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First Progress Platinum Elite MasterCard® Secured Credit Card review
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.
N/A
Rewards
$29
Annual fee
19.99% variable
Purchase APR
300
Minimum Credit Score
Review by
Kliment Dukovski
kliment.dukovski@findercrew.comKliment Dukovski is an investments writer who has written over 600 articles to help readers find and compare the best financial options. 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
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 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 First Progress Platinum Elite MasterCard® Secured Credit Card
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 and if you’re not a resident of Arkansas, Iowa, New York or Wisconsin. Here’s how to apply:
- Select 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 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 Synovus Bank, the provider of the card. Your card and any welcome materials will be sent along with the decision upon approval.
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.
First Progress Platinum Elite MasterCard® Secured Credit Card benefits
- 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 Synovus Bank’s 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.
First Progress Platinum Elite MasterCard® Secured Credit Card drawbacks
- 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 Synovus Bank support online if you’re an existing customer. Those who aren’t card-carrying customers yet can only reach Synovus Bank through physical mail.
Compare Synovus Bank credit cards
| First Progress card | Annual fee | APR |
|---|---|---|
| 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
If this card isn’t right for you, compare other secured credit cards on the market. Consider factors such as annual fee, APR, security deposit requirements and if the card offers any other perks that will be useful to you.
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.
Synovus Bank earns an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau where it’s been accredited since 2013. As of August 2021, Synovus Bank has more than 260 complaints, more than half of which have been resolved.
Bottom line
If you don’t have a credit history or have a bad credit score, First Progress Platinum Elite MasterCard® Secured Credit Card can help you establish or rebuild your credit.
Not sure if this is the card you’re looking for? Compare other secured cards to find the right fit.
