First Access Visa® Card

Who is This Card For?

The First Access Visa Card is specifically designed for individuals seeking to rebuild or improve their credit history. If your credit score is less than perfect due to past financial difficulties, this card can offer a chance to recover and rebuild your financial reputation. It’s for individuals who understand the value of timely payments and are committed to improving their financial habits.

The card’s wide acceptance at various locations makes it a convenient choice for those who require a credit card for everyday purchases, both in-store and online. If you’re ready to embrace the discipline required to manage credit responsibly, and if you see the appeal in a straightforward cash back rewards program, this card could be the right fit for you.

A Second Chance at Credit Building

When navigating the road to financial stability, especially after experiencing a few bumps, finding the right tools can be challenging. The First Access Visa Card offers a promising opportunity to regain your financial footing and rebuild your credit score, even if it’s less than perfect.

Fast and Easy Application

One of the standout features of this card is the simplified application process. When applying for a new line of credit, time matters. Therefore, getting a credit decision in 60 seconds or less significantly reduces the wait time, allowing for quick planning and financial management.

User-friendly App for Seamless Management

In today’s digital age, having easy access to manage your account is a necessity, not a luxury. The mobile application associated with this card is user-friendly, providing 24/7 access to your credit information at your fingertips. This feature adds convenience, enabling you to stay on top of your spending and payments, thus fostering responsible credit usage.

Credit Improvement Through Regular Reporting

Possibly the most crucial aspect of this card is the potential it offers for credit improvement. Regular reporting to all three major credit bureaus ensures that your responsible usage and timely payments contribute positively to your credit score. This constant updating can gradually enhance your creditworthiness, leading to more financial opportunities in the future.

Wide Acceptance: Convenience at its Best

The wide acceptance of this card at millions of merchant and ATM locations nationwide and online makes it an easy and reliable option for everyday purchases. Regardless of where you are, you’ll likely be able to use your card, adding a layer of convenience to your financial management.

Cash Back Rewards: An Added Bonus

What makes the First Access Visa Card even more appealing is its cash back rewards program. As a cardholder, you can earn 1% cash back on payments made to your card. This unique feature adds a layer of financial benefit, offering an incentive for making timely payments.

Essentially, it’s a reward for managing your card responsibly. Each payment not only contributes to improving your credit score but also brings you financial rewards, making the card not just a credit tool but a financially beneficial asset in the long run.

To make the most of this feature, cardholders should aim to pay their balance in full each month, avoiding interest charges while enjoying the benefits of the cash back rewards. Remember, the goal is to rebuild your credit score and financial habits, and earning a little back while doing so is just the icing on the cake.

Advantages of the First Access Visa Card

While the First Access Visa Card may have certain drawbacks, it also provides a number of key benefits, especially for those aiming to build or rebuild their credit:

1. Easy Application: The card’s application process is quick and easy, with most credit decisions made in 60 seconds or less. This simplifies the application process and provides quick access to credit.
2. Credit Building: Regular reporting to all three major credit bureaus means that responsible usage and timely payments can have a positive impact on your credit score.
3. Wide Acceptance: As a Visa card, it’s accepted at millions of locations in the U.S., both in stores and online, and at ATMs, making it a versatile choice for daily purchases.
4. Cash Back Rewards: The card offers a cash back rewards program, providing 1% cash back on payments made to your card. This can be an additional incentive for cardholders to make timely payments.
5. No Security Deposit: Unlike some other cards designed for credit building, the First Access Visa Card does not require a security deposit.
6. Mobile App: The card comes with a user-friendly mobile app that provides 24/7 access to your account, enabling easy management of your spending and payments.
7. Potential for Credit Limit Increase: While the initial credit limit may be low, responsible use and regular, on-time payments may lead to an increase in your credit limit over time.

These benefits make the First Access Visa Card a valuable tool for those with less-than-perfect credit who are looking to improve their financial situation and build a solid credit history.

Drawbacks of the First Access Visa Card

While the First Access Visa Card presents several beneficial features for those looking to rebuild their credit, it also comes with a few noteworthy drawbacks:

1. High APR: The card carries a high annual percentage rate (APR) of 35.99%. This can make carrying a balance from month to month quite expensive, potentially offsetting the benefits of its credit building features.
2. Fees: The First Access Visa Card has a considerable amount of associated fees. This includes a one-time program fee of $95, a first-year annual fee of $75 (which drops to $48 in subsequent years), and potentially hefty late payment and return payment fees of up to $41 each.
3. Limited Credit Limit: The initial credit limit is relatively low at $300. This can limit the amount of credit available to you, especially considering a portion of it is immediately consumed by the initial program fee.
4. Cash Advance Fees: There is a cash advance fee associated with the card. Cardholders will pay either $10 or 3% of the amount of the cash advance, whichever is greater. This can add up if you frequently rely on cash advances.
5. No Grace Period on Interest Charges: Interest charges begin accruing immediately after a purchase, unlike some other credit cards that offer a grace period before interest is applied.
6. No Balance Transfers: The First Access Visa Card does not offer the option of balance transfers. This could be a drawback for potential cardholders who are looking to consolidate their debt.

While these drawbacks may seem daunting, it’s important to remember that the card’s primary purpose is to help those with less-than-perfect credit build their score. It’s crucial to weigh these potential drawbacks against the benefits it offers in aiding credit score improvement.

Who Should Think Twice?

Despite its numerous benefits, the First Access Visa Card might not be the best choice for everyone. If you already have a good credit score and are eligible for credit cards with lower interest rates and fees, this card may not be the most cost-effective option.

The card comes with a relatively high APR and annual fees, which can add up if not managed carefully. Therefore, if you’re someone who tends to carry a balance from month to month, the accrued interest could outweigh the credit-building benefits of this card.

Considerations and Conclusion

It’s important to note that while this card offers several advantages for those seeking to rebuild their credit, it also comes with high APR and annual fees. The card has a regular APR of 35.99%, an annual fee of $75 for the first year (and $48 thereafter), and a program fee of $95. Additionally, the initial credit limit is set at $300. Thus, it’s crucial to weigh these costs against the potential benefits.

In conclusion, this credit tool is well-suited for individuals looking to improve their credit while enjoying the convenience of a widely accepted card. Its rapid application process, user-friendly mobile app, and regular reporting to credit bureaus make it a worthy tool in your credit improvement journey. However, it’s essential to keep in mind the costs associated with the card. Hence, this card is most beneficial for those who can manage these expenses while making the most of the benefits to rebuild their credit.

Frequently Asked Questions