Rebuild your credit with this card that features high approval rates and reports to all three credit bureaus.
With high approval rates and reporting to all three credit bureaus, the Surge Mastercard Credit Card is designed to help customers with poor credit scores build or rebuild their credit. Secured, partially secured and unsecured options are available depending on your credit score at the time of application.
| Product Name | Surge Mastercard® Credit Card |
|---|---|
| APR for Purchases ( Purchase Rate ) | 29.99% variable |
| Annual fee | $125.00 for the first year, after that $96.00 annually |
| Cash Advance Rate | 29.99% variable |
| Card Type | Mastercard |
| Interest Free Period The interest-free period on purchases is the period or number of days you do not have to pay interest on your card purchases. You will be charged interest either from the day you make a purchase or from the statement date, unless you pay the closing balance in full by the due date (or within the interest-free period) on your statement. | Up to 25 days |
| Returned Payment Fee | $38 |
| Foreign Currency Conversion Fee (MC) Foreign currency conversion fees are charged when you make a transaction that is converted by a credit card network, such as MasterCard, Visa or American Express, from Australian dollars to a foreign currency. You’ll also incur a currency conversion fee if you make a purchase or obtain a cash advance in Australian dollars while overseas or shopping online with a foreign merchant or financial institution. | 3% of transaction value |
| Minimum Age | 18 years of age |
|---|---|
| Min credit limit This is the lowest credit card limit that you can request. It is possible to apply for a higher credit card limit but not a lower one than this figure. | $50 |
| Max credit limit This credit limit may not be issued to you immediately on application. This is the maximum credit limit for this card which must be applied for or offered to you after you are approved and have already opened the account. | $500 |
| Annual fee | $125.00 for the first year, after that $96.00 annually |
|---|---|
| Returned Payment Fee | $38 |
| Late Payment Fee | $38 |
| Cash Advance Fee | $5.00 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater |
| Additional Cardholder Fee | $30 |
The basics
The Surge Mastercard Credit Card features high approval rates and reporting to all three credit bureaus, making it a great way to start building or rebuilding credit. Qualified applicants may be eligible for the unsecured or partially secured versions, but will otherwise be approved for the fully secured version. Credit limits range from $50 to $500, providing a bit of flexibility to your spending habits.
Unfortunately, there are a handful of downsides to this card as well. The first year annual fee is a whopping $125, decreasing to $96 for the second year but adding $10 monthly maintenance fees. The card also has a 29.99% variable APR, so if you do decide to go with this option, avoid holding a balance at all costs.
What’s great about this card?
The card has high approval rates and flexible credit limits, making it a great starter card if you have limited or poor credit. There is an unsecured option which may work for people who can’t put down a deposit for a secured card and have been denied for other unsecured cards. However, eligibility for the unsecured option is unclear, although some people have reported that it is obtainable despite very low FICO scores.
Payments are due after a 25-day grace period following the end of each billing cycle. Just make sure you pay on time since the APR and late fees are extremely high. This card is great for those who have been rejected by other cards and need a starting point before moving on to a less expensive card with better benefits.
How to make this card worth it
The expensive annual fee and very high APR would be worth it if it had a signup bonus or rewards program, but unfortunately this card offers neither. If you decide to get this card, the best way to take advantage is to pay off your balance in full, always on time. Consider using this card as a stepping stone to building your credit score, moving on to a cheaper card once you are eligible.What to watch out for
Unfortunately, there are a few things you should watch out for if you decide to go with this card.
- High APR. This card has a 29.99% variable APR, which is much higher than many other secured card options.
- High annual and late fees. Many secured cards don’t have annual fees, or they at least have low transaction fees to compensate. This card has both a high annual fee and monthly maintenance fee starting the second year. Late and returned payment fees are also much higher than other secured cards.
- No signup bonus or rewards program. Some secured cards offer a rewards program or signup bonus, but not this one.
- No interest on deposit. If you choose the secured or partially secured options, be aware that you will not earn interest on your deposit.
- First year fee charged up front. The $125 annual fee will be charged immediately upon approval and will be deducted from your credit limit. For example, if you start with a $500 limit, that drops to $375 for the first month when you consider the upfront annual fee.
How to apply for the Surge Mastercard Credit Card
Applying for the Surge card is easy, approval is quick and your chances of approval are high. Your application can be completed online or by phone.
Apply online
1. Visit the credit card page on the Surge Mastercard website and click Start your application.
2. Complete the application form with your personal and housing info, then click Continue Your Application.
3. Fill in your date of birth, Social Security number and financial information, answer the three questions and then click Continue Your Application.
4. Agree to the terms of service and e-signature, then click Submit.
Apply by phone
If you’d rather apply by phone, you can do so by calling the Surge customer service team at 866-449-4514. They are available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. If you decide to go this route, make sure you have your personal and financial information on hand, including:
- Personal info, date of birth, and Social Security number
- Housing info
- Financial/income info
- Employment info
How likely is my approval?
Since this card is made for beginners or anyone rebuilding credit, approval rates are very high.
How long will it take to be approved?
Approval is almost immediate, and you can expect to get the card within 10 days. If you see the deposit taken from your account, chances are the card is on its way.
I got the card. Now what?
Now that you’ve been approved, it’s time to start using your card. Here’s how to take advantage of your new Surge Mastercard Credit Card.
- Activate your card. Once it arrives, activate your card by calling the customer service line on the card.
- Make timely payments. Mail in your payment or pay through your online account. And you’ll avoid interest on your purchases by paying your balance in full.
- Set up autopay. Avoid unnecessary fees and interest by setting up automatic withdrawals for your monthly payments.
- Customer service. Support is available by phone or secure email through your online account.
What do customers say?
Continental Finance is not rated on TrustPilot, but they are BBB-accredited since 2017, boasting an A+ rating. Customer complaints mention trouble accessing deposits through their online services, along with a general lack of communication. Many others mention undisclosed fees and trouble having them removed, so be wary.
The card doesn’t have a great reputation online. Many of the issues associated with the bank also carry over to the card, leading to multiple complaints regarding delays, rejections after they were already approved among others.
Bottom line
This card could be a last resort if you can’t get approved for any other secured card. While approval rates are high, there are plenty of other secured cards with much lower fees and better benefits that are just as easy to qualify for.
However, if you can’t get approved for other cards, this card is a good stepping stone as you work towards a more affordable card.
I’m wondering if I got approved for my surgecard
Hi Rachel,
Thanks for leaving a question on finder.
For this card, approval is instant and you can expect the card within 10 days. If you see the deposit taken from your account, chances are the card is on its way. To follow up, please call the Surge customer service team at 866-449-4514. They are available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m and tell them you applied through finder.
Cheers,
Joel
I was approved instantly yesterday for the surge master card I got to looking for an email confirming it and I’ve not seen one. What can i do to use my ref number to pull whatever info I need?
Hello Amanda,
Good day! Appreciate you contacting finder regarding your inquiry today.
May I confirm if you applied for the card and got approved online? If so, usually there should be a confirmation email sent to you upon approval with the status of the application, refrence number and general expectations for the terms. However, if you have not received any email, it would be best to directly contact Surge to confirm the status of the application using your reference number. If possible you may also request for an email to be sent to you.
If you’re approved and you fully fund any security deposit (if applicable), your credit card and welcome materials will be mailed within (3) business days, at which time you will be informed of your credit limit.
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.
Hope this helps!
All the best,
Ron