Athleta Encore Mastercard®

This card is worth a look if you regularly shop with Athleta and want a simple way to earn brand rewards without paying an annual fee. In that role, it can make sense as a secondary card that stays in your wallet for Athleta purchases and occasional use if you value the retailer's points and redemption options.

For most readers, though, it is a narrow fit. The ongoing earn rate is only 1% on general purchases, the welcome offer is negligible, and the card does not bring the broader travel, cash-back, or protection benefits that make an everyday rewards card more useful. If you are not already a frequent Athleta customer, a general cash-back card will usually give you more flexible value.