If you’re struggling to build or rebuild your credit and considering the Total VISA® Credit Card thoroughly review the terms before you apply and explore all your options first.
You may be tempted to apply for this card if you’re someone with less-than-perfect credit and want to avoid having to put down a deposit for a secured card. However, the numerous fees associated with the Total VISA® Credit Card can really add to your balance, as well as reduce your spending power with the card.
Intro Purchase APR
N/A
Regular Purchase APR
See Terms
Intro BT APR
N/A
Regular BT APR
See Terms
Annual Fee
See Terms
Cash Advance Fee
See Terms
Foreign Transaction Fee
N/A
Balance Transfer Fee
N/A
Reports to the credit bureaus
One of the most important criteria when looking to build or rebuild your credit with a credit card is to ensure it reports the account and payment activity to all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion). Some cards designed for those with bad credit only report to one bureau, but the Total VISA® Credit Card reports to all three.
No security deposit required
Secured cards, which are geared toward individuals looking to build or rebuild their credit scores, typically require a security deposit of at least $200. That security deposit will then serve as your line of credit. The Total VISA® Credit Card is rare in that it is an unsecured card for those with fair/poor credit. That said, your initial credit line with the Total VISA® Credit Card will likely be just a few hundred dollars to start.
Expensive fees
The fees associated with the Total VISA® Credit Card are numerous. There is an annual fee, a one-time initial “program” fee of $95 and a monthly service fee of $8.25 that kicks in after the first year, as well as a fee to increase your credit limit.
Sky-high APR
This is not a card you want to carry a balance on from month to month as the APR is See Terms.
Gas pump limitations
To reduce liability from fraudulent charges, Total VISA® Credit Card cardholders cannot use the card at automated fuel pumps. However, you can go into the gas station and use your card there to pay for fuel.
Secured cards are a great way to build credit and are nearly identical to unsecured (traditional) credit cards. The main difference is that a secured card requires a security deposit that becomes your line of credit. For the Discover it® Secured Credit Card, there is a $200 minimum security deposit, which is typical.
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is a better choice if you’re looking to minimize fees. There’s a $0 annual fee and no monthly servicing fees or authorized user fees. That’s compared to the Total VISA® Credit Card’s multitude of fees. Plus, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card has a lower 27.74% Variable APR.
Also, you have the added benefit of a cashback program with the Discover it® Secured Credit Card — earn 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.
Overall, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card is a more well-rounded card with less fees and more perks than the Total VISA® Credit Card, but it does require a security deposit.
|
|
|
|
| Total VISA® Credit Card | Discover it® Secured Credit Card | OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Apply Now on Bank Of Missouri's secure site
|
Apply Now on Discover's secure site
|
Apply Now on Capital Bank, N.A.'s secure site
|
Apply Now |
| Annual Fee | |||
| See Terms | $0 | $35 | N/A |
| Welcome Offer | |||
| No bonus | Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. | N/A | N/A |
| Rewards Rate | |||
| Non-rewards card | 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 | None | N/A |
| Regular APR | |||
| See Terms | 27.74% Variable APR | 22.14% (variable) | N/A |
| Recommended Credit | |||
| Fair/Poor | Poor/Limited | Poor/Limited | N/A |
| Card Details | |||
| Total VISA® Credit Card | Discover it® Secured Credit Card | OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card | Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit |
The Total VISA® Credit Card is laden with various fees making it costly to use, but if you’re unable to put up a couple hundred dollars for a security deposit, then it may be an option.
However, we don’t recommend carrying this card around for years due to the number of fees. Since it does report account activity to all three credit bureaus, keep a close tab on your credit score. Once it’s improved enough to qualify for a less fee-intensive card, then it would be best to get a better credit card and close this one out. Before you apply for the Total VISA® Credit Card, it would be smart to check out secured cards that have more straightforward terms and less fees.
