KOHO Essential Mastercard
Reward estimates are based on published earn rates and may vary. Butter may earn a referral fee when you apply through our links, including through partner networks. This never affects our recommendations, which are based on your spending data, not commissions. Butter provides information and tools, not financial advice.
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Is this card right for you?
A free prepaid Mastercard: no monthly fee (with a direct deposit or $1,000 load), 1% cash back on groceries, dining and transportation, and 2% interest on your balance — a fee-free way into cash back without a credit check.
2% interest on your balance with no monthly fee
a genuine benefit that's rare on a free card.
Anyone who wants a fee-free cash-back card without a credit check.
People who prefer spending only what they've loaded, not a credit line.
You want to build credit history through borrowing
this is prepaid, not credit.
You want stronger cash back rates
the Extra and Everything tiers pay more.
Watch-outs It's a prepaid account, not a credit card — it won't build a traditional credit history the way a real credit card does.
Butter may earn a referral fee when you apply through our links, including through partner networks. This never affects our recommendations, which are based solely on your spending data, not commissions. Butter provides information and tools, not financial advice. Card details such as earn rates, fees and bonuses may change. Verify on issuer's site → Always confirm with the issuer before applying.