M&T Visa credit card review

M&T Visa credit card review

Updated: May 8, 2020
Updated: May 8, 2020
Ratings Policy
Balance Transfer Rating:
2.4 rating
2.4 rating
2.4 / 5
Introductory Offer:2.4
Net Value:2.8
Features:1.0
Customer Experience1.9

In a Nutshell:

The balance transfer period on the M&T Visa card is relatively short and it charges a higher-than-average balance transfer fee.

0% Introductory Period
12 months

Poor

Transfer Fee
$10 or 4% (whichever is higher)

Poor

Introductory Purchase APR
0%

Excellent

Regular APR
12.24-19.24% (variable)

Excellent

Annual Fee
$0

Excellent

Customer Experience

  • Consumer Reports rating: 87 (48% of issuers ranked higher)
  • 24/7 customer service?: No
  • Online chat available?: No
  • Google Play Store mobile app rating: 3.4/5
  • Apple Store mobile app rating: 3/5
Fair

Other Notable Features: Overdraft protection, EMV chip with PIN, M&T Assurance program

Ratings Policy
Low Interest Rating:
3.6 rating
3.6 rating
3.6 / 5
Rates, Fees, Penalties:3.8
Rewards:0.0
Features:1.0
Customer Experience1.9

In a Nutshell:

The no-frills M&T Visa credit card can save money on interest thanks to its 12-month introductory period on balances and new purchases and reasonable rates and fees.

Regular APR
12.24-19.24% (variable)

Very Good

Introductory Purchase APR
0% for 12 months

Excellent

Introductory Balance Transfer APR
0% for 12 months

Excellent

Fees

  • No annual fee
  • 4% balance transfer fee
  • 3% foreign transaction fee
  • 3% cash advance fee
Average

Penalties

  • $35 late-payment fee
  • 24.99% penalty APR
  • $25 returned-payment fee
Average

Customer Experience

  • Consumer Reports rating: 87 (48% of issuers ranked higher)
  • 24/7 customer service?: No
  • Online chat available?: No
  • Google Play Store mobile app rating: 3.4/5
  • Apple Store mobile app rating: 3/5
Fair

Other Notable Features: Overdraft protection, EMV chip with PIN, M&T Assurance program

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As a low interest rate card, offers some pretty decent rates. The regular APR on the card is roughly 30 percent below the industry average.  It also has no annual fee, although other fees are rather lofty.

Dees and penalties are a mixed bag

While the M&T Visa is a no-fee card that can save you money on a balance transfer, it can cost you in fees and penalties. On top of a $35 fee for late payments, the card may raise your APR as high as 24.99 percent for missing a single payment. It also charges a hefty $35 fee for returned payments. While there are other cards with higher penalties, there are also many cards that come with no penalty APR or returned-payment fee. If fees are big concern for you, a little shopping can uncover a much better deal.

Low APR

The APR on this card, which ranges between 12.24 and 19.24 percent, is lower than the industry average. The card also features a 0 percent introductory APR on new purchases, potentially saving hundreds of dollars on interest in the first 12 months if you plan to finance a large purchase.

Chip and PIN technology

The M&T Visa card is the rare U.S. card to come with both an EMV chip and a PIN number. Chip and PIN is the de facto standard in Europe and most of the world due to the higher level of security that it offers. A PIN is convenient for traveling abroad. It makes it easier to pay at an unmanned machine, be it at a train station or a toll booth. Remember, though, that the M&T Visa Credit Card will charge you a 3 percent foreign transaction fee.

No cash back, no rewards

Like many other low APR cards, the M&T Visa credit card doesn’t have a rewards program.

Why get the M&T Visa credit card?

  • You tend to carry a balance and want a low interest rate.
  • You’re carrying a large balance on another card and would like to save money on a balance transfer.
  • You are not interested in cash back or rewards.

How to use the M&T Visa credit card:

  • If you use the card to transfer a balance, remember to transfer it within the first two months and pay it off (or as much as possible) during the first 12 months.
  • If you transfer a balance, don’t use the card for purchases and vice versa.
  • Try not to use the M&T Visa credit card abroad – due to the high foreign transaction fee – unless you need to use it in an unmanned machine.

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