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Reflex® Platinum Mastercard® review
Heavy fees make this a poor choice for building credit.
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From $75
Annual fee
24.99% to 29.99%
Purchase APR (variable)
580
Recommended credit score
Details
| Annual fee | $75 to $99 |
|---|---|
| Annual fee conditions | $75 to $99 annual fee plus a monthly maintenance fee of $0 to $120 annually starting the second year |
| Welcome offer | N/A |
| Rewards | N/A |
| Purchase APR | 24.99% to 29.99% variable |
| Balance transfer APR | N/A |
| Minimum credit score | 580 |
| Issuer | Mastercard |
cta text | Apply now |
Review by
Steven Dashiell
steven.dashiell@finder.comSteven Dashiell is a senior personal finance writer at Finder, specializing in all things banking and credit cards. With more than 300 articles under his belt, he aims to help readers embrace credit cards and maximize their banking rewards. Steve is studying to become a Certified Educator in Personal Finance, and is a frequent face on Finder’s YouTube channel, offering the latest in credit card hacks and advice. His expertise has been featured in U.S. News & World Report, Time, CBS, Fox Business, Lifehacker, Martha Stewart Living, among other top publications.
Expert review
The Reflex® Platinum Mastercard® comes with a host of fees, including a $75 to $99 annual fee, a monthly fee of $0 to $10 starting from the second year, and you’ll get a high APR between 24.99% to 29.99% variable with no grace period. And if you think to yourself “that sounds like a lot of fees for a card that helps you build credit,” you’d be right.
Ultimately, the high fees and the high APR make the Reflex® Platinum Mastercard® a poor choice for building credit. Consider applying for this card if you really want it, but you can find a better credit-building card elsewhere.
How do I apply for the Reflex® Platinum Mastercard®?
You can apply online for approval in minutes. But make sure to budget for setup, maintenance and annual fees. All this budgeting isn’t necessary with most other credit-building cards.
- Learn more about how to apply for Reflex® Platinum Mastercard®.
- Enter your personal details, then click Continue your application.
- Enter the confirmation code sent to your smartphone.
- Enter your Social Security number and financial information, then click Continue.
- Complete other required information, then review and submit your application.
What credit score do I need?
Apply with a fair credit score of 580 or higher. The card is designed for those looking to build or rebuild their credit regardless of creditworthiness, and so approval rates are high.
Reflex® Platinum Mastercard® drawbacks
- Low credit limit. The stated maximum credit limit for this card is up to $750. Which isn’t bad, but the card’s numerous fees cut directly into this limit, meaning you can expect a lower amount. Many secured cards base your credit limit on your security deposit, meaning you can set your own limit up to a stated maximum.
- Numerous high fees. The Reflex® Platinum Mastercard® features an astounding number of fees for a card designed to build credit:
- Annual fee. You’ll pay an annual fee of $75 to $99 to use the card. Note that you can find similar credit-building cards with no annual fee at all.
- Monthly maintenance fee. Starting the second year, you’ll pay a monthly service fee of $0 to $10, adding up to $0 to $120 annually. Reflex waives these fees for your first year, but it’s not a normal fee by any credit card standard.
- Additional card fee. You’ll pay an additional $30 if you want another card.
- Late and returned payment fees. You’ll pay up to $41 for each payment that isn’t on time or bounces. Many cards average from $27 to $35 for such fees.
- Cash advance fee. Advances attract a fee of either $5 or 5% of each cash advance, whichever is more.
- Foreign transaction fees. Overseas payments will run you 3% of each transaction.
- High APR. The card’s purchase APR is 24.99% to 29.99% variable. This is higher than you’ll find with many other secured and unsecured cards for building credit, which average a variable APR of 20%.
- No grace period. This card lacks an interest grace period on your purchases. The only way to avoid interest is to pay your entire account balance in full by the payment due date each month, which is nearly impossible to do with a monthly maintenance and other fees.
Compare unsecured cards for building credit
If this card isn’t right for you, compare other unsecured cards for building credit. Consider factors such as fees, APR and if the card offers additional perks you’ll use.
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Bottom line
Given expensive fees, a high APR and a general lack of features, the Reflex® Platinum Mastercard® isn’t a helpful choice for building credit.
For a safer, more effective path to building credit, compare secured credit cards.
Frequently asked questions
Ask an expert
18 Comments
December 17, 2019
Hi Jfs,
Thanks for your comment and I hope you are doing well.
As it says on the terms and conditions of the card, upon approval, you will be granted a credit limit of $500. In some cases, you may be required to provide a security deposit to qualify for a credit card. If this is so, If you’re approved and you fully fund any security deposit (if applicable), your credit card within (3) business days.
To ensure your security, new cards can only be activated over the phone. Call from the phone number that you provided on your application to the toll-free activation number printed on the sticker affixed to your new card within 30 days after you receive your card in the mail. You have 30 days to activate your credit card. If you do not activate your credit card in that timeframe your credit card will automatically be closed and you will be unable to use your new credit card for purchases or other transactions. No fees will be charged if the card is cancelled.
Hope this helps and feel free to reach out to us again for further assistance.
Best,
Nikki
November 25, 2019
Ive got a reflex card how do i get cash off it
November 25, 2019
Hi JacksonT,
Thanks for your comment and I hope you are doing well.
To get a cash advance from a Reflex MC, you can use an ATM to withdraw a cash advance from Reflex. There may be a pin involved so it would be best to contact Reflex for further instructions.
As a friendly reminder, you may want to review the application of fees and terms and conditions in doing a cash advance. As per our page, it shows a CA fee of $5 or 5% of the cash advance amount, whichever is greater and a CA rate of 29.99%. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate.
Hope this helps and feel free to reach out to us again for further assistance.
Best,
Nikki
November 4, 2019
I’ve been approved and wanted to know how long it would take to receive my card.
November 4, 2019
Hi Sheila,
Thanks for getting in touch! Great to know you were approved! Generally, a credit card takes 10 working days to be delivered to you. Ultimately, it would be best to contact Reflex directly to know the status of your card delivery.
Hope this helps!
Best,
Nikki
September 25, 2019
Can you make online purchases with this card
September 26, 2019
Hi TexasChilln,
Thanks for getting in touch. Yes you can make online purchases with the Reflex Mastercard. Note that the card’s purchase APR is 29.99% variable. This is higher than you’ll find with many other secured and unsecured cards for building credit, which average a variable APR of 20%.
As a friendly reminder, check the eligibility requirements of the card before proceeding with your application. Also, read about its features and benefits and see how it fits your financial needs. Additionally, it’s helpful to review the PDS and Terms & Conditions of the card before fully committing to the card. You may also reach out to the bank if you have any clarifications.
Hope this helps!
Best,
Nikki
April 3, 2019
I applied for the Reflex Card. How do I check the status?
April 4, 2019
Hi Louise,
Thanks for reaching out to Finder.
If you want to make a follow-up on the status of your Reflex Mastercard application, you need to contact the provider and inquire with them directly. Please note though, that in some cases additional information is needed as part of the application process, so it could take up to 30 days before they can give you a decision.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Charisse