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The First Progress Platinum Elite MasterCard® Secured Credit Card: No minimum credit score required
It has an annual fee, but this card could help you build your credit.
- Get this card if you have no credit history or you’re trying to rebuild your credit score.
- Pick something else if you want cash back or a card with no annual fees.
- Apply with a poor credit score or with no credit history.
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$29
Annual fee
19.99%
Purchase APR (variable)
300
Recommended credit score
Review by
Kliment Dukovski
kliment.dukovski@findercrew.comKliment Dukovski is a credit cards and investments writer. He's written over 600 articles to help readers find and compare the best credit cards. Kliment has also written on money transfers, home loans and more. Previously, he ghostwrote guides and articles on foreign exchange, stock market trading and cryptocurrencies.
Expert review
The First Progress Platinum Elite MasterCard® Secured Credit Card is one of three similar cards that vary only in the annual fee and the APR. This one comes with the lowest annual fee of $29, but with the highest APR on purchases of 19.99% variable.That is by no means a low APR, but it’s lower than you’ll find with many other secured credit cards. Still, you shouldn’t get this card for its interest rate. Instead, consider it because its issuer doesn’t require a credit history or minimum credit score to apply. Note that this doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed approval — but it can be helpful if you have damaged or nonexistent credit.
As the name suggests, this is a secured card where you can deposit between $200 and $2,000 to act as your credit line. And since the card reports to all three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — you can build your credit with responsible card use.
All this makes The First Progress Platinum Elite MasterCard® Secured Credit Card a solid choice for you, especially if you’ve had trouble getting a credit card in the past. You can apply with any credit score or with no credit history at all.
How to apply for The First Progress Platinum Elite MasterCard® Secured Credit Card
- Click Apply now.
- Fill out the application form with your personal information, contact details and financial details, then set up your deposit.
- Review your information and click Go to payment to complete your application.
How long will it take to get my The First Progress Platinum Elite MasterCard® Secured Credit Card?
It takes up to three weeks to get a status on your application. If you haven’t heard back by then, reach out to First Progress. Your card and any welcome materials will be sent along with the decision upon approval.
The perks
- Build your credit. Your payment activity will be reported to all three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — which allows you to build your credit score with responsible spending and on-time payments.
- Credit limit. Depending on your deposit, your initial credit limit can be anywhere from $200 up to $2,000. Over time — and with First Progress’ approval — you can increase your credit limit to up to $5,000 with additional deposits.
- No minimum credit score to apply. You can apply with no credit history or if you’re rebuilding your credit.
- Issued by Mastercard. Mastercard is widely accepted, so you’ll be able to use your card at many locations worldwide.
What to watch out for
- Annual fee. You’ll have to pay $29 annually to own the card.
- Foreign transaction fees. Whenever you use your card outside of the US, you’ll pay an extra 3% of the transaction in fees.
- Fees. In addition to the annual fee, you’ll pay fees for things like late payments, returned payments, requesting a copy of your billing statement, expedited payments and more.
- Limited customer service. You can only contact First Progress support online if you’re an existing customer. Those who aren’t card-carrying customers yet can only reach First Progress through physical mail.
Compare First Progress credit cards
| First Progress card | Annual fee | APR |
|---|---|---|
| The First Progress Platinum Elite MasterCard® Secured Credit Card | $29 | 19.99% variable |
| First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card | $49 | 9.99% variable |
| First Progress Platinum Select MasterCard® Secured Credit Card | $39 | 13.99% variable |
Compare secured cards
What should I know before I apply?
You can apply for the card if:
- You’re at least 18 years old or 19 in Alabama and Nebraska
- You are US citizen or a permanent resident of the US
- You’re not a resident of Arkansas, Iowa, New York or Wisconsin
In the application form, you’ll need to provide the following information:
- Name and contact information
- Date of birth and Social Security number
- Financial information like annual income and monthly mortgage or rent
- Amount you will pay for the initial security deposit
What credit score do I need?
Like many other secured cards, you don’t need a credit history to apply. If you have a credit score of at least 300 and the income to support owning the card, you should have no problem getting approved.
The First Progress Platinum Elite MasterCard® Secured Credit Card reviews and complaints
Satisfied customers claim that their credit score improved within a few months of responsible payment activity. Those who weren’t happy with the card complained of poor customer service and hidden costs. To avoid this, make sure you read the fine print in your card’s agreement.
First Progress Card earns an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau where it’s been accredited since 2013. As of October 2020, First Progress Card has more than 260 complaints, more than half of which have been resolved.
I got the card. Now what?
- Avoid interest. You have a grace period of 25 days at the end of each billing cycle. Pay your statement in this time to avoid accruing interest on your purchases.
- Customer service. Support is limited to your online portal for current customers or, for those who aren’t card-carrying customers yet, writing First Progress Card at PO Box 9053, Johnson City, TN 37615-9053.
Bottom line
If you don’t have a credit history or have a bad credit score, The First Progress Platinum Elite MasterCard® Secured Credit Card can help you establish or rebuild your credit. It comes with the lowest annual fee of the other two First progress cards, but it also has the highest APR on purchases.
Not sure if this is the card you’re looking for? Compare other secured cards to find the right fit.
