Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our opinions or reviews. Learn how we make money.
First Progress Platinum Prestige MasterCard® Secured Credit Card review
A solid secured card that lets you build or rebuild your credit.
- Get this card if you have a poor credit score or you have no credit history at all.
- Pick something else if you want a cashback card or a card without an annual fee.
- Apply with no credit history or with a poor credit score.
$49
Annual fee
9.99%
Purchase APR (variable)
300
Recommended credit score
Details
| Product Name | First Progress Platinum Prestige MasterCard® Secured Credit Card |
|---|---|
| Card type | Mastercard |
| Annual fee | $49 |
| Purchase APR | 9.99% variable |
| Balance transfer APR | N/A |
| Cash advance rate | 18.99% variable |
| Cash advance fee | $10 or 3% of the cash advance amount, whichever is greater |
| Foreign transaction fee | 3% of the transaction value |
| Interest free period | Up to 25 days |
| Late payment fee | Up to $40 |
| Returned payment fee | Up to $29 |
| Additional cardholder fee | $0 |
Expert review
Review by
Megan Horner
megan.horner@finder.comMegan Horner is the credit cards publisher at finder.com. She's passionate about helping you find the best credit cards to meet your financial needs — whether that's earning great rewards or improving your credit score. Previously, she edited and published educational articles on credit cards as an assigning editor at Credit Karma.
Expert review
The First Progress Platinum Prestige MasterCard® Secured Credit Card is a solid option for those who want to establish their credit and for those who want to rebuild their credit because they’ve had credit difficulties in the past.
By making a deposit, you have control to set your initial credit line. With responsible spending, you might even get to increase your credit line by depositing additional funds.
What makes this card truly special is its low APR on purchases. That means if you usually carry a balance, you could save money on interest with this card.
The perks
Build your credit.
First Progress Cards report to all three major credit agencies every month. With timely payments, you’ll build your credit score and can eventually apply for a better card.
Control your credit limit.
The size of your credit limit is determined by your deposit. You can start with as little as $200 and go up to $2,000. With approval, you can add additional funds to your deposit and raise your credit limit up to $5,000, which is the maximum for this card.
Compare First Progress 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 |
You’ll also like …
No minimum credit score to apply.
If you’ve just started your credit-building journey, or if you’ve had credit difficulties in the past and want to rebuild your credit, you can apply for the card without worrying about having a minimum score.
Low APR.
The annual percentage rate for purchases made with this card is 9.99% variable. This is low when compared to other cards, some of which can have APRs up to 26%.
What to watch out for
Annual fee.
This card has an annual fee of $49, which will be applied to your balance.
Foreign transaction fee.
If you use this card when traveling abroad, you’ll pay an additional 3% of the transaction for each purchase.
Penalty fees.
A late payment can cost you up to $40, and a returned payment up to $29.
Limited customer service.
At the moment, there’s no phone number for potential customers to call. Support is limited to online help for current customers or postal mail.
Upfront security deposit.
First Progress requires you to fund the security deposit of at least $200 before you know whether you’re approved.
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’re a US citizen or a permanent resident in the US — excluding Arkansas, Iowa, New York and Wisconsin
When you fill out your application, you’ll need to provide:
- Your name, residential status and residential address
- Your Social Security number and date of birth
- Your contact information and information about your income
- The amount you will pay for the initial security deposit
What credit score do I need?
You don’t need a credit history or a minimum credit score to apply. However, approval is not guaranteed upon application.
What do customers say about the First Progress Platinum Prestige MasterCard® Secured Credit Card?
Satisfied customers claim the card has managed to help them build their credit score considerably in a few months time. Those who aren’t satisfied complain about poor customer service and hidden fees. To avoid this, make sure you read your card’s agreement.
The Better Business Bureau rates the First Progress Card with an A+.
How to apply for the First Progress Platinum Prestige MasterCard® Secured Credit Card
- Click apply now.
- Complete the application with your personal details.
- Once you agree to the terms and conditions, you’ll set up your deposit.
- Confirm that your information is correct and click Go to payment to complete your application. If you’re not approved for the card, First Progress will return your security deposit.
How long will it take to get my First Progress Platinum Prestige MasterCard® Secured Credit Card?
First Progress Card needs three weeks to make a decision on your application. If you don’t hear any information by then, contact their support.
I got the card. Now what?
- Avoid interest. Your grace period is 25 days after the end of each billing period. Despite having low APR, you’ll avoid accruing interest on your purchases if you pay your balance off during this time.
- Customer service. For any questions, log in to your account online or write First Progress Card at PO Box 9053, Johnson City, TN 37615-9053.
Bottom line
If you typically carry a balance, this card could be a strong choice, as it has the lowest APR on purchases compared to its First Progress siblings. But if you always pay your balance on time, the First Progress Platinum Prestige MasterCard® Secured Credit Card and its lower annual fee could suit you best.
If you’re still not sure which credit card is best for you, check out other secured cards and compare your options.