How Does LendingTree Get Paid?
LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.

How Does LendingTree Get Paid?

LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.
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Advertising Disclosure
LendingTree is an advertising-supported comparison service. The site features products from our partners as well as institutions which are not advertising partners. While we make an effort to include the best deals available to the general public, we make no warranty that such information represents all available products. We are compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order).

Advertising Disclosure

LendingTree is an advertising-supported comparison service. The site features products from our partners as well as institutions which are not advertising partners. While we make an effort to include the best deals available to the general public, we make no warranty that such information represents all available products. We are compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order).
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American Express Disclosure
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

American Express Disclosure

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Total VISA® Credit Card Review

Total VISA<sup>®</sup> Credit Card

Total VISA® Credit Card Review

Same Day Approval
Get a Response in Seconds
Build Your Credit
Reports to all Three Major Credit Bureaus
Regular Purchase APR
See Terms
Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the author’s opinions and recommendations alone. It may not have been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer. This site may be compensated through a credit card issuer partnership.

Who's the Total VISA® Credit Card best for?

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.

Total VISA® Credit Card overview

    • Total Visa active cardholders get exclusive access to free Credit Monitoring powered by TransUnion®!
    • Checking Account Required
    • Fast and easy application process; response provided in seconds
    • A genuine Visa credit card accepted by merchants nationwide across the USA and online
    • Manageable monthly payments
    • $300 credit limit (subject to available credit)
    • Reports monthly to all three major credit bureaus
    300 600 660
    Fair/Poor
  • Annual account review for potential credit limit bump
  • No security deposit required
  • Choose card design

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

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Reports to all three credit bureaus
  • No security deposit required
  • Visa network is accepted everywhere

Cons

  • Annual fee
  • Credit limit increase fee
  • One-time program fee
  • Monthly servicing fee
  • Can’t be used at automated gas pumps
  • Zero liability for fraudulent charges is limited

What we like about the Total VISA® Credit Card

  • 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.

What to watch out for with the Total VISA® Credit Card

  • 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.

Alternate credit-building card

Compare it to the Discover it® Secured Credit Card

| Disclosures
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
on Discover's secure site
N/A
27.74% Variable APR
$0
2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000
  • No credit score required to apply.
  • No Annual Fee.
  • Use your tax refund to fund your security deposit and start building your credit history. Your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
  • Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
  • Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
  • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
  • Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. Activate for free.
  • Click through to Discover’s website to see terms and conditions.
300 600
Poor/Limited

How Does LendingTree Get Paid?

LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appears on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.

 

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.

Compare the Total VISA® Credit Card to similar cards

Comparison of four different credit cards
Total VISA<sup>®</sup> Credit Card Discover it<sup>®</sup> Secured Credit Card OpenSky<sup>®</sup> Secured Visa<sup>®</sup> Credit Card
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

Is this the Total VISA® Credit Card right for you?

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.

Apply Now
on Bank Of Missouri's secure site