Ally Financial, widely known for its online banking and auto financing services, also offers a small portfolio of credit cards that focus on straightforward rewards and fewer hidden fees. These cards are currently invitation-only, but they have caught attention for their no foreign transaction fees and simple cash-back structures.
In 2025, Ally announced it will be selling its credit card
business to CardWorks. This move affects over one million customers and raises
questions about future benefits and terms.
Quick Overview
Ally’s lineup includes three main cards:
- Platinum
Card – designed to help build or rebuild credit
- Everyday
Cash Back Card – offers 3% at gas stations, grocery stores, and
drugstores, plus 1% on other purchases
- Unlimited
Cash Back Card – provides a flat 2% back on all purchases
Direct Link To Offer
“Compare Ally Credit Card with Chase, Citi, and Wells Fargo. See
rewards, fees, and if it’s worth it for U.S. customers in 2025.”
Key details
- Annual
fees: $0 to $39 depending on card type
- APR:
22.99% to 29.99% variable
- No
foreign transaction fees
- No
penalty APRs for late payments
- Balance
transfer and cash advance fees apply
- Standard
grace period for purchases if paid in full
Pros and Cons of Ally Credit Cards
Pros
- Simple
cash-back structure
- No
foreign transaction fees
- No
penalty APRs or hidden charges
- 2%
flat-rate version is competitive for everyday spending
Cons
- High
APR range makes carrying balances expensive
- No
welcome bonuses or introductory APR offers
- Invitation-only,
limiting access
- Future
terms uncertain with CardWorks acquisition
Ally Credit Card vs. Top Competitors
When compared with leading U.S. cash-back credit cards,
Ally’s offer has both strengths and weaknesses.
Ally Unlimited Cash Back Card vs. Citi Double Cash
- Ally:
2% flat cash back (no foreign transaction fees, $0–$39 annual fee)
- Citi
Double Cash: 2% back (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay), no annual
fee, but does charge foreign transaction fees
➡ Winner: Ally, if you travel often and want no foreign transaction fees. Citi, if you prefer broader availability and no invite requirement.
Ally Everyday Cash Back Card vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited
- Ally:
3% at gas, grocery, and drugstores; 1% everywhere else
- Chase
Freedom Unlimited: 5% on travel through Chase, 3% at drugstores and
dining, 1.5% on all other purchases, plus an intro bonus
➡ Winner: Chase, because of the sign-up bonus and stronger ongoing rewards in multiple categories.
Ally Unlimited Cash Back Card vs. Wells Fargo Active Cash
- Ally:
2% flat rate, invitation only, no foreign fees
- Wells
Fargo Active Cash: 2% flat rate, widely available, $200 welcome bonus,
cell phone protection, no annual fee
➡ Winner: Wells Fargo, thanks to better perks and the sign-up bonus.
Review
For cardholders who pay off balances each month, Ally’s
cards can be profitable. The 2% flat-rate version in particular is strong for
everyday spending, especially with no foreign transaction fees.
But compared to competitors like Wells Fargo Active Cash or
Chase Freedom Unlimited, Ally falls short because it lacks welcome bonuses,
intro APR deals, and wider availability. For frequent travelers or existing
Ally customers invited to apply, the card can still be a decent option. For
most others, top competitors deliver greater long-term value.