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Fingerhut FreshStart® Credit Account review

Kevin Joey Chen
Kevin Joey Chen
Last updated:  

A line of credit for those looking to build their credit scores while buying name-brand merchandise.

  • Get this card if you want to build your credit while shopping for name-brand merchandise.
  • Pick something else if you want a credit card you can use with other merchants.
  • Apply if you’re trying to build your credit score, however approval isn’t guaranteed.

$0

Annual fee

29.99%

Purchase APR (fixed)

300

Recommended credit score

Details

Product NameFingerhut FreshStart® Credit Account
Annual fee$0
Purchase APR29.99% fixed
Balance transfer APRN/A
Interest free periodUp to 24 days
Late payment feeUp to $40
Returned payment feeUp to $40
Additional cardholder fee$0
Rates & feesrates & fees

Expert review

Kevin Joey Chen

Review by

Kevin Joey Chen is a credit cards, banking and investments writer whose work and analysis have appeared on CNN, U.S. News & World Report, Business.com, Lifehacker and CreditCards.com. He's passionate about helping you get your finances in order by expertly navigating cutting-edge financial tools — including credit cards, apps and budgeting software.

Expert review

The Fingerhut FreshStart® Credit Account lets you buy items from Fingerhut and pay them off over six or eight months after a down payment. It has a $0 annual fee, but watch out for its very high 29.99% fixed APR on purchases.

After you place a qualifying order and pay off your balance, you may graduate to the WebBank/Fingerhut Advantage Credit Account. This lets you spend up to your credit limit and potentially qualify for credit-line increases.

You can’t apply for the Fingerhut FreshStart® Credit Account directly. Rather, you’ll apply through a general Fingerhut application, after which you may receive the WebBank/Fingerhut Advantage Credit Account or the Fingerhut FreshStart® Credit Account depending on your creditworthiness.

How to apply for the Fingerhut FreshStart® Credit Account

  1. Go to the provider's site and click Apply now.
  2. Fill out the application with details like your name, email address, Social Security number, annual income and date of birth.
  3. Review and submit your application.

Fingerhut FreshStart® Credit Account application process

The perks

  • No annual fee.

    Similar accounts charge a monthly or annual fee, but you don’t have to worry about paying either to keep this account open.

  • You may qualify with a lower credit score.

    If your credit has seen better days, you may still be approved for a Fingerhut FreshStart® Credit Account. The program is designed for those seeking to improve their credit scores, and some customers have said they were approved with no credit history. Of course, approval is never guaranteed.

  • Good customers are rewarded.

    If you pay off your first purchase within six payments — with no late or incomplete payments — you could qualify for the WebBank/Fingerhut Advantage Credit Account. You may also receive a higher credit line.

  • Low monthly payments.

    Depending on your purchase volume, you could have a low monthly payment if you apply and are approved for a Fingerhut FreshStart® Credit Account. Accounts are issued by WebBank, who determines eligibility and qualifications for the terms of credit.

Compare Fingerhut credit accounts

Sample of monthly payments

Once you make a one-time purchase of $50 or more on Fingerhut, you’ll need to make a $30 down payment. Afterward, you’ll pay off the purchase in six to eight monthly payments, including finance charges.

This is an example payment structure from Fingerhut’s terms and conditions.

Cash price of product$50$100
Down payment$30$30
Finance charge$1.79$6.25
Terms of repayment6 monthly payments of $3.636 monthly payments of $12.71

According to Fingerhut, these are estimated monthly minimum payments. Your actual payments may be different after you’re approved for your credit account.

You’ll also like …

  • Immediate access.

    As soon as you’re approved, you can begin using your account.

  • Reports to credit bureaus.

    Fingerhut reports your payment history to all three credit bureaus. This can help you grow your credit score and build your buying power.

What to watch out for

  • Potentially high APR.

    APRs for similar cards can be as high as 30% variable. Visit the Fingerhut terms and conditions for their rates.

  • Late and returned payment fees.

    For each late payment, you’ll incur a fee of up to $40. For each returned payment, you’ll incur a fee of up to $40.

  • Terms apply to graduate to a revolving-credit account.

    You’re not eligible for the WebBank/Fingerhut Advantage Credit Account if you pay off your entire balance at the same time you make your down payment.

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Compare up to 4 providers

What should I know before I apply?

You can get all of the information needed from the Fingerhut website before you apply.

Eligibility criteria:

  • You’re at least 18 years old.
  • You have a valid Social Security number.

Required documents:

  • Your name and current residential address.
  • Your phone number and email address.
  • Your date of birth and Social Security number.
  • Amount of available income.

What credit score do I need?

The Fingerhut FreshStart® Credit Account is designed for customers who are rebuilding credit. You won’t find a specified minimum credit score on Fingerhut’s website.

Fingerhut FreshStart® Credit Account reviews and complaints

Many customers say they’ve seen their credit scores increase after using the Fingerhut FreshStart® Credit Account. However, some customers mention it’s important to make payments on time to not jeopardize the chances to move up to a WebBank/Fingerhut Advantage Credit Account.

Fingerhut’s parent company, Bluestem Brands, Inc., is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and receives a B+ rating from the agency. As of October 2020, Bluestem Brands, Inc. has over 2,500 customer complaints. Unhappy customers complain of difficulty making payments, poor-quality merchandise, unsolicited marketing and unexpected finance charges.

I got the card. Now what?

  • Make on-time payments.

    Making payments on time gives you a chance at graduating to the WebBank/Fingerhut Advantage Credit Account.

  • Avoid fees.

    Late payments come with fees of up to $40. Returned payments come with fees of up to $40.

  • Contact customer service.

    If you have any questions, you can call Fingerhut customer service at 800-208-2500 — Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT.

Bottom line

If you’re looking to buy merchandise while potentially making low monthly payments, the Fingerhut FreshStart® Credit Account could be an asset. As with any credit card or line of credit, read the fine print and shop around to find a card that fits your spending habits.

Frequently asked questions

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14 Comments

    Default Gravatar
    Marion
    August 16, 2019

    If you old fingherhut that didn’t pay on for about 2 years but now I am paying on it now. How can I get one of those rebuild credit cards. Or get any credit cards from fingering

    Thank you Marion Lee Geary

    Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      Bella
      August 18, 2019

      Hi Marion,

      Thanks for your inquiry.

      You could consider a secured credit card or a store credit card, which might help you improve your credit score.

      I hope this helps.

      Kind regards,
      Bella

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    Freddie
    July 29, 2019

    How can I find out if someone else open a account in my name

    Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      nikkiangco
      July 29, 2019

      Hi Freddie,

      Thanks for your question. Fingerhut requires each applicant to submit the following information below to open an account. This is for every application to be distinct.

      Your name and current residential address.
      Your phone number and email address.
      Your date of birth and Social Security number.
      Amount of available income.

      To know if someone has/can open an account using your details, reaching out to Fingerhut would be the best way to find out. Also, you can find more information on Fingerhut’s security and privacy policy on the bottom part of their website.

      Hope this helps!

      Best,
      Nikki

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    Kia
    September 17, 2017

    I applied for a fingerhut card and was denied is there a difference between a regular card and the fresh start program

    Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      Harold
      September 19, 2017

      Hi Kia,

      Thank you for your inquiry.

      WebBank/Fingerhut Advantage Revolving Credit Account and the WebBank/Fingerhut FreshStart Installment Loan. These accounts may require a down payment. If you do not qualify for a WebBank/Fingerhut Advantage Revolving Credit Account, they will attempt to qualify you for a WebBank/Fingerhut FreshStart Installment Loan. Hence, the Advantage Credit Account is a line of credit, and the FreshStart program is an installment loan paid back over time.

      I hope this information has helped.

      Cheers,
      Harold

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    Julio
    June 10, 2017

    I went into bankruptcy last year, I wonder because I use to be a member of your store can I get a second chance.

    Reply
      Default Gravatar
      Liezl
      June 18, 2017

      Hi Julio,

      Thanks for reaching out. Just to confirm though, you have reached finder.com -a comparison website and general information service, not actually Fingerhut.

      To know if you’re still eligible to renew your account, kindly contact Fingerhunt directly by clicking the “Go to WebBank’s Website” button. You can find their contact information under the Customer Service tab.

      Alternatively, you may consider getting a loan after bankruptcy. There might be lenders who might be willing to consider you for a second chance.

      I hope this has helped.

      Kind regards,
      Liezl

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    Scottie
    May 22, 2017

    what items are available for me to buy?

    Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      Anndy
      July 3, 2017

      Hi Scottie,

      Thanks for your question.

      There are numerous categories of items that you can buy at Fingerhut website using this card. Fingerhut sells home furniture, clothing, tools, toys, electronic items, outdoor gears, appliances and more.

      Cheers,
      Anndy

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    Angela
    April 18, 2017

    I was accepted for a $250 credit limit. I don’t understand about the$30 one time fee. Please explain.

    Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      Harold
      July 11, 2017

      Hi Angela,

      Thank you for your inquiry.

      While we do not represent any company that we feature on our pages, we can offer you a general advice. With Fingerhut FreshStart Credit Account I don’t think they have “one time fee”. You may be referencing with “$38 Returned Payment Fee”, this is for late and returned payments depending on the state of your residence.

      I hope this information has helped.

      Cheers,
      Harold

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    Rebecca
    February 25, 2017

    Can someone tell me? Actually why, when I place my first order on my finger hut fresh start account,No one has accepted my credit card $30 down payment. Would think I might have put something wrong on my account. I would like some figure. Can someone please help me out with this problem. Thank you

    Reply
      Default Gravatar
      Jonathan
      July 30, 2017

      Hello Rebecca,

      Thank you for your inquiry.

      There are variety of factors why your card may not be accepted. However, the common non-acceptance is because credit Cards are not accepted for payments with the FreshStart® Program.

      Fingerhut FreshStart® credit account issued by WebBank is an installment program. Once approved, you would make a one-time purchase that is a minimum of $50.00 (includes shipping and handling and taxes) and a maximum of your approved credit limit. Afterwards, a $30.00 down payment is required for your order to ship and to continue with the program. This amount will be deducted from your order total. Orders where the down payment is not made in time will be cancelled. The down payment can be made with the following methods of payment:

      – Debit Cards
      – Money Orders
      – ACH or Paper Check
      – CheckFree
      – MoneyGram Payments

      Next is to pay the balance off monthly on-time. Once done, you will be rewarded with a WebBank/Fingerhut Advantage Credit Account that will have a higher credit limit and no down payments.

      You may want to check the T&Cs of this product or speak to their Customer Service for further clarification.

      Hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      Jonathan

      Reply
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