Mastercard Credit Cards

• See if you’re Pre-Qualified with no impact to your credit score
• All credit types welcome to apply
• Free access to your Vantage 3.0 score from TransUnion* (When you sign up for e-statements)
• Monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus
• Fast and easy application process; results in seconds
• Use your card at locations everywhere Mastercard® is accepted
• Checking Account Required
• $0 fraud liability for unauthorized charges

Reviewing The Reflex Mastercard

The Reflex Mastercard is designed to help people with no credit history or a low credit score. You may have experienced a difficult financial time and need a card that can help rebuild or establish your credit, with responsible card use.

Celtic Bank’s Reflex Mastercard may be a viable option to help. It is an unsecured credit card, so there is no requirement to put money down. Although, in the chance that you do not qualify for the unsecured Reflex Mastercard, you may have to put down a deposit to open your account.

Main Benefits Of The Reflex Mastercard

The biggest benefit of the Reflex Mastercard is that it is designed for those with no or poor credit. While some credit card companies want people with high credit scores, this card is designed for those who need help establishing or rebuilding credit.

The card has a pre-qualify form before you apply, they complete a soft inquiry on your credit profile to see if you may qualify for approval for the card. To see if you pre-qualify, you answer a few questions about yourself, provide your SSN, date of birth, and agree to Celtic Bank obtaining information about your personal credit profile so they can conduct the pre-qualification check. Going through the pre-qualification check does not affect your credit score. After the pre-qualification check, if you are pre-qualified, you will be able to then apply for the Reflex Mastercard. Pre-qualifying does not guarantee acceptance. By offering the pre-qualification form it can save you from a hard inquiry on your credit profile if you are declined during the pre-qualification process.

Once you apply, a hard inquiry will be completed on your credit profile and a full assessment will take place at that time to determine if you are approved. If you are approved, your card limit could be decreased by the yearly fee. Depending on your creditworthiness you may be offered the fully unsecured card, if not you may be offered a partially or fully secured version of the card.  This deposit will be refundable if you close your account and pay off your complete balance. Either way, if you are offered the fully unsecured card or if you have to put down a deposit, it will report to the three major credit bureaus regardless. 

You should have a decision online when you apply but if additional information is needed to process your application, the bank will reach out to obtain it from you. After receiving the card, you need to call the toll-free number to activate it. You cannot use the card until it is activated. Online activation is not currently an option at this time and you will have 30 days to complete the activation of your card.

Each month, the payments you make are reported to the three major credit bureaus. All of your progress is reported to Equifax, Experian, and Transunion, which may help raise your score if you are paying on time and using your new credit card responsibly. Paying at least the minimum payment is important if you want to improve your credit score. It is not the only way, however. Reflex Mastercard offers a free VantageScore 3.0 to all cardholders who have enrolled in e-statements. What all is used to determine this score?

Timely payments – about 40% of your VantageScore 3.0 is determined by when you make your payments. This is a huge part of your score at 40%, making sure you pay on time all the time is extremely important to lenders.

Credit History Length and Credit Mix – about 21% of your score involves how long you have had credit accounts open and the types of credit you have. The longer you have had your accounts, and the variety between them, the more advantageous it is for you. Having a mortgage, car loan, and credit card is better than having several credit cards.

Credit Utilization – about 20% of your score is based on how much of the credit you have available to you is used. Credit bureaus look at your credit limits on all accounts and compare that to the balances you have charged on the accounts you hold.

Account Balances – about 11% is based on your account balances. Generally, lenders like to see that you are keeping your balances relatively low on all your credit accounts, it suggests that you have a higher chance of making on-time monthly payments.

Recent/New Credit – about 5% of your score is determined by any new credit accounts you may have opened. Everything from credit cards, personal loans, or mortgages you have opened recently can give creditors an idea of your future financial situation.

Your Available Credit – about 3% of your score is based on your available credit. Lenders will look at how much credit you need in relation to how much you have available. Having too much credit available to you could hurt your score.

Continue learning tips for building your credit and using credit responsibly with the online guides Reflex Mastercard offers. You’ll have free information that helps educate you into the best ways to manage your credit and use credit cards wisely. Reflex Mastercard offers free account reviews to see if you are eligible for a credit line increase.

With a Reflex card, you’re covered by Zero Fraud Liability. If someone steals your credit card number or you are affected by a company’s breach, you’re not liable for the purchases made. Make sure you report any theft or unauthorized transactions to the bank as soon as possible. The stolen card number is frozen, and a new card number is issued with the new card going to the address you have on file.

You will receive a paper statement in the mail each month unless you request to get e-statements only. If you want to opt-out, an online account is necessary. Online banking is available 24/7 and is free. You can also install the mobile banking app to your phone or tablet. With online and mobile account management, check your balance at any time. Find out if your payment has cleared, make a payment, look at past transactions, or view the current charges. If you see a charge that is not yours, you can contact customer support at Reflex and have the charge investigated or report the card stolen to start the process for a replacement card.

Once a month, you’ll get your VantageScore 3.0 credit score posted on your e-statement, so you can track your progress in building a good credit history. Make sure you enroll in e-statements so that you don’t miss that monthly score.

Main Drawbacks Of The Reflex Mastercard

As you can see, there are plenty of benefits to the Reflex Mastercard. What about the drawbacks?

Cards for people with less than ideal credit come with a number of fees and this card is no exception.

The card’s annual fee for the first year is quite steep. This will be billed immediately so your credit limit for the first month will be lowered by the amount of the annual fee. This annual fee decreases slightly in year two and in subsequent years, but consumers are assessed an additional monthly maintenance fee which is charged to your account.

The APR on the card is also one of the highest in the credit card industry, you will want to be mindful of holding a balance if you get this card.

Make sure you understand the associated fees with this card before you apply so you are not caught off guard if you incur any of them.

Who The Reflex Mastercard Is Right For

If you are trying to establish or rebuild your credit, the Reflex Mastercard is a good option to consider. With the range of features that help you understand how your decisions are impacting your credit score and other steps you can be taking, you will feel more in control of your credit future.

You do need to carefully read the terms and conditions before you apply. Pre-qualifying will not affect your credit score, but if you apply and change your mind after applying, the formal application process does count against you. Make sure you agree with any potential charges. If you have questions, reach out to the customer help desk. Customer service is available through toll-free phone or online.

Take time and make sure the benefits you receive from the Reflex Mastercard are greater than the annual fee, monthly maintenance fees, and high interest charges. If you sign up and are approved and end up struggling to pay these fees, it could damage your credit. You must weigh the pros and cons that apply to your personal situation and apply if it is the right fit.

• Pre-qualify for a card today and it will not impact your credit score
• Less than perfect credit is okay
• Mobile account access at any time
• Fraud protection for stolen or lost cards
• Account history is reported to the three major credit bureaus in the U.S.

• Build up your credit with a card that reports to all three major credit bureaus every month.
• You may be eligible for a Credit Line Increase after six months
• Perfect credit not required for approval; we may approve you when others won’t
• Checking account required.
• If approved, just pay the one-time Program Fee to gain access to your new account and credit line (subject to available credit)
• Get the security and convenience of a full-feature, unsecured Mastercard® Credit Card – accepted at millions of merchant and ATM locations nationwide and online

Reviewing The First Digital NextGen Mastercard Credit Card

Many consumers have had a difficult time building credit and want to take steps to enhance improve credit profile. Using a credit card in a responsible manner could assist them in reaching this goal. You don’t need good credit to be approved for the First Digital NextGen Mastercard Credit Card but you will need a checking account to be considered. The card is issued by the Synovus Bank.

Main Benefits Of The First Digital NextGen Mastercard Credit Card

If you make your payments on time and stay within your established credit limits, using a card like the First Digital NextGen Mastercard Credit Card may help you build your credit profile. Since the card reports your account activity to the three major credit bureaus each month, your timely payments will be noted by these agencies.

The First Digital NextGen Mastercard Credit Card has an initial credit limit of $300. Higher credit limits may be granted after six months of being a cardholder.

The card has a very easy-to-navigate application process, so applicants may find out relatively quickly whether they were approved.

Main Drawbacks Of The First Digital NextGen Mastercard Credit Card

The First Digital NextGen Mastercard Credit Card has a number of fees that consumers will be charged. The annual fee during the first year is assessed before you start using your card, thus lessening your credit limit during the first month. The annual fee does drop slightly in subsequent years; however, a fairly steep monthly fee is assessed in year two and beyond. There is also a one-time program fee. Whenever your account is approved for a credit limit increase, a credit limit increase fee is imposed. So if you are granted a credit limit increase, your initial increase would be the full amount minus the fee.

The APR on the First Digital NextGen Mastercard Credit Card is one of the highest on the market.

Who The First Digital NextGen Mastercard Credit Card Is Right For?

If you have struggled with your establishing a solid credit history, you need some tools to help build your credit score. Being approved for a credit card that reports to the three major credit bureaus can be beneficial, as long as you make your payments on time every month and stay within your credit limit. The First Digital NextGen Mastercard Credit Card can help consumers, but consumers need to be informed of the very high rates and fees associated with this card.

• Easy pre-qualification process which does not affect your credit score
• Less than perfect credit is okay
• 24/7 access to your account information, even on mobile
• Protection from fraud, if your card happens to be lost or stolen
• Account history is reported to the three major credit bureaus in the U.S.

• Receive Your Card More Quickly with New Expedited Processing Option
• No Credit History or Minimum Credit Score Required for Approval
• Quick and Complete Online Application
• Full-Feature Platinum Mastercard® Secured Credit Card
• Good for Car Rental, Hotels; Anywhere Credit Cards Are Accepted!
• Monthly Reporting to all 3 Major Credit Bureaus to Establish Credit History
• Credit Line Secured by Your Fully-Refundable Deposit of $200 — $2,000 Submitted with Application
• Just Pay Off Your Balance and Receive Your Deposit Back at Any Time
• 24/7 Online Access to Your Account
• Nationwide Program though not yet available in NY, IA, AR, or WI
• *See Card Terms.

Reviewing The First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard Secured Credit Card

Secured cards that report to the major credit bureaus are a known path to increasing your credit, as long as you use the card wisely. If you are looking to build or re-establish your credit, the First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard Secured Credit Card could help you do this. 

The First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard Secured Credit Card is issued by Synovus Bank of Columbus, Georgia.

Main Benefits Of The First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard Secured Credit Card

People who have experienced problems with their credit should have very few problems getting approved for this card. The issuer does not require a credit history or a minimum credit score when consumers apply for the First
Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard Secured Credit Card. The application process is easy due to the online form, and consumers should hear whether they are approved in a very short period of time.

Your initial credit line will be determined by the amount of your security deposit. There is a minimum deposit of $200 and a maximum of $2,000. Your credit limit will be exactly equal to your security deposit. And this security deposit is fully refundable once you close your account and pay off your balance in full.

All three major credit bureaus will receive information about your account activity on a monthly basis. Therefore, smart use of your account could help increase your credit profile. This can be especially helpful to people who are trying to establish or re-establish credit.

Merchants throughout the United States will accept the card since it is backed by Mastercard.

The First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard Secured Credit Card has one of the lowest APRs among all the secured cards on the market: 9.99% variable.

Main Drawbacks Of The First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard Secured Credit Card

This card has two disadvantages: an annual fee and lack of availability in certain markets.

Some secured cards from major issuers do not have an annual fee. So this card’s $49 annual fee is something to consider.

In addition, First Progress does not operate in four states; this card is not available in Arkansas, Iowa, New York or Wisconsin.

Who The First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard Secured Credit Card Is Right For

Consumers without credit or who have experienced financial difficulties may want to consider the First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard Secured Credit Card. You should have no problem qualifying for the card, as long as you can pay your security deposit. Since the card reports to all three major credit bureaus, you could begin to see your credit profile improve if you make your payment on time each month. The interest rate is an attractive 9.99%. But you will have to pay a $49 annual fee for the card while there are other secured cards on the market without this fee.