also get a year of M1 Plus membership for free, which gives you the chance to try a membership before you commit to the card. Better yet, the M1 Finance Owner’s Rewards Card integrates with your investment account and automatically invests rewards on your behalf, so you won’t be tempted to cash in your points for anything else.

Then again, there are other rewards credit cards that offer cash back everywhere at higher rates, including options with no annual fee. If you have the discipline to cash out your rewards and invest them yourself, other card options could leave you ahead.

Bottom line

Plenty of new credit cards launched in 2021, and the M1 Finance Owner’s Rewards Card is definitely unique among them. At the end of the day, this card is best for M1 Finance enthusiasts, investors of all types and people who don’t want to redeem cash back rewards for travel, gift cards or other popular options.