Last updated on April 10th, 2023
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Merit Platinum Card
Merit Platinum Card
Merit Platinum Card
- 0% Regular Purchase APR
At a Glance
The Merit Platinum Card is a basic store card offer from Horizon Financial Services. The Merit Card perfect for consumers seeking to establish or rebuild their credit score. This card features a no interest on purchases, a credit limit of $750*, and no credit check.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Bad Credit, No Credit? No Problem
- $750 Unsecured Credit Line*
- Fast and Easy Application
- No Employment or Credit Check
- *usable only at theHorizonOutlet.com
- Regular Purchase APR: 0%
- You have poor credit or no credit history at all
- You want a store card without a credit or employment check
- You want additional perks, like credit monitoring or roadside and legal assistance
Merit Platinum Merchandise Card Review
The Merit Platinum Card is a merchandise card from Horizon Card Services. Unlike a traditional credit card that can be used wherever the payment network (Visa, Mastercard), Merit only works at the Horizon Outlet, an online shopping portal.
No Credit Check for $750 Unsecured Line of Credit
As mentioned, the Merit Card offers successful applicants a $750 merchandise credit line for use at the Horizon Outlet. What makes the card such a popular choice for credit builders, however, is the lack of hard inquiries when applying. Horizon requires no credit check to apply, nor do they conduct an employment check. However, Horizon requires an active U.S. credit card, debit card, or checking or savings account.
Is This Service Legitimate?
First and foremost, yes, the Merit Platinum Card is totally legitimate. Still, it’s easy to understand why the question is asked. After all, Merit offers the allure of an unsecured line of credit to the tune of $750, with no credit checks or employment verification.
Where Can You Use the Card?
If there was a “catch” with the Merit Platinum, it’s the store card for exclusive use with Horizon Outlet. The Horizon Outlet is an online store with a huge array of products, including toys, clothing, and gifts. Customers note the excellent quality of Horizon Outlet items, and many praise the card’s customer service (though others have some issues).
7-Day Free Trial
One of Horizon Services’ unique features is that they offer a 7-day trial period. New cardholders can use their new NetFirst Platinum Card to make purchases at the Horizon Outlet during this period. If they don’t like the experience, they can cancel – and only have to pay the value of the goods they purchase.
Horizon Benefits
Once the $14.95 monthly subscription is paid, cardholders receive access to Horizon Services perks and benefits, including:
| My Privacy Protection | Users receive access to unlimited privacy protection when using their card within Horizon’s online portal. |
| My Roadside Protection | Members have access to up to three service calls or towing requests per year (up to 15 miles, and not to exceed the operator cost of $50) free of charge. |
| Credit Hawk | Cardholders receive 24/7 credit monitoring access through Credit Hawk. |
| My Universal RX | Cardholders get unlimited access to up to 40% in discounts at participating local pharmacies |
| My Legal Assistance | Cardholders receive one free 30-minute consultation with a specialized legal professional in your area (excluding criminal defense). |
Monthly Membership Fee
As mentioned, the Merit Platinum Card features a monthly subscription fee of $14.95. This monthly charge equates to a $179.40 annual fee.
The membership fee auto-debits monthly and shows on bank statements as Merit Platinum Merchandise Card Services. Cardholders can cancel their Merit account anytime by calling Horizon Member Services at 1-800-251-6144.
Card Comparison
Still not sure if the Merit Platinum from Horizon Card Services is right for you? The program compares favorably to two other merchandise card programs, Buy on Trust and Fingerhut.
 Merit Platinum |
 Buy On Trust |
 Fingerhut |
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How to Activate
Once you receive your new Merit Platinum Card, you’ll need to activate it. Fortunately, this is a straightforward process, either online or via phone::
- Call Horizon Card Services at 1-800-251-6144
- Provide the customer service agent with your name, date of birth, full billing address, and other relevant information to access the account.
- Provide card details (number, CVV)
FAQs About Horizon Outlet and the Merit Platinum Card
Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions about the Horizon Outlet and the Merit Platinum Card:
No. The card only works at the Horizon Outlet.
- You can cancel your Horizon Card Services credit card online from your account or by calling (800) 251-6144. Just make sure to pay down any outstanding balance you might have on the card first.
- Horizon Card Services and the various Horizon cards are currently available in all 50 U.S. states plus the District of Columbia.
Horizon Card Services Ratings
How does the Merit Card from Horizon stack up? Here is a selection of expert reviews for the card:
| BestCards | Better Business Bureau | TrustPilot |
|
3.5/5 |
N/A | N/A |
Should You Apply for the Merit Platinum Card?
Overall, the Merit Platinum Card is an excellent option for anyone seeking to boost their FICO score or establish credit for the first time. Although it does not function like a traditional credit card, it does provide the credit building platform users need – in addition to a credit line at the Horizon Outlet.
There are no credit checks or employment checks, meaning you will not see a hard inquiry hit your credit report after applying. Remember, even with secured credit cards, there is no guarantee of approval – so if you’re struggling with your credit, the Merit Platinum Card may be a wise first step in the credit building journey.
*Usable only at theHorizonOutlet.com
