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Green Dot primor® Mastercard® Classic Secured Credit Card review
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A low-annual-fee card that can help you build your credit score.
- Get this card if you have no credit history or if you’ve had credit difficulties in the past.
- Pick something else if you want an unsecured card or you don’t want to pay an annual fee.
- Apply with no credit history or with poor credit score.
$39
Annual fee
13.99%
Purchase APR (fixed)
300
Recommended credit score
Details
| Product Name | Green Dot primor® Mastercard® Classic Secured Credit Card |
|---|---|
| Card type | Mastercard |
| Annual fee | $39 |
| Purchase APR | 13.99% fixed |
| Balance transfer APR | N/A |
| Cash advance rate | 18.99% fixed |
| Cash advance fee | $5 or 5% 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 $29 |
| Returned payment fee | Up to $29 |
| Additional cardholder fee | $29 |
Expert review
Review by
Kliment Dukovski
kliment.dukovski@findercrew.comKliment Dukovski is a credit cards 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 Green Dot primor® Mastercard® Classic Secured Credit Card comes with a $39 annual fee but a relatively low purchase APR of 13.99% fixed. Like many other secured cards, it doesn’t offer rewards.
The card has easy-to-meet eligibility criteria, and the provider promises approval after you meet basic requirements such as verification of identity and funding a savings account. This means you can apply with no credit history, or with a poor credit score, and you can start building your credit with responsible use of your card.
After you’re approved, all you have to do is to open an FDIC–insured savings account with Green Dot Bank. The amount you deposit in the savings account will become your credit line.
Card benefits
Build your credit.
Green Dot reports your card activity to all three major credit bureaus — TransUnion, Experian and Equifax. You can potentially build your credit and work towards qualifying for an unsecured card by making timely payments and using the card responsibly.
No minimum credit score.
You can apply with no credit history or with a poor credit score and you may still get the card.
Credit limit.
Your credit limit is determined by the amount you deposit into your Green Dot Bank savings account, and can range from $200 to $5,000.
Fixed APR.
Your APR on purchases is fixed at 13.99%, which is relatively low when compared to the average of 16% or 26% that other cards offer.
FDIC insured.
Your deposit is FDIC insured.
What to watch out for
Annual fee.
The card comes with an annual fee of $39 that’s deducted from your credit line as soon as you get your card.
Foreign transaction fee.
If you’re traveling abroad you’ll pay a 3% fee of the amount of each transaction.
Cash advance limit.
If you’re using cash advances, you’re limited to taking out half of your credit line. For example, if your credit line is $300, you can get up to $150 in cash advances.
What should I know before I apply?
To apply for the card, you need to be at least 18 years old, 19 in Alabama and Nebraska and 21 in Mississippi. You must also have a credit, debit or a prepaid card.
You’ll need the following information to apply:
- Your full name and contact information.
- Your birthdate and Social Security number.
- Your financial information.
- A deposit that will become your credit limit and act as a security deposit.
By applying for the card, you agree to receive daily emails and digital newsletters from the card’s marketing partners.
How to apply for the Green Dot primor® Mastercard® Classic Secured Credit Card
- Go to the provider's site and click Apply now.
- Enter your Social Security number, income and personal information.
- Review and submit your application.
What credit score do I need?
You can apply with no credit history or with a poor credit score. However, approval isn’t guaranteed.
How long will it take to get my Green Dot primor® Mastercard® Classic Secured Credit Card?
Usually you’ll get a decision on your application within a minute. In some cases, it could take up to five business days.
Your card should arrive in the mail within seven to 10 business days following your application’s approval.
Compare secured cards
What do customers say about the Green Dot primor® Mastercard® Classic Secured Credit Card?
You’ll find a fairly even mix of 1– and 5-star reviews online. Many customers complain of poor customer service and high fees. Others say that if you use the card responsibly and keep your utilization rate below 30% you’ll see a significant jump in your credit score over time.
I got the card. Now what?
- Download the Green Dot app on your mobile device. You can use it to pay your bills or send money. You can also set up alerts and more.
- Pay on time. Late payment fees can cost you up to $29.
- Graduating to an unsecured card. You won’t get a direct path to an unsecured card with Green Dot. However, once you use this card to raise your credit score, you can then go on to apply for an unsecured card with another bank.
- Customer support. For any card-related questions, call Green Dot customer support at 866-795-7597.
What is Green Dot?
Green Dot is the world’s largest prepaid debit card company. Also, their technology is used by Apple Pay Cash, Uber and Intuit.
Bottom line
If you’re looking to build your credit, the Green Dot primor® Mastercard® Classic Secured Credit Card could be a good solution. The card reports to all three major credit bureaus, which makes it easy to build your credit if you use your card responsibly.
Make sure you read the card’s terms to avoid surprises, as it comes with several fees.
You can also check out other secured credit cards to compare your options and find the right card for you.