Applied Bank® Unsecured Classic Visa® Card

At a Glance   

The Applied Bank® Unsecured Classic Visa® Card is a decent credit card for people with bad credit, fair credit, or no credit history. The card features a $75 annual fee, fixed rate APR, and the perks and protections that come with a full-fledged Visa credit card.

Ideal for Those Who:

• Are looking to build their credit
• Want a card that reports to all three major credit bureaus
• Don’t want to pay a security deposit
• Understand the associated fees

Applied Bank® Unsecured Classic Visa® Card Review

The Applied Bank® Unsecured Classic Visa® Card is a credit card designed to help you build your credit score. The card from Applied Bank does not require good credit for approval and offers the perks and protections of a true Visa credit card.

Start Your Credit Journey in Less Than 60 Seconds

One of the great features of the Applied Bank Unsecured Visa is that applying takes no time. Even better, application decisions come in as little as one minute – meaning you can have access to the credit you need – fast.

$300 Initial Credit Limit

The card comes with an initial credit limit of $300. This may seem low, but it is on par with many other credit rebuilding credit cards (such as the Reflex Mastercard, Surge Mastercard, Total Visa, and others).

Unsecured credit cards for bad credit come with the hope of future credit line increases as a reward for responsible use. Applied Unsecured cardholders may be eligible for credit limit increases with on-time payments and responsible usage.

However, keep in mind that the Applied Bank Unsecured Classic Visa comes with a $75 annual fee – which is assessed when the account is opened. That means the initial credit limit is $225 until that $75 fee is repaid.

Fixed APR and Manageable Monthly Payments

Most unsecured credit cards for bad credit feature high interest rates – and the Applied Bank Unsecured Visa is no different. That rate is fixed at 29.99% on purchases – meaning it will not vary based on the market.

It should also be noted that while cards like the Applied Bank Unsecured Card have high interest rates, they are not designed for carrying a balance. These cards are for building credit, which means paying on-time and paying your balance in full (where possible). If you subscribe to this game plan, the APR with cards like the Applied Visa is nothing to worry about.

Regular Reporting to the Major Credit Bureaus

Basic credit cards like the Classic Visa are great for rebuilding credit – or establishing credit for the first time. Using the card to make small purchases and making sure those charges are repaid in full every month, your credit score can soar in as few as three-to-six months.

Because Applied reports to the major credit bureaus – Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion – every month, cardholders can raise their score with a string of on-time payments and low credit usage.

Fees

One of the standard features of credit cards for poor credit scores is fees. There are several fees to be aware of before applying for the Applied Bank Unsecured Classic Visa. These include fees for additional cards ($30), replacement cards ($30), copying charges ($10), credit limit increase fees ($100, if applicable), and more. The card also has a one-time processing fee of $89, which is payable prior to account opening.

Other Features

Other card features with the Applied Bank Classic Visa include:

• 24/7 online account access and payment options
• E-mail payment reminders
• No penalty APR
• Visa credit card protections, including Zero Fraud Liability

Should You Apply for the Applied Bank® Unsecured Classic Visa® Card?

The Applied Bank Unsecured Classic Visa Card is a financial product that is ideal for those who have no credit or bad credit scores and cannot get approved for other credit cards. The card is a decent option if you are looking to improve your credit score and plan to pay your bill in full every month. This process is made even easier online bill pay and account access.

If you are looking to repair your credit and need added securities in place, then this card’s lower credit limits can help you avoid falling into unmanageable debt. The card also waives the first year of maintenance fees, which can save you some money, especially if you want to upgrade a better credit card in the short term.

Ultimately, the Applied Bank Card is a decent option for those who go into the application processes aware of the fees that come with the account. If you are dedicated to building a strong credit history and are willing to take the steps needed to reach your financial goals, the Applied Bank Unsecured Card is worth considering.