Which First Progress Credit Card is Best?

Compare each First Progress credit card to find out which is best for you

If you’re looking to build or rebuild credit, First Progress offers several credit cards to help you do so. But, you may find yourself wondering which of First Progress credit card option is best for you. In this post, we will go over the benefits, downfalls, and key features of the three First Progress credit cards.

The First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard® Secured Credit Card 

Some may consider the Platinum Elite Mastercard is the best of the three First Progress secured credit cards due to the fact that it carries the lowest annual fee, $29. 

But, the Platinum Elite card also carries the highest APR rate of the cards. 

Key benefits:

• The First Progress Elite Mastercard does not have a minimum-credit-score requirement. That means you don’t need to have any credit history to be accepted for the card. You do have to be a first-time First Progress cardholder and at least 18 years old or 19 in Alabama and Nebraska with a valid Social Security number. The other requirements are enough income to afford the monthly bill payments on top of the refundable security deposit.
• This card has the lowest annual fee of the First Progress cards, at $29.
• The Elite Mastercard has the highest APR among the First Progress cards at 25.24% (V) for Purchases.  
• Nationwide program; available in all 50 US states *See Card Terms

Platinum Elite Mastercard Compared to other First Progress Credit cards 

Compared to the other First Progress credit cards, this card is a strong option. It has the lowest annual fee and offers no minimum credit score or history required when applying. The card is accepted nationwide. This card’s downfall is that it has the highest variable APR for purchases and the highest variable APR for cash advances. So, if you plan on doing those two things frequently with your card, another First Progress card may be better suited for your needs.

 First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card 

The First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card is a relatively economical option for people who are looking to rebuild damaged credit. It also has high approval odds, so it’s likely that applying for this card won’t further harm your credit by getting denied. 

The First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® has a $39 annual fee and a refundable security deposit of at least $200. With those fees, cardholders get to add information to the three major credit reports each month, an essential feature for people building or rebuilding credit, as long as you make the payments on time, of course.

Key benefits:

• The First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® is another First Progress secured credit card that does not require a specific credit score or credit check to be approved.
• Annual Fee: $39, which is considerably higher than the average credit card annual fee of $19.49.
• Monthly Fee: $0. 
• This card requires a minimum security deposit of $200, which is standard for secured credit cards.
• This card’s APR is 19.24% (V).
• Nationwide program; available in all 50 US states *See Card Terms
• 1% Cash Back

Platinum Select Mastercard Compared to other First Progress Credit cards

Right off the bat, the First Progress Platinum Select Secured Mastercard does not charge a monthly fee or an application-processing fee, unlike a lot of other credit cards for rebuilding credit. There is also no minimum credit score requirement. One downfall of the First Progress Platinum Select is that it does not offer any awards, which some secured cards do. The card is accepted nationwide, and we think the First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card is a reliable credit card for building credit.

First Progress Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card 

The First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® is a secured credit card available to applicants nationwide. Like the other First Progress secured credit card, this card requires a refundable deposit of at least $200. The annual fee for the Prestige Mastercard is $49. 

This credit card also reports account information to the three major credit bureaus each month, allowing users to build or rebuild credit as long as they are responsible with their spending and payments.

Key benefits:

• The First Progress Prestige Mastercard secured credit card carries a pretty substantial annual fee of $49.
• It has a low regular APR of 15.24% (V), in fact, one of the lowest APRs among all secured credit cards. Just remember, carrying a balance from month-to-month with a secured credit card is highly discouraged because it means you are paying interest on a loan that you are giving yourself.
• To be considered for the card, you must pay a $200 minimum deposit, which is standard for secured credit cards. The problem lies with the fact that you have to get permission from First Progress to add to your deposit in the future, making it a lot harder to increase your available credit and improve your credit.
• It’s fairly simple to get approved for this card as there is no credit score requirement. But, you can’t apply for the card if you live in New York, Wisconsin, Iowa, or Arkansas.

Platinum Prestige Mastercard Compared to other First Progress Credit cards 

This card carries the highest annual fee, and is accepted nationwide. The Platinum Prestige has the lowest variable APR for purchases and the lowest variable APR for cash advances.

Is a First Progress Card legit?

First Progress credit cards are all legitimate options for prospective applicants looking to add a new credit card to their wallet, particularly if you have no or bad credit. It aids in the development of your credit history by reporting to all three major credit reporting agencies. Having said that, the first progress credit cards, like most secured cards, do require an initial security deposit, which becomes your credit limit.

What credit score do you need for First Progress credit card?

There is no requirement for a credit history or a minimum credit score to be approved for any First Progress credit card. If you are eligible for one of their secured credit cards, you are also eligible for either of the other two.

How to activate my first progress credit card

To activate a First Progress card, dial the number listed on the activation sticker or visit the First Progress activation website, which is also listed on the sticker. Regardless of how you activate it, your new card will be ready to use in a matter of minutes. First Progress does not have a time limit for activating your card, but it is best to do so as soon as possible.

First Progress Credit Card Login

Customers of First Progress have the advantage of building credit and monitoring their card’s activity without having to leave their home. In a few simple steps, you can make card payments, set low balance alerts, and view your rewards with your First Progress Credit Card Online account. Through the customer center login you will be able to register for an online account, log in, or even renew your password if need be.

How can I pay my first progress credit card?

The simplest way to pay your First Progress credit card is online via the customer center login or by phone at (866) 706-5543. You can also pay by mail if you prefer.

First Progress Credit Card Reviews

According to First Progress reviews, its card performs exceptionally well for users who require assistance in establishing credit records with the major consumer credit bureaus. The card is intended to accelerate the accumulation of new information in a credit file by reporting monthly account activity to all three major national credit bureaus. And, because it is a full-featured Platinum Mastercard, it offers the security, convenience, and prestige of the global Mastercard system.

Which First Progress Credit Card is Best?

We can’t tell you which credit card is best for everyone because the card that will work best for you depends on your unique financial situation. So keep that in mind while you do your research. But, if you can keep your monthly spending under control, then the Platinum Elite Mastercard will be your best bet.

Otherwise, the Platinum Prestige is another good option if you’re willing to pay a higher annual fee and prefer to benefit from a low APR. 

The Platinum Select is a good middle ground option between the three cards.

All three cars are excellent options for people looking to build or rebuild credit. Just remember to use them responsibly and pay attention to monthly and annual fees.

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