Build your credit with a deposit as low as $300 — but watch out for fees.
With an annual fee of up to $125 per year, this secured card reports to all major credit bureaus — potentially building your credit.
- Get this card if… You’re looking to build your credit and can pay off your bill each month.
- Pick something else if… You’re looking for a card without fees.
- Recommended poor to fair credit of 0 to 300 to apply.
| Product Name | First PREMIER® Bank Secured Credit Card |
|---|---|
| Card Type | Mastercard |
| Annual Fee | $125 |
| APR (Annual Percentage Rate) for Purchases | 36% variable |
| Cash Advance Rate | 36% variable |
| Cash Advance Fee | $8 or 5% of the cash advance amount, whichever is greater |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 3% of the transaction value |
| Interest Free Period | Up to 27 days |
| Minimum Interest | $1 |
| Late Payment Fee | Up to $38 |
| Returned Payment Fee | Up to $38 |
| Additional Cardholder Fee | $0 |
| Minimum Age | 18 years of age |
|---|
The First PREMIER® Bank Secured Credit Card is a starter card for people with poor credit who want to improve their financial situation — but watch out for the fees.
This secured card requires a minimum $300 cash deposit that becomes your credit limit. After 13 months you’re eligible for a credit limit increase (an increase that does not require an additional deposit), but you’ll pay a 25% fee on the increase. So, for a $100 increase, you’re charged $25, giving you only a $75.
There is a bright side — pay your bill and build good credit and you could move up to a less expensive, unsecured credit card.
What’s great about this card?
This card is OK if you’re trying to rebuild your credit and move to a less expensive, unsecured card.
- Qualify regardless of credit score. Poor or no credit, all you need is $300 to open the card.
- Extra time to pay deposit. You have 85 days to fund your initial $300 deposit.
- Reports to all credit bureaus.
What to watch out for
- Shares your information. First Premier shares your personal information with third parties — meaning you could get calls and mail from companies you haven’t ever contacted.
- Fees. A high annual fee that varies by credit limit (up to $125 per year) and $38 late fee.
- No contact information. There’s no email or phone number listed on the website, only a physical address.
- Pay to increase limit. Each time you increase your limit, First Premier charges 25% of the increase. You could pay as much as $1,200 over time.
- High APR. The First PREMIER® Bank Secured Credit Card carries a 36% APR — higher than some other secured cards.
- Cash advance limits. You can only take out 10% of your initial deposit as a cash advance for the first 90 days.
What should I know before I apply?
To apply for the First PREMIER® Bank Secured Credit Card, you must be at least 18 years old (or 21 for resident of Puerto Rico).
initially you’ll pay at least $25 for a security deposit.
This card is not available to active duty military personnel or their dependents, or residents of New York or Wisconsin.
When you apply, have the following handy:
- Contact information including your full name, address, phone number and email address
- Your Social Security number
How long will it take to get approved?
You’ll get a response within a minute of submitting your application.
I got the First PREMIER® Bank Secured Credit Card. Now what?
- Make payments. Make your monthly payments on time to build your credit and avoid a $38 late fee.
- Avoid interest. After the close of each billing cycle, you have a grace period of 27 days to pay your balance.
Bottom line
The First PREMIER® Bank Secured Credit Card is like a taxi — it will help you build up your credit score, but get out once you’ve reached your destination. Use it to build your credit, but don’t hang on to it once you’ve met your goal.
Consider comparing secured cards like the Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card or the Green Dot primor® Mastercard® Gold Secured Credit Card.