FAQs: Changes to the Sallie Mae Credit Card Program

On November 30, 2023, our credit card program is transitioning to ignite® Credit Card Program, issued by First Bank & Trust.

Please note: Everything in the current program will remain the same until the transition on November 30, 2023.

In the meantime, here are some answers to frequently asked questions about the transition.

Overview

The new program begins November 30, 2023. Until then, your current program will remain the same. 

Beginning November 30, 2023:

  • Sallie Mae Ignite will become ignite®.
  • Sallie Mae Accelerate will become ignite® World.
  • Sallie Mae Evolve will become ignite®+ World.

 

Starting November 30, 2023, the Sallie Mae Credit Card Rewards Program will become the ignite® Rewards Program.

Yes, changes to the credit card program won’t impact your private student loan account and any repayment responsibilities on that account. 

Points and Rewards

Yes, once your credit card is transitioned to an ignite® credit card, cardmembers will continue to earn cash back the following ways:

  • ignite® Platinum cardmembers can earn up to 1.25% cash back on each dollar spent.
  • ignite® World cardmembers can earn 2% cash back on all rewards when redeemed towards any student loan.
  • ignite®+ World cardmembers can earn 2% cash back on their two highest-spending eligible categories per month, and 1.5% on everything else.

Nothing will happen to your existing cash back and you can continue to redeem your rewards from Sallie Mae until November 30, 2023. After the transition, cash back rewards will be subject to ignite® Rewards Program rules.

Starting November 30, 2023, cardmembers can update their existing Sallie Mae credit card mobile app or download the new ignite card mobile app to manage their account and redeem any available rewards.

Yes, purchases made by authorized users prior to November 30, 2023, will continue to earn cash back and will be added to your rewards balance. Rewards earned after the transition will be subject to ignite® Rewards Program rules.

Your cosigner and your cosigner’s responsibilities will remain the same after the transition.

Beginning November 30, 2023, please contact Customer Service with any questions or for servicing needs at 888-295-3447, Monday–Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET, or visit www.theignitecard.com

Cardmember-Specific Questions

All balances will transfer automatically to your new ignite card account.

After November 30, 2023, you can find more information about your account online at www.theignitecard.com, via the mobile app, or by calling 888-295-3447.

Your new card should arrive around November 30, 2023, and you should follow the instructions that come with your new card.

The ignite® Mastercard, issued by First Bank & Trust, will include activation instructions in your welcome package. 

After November 30, 2023, cardmembers can report lost or stolen credit cards 24/7 through the ignite card mobile app. You can also call Customer Service at 888-295-3447, Monday–Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET.

After November 30, 2023, you can make a payment online at theignitecard.com; through the mobile app; by calling Customer Service at 888-295-3447, Monday–Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET; or by mailing it to ignite, P.O. Box 70233, Philadelphia, PA 19176-0233.

Yes, your existing automatic payment enrollment will continue after the transition. If you want to change your enrollment, please go to the mobile app or call Customer Service at 888-295-3447 to update your preferences. 

Your current due date won’t change. If you want to select a new payment due date, you can contact Customer Service after you receive your first statement after November 30, 2023.

footnote The Sallie Mae Ignite, Sallie Mae Accelerate, and Sallie Mae Evolve credit cards are issued by Sallie Mae Bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard and World Mastercard are registered trademarks, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

footnote SALLIE MAE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS, SERVICES, AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. CHECK SALLIEMAE.COM FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE PRODUCT INFORMATION.