Arro vs Surge

Arro vs Surge at a glance

Figures as published by: NerdWallet: Arro Card review (April 6, 2026); NerdWallet: Surge Platinum Mastercard review. Checked November 9, 2026. Issuers change terms, so confirm on the issuer's own site before you apply.

The differences that matter

Fees. Surge's annual fee runs $75 to $125, and reviewers note a monthly maintenance fee can apply after the first year on some versions. Arro is up to $60 a year.

APR. Surge: 35.90% fixed. Arro: from 24.99%.

Starting limit. Surge wins here, with $300 to $1,000 and a possible increase after six on-time payments. Arro starts at up to $300.

Credit check. Surge prequalifies with a soft check, then runs a hard inquiry. AskMrCreditCard estimates most approved applicants have scores around 600 or higher. Arro has no score requirement.

Extras. Arro pays 1% cash back on gas and groceries and has no foreign transaction fee. Surge has no rewards programme.

What a year costs

Our arithmetic from each product's published fee and APR: yearly fees plus one year of interest on $150 where interest applies. Surge: fee depends on the offer. Arro: membership depends on starting limit. Try other amounts in the Arro Card cost calculator.

Choose Arro if

• Your score is in the 500s or you have no score.
• You want the lower fee and APR.
• You do not want a hard inquiry.

Choose Surge if

• You need a starting limit above $300 for utilization or purchases.
• Your score is near 600 and your bank deposits are irregular.
• You accept the higher cost for a higher line.

Verdict

Surge buys you a bigger first limit at roughly double the yearly cost and a much higher interest rate. Unless that limit is essential, Arro or a secured card is the better deal.

Still comparing? See all nine in cards like Arro, or read our Arro Card review.