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If you have poor or limited credit history, you also have limited credit card options. If this is the case, you should consider a credit card that can help you establish or build credit, while offering broad acceptance, like the First Access VISA® Credit Card.
The First Access VISA® Credit Card’s site boasts that you don’t need “perfect” credit to be approved, and you can receive a response “in as little as 60 seconds” after completing the simple online application. Additionally, the First Access VISA® Credit Card can be used anywhere in the U.S. that Visa is accepted.
The catch? The First Access VISA® Credit Card also comes with a number of fees and an extremely high interest rate.
We review the pros and cons of the First Access VISA® Credit Card, as well as show how it compares to another card designed for individuals with less than perfect credit: the Discover it® Secured Credit Card.
Intro Purchase APR
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Regular Purchase APR
See Terms
Intro BT APR
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Regular BT APR
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Annual Fee
See Terms
Cash Advance Fee
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Foreign Transaction Fee
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Balance Transfer Fee
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Rebuild or establish credit
Because the First Access VISA® Credit Card reports to the three major credit bureaus, it can help you establish or rebuild your credit with responsible card usage. This means paying your balance in full and on time each month.
When it’s not possible to pay in full, be sure to keep your credit utilization under 30%. So, for example, if you have a credit limit of $400, keep your balance below $120 at all times.
Nationwide acceptance
The First Access VISA® Credit Card is a genuine Visa credit card that can be used nationwide anywhere Visa is accepted — both in stores and online.
High APR
If you do not pay your card balance in full each month, you will incur extremely high interest charges. For the card’s current purchase APR, See Terms.
Costly fees
The First Access VISA® Credit Card comes with a number of fees, including a one-time program fee (See Terms) and an annual fee. Plus, you will incur a monthly service fee after the first year (See Terms). The monthly service fee is in addition to the annual fee.
Note, you will be responsible for paying the program fee prior to your account being opened. Additionally, the annual fee will be assessed before you begin using your card and will reduce the amount of credit you initially have available.
While the First Access VISA® Credit Card is an option for those who can’t qualify for a traditional credit card, there are credit-building cards available that offer rewards and do not charge annual or monthly maintenance fees, such as the Discover it® Secured Credit Card.
In addition to a $0 annual fee, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card offers 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically. Plus — discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Like other secured credit cards, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card requires a security deposit, which will also serve as your credit limit. Discover it® Secured Credit Card members pay a minimum security deposit of $200 (up to $2,500), depending on your income and ability to pay. However, starting at seven months of card membership, Discover will automatically review your account to see if you qualify to receive your security deposit back and convert to an unsecured card.
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| First Access VISA® Credit Card | Discover it® Secured Credit Card | Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card | OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card |
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Apply Now on Bank Of Missouri's secure site
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Apply Now on Discover's secure site
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Apply Now on Capital One's secure site
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Apply Now on OpenSky's secure site
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| Annual Fee | |||
| See Terms | $0 | $0 | $35 |
| Regular APR | |||
| See Terms | 24.49% Variable APR | 26.99% (Variable) | 18.89% (variable) |
| Welcome Offer | |||
| N/A | Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. | No bonus | N/A |
| Rewards Rate | |||
| See Terms | 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically | Non-rewards Card | None |
| Recommended Credit | |||
| Fair/Poor | Poor/Limited | Poor/Limited | Poor/Limited |
| Card Details | |||
| First Access VISA® Credit Card | Discover it® Secured Credit Card | Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card | OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card |
If aren’t able to qualify for a traditional credit card, the First Access VISA® Credit Card can offer the convenience of paying bills and making online purchases using a credit card, while helping you rebuild or establish your credit. However, because of the numerous fees and high interest rates, you should consider other credit-building cards, such as the Discover it® Secured Credit Card, before settling on this card.