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First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card

Cory Santos

| Last updated on February 15th, 2024

First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card

First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card
Poor-No Credit Required
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Poor / No Credit Required
Mastercard Processing Network
$49 Annual Fee

First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card

  • 15.24% variable based on the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
  • 24.24% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR

At a Glance

The Platinum Prestige Mastercard Secured Credit Card offers an excellent rate, robust Mastercard security, and the ability to rebuild or establish credit – all in one package.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • 1% Cash Back Rewards on payments
  • Choose your own credit line - $200 to $2000 – based on your security deposit
  • Build your credit score.¹ Reports to all 3 credit bureaus
  • No minimum credit score required for approval!
  • ¹ Cardholders who keep their balance low and pay their credit card bill on time every month typically do see an increase in their credit score.
  • Regular Purchase APR: 15.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Cash Advance APR: 24.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
  • Annual Fee: $49
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $30
  • Minimum Deposit Required: $200
  • You're looking to rebuild a damaged credit score
  • You plan to carry a balance
  • You prefer the versatility of a credit card vs. a debit card or prepaid cards
  • You want the freedom to use your card virtually anywhere worldwide
First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card

First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card

Terms & Conditions

In-Depth Review: First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard Secured Credit Card

The Platinum Prestige Mastercard Secured Credit Card from First Progress is an excellent cash back reward and secured credit card option for those who want a great rate while building their credit. Like other credit card offers from First Progress, the card provides an excellent variable APR on purchases and the benefits and protections of a full-fledged Mastercard.

Who Can Benefit from the First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard®?

First Progress credit cards cater to individuals with limited or poor credit history, offering a valuable opportunity to build or rebuild their credit. Specifically, the First Progress Secured Credit Cards are a viable option for those unable to qualify for an unsecured card due to their credit history, building a positive credit history and improving their credit scores.

Additionally, First Progress secured credit cards can benefit individuals seeking a line of credit for emergencies or online purchases, providing the convenience and security of a credit card, irrespective of their credit standing.

Of the three First Progress credit cards, the Platinum Prestige Mastercard Secured Credit Card stands out for its exceptionally low APR, surpassing the interest rates offered by other major lenders such as Capital One, U.S. Bank, and Wells Fargo.

How to Get First Progress Credit Cards

Credit Needed

One of the main advantages is the chance to establish or restore your credit history. As mentioned, First Progress credit cards, such as the Platinum Prestige, cater to individuals with no credit history or poor credit.

How to Apply

To apply for a First Progress credit card, follow these simple steps:

  • Visit the secured First Progress website by clicking the “Apply Now” button on this page
  • Select the First Progress Platinum credit card that best suits your needs.
  • Click the “Apply Now” button to access the online application form.
  • Fill out the required information, including your details, employment status, income, and social security number for identity verification.
  • Review the terms and conditions associated with the card, including interest rates, fees, and other relevant information.
  • Once you have carefully reviewed the terms, submit your application.

In most cases, you will receive a decision within a few minutes. Your First Progress credit card will be mailed to you within 7-10 business days if approved.

Applying for a First Progress credit card is a straightforward process that can be completed online. Take the time to review the terms and conditions before proceeding to ensure you understand all the details.

First Progress Prestige Features

Choose Your Credit Limit

The Platinum Elite Mastercard requires a minimum security deposit of $200, about average for secured credit cards. This initial deposit sets your credit line at $200, but you can add more funds if you want a higher credit limit. The credit limits with the card can rise as high as $2,000 but require additional cash deposits to cover the extension of the credit line.

Lower Rates Mean a Higher Annual Fee

Compared to other First Progress secured cards, the Platinum Elite Mastercard has the lowest annual fee but the highest APR. This makes it less suitable for carrying balances regularly. However, it is the most affordable option for those who can pay off the balance in full each month. Applicants should consider their spending habits and financial needs to determine if this is the best First Progress card.

How to Earn Cash Back Rewards

Many people think that having bad credit means you can’t earn cash back rewards, but this isn’t true. Two of First Progress Bank’s Platinum Mastercard-secured credit cards feature cash-back rewards. The First Progress Platinum Select and First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard credit cards earn 1% cash back on all payments made on the card.

How does earning cash back with First Progress work? It’s effortless. Make a purchase using your eligible First Progress Platinum Mastercard, and you’ll earn 1% cash back on every dollar you pay off. Each dollar is valued at one cent per dollar spent on purchases. With First Progress, it really pays – to pay!

Rewards earned with the First Progress Platinum Prestige can be redeemed as statement credits for your account. While statement credits may not be as thrilling as plane tickets or gift cards, they can still benefit cardholders who carry a balance by helping them save money on accrued interest.

Credit Building Benefits

The First Progress Platinum Prestige is a handy tool for establishing a positive credit history. This process takes time, but here are some credit-building tips to help you along the way:

① Check your credit score The first thing you should do is check your credit score to see where you stand. You might already know your credit score is bad, but how far down on the scale, does it go? Knowing how fast you can improve your credit from “bad” to “fair” is crucial to making a financial plan of attack.
② Get a credit card for subprime credit Part of boosting your credit score is increasing your use of credit. For those with bad credit, this may seem counter-intuitive. Fortunately, there are many unsecured credit cards for poor credit and secured cards that can help you repair your credit score.
③ Pay on time each month As seen in the scoring models, payment history is the biggest factor in your credit score. Because payment history is so important, paying your credit card bill on time each month is essential to boosting sub-prime credit. Missed payments stay on a credit report for seven years.
④ Keep your credit use low Credit utilization is as important as paying on time. Credit utilization shows lenders how you use your credit. Those who keep their credit use below 30% can expect their score to improve, while those who use less than 10% can expect a much faster score rise.

Mastercard Benefits

The Platinum Prestige Mastercard Secured Credit Card is a full-fledged Mastercard product.  What does that mean? Well, the card enjoys the same near-global acceptance you’d expect from any product that bears the Mastercard logo.

Mastercard is the second-largest payment network in the world, slightly trailing Visa. That said, Mastercards are accepted in more countries than Visa, with merchants in 210 countries accepting Mastercards versus Visa’s 170. This means that no matter where your travels take you, you can count on the Platinum Prestige Mastercard.

Along with global acceptance comes the need for certain security features, including:

Zero Liability Protection Mastercard Global Services ID Theft Protection

Comparison

First Progress Platinum Elite First Progress Platinum Select First Progress Platinum Prestige
Annual fee $29 $39 $49
Credit needed None None None
Rewards Does not earn rewards 1% cash back rewards 1% cash back rewards

Tips for Finding the Right First Progress Secured Credit Card for You

One of the most significant advantages of First Progress credit cards is their ability to help you build or rebuild your credit. Whether you’re new to credit or have experienced past financial setbacks, First Progress offers a pathway to improving your creditworthiness.

But how can you decide on the right card for your financial situation? Here are some of the basics for deciding on your ideal First Progress secured credit card:

Annual fee The larger the annual fee you pay with your First Progress, the lower your APR, with the Prestige having the lowest APR and the highest annual fee, followed by the Select and finally the Elite.
Starting credit limit First Progress charges the annual fee on the first billing statement. This means that the card’s starting credit limit will not match the cash deposit until that fee is repaid.
Credit check First Progress credit cards do not require a credit inquiry, or hard pull. No credit check means those with bad credit can access a card with no negative impacts or checks.

Managing and Maximizing to Get the Most of Your First Progress Credit Card

To make the most of your First Progress credit card, managing it effectively and taking advantage of the available features is crucial. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Create a Budget and Stick to It

First and foremost, create a budget and stick to it. Understanding your income and expenses will help you avoid overspending and accumulating unnecessary debt. Use your credit card for planned purchases and emergencies but avoid impulsive buying or relying on credit for everyday expenses.

Regularly Review Your Credit Card Statements and Transactions

Additionally, regularly review your credit card statements and transactions. This will allow you to identify any unauthorized charges or errors promptly. If you notice any discrepancies, contact First Progress immediately to address the issue. Monitoring your account activity can also help you stay on top of your spending habits.

Remember, managing your credit card effectively and using it responsibly can help you build a positive credit history and improve your financial well-being.

What We Like About the First Progress Platinum Prestige Card

Perfect for Carrying a Balance

Building a credit score requires paying your balance on time and keeping your credit utilization low. Ideally, credit utilization needs to be below 10%, but this can be challenging for many. Those rebuilding a bad credit score usually must carry a balance because their financial situation requires it. This is problematic with many secured cards, as high-interest rates punish them with substantial interest payments.
Fortunately, the Platinum Prestige Mastercard gives cardholders the breathing room they need to pay down their balances without extortionate interest payments. For those who currently carry a balance – or plan to do so in the future, it’s challenging to find a better-secured card offer on the market today.

Things to Consider

The Platinum Prestige Mastercard provides a tough-to-beat APR, but it comes at a price. That $49 annual fee is the largest annual fee charged by First Progress. Still, $49 per year is very reasonable for a secured credit card with such an enticing interest rate. Many cards – with much higher APRs – come with annual fees that can rise as high as $100 or more. Still, always be aware of all costs before applying for any credit card.

Additionally, the card charges a foreign transaction fee. Foreign transaction fees are the additional charges that issuers assess for using a credit card outside of the United States. Foreign transactions are any purchases abroad – including some international websites. The fee with the Platinum Prestige is 3% of the transaction, which is reasonable. That said, it is still a charge many might not expect, so be careful when using the card on trips.

FAQs

Here you will find commonly asked questions about the First Progress Platinum Secured Mastercard, as well as the answers:

  • Prepaid and debit cards are available to consumers with poor or inadequate credit scores, but these products generally do not offer credit and do not report to the major consumer credit bureaus. Some prepaid and debit card programs carry monthly membership fees or carry a charge for reloading funds to the card.

    A secured card is a real credit card that extends credit based on a security deposit provided by the cardholder rather than relying on the applicant’s credit history. Aside from the security deposit requirement, a secured card works just like any major (Visa®, Mastercard or American Express®) bankcard. The cardholder can revolve a balance by paying only the minimum monthly payment, or avoid finance charges by paying the balance in full each month. Activity on the First Progress Platinum Secured Mastercard Credit Card is reported monthly to all three major credit bureaus to help speed the accumulation of new credit history in the cardholder’s credit files.

  • First Progress offers an optional Expedited Processing Service for $19.95. With the Expedited Processing Service your secured credit card will be processed up to 7 days faster and is only available if you use a debit or prepaid card to fund your security deposit. The $19.95 will be applied to your debit or prepaid card account along with the security deposit amount selected to fund your secured credit card.
  • First progress reports all usage and payment activity to all three national credit bureaus every month. NOTE: poor payment performance will negatively impact credit history.
  • Existing First Progress Card customers can enter the secure Online Customer Center or write to the bank at:

First Progress Card
P.O. Box 9053
Johnson City, TN 37615-9053

  • First Progress secured credit cards are available to residents of all U.S. states.

Should You Apply for the Platinum Prestige Mastercard Secured Credit Card?

Secured cards are ideal for those with bad credit – as well as those completely new to credit. The Platinum Prestige Mastercard benefits those looking to rebuild credit while earning basic cash back rewards on payments. 

Thie card’s exceptional interest rate makes the card ideal if you plan to carry a balance as you improve your credit score. While paying in full each month is the best-case scenario, keeping credit utilization below 30% is a rule of thumb for maintaining good credit. And the Platinum Prestige Mastercard makes this possible without the crippling interest payments found with other secured cards.

While the card has an annual fee of $49, there are countless secure card options from competitors that charge nearly double that but lack the great rates and Mastercard protections of the Platinum Prestige. Overall, the card is an excellent option for those with damaged credit, as it offers the practicality of a Mastercard, the excellent rates of a low APR or balance transfer credit card, and the credit rebuilding prowess of a secured credit card – all in one package.

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