| Last updated on March 26th, 2024
Total Visa® Card
Total Visa® Card
Total Visa® Card
- 35.99%* Regular Purchase APR
- 35.99%* Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
With the Total Visa® Card, you can begin to tackle your credit improvement goals no matter what your financial profile currently looks like. This Bank of Missouri card reports your activity to TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian for a threefold approach to credit improvement. Not only that, but you’ll also gain access to a $300 credit limit with no deposit required, and no restrictions on where you can use the card.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Earn 1% cash back rewards on payments made to your Total Credit Card • Checking Account Required • $300 credit limit (subject to available credit) • No security deposit, simply pay a one-time $95 program fee to open your account.* • User friendly Mobile App. • Click "Apply Now" to apply for the card on Total Visa’s secure site • *See Rates, Fees, Costs & Limitations for complete offer details • See Total Card Visa Rewards Programs Terms & Conditions for details
- Regular Purchase APR: 35.99%*
- Cash Advance APR: 35.99%*
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10, or 3% of the amount of the Cash Advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $75 1st year, $48 after*
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41*
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41*
- You have a bad credit or no credit history
- You want a credit card that will report to all three major credit bureaus
- You don’t mind paying the startup and annual fees to improve your credit
- You already have a checking account to complete the application
- You want a choice of five unique card designs
- You want free access to your FICO Score every month
In-Depth Review: Total Visa® Card
If you’ve been struggling to get approved for a credit card due to poor credit, the Total Visa Credit Card could be the solution. The easy online application offers a rapid response, meaning you can access a new credit line without a long wait. More importantly, your activity gets reported to not one but all three major credit bureaus. This can give you a major boost if you can navigate the necessary account fees. You’ll need a checking account and some personal information to get started.
Who Can Benefit from the Total Visa Credit Card?
The Total Visa® Card caters to individuals with a less-than-perfect credit history. Using the card responsibly and making timely payments can demonstrate your creditworthiness and improve your credit score.
The Total Visa® Card can also benefit individuals seeking a credit card for everyday purchases and financial convenience. With its wide acceptance and fraud protection measures, the card offers a reliable and accessible means of making online and in-store purchases. Whether you need to pay for groceries, gas, or bills, the Total Visa® Card can provide a convenient and secure payment option.
How to Get the Total Card
Card Availability
It is worth noting that the Total Visa Card isn’t open to applicants everywhere. Currently, the card is not available to residents in the following U.S. states:
- New York
- Wisconsin
Perfect Credit Not Required
The Total Visa is designed to help users build credit with on-time payments and smart financial management. The card, issued through the Bank of Missouri, features a high purchase APR, a modest credit limit, and the chance for credit limit increases with responsible use.
The card doesn’t require good credit to apply; instead, it aims for the subprime credit card market. Potential applicants can also check their suitability for the card thanks to a quick, simple pre-qualification process. There’s no credit check required to pre-qualify, meaning you can get an idea of your approval odds before submitting a full application.
Earn Cash Back
The Total Visa Card offers basic cash back rewards on purchases. Cardholders earn 1% cash back on all purchases, with rewards redeemable as statement credits only. It’s important to note that rewards cannot be earned on the program fee paid during account opening.
Total Visa Benefits
No Security Deposit Required
The Total Visa credit card is unsecured, meaning you do not need to provide any collateral to obtain the card. However, the initial credit limit is set at $300. It is possible to increase the credit limit after one year, but there will be a cost involved, which we will discuss shortly.
Free Credit Score
The Total Visa credit card provides a free monthly update of your credit score. This feature allows you to track your progress and observe your score improve as you demonstrate good credit habits, such as paying your card on time and maintaining a low balance.
Visa Benefits
- Zero Fraud Liability
- Cardholder Inquiry Services
- Emergency Card Replacement
- Roadside Dispatch and Auto Collision Damage Waiver
- Lost/Stolen Card Reporting
- ID Navigator from Norton
Total Visa Fees
There are plenty of fees with the Total Visa, including some recurring ones. These fees include a one-time $95 program fee, an $8.25 monthly servicing fee (which Total waives for the first year), and additional fees for a whole host of other things:
- $29 authorized user fee
- 25%-of-the-increase fee on any credit limit increase
- $9.95 design fee for a premium plastic card design
- $35 express delivery fee
Altogether, there are many costs you need to consider with the Total Visa. This is because the card charges the annual fee upfront, meaning your initial credit limit will differ significantly from the advertised $300 starting limit. The $75 first-year annual fee brings the initial credit limit to $225, which rebounds to $300 once you pay off the annual fee.
Comparison
When it comes to credit cards, there are several options available for individuals with bad to fair credit. Four such options are the Fortiva® Mastercard®, Surge® Platinum Mastercard®, Aspire® Cashback Rewards, and Total Visa® Card. Each of these cards has its own set of features and benefits that cater to the needs of individuals in this credit range.
Starting with the credit needed, all four cards require subprime to fair credit. This means that individuals with less-than-perfect credit can still have a chance to be approved for these cards. Additionally, all four cards offer a pre-qualification process, allowing potential applicants to check if they meet the initial requirements before officially applying.
Moving on to the initial credit limit, the Fortiva® Mastercard® offers a limit of $350, while the Surge® Platinum Mastercard® provides a slightly lower limit of $300. Similarly, the Aspire® Cashback Rewards and Total Visa® Card both offer an initial credit limit of $350 and $300, respectively.
When it comes to annual fees, the Fortiva® Mastercard® charges a fee ranging from $49 to $175 for the first year, with subsequent years having a fee of up to $49. On the other hand, the Surge® Platinum Mastercard® has an annual fee ranging from $75 to $99. The Aspire® Cashback Rewards and Total Visa® Card have similar fee structures, with the first year costing $49 to $175 and subsequent years having a fee of up to $49 for the former, and an initial fee of $75 followed by $48 for the latter.
In terms of rewards, the Fortiva® Mastercard® and Surge® Platinum Mastercard® do not offer any rewards program. However, the Aspire® Cashback Rewards card provides 3% cash back on gas, groceries, and utilities, along with 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases. Similarly, the Total Visa® Card offers 1% cash back on all purchases.
Comparison with the Mercury® Mastercard®
One of the standout features of the Mercury Mastercard is its potential lack of an annual fee, making it an excellent perk for cardholders with near-prime credit scores. Additionally, the card may provide cash-back rewards for suitable applicants.
While the Mercury Mastercard offers significant benefits, it also has drawbacks. One of the biggest limitations is that not all applicants can get the no-annual-fee card option. Outside of the most eligible applicants, other new cardholders can anticipate an annual fee rising as high as $75 per year. Additionally, the Mercury Card requires a pre-selected offer code to apply, whereas Total Visa does not.
What We Like About the Card
The Total Visa credit card offers several appealing features for potential cardholders. Firstly, it is accessible to individuals with poor credit, providing opportunities for those looking to rebuild their credit history. Additionally, the card reports to all three major credit bureaus, meaning responsible use can positively impact the cardholder’s credit score.
Things to Consider
When considering the Total Visa® Card, it is important to consider a few key factors. First and foremost, assess your financial situation and determine if you can afford the annual fee associated with the card.
It is also recommended that the terms and conditions of the Total Visa® Card be thoroughly reviewed. Familiarize yourself with any additional fees, penalties, or restrictions that may apply. By understanding the terms and conditions, you can make an informed decision and ensure that the Total Visa® Card is the right credit card for you.
FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about the Total Visa® Card:
- The Total Visa Card is issued through the Bank of Missouri.
- No. Total and the Bank of Missouri do not offer a Total Secured Visa, just the Total Unsecured Visa.
- The best way to judge any credit card is through consumer reviews. Total Visa Card reviews from consumers are very positive about the card, with many calling it one of the best credit cards for fair credit, for bad credit, and for rebuilding your credit in general.
Total Visa Ratings
How does the Total Visa stack up? Here is a selection of expert reviews for the card:
| BestCards | Better Business Bureau | TrustPilot |
|
5/5 |
2/5 |
3.5/5 |
Should You Apply for the Total Visa® Card?
If you want a credit-building card that doesn’t require you to tie up your funds in a security deposit, this could be it. The Total Visa Credit Card automatically sets you up with a decent credit limit so you can hit the ground running.
Moreover, its quick application response ensures you won’t have long to wait before you can take the first steps towards better credit. Keep in mind, rebuilding credit depends on factors like making on-time payments, keeping balance below credit limit and paying at least the minimum monthly payment.
Of course, you’ll need to be prepared to handle the upfront and recurring costs of the card to maximize the benefits. It’s not a card necessarily built for carrying balances, so you’ll want to have the right payment strategy in mind to wield this tool effectively.
This means monitoring your credit utilization and making your payments on time and in full. Otherwise, you might prefer a card that requires a little less financial discipline.
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