The Owner’s Rewards Card by M1: A Smart Credit Card for Investors

In an age where personal finance tools are becoming increasingly sophisticated, M1 Finance stands out as a platform that combines investing, borrowing, and spending. One of the key offerings from M1 is The Owner’s Rewards Card by M1, a unique credit card designed for individuals who are not just consumers but also investors. This card bridges the gap between spending and investing, offering cash-back rewards that can be reinvested into your M1 portfolio.

If you're already part of the M1 ecosystem—or are looking for a credit card that encourages long-term financial growth—this card might be worth your attention. Here’s everything you need to know about the Owner’s Rewards Card, including its features, benefits, and how to apply.

What is The Owner’s Rewards Card by M1?

The Owner’s Rewards Card by M1 is a Visa Signature credit card offered through M1 Finance, a popular fintech company that provides tools for investing, spending, and borrowing. What sets this card apart is its unique cash-back structure that rewards cardholders for spending at companies they are invested in through the M1 platform.

To qualify for the card, you must be an M1 Plus member, which is M1’s premium membership plan. M1 Plus currently costs $10/month or $95/year, and it includes various perks like lower borrowing rates, more trading windows, and additional features on your M1 Spend and Invest accounts.

Key Features and Benefits

1. Cash-Back Rewards Tied to Your Investments

The Owner’s Rewards Card offers a cash-back structure that is unlike most traditional credit cards:

• 10% cash back at select companies in which you hold stock in your M1 Invest account.
• 5% cash back at other eligible companies you hold.
• 2.5% or 1.5% cash back at all other places, depending on whether the merchant is in the reward tiers.

To maximize these rewards, you must own at least one whole share of the company through your M1 Invest account. These companies are part of a preselected list that includes popular brands like:

• Apple
• Amazon
• Netflix
• Target
• Starbucks
• Tesla
• Nike
• McDonald's
• And many more.

This incentivizes long-term investing by giving you a reason to support companies you believe in—not only through ownership but also through your spending.

2. Automatic Reinvestment of Rewards

The cash-back rewards you earn can be automatically reinvested into your M1 Invest portfolio. This feature enables your everyday purchases to contribute to your long-term financial goals with zero extra effort.

You also have the option to have the rewards credited to your M1 Spend account instead, offering more flexibility depending on your financial priorities.

3. No Annual Fee for the Card

While you do need an M1 Plus membership to get the card, the card itself has no additional annual fee. This makes it appealing compared to other premium rewards cards that typically charge $100 or more annually.

4. No Foreign Transaction Fees

This card comes with no foreign transaction fees, making it suitable for international travel and online purchases from foreign merchants.

5. Visa Signature Benefits

As a Visa Signature card, you also receive various perks such as:

• Travel and emergency assistance services
• Roadside dispatch
• Auto rental collision damage waiver
• Extended warranty protection
• Purchase security

These additional benefits enhance the value of the card, especially for frequent travelers or shoppers.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for The Owner’s Rewards Card, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a valid Social Security number.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have an M1 Plus membership (required).
• Pass a credit check, with good to excellent credit typically recommended (a FICO score of 700+ is advisable).
• Have an active M1 Invest account.

How to Apply for the Owner’s Rewards Card by M1

Applying for the card is simple, especially if you’re already part of the M1 ecosystem. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Sign Up for M1 and Open an M1 Invest Account

First, go to m1.com and create an account. You’ll need to open an M1 Invest account to be eligible for the card.

2. Enroll in M1 Plus

Next, upgrade your account to M1 Plus. You can do this within the dashboard. It costs $10/month or $95 annually, and offers additional benefits across M1’s services.

3. Build Your Portfolio

To unlock the higher cash-back tiers, you’ll need to own at least one full share in the companies you wish to earn rewards from. M1 makes it easy to create a diversified portfolio using their “Pie” investing system.

4. Apply for the Credit Card

Once you have an active M1 Plus membership and an Invest account, you can apply for the credit card directly through your M1 dashboard. The application involves a credit check and may take a few minutes to complete.

5. Use and Earn

Once approved, start using your card to make purchases at eligible companies. Your rewards will automatically be applied according to your chosen preference (either reinvested or deposited into your M1 Spend account).

Is the M1 Owner’s Rewards Card Worth It?

This card is particularly attractive for:

• Active investors using M1 who already own stock in participating companies.
• M1 Plus members who want to maximize their membership perks.
• Long-term thinkers who value reinvesting cash-back rewards into their portfolios.
• People looking for a no-fee premium card with a unique reward structure.

However, it may not be the best option if you’re not planning to invest through M1 or if you don't spend much at the companies featured in the cash-back tiers.

Final Thoughts

The Owner’s Rewards Card by M1 is a forward-thinking credit card that aligns with a new era of financial responsibility—one where spending and investing go hand in hand. While it requires a bit of a setup through M1’s ecosystem, the potential benefits for investors who shop strategically can be significant. If you’re looking to make your money work smarter for you, this card is definitely worth considering.

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