Credit Cards for Bad Credit

• 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.

• All credit types welcome to apply!
• Monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus
• Initial Credit Limit of $400.00!* (subject to available credit)
• Fast and easy application process; results in seconds
• Use your card at locations everywhere that Mastercard® is accepted
• Free online account access 24/7
• Checking Account Required

Reviewing The Fit Mastercard

The Fit Mastercard is designed for people who have less than perfect credit. If you are trying to build or re-establish your credit, getting a card like the Fit Mastercard may help, provided you make your payments on time and your balance stays under the designated credit limit. If you have great credit, you are still welcome to sign up for the credit card. Everyone is welcome to apply.

Issued by the Bank of Missouri, the Fit Mastercard starts with a small credit limit that is designed to give you some flexibility when using the card. Make small purchases, pay them off on time, and repeat the process. Stay under the credit limit to avoid over-the-limit fees and dings on your credit report. As you pay off the balance and show you can use the card responsibly, your credit score could improve.

The Bank of Missouri is an independent community bank. The Fit Mastercard division partners with Continental Finance, a leader in credit cards for those with less-than-perfect credit histories. Both companies strive to make customers feel like they have been treated fairly, respectfully, and are valued even if they have struggled in the past to build a strong credit history. Here is a closer look at the pros and cons associated with the Fit Mastercard.

Main Benefits Of The Fit Mastercard

Fit Mastercard has an incredibly easy application process that will not challenge applicants. To apply online, you enter your name and contact information, answer the question about having an active checking account, certify that you are a U.S. resident and verify your age. Be mindful of your state laws as the legal age to apply for a credit card can be different from one state to another. Your Social Security number, estimated gross monthly income, and date of birth are all required to apply. Once you complete the application and submit it, you should have an answer online instantly. In some cases the bank will require more information from you to complete your application, in that case, it could take up to 30 days to have a decision. Once approved, there will be a processing fee you will need to pay to activate your account. Within three business days of approval, they will mail your credit card and welcome package.

Information regarding your credit limit, amount of used credit, and payment history will be reported to all three main credit reporting agencies, which builds your credit history. Pay your Fit Mastercard bills on time and use the card responsibly and that could help raise your credit score. Each step you take to show you are responsible with your finances is reported to Equifax, Experian, and Transunion. 

Fit Mastercard also allows you to see your credit score every month if you enroll in e-statements. You will be able to track the changes in your credit score with ease. Keep your eye on your score. If you find your score falls and you are not sure why, your credit score can act as an alert for you to start checking your credit accounts for charges that you did not authorize, or missed payments, etc. Keeping an eye on your credit score can help you make decisions to benefit your score.

The initial credit limit on the Fit Mastercard is relatively low and there are a few reasons for that. If you have bad credit when you get the card it may be because you have had financial hardships in the past and the bank takes that into consideration when extending you a credit line. They give you a lower credit line so that you can work on building a positive credit history, with responsible card use. The good news is that it is not so low that you will never be able to use it, you will have plenty of opportunities to use the card. After six months, you will have made several payments and should have a solid understanding of how a credit card works. At that point, you can request a free account review to see if you qualify for a credit line increase. Keep using the card responsibly and your credit score could improve. Over time, if your credit score improves it could open the door to other favorable credit and loan options that may not have been available to you before.

With the Fit Mastercard, you have access to free online account access 24/7. This is ideal for checking your balance, seeing if a payment has cleared, making your monthly payment, or paying off the balance. You do still get a monthly statement in the mail unless you go online and switch to e-statements. If you would like to manage your banking on your smartphone, Fit Mastercard has an online banking app for Android and iOS devices. Use it to check that payment has cleared, see what your credit balance is, reach out to customer support, or handle many other of your banking needs.

If someone steals your credit card number, the card comes with $0 Fraud Liability. Check your purchase history regularly and report unauthorized purchases as soon as you notice them. If you did not authorize a specific transaction, you will not be held responsible for it. You can make online purchases with confidence knowing that if there is a website breach, you won’t be paying for fraudulent transactions.

Main Drawbacks Of The Fit Mastercard

Those are the benefits of the Fit Mastercard. What are the drawbacks? Many credit cards that are offered to those with poor or limited credit come with fees and the Fit Mastercard does as well.

The fees with the Fit Mastercard are significant. You pay an application fee and a yearly fee. After the first year, you also pay monthly maintenance fees. If you want to add an additional user to your account, there is another fee for that. There are fees for cash advances, foreign purchases, late payments, and return payments. The additional card fee and annual fee are deducted immediately from your credit limit. If you get the maximum $400 limit, the fees are deducted from that limit, which leaves you with less spending power until you’ve paid enough to cover the fees.

A high APR is another drawback of this credit card. It has one of the highest interest rates in the credit card industry. If you do make minimum payments rather than paying off your charges each month, your interest charges could be significant.

Make sure you understand the terms and ask if you don’t. Take the time to read the terms and conditions. People often skip the fine print. While fine print may not be fun to read, it is important. It is how you learn the way the card works, the fees that are associated with the card and even the benefits that the card comes with.

You do need to call to activate your Fit Mastercard when it arrives. Cards must be activated within 30 days of receipt or the account will be closed. Online activation of new cards is not possible. 

Who The Fit Mastercard Is Right For

The Fit Mastercard is designed for people with bad credit or no credit history. You do need to keep the fees and interest rates in mind if you apply. Weigh the benefits of the card with the fees that you may incur to be sure the card fits your credit needs. Should you have questions or not understand something about your bill, online account access is a good way to reach customer support. There is also automated phone support and toll-free support with customer care specialists. With several toll-free numbers, answers to your questions or help with problems isn’t a hassle.

Using the Fit Mastercard responsibly is one step you can take to improving your credit score. Pay your bills on time, try to mix up the types of credit you use (car loans, mortgages, credit cards, etc.), keep making on-time payments, and aim for spending no more than 30% of your credit limit. If you need a credit card to help improve your credit, if used responsibly, the Fit Mastercard could be a viable option.

• Prequalify for a card today and it will not impact your credit score
• Less than perfect credit is okay
• Mobile account access at any time
• Protection from fraud if your card is stolen
• Account history is reported to the three major credit bureaus in the U.S.

*Dependent on credit worthiness

• All credit types welcome to apply!
• Monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus
• Initial Credit Limit of $500.00!* (subject to available credit)
• Fast and easy application process; results in seconds
• Use your card at locations everywhere that Mastercard® is accepted
• Free online account access 24/7
• Checking Account Required

Reviewing The Surge Mastercard

Many consumers have poor credit and are actively trying to improve their credit profile. The responsible use of a credit card may help them achieve this goal. The Surge Mastercard was created for people who have less than perfect credit. The card is issued by the Celtic Bank.

Main Benefits Of The Surge Mastercard

If you’re trying to build or re-establish your credit, getting a card like the Surge Mastercard may help, provided you make your payments on time and your balance stays under the designated credit limit.

The Surge Mastercard reports to all three major credit bureaus on a monthly basis, so any positive steps taken to build your credit will be noted by these agencies.

The card has one of the higher initial credit limits of cards designed for people who have struggled with their credit. It can be as high as $500. And that credit limit may be increased after a year of on-time payments. However, the initial credit limit will be a function of your credit worthiness. Celtic Bank may require a security deposit of anywhere from $50 to $500.

The Surge Mastercard has a relatively easy application process, and applicants may hear whether they were approved fairly quickly.

Main Drawbacks Of The Surge Mastercard

This card has a substantial annual fee for the first year and this annual fee 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.

The APR on the Surge Mastercard is among the highest on the market.

If a security deposit is required due to your credit worthiness, this will make the Surge Mastercard a secured card.

Who The Surge Mastercard Is Right For

Consumers trying to build or re-establish their credit need tools to help them. A credit card that reports to the three major credit bureaus can be beneficial, but it is critical to make payments on time and stay within the designated credit limit. The Surge Mastercard can help consumers, but cardholders must be aware of the extremely high rates and fees associated with the card.

Our fast and easy application could be just what you need. A $500 credit line could be available to you faster than you ever thought possible.

• Instant $500 Credit Line*
• No Credit Check
• Fast Online Application
• Bad Credit – OK

*See Terms & Conditions for Details

Reviewing The Horizon Gold Card

Consumers who may be considering this card need to fully understand the card’s limitations, and dig into the rates and fees of the card in order to make an informed decision.

Some Facts About The Horizon Gold Card

This card can only be used at the Horizon Outlet online store, and nowhere else. Once you are approved for the card, you must pay $24.95 each month to be part of the Horizon Gold Services Membership. This gives you the opportunity to shop at the Horizon Outlet online store, a discount store which offers a wide variety of merchandise. You will also be charged a one-time activation and card issuance fee of $5.

Main Benefits Of The Horizon Gold Card

You will receive a $500 line of credit upon being approved for the card. There is no credit check needed to be approved for this card. You will not be charged any interest on your purchases. The $24.95 monthly services membership fee makes you part of several plans: their Universal RX Prescription Discount Plan, where you can receive up to 40% off covered medications at participating pharmacies; a legal assistance plan, where you receive one free telephone or office consultation with a network attorney; and a roadside assistance plan, where you may be covered for up to $50 per call (a maximum of three calls per year) if you run out of gas, are locked out of your car, or have a flat tire.

Main Drawbacks Of The Horizon Gold Card

The card can only be used at the Horizon Outlet online store so unless you are an avid shopper at that store, the card will be of very little benefit. Once you order merchandise from that store, you must pay shipping fees, a $2 delivery fee and another $2.50 fee charged to verify your signature upon delivery. The monthly services membership fee of $24.95 adds up to nearly $300 per year.

Who The Horizon Gold Card Is Good For?

Only people that are avid shoppers on the Horizon Outlet online store and are willing to pay nearly $300 per year for that opportunity should consider this card.

Other Cards To Consider

Rather than paying nearly $300 in fees to an issuer each year, consumers with poor or limited credit may want to consider a secured card. With any secured card, you will have to put down a security deposit, but that will be refunded to you once you close your account and pay off your entire balance. A number of secured cards report your account activity to all three major credit bureaus, so proper use of those cards will help build your credit profile over time. Some secured cards to consider are the Capital One Secured Mastercard or the Citi Secured Mastercard, both of which have no annual fee.

• Get the security and convenience of a full-feature, unsecured Visa® Credit Card – accepted at millions of merchant and ATM locations nationwide and online
• Reporting monthly to all three major credit reporting agencies
• Perfect credit not required for approval; we may approve you when others won’t
• Easy and secure online application
• If approved, pay a Program Fee and you can access the $300 credit limit (subject to available credit)
• Receive your card more quickly with optional Expedited Processing (additional fee applies)
• Get a result in as little as 60 seconds upon completion of the online application
• Select your favorite card design from our gallery, for free!
• Online Customer Center available 24 x 7
• Issued by The Bank of Missouri

Reviewing The First Access Visa Credit Card

So many people throughout the country have experienced tough financial times, and their credit score may reflect this. The First Access Visa is a credit card to help people in this situation. For those consumers aiming to build or re-establish their credit, getting a card like the First Access Visa Credit Card may help, as long as you make your payments on time and keep your balance within the designated credit limit. The card is issued by the Bank of Missouri.

Main Benefits Of The First Access Visa Credit Card

The First Access Visa Credit Card exists to help people with less than perfect credit. The activity on your account will be reported each month to all three major credit bureaus, so this can help increase your credit and start to build a better financial future.

The card is backed by Visa, so it is accepted at nearly every merchant throughout the United States.

The First Access Visa Credit Card does not require a security deposit since it is an unsecured credit card. Unlike some applications, this card has a very easy-to-understand application process, and consumers will find out within 60 seconds if they were approved.

Applicants are not locked in to one design on their card; you can choose from six different images.

Main Drawbacks Of The First Access Visa Credit Card

This card has extremely high fees which the consumer needs to be aware of when submitting an application.

Cardholders must pay a relatively high, one-time program fee once you are approved for an account. In addition, there is an annual fee on the First Access Visa card which is charged when you open the account and reduces your initial $300 credit limit accordingly.

In the second year, there is a reduced annual fee, but a monthly maintenance fee begins during year two.

Finally, the APR on the First Access Visa card is one of the highest in the credit card industry.

Who The First Access Visa Credit Card Is Right For

One of the better financial tools to building or re-establishing credit is to obtain a credit card and use it properly. That means paying off the bill on time and hopefully, in full, each and every month. The First Access Visa card can help consumers build credit, since it reports to all three major credit bureaus. But since the card has a very high interest rate, it is extremely important for cardholders to not carry a balance from one month to the next.

• 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.

• Good credit or bank account not required
• Your application will not impact your credit score
• Initial security deposit can be as low as $200
• Raise your credit score with responsible card use
• See additional Green Dot Visa® Secured Credit Card details

Reviewing The Green Dot Platinum Visa Secured Credit Card

There are millions of people in the United States today who do not have a bank account. These “unbanked” consumers have challenges when trying to build their credit profile. The Green Dot Platinum Visa Secured Credit Card is one of the few cards on the market where the consumer doesn’t have to have a bank account. If you are looking to start building or re-establishing credit, this is a card to consider. The Green Dot Platinum Visa Secured Credit Card is issued by Green Dot Bank.

Main Benefits Of The Green Dot Platinum Visa Secured Credit Card

Unlike a number of secured cards, consumers do not need to have a bank account in order to be approved for the The Green Dot Platinum Visa Secured Credit Card. In addition, good credit is not needed for this card.

There are no monthly or one-time fees on the card, although there is an annual fee of $39.

The Green Dot Platinum Visa Secured Credit Card application process is easy due to the online form, and consumers should hear whether they are approved very quickly.

The amount of your credit line will be dictated by the amount of your security deposit. There is a minimum deposit of $200. The security deposit is fully refundable once you close your account and pay off your balance in full.

All three major credit bureaus will be informed 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.

You should have no trouble using the card anywhere in the United States since the card is backed by Visa.

Main Drawbacks Of The Green Dot Platinum Visa Secured Credit Card

Some secured cards on the market do not carry an annual fee. This card’s $39 annual fee is something to weigh when analyzing different cards.

The Green Dot Platinum Visa Secured Credit Card has an APR of 19.99%, so interest payments can really add up if you carry a balance from one month to the next.

There is a charge to make a deposit or a same-day payment at retail store: it may cost up to $4.95.

If you use a secured card properly, you may finally be able to qualify for an unsecured card, one without a security deposit. Green Dot Bank does not currently offer an unsecured credit card, so consumers cannot be upgraded by this bank.

Who The Green Dot Platinum Visa Secured Credit Card Is Right For

Consumers who have no bank account may want to take a serious look at this card. In addition, any secured card that reports to all three national credit bureaus offers a consumer the chance to build their credit with prudent use. And The Green Dot Platinum Visa Secured Credit Card is one of those cards. While there is a fairly significant interest rate of 19.99% and a $39 annual fee, there are no on-going monthly or processing fees.

• Choose your own credit line based on how much money you want to put down as a security deposit.
• Initial deposits can be from $200 to $3,000. You can increase your credit line at any time by adding additional money to your security deposit, up to $3,000.
• After 9 months, we review your account for a credit line increase. No additional deposit required!
• Secured Credit Cards are great for people looking to build or rebuild credit and are available to people with all kinds of credit backgrounds.
• Unlike a debit card or a pre-paid card, it helps build your credit history. As you pay your bill every month, we report to all three major credit-reporting agencies.
• Get 100% U.S.-based customer service & get your FICO® Credit Score for free each month.
• Fraud coverage if your card is lost or stolen. Access your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get help staying on track with Auto Pay and account alerts.
• Card issued by Merrick Bank, Member FDIC.

• Better than Prepaid…Go with a Secured Card! Load One Time – Keep On Using
• Absolutely No Credit Check or Minimum Credit Score Required
• Automatic Reporting to All Three National Credit Bureaus
• 9.99% Low Fixed APR – Your Rate Won’t Go Up Even if You Are Late
• Activate Today with a $200 Minimum Deposit – Maximum $1,000. Increase Your Credit Limit up to $5,000 by Adding Additional Deposits Anytime

Reviewing The Applied Bank Secured Visa Gold Preferred Credit Card

When people are struggling to build or re-establish their credit, one of the best financial tools is a secured card. But only if that secured card reports your activity to the three major credit bureaus. Consumers will be happy to know that the Applied Bank Secured Visa Gold Preferred Credit Card does this. So positive use of this secured card will help build your credit, which will help your financial position in the long run.

Main Benefits Of The Applied Bank Secured Visa Gold Preferred Credit Card

When applying for the Applied Bank Secured Visa Gold Preferred Credit Card, the issuer will not even check your credit history. And you don’t need any minimum credit score. This certainly helps those consumers who may need to establish credit or dig out of a hole such as a bankruptcy. As long as you can put up a security deposit, you should be able to qualify for this card.

The amount of credit you will initially be granted will depend solely upon your security deposit. There is a minimum deposit of $200 and a maximum of $1,000. So if you put up a $400 security deposit, $400 will be your credit limit. Once your account is established, cardholders have the ability to increase their credit limit up to $5,000 simply by adding deposits at any time.

Activity on your account will be reported each month to all three major credit bureaus, so this will help consumers trying to establish or re-establish credit.

The card is accepted at almost every merchant in the United States since it is backed by Visa.

The Applied Bank Secured Visa Gold Preferred Credit Card has one of the more attractive APRs on the market: 9.99%. In addition, this is a fixed rate.

Main Drawbacks Of The Applied Bank Secured Visa Gold Preferred Credit Card

This card has two main drawbacks: an annual fee and lack of a grace period.

There are a handful of secured cards on the market that have no annual fee. So a $48 annual fee for this card is something to consider.

In addition, most credit card issuers offer a grace period for their cardholders. A grace period on a credit card is the amount of time you are allowed to pay your credit card bill without having to pay interest. Most cards do offer a grace period of at least 21 days. But this card does not. The lack of a grace period means consumers will begin to accrue interest on the same day that you make a purchase. And even though the APR is a low 9.99%, this lack of a grace period is certainly a major factor for consumers to weigh.

Who The Applied Bank Secured Visa Gold Preferred Credit Card Is Right For

If you have damaged credit or no credit at all, obtaining a secured card that reports to all three major credit bureaus is a good way to begin changing your financial profile. Your money struggles of the past will certainly not stop you from getting approved for an Applied Bank Secured Visa Gold Preferred Credit Card. Since the card reports to the major credit bureaus, your wise use of the card will help improve your credit status. And the fixed interest rate is a very attractive 9.99%. But you will pay an annual fee for the card, and you’ll begin accruing interest charges the day you make any purchase since there is no grace period. If you do make purchases on the card, pay off the balance as soon as possible to avoid the interest charges.

• Credit lines available from $200 to $5,000! Super Low Fixed 9.99% interest rate on purchases – with no penalty rate!
• No minimum credit score requirements! We invite all credit types to apply! No processing or application fees!
• Helps strengthen your credit with responsible card use. Reports to three national bureaus
• Fast, easy application process. Choose your credit line and open your Personal Savings Deposit Account to secure your line.
• See additional Green Dot primor® Visa® Gold Secured Credit Card details

Reviewing The Green Dot primor Visa Gold Secured Credit Card

When you are struggling to build or establish your credit, obtaining a secured card that reports to the three national credit bureaus can be a helpful step, as long as you use the card wisely. This means making your payments on time every single month, as well as keeping below the credit limit. The Green Dot primor Visa Gold Secured Credit Card is a solid secured card that you will want to consider. The card is issued by Green Dot Bank.

Main Benefits Of The Green Dot primor Visa Gold Secured Credit Card

The Green Dot primor Visa Gold Secured Credit Card has one of the lowest APRs of any secured card: 9.99%. And that is a fixed rate.

Consumers who have struggled with their credit should have very few challenges getting approved for this card. The issuer does not require a credit history or a minimum credit score to become a cardholder.

There are no application or processing fees on the Green Dot primor Visa Gold Secured Credit Card. The application process is easy due to the online form, and consumers should hear whether they are approved very quickly.

The credit line you will receive will be determined by the amount of your security deposit. There is a minimum deposit of $200 and a maximum of $5,000. This security deposit is fully refundable once you close your account and pay off your balance in full.

All three major credit bureaus will be informed 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 start or re-establish credit.

You should have no trouble using the card anywhere in the United States since the card is backed by Visa.

Main Drawbacks Of The Green Dot primor Visa Gold Secured Credit Card

This card has two disadvantages: an annual fee and the inability for consumers to “graduate” to an unsecured card.

There are a handful of secured cards from major issuers that do not have an annual fee. So this card’s $49 annual fee is something to consider.

Proper use of a secured card over a period of time may lead to an upgrading of your credit profile. When that does take place, consumers may want to obtain an unsecured card, one without a security deposit. Green Dot Bank does not currently offer an unsecured credit card, so consumers cannot be upgraded within this bank.

Who The Green Dot primor Visa Gold Secured Credit Card Is Right For

Consumers who have gone through financial difficulties or who may be without any credit may want to consider The Green Dot primor Visa Gold Secured Credit Card. As long as you can put up a security deposit, you will have very few problems qualifying for the card. With the card reporting to all three major credit bureaus, cardholders could start to see their credit profile improve if the card is used properly. 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.

• No credit check necessary to apply. OpenSky believes in giving an opportunity to everyone.
• The refundable* deposit you provide becomes your credit line limit on your Visa card. Choose it yourself, from as low as $200.
• Build credit quickly. OpenSky reports to all 3 major credit bureaus.
• 99% of our customers who started without a credit score earned a credit score record with the credit bureaus in as little as 6 months.
• We have a Facebook community of people just like you; there is a forum for shared experiences, and insights from others on our Facebook Fan page. (Search “OpenSky Card” in Facebook.)
• OpenSky provides credit tips and a dedicated credit education page on our website to support you along the way.
• *View our Cardholder Agreement located at the bottom of the application page for details of the card.