FEATURED CREDIT CARDS

Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card

Mission Lane Visa<sup>®</sup> Credit Card
  • No Annual Fee
  • Fair Credit
  • Enjoy coverage from Visa®.
    *See Card Terms

Indigo® Mastercard® - $1,000 Credit Limit

Indigo<sup>®</sup> Mastercard<sup>®</sup> - $1,000 Credit Limit
  • Get the credit limit you deserve—$1,000 guaranteed if approved
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Milestone® Mastercard®

Destiny Mastercard
  • $700 Credit Limit
  • No security deposit
  • Less than perfect credit is ok
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Milestone Credit Card Annual Fee: What You Need to Know



For individuals with less-than-perfect credit, understanding the costs associated with a credit card is a critical step before applying. The Milestone® Mastercard® is a popular unsecured option for credit building, but it comes with a fee structure that prospective cardholders need to be aware of. This guide will clarify the Milestone® card's annual fee structure and help you decide if the cost is justified for your credit-building goals.

The Milestone® card's annual fee structure

The annual fee for the Milestone® Mastercard® is not a single, fixed cost throughout the life of the account. It has a specific structure that changes after the first year.

  • First year: Higher annual fee: The first year's annual fee is typically higher than in subsequent years ($175 the first year). This fee is automatically deducted from your credit limit when you open the account, reducing your available credit.

  • After the first year: Lower annual fee: The annual fee drops to a lower, fixed amount beginning in the second year ($49 thereafter).

  • Monthly fee is also introduced: It's very important to note that a monthly fee is also added to the account starting in the second year ($12.50 per month after the first year, totaling $150 annually). This means you will be paying both a lower annual fee and a monthly fee to maintain the card.

  • How to evaluate the annual fee

    When considering the Milestone® card's annual fee, it's helpful to view it as an investment in your credit-building journey.

  • Cost vs. benefit: You need to weigh the total annual cost (including the monthly fee after the first year) against the benefits you receive, such as establishing a positive payment history and building your credit score.

  • Budgeting for the fee: Consider the impact of the fee on your available credit, especially in the first year. Make sure you are comfortable with the initial reduction in your credit limit.

  • Compare fees to other options

    Before committing to the Milestone® Mastercard®, compare its fee structure to other unsecured and secured cards designed for credit building.

  • Unsecured alternatives: Some unsecured cards for bad credit may have different fee structures, such as no monthly fee or an annual fee that is more aligned with your budget.

  • Secured card alternatives: Many secured cards, which require a security deposit, offer much lower or no annual fees. For a detailed comparison of unsecured cards, see our comprehensive guide.

  • The bottom line on the annual fee

    The Milestone® card's fee structure, including the annual fee and subsequent monthly fee, is a key consideration. While the first year's fee is higher, the subsequent annual fee is lower, though the introduction of the monthly fee means you are still paying a consistent cost to maintain the card. By understanding this structure and comparing it to other cards, you can make a more informed decision about whether the Milestone® Mastercard® is the right tool for your credit-building journey.

    Related articles

  • Milestone® Mastercard® Maximum Credit Limit?

  • Milestone® Mastercard® Monthly Fee?

  • Milestone® Mastercard® Credit Score Needed?

  • Milestone® Mastercard®

    • Guaranteed $700 credit limit if approved.
    • Apply with Confidence! There is no impact to your credit score if you’re not approved. See terms.
    • Don't Have Perfect Credit? No Problem!
    • Join over a million consumers who are working on building their access to credit.
    • Zero Fraud Liability - Peace of mind that comes with having a Mastercard.
    • Get the credit you deserve, even with less-than-perfect history.
    • No security deposit, and a path to better credit.
    • CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE

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    Experian Boost: A Comprehensive Guide to Boosting Your Free Credit Score

    FICO® Credit Scores

    A FICO® Score is a specific, proprietary type of credit score created by the Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO). It is the most widely used credit scoring model, with approximately 90% of top U.S. lenders using a FICO® Score to make lending decisions.

    FICO® Score Ranges:

    • Exceptional: 800–850
    • Very Good: 740–799
    • Good: 670–739
    • Fair: 580–669
    • Poor: 300–579
    While many people (and credit education websites) use "Excellent" and "Bad" as general, descriptive terms, FICO® officially categorizes its score ranges as Poor, Fair, Good, Very Good, and Exceptional.

    What is a Credit Score?

    A credit score is a three-digit number, typically ranging from 300 to 850, that predicts your creditworthiness—how likely you are to repay borrowed money on time. Lenders use this score to assess the risk of lending to you and to determine the interest rates and terms of any credit you might receive.

    Why is a Credit Score Important?
    A credit score is important because it acts as your financial reputation. Lenders, landlords, insurers, and employers use this single number to quickly judge how reliable you are with money. A higher score helps you qualify for loans and credit cards, often securing lower interest rates that can save you significant money. Conversely, a poor credit score can lead to application denials or much higher costs for borrowing, making it a key factor in your overall financial opportunities.

    FICO® Credit Score Facts

    Key Characteristics of FICO® Scores

    • Three-Digit Number: Like other credit scores, FICO® Scores are a three-digit number that summarizes a consumer's credit risk.

    • Range: Most standard FICO® Scores range from 300 to 850. Higher scores indicate lower credit risk.

    • Data Source: FICO® Scores are calculated using data from your credit reports maintained by the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Your score may vary slightly depending on which bureau's data is used.

    • Industry Standard: Lenders rely on FICO® Scores for mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards because they provide a consistent, statistically sound assessment of the likelihood that a borrower will repay their debt.

    Note: Credit scores are used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any credit card product.

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