Total Visa Credit Card: The costly way to rebuild credit
For consumers with bad credit or a limited credit history, options for building credit can seem limited. The Total Visa® Credit Card, issued by The Bank of Missouri, markets itself as an accessible solution. However, a closer look at its terms and conditions reveals a high-cost credit-building tool that often does more harm than good for those struggling financially.
This comprehensive analysis breaks down the Total Visa's features, exposes its punishing fee structure, and outlines why you should consider more affordable and effective alternatives.
What is the Total Visa card?
The Total Visa is an unsecured credit card, meaning it does not require a security deposit to open an account. It is a Visa-branded product, so it is accepted wherever Visa is taken. The card's primary purpose is to help consumers build credit by reporting payment activity to the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.A closer look at the Total Visa Rewards program
In an attempt to appear more competitive, the Total Visa has added a rewards program. It offers 1% cash back, but it's important to understand the restrictive conditions before being swayed by the offer.The eye-watering costs you'll pay
The Total Visa is infamous for its laundry list of non-refundable fees that drain the card's low credit limit before you even make a purchase.- $50 for a $200 credit limit.
- $75 for a $300 credit limit.
- $100 for a $400 credit limit.
- $125 for a $500 credit limit.
- $6.25 per month ($75 annually) for a $200 credit limit.
- $8.25 per month ($99 annually) for a $300 or $400 credit limit.
- $10.25 per month ($123 annually) for a $500 credit limit.
The fine print on fees and interest
Beyond the standard annual and monthly fees, the Total Visa includes several additional costs.Red flags and user complaints
User reviews and expert analyses frequently cite significant problems with the Total Visa card.Better alternatives to the Total Visa
For most people looking to build credit, secured cards offer a safer and more affordable path. A secured card requires a refundable security deposit, which typically acts as your credit limit. This makes it less risky for the issuer and eliminates the need for the excessive fees charged by the Total Visa.Here are examples of alternative credit-building cards:
- Customizable credit line: An initial security deposit of $200 to $3,000 determines your credit line.
- Credit line increase reviews: After 9 months of good account standing, the bank will automatically review your account for a potential credit line increase with no additional deposit required.
- Reports to all three bureaus: It helps build credit by reporting payment history to all three major credit-reporting agencies.
- Free FICO® score: Get your FICO® Credit Score for free each month.
Finding the best of the bad: A less predatory path
Given that some customers may be set on an unsecured card, here is a more responsible choice within that category.- Avant Cash Back Rewards Card: This version offers 1-2% unlimited cash back on every purchase and has an annual fee ranging from $0 to $75. Based on the specific offer the applicant receives after pre-qualification.
- Other Avant Cards: Some cards may have an introductory annual fee ranging from $0 to $125, followed by different annual and monthly fees. Based on the specific offer the applicant receives after pre-qualification.
- Crucially, applicants must carefully read the specific offer they receive after pre-qualification, as the terms, including the annual fee and APR, will be tailored to their individual credit profile. The Avant Card, regardless of the version, avoids the confusing upfront "program" fees or predatory monthly fees of the Total Visa. It reports to all three credit bureaus and offers periodic account reviews for credit limit increases with responsible use.
Conclusion: Weigh your options carefully
While the Total Visa card can help build credit by reporting your payments to the credit bureaus, its predatory fee structure and extremely high interest rate make it one of the least desirable options on the market. The high upfront costs and ongoing fees consume a large portion of the limited credit line, making it easy to fall into a cycle of debt and expensive interest.For most consumers, secured cards offer a clearer, more responsible, and significantly less expensive path to building a positive credit history. Before applying for the Total Visa, consider exploring these alternatives to find a solution that helps you achieve your financial goals without jeopardizing your financial stability.
Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card
- $0 Annual Fee. Clear terms and transparent pricing.
- See if you qualify instantly without harming your credit score.
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as few as 7 months.
- Free, online credit score access for cardholders.
- No interest on purchases when you pay in full and on time each month.
- No security deposit required – get started today!
- Enjoy coverage from Visa®.
- Access your account anytime, anywhere with our mobile app.
- CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE
*Subject to terms and conditions
Avant Card
- Fast and easy application process
- We may periodically review your account for Credit Line Increases
- May help strengthen your credit history with responsible use
- No Hidden Fees^
- $0 Foreign Transaction Fees
- Conveniently pay your card through our online portal, 24/7
- Zero Fraud Liability for Unauthorized Charges
- Avant branded credit products are issued by WebBank
- Disclosure: If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than $1.00
- Cash Advance Fee - The greater of $10 or 3% of the amount of the cash advance
- Late Fee up to $39
- Returned Payment Fee : Up to $25
- ^See the Provider’s terms for more information
- CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE
*See application for additional details
Avant Cash Back Rewards Card
- 2% Unlimited Cash Back on Every Purchase†, Everywhere Mastercard is accepted
- No Limit On The Monthly Rewards You Can Earn
- $0 Foreign Transaction Fees
- Cash Advance Fee - The greater of $10 or 3% of the amount of the cash advance
- Fast and Easy Application Process
- Zero Fraud Liability for Unauthorized Charges
- Conveniently Pay Your Card Through Our Online Portal, 24/7
- Checking your eligibility does not affect your credit score
- Minimum Finance Charge - If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than $1.00
- Help Strengthen Your Credit History With Responsible Use
- We May Periodically Review Your Account For Credit Line Increases
- Returned Payment Fee : Up to $25
- Avant branded credit products are issued by WebBank
- ^See the Provider’s terms for more information
- † See the Rewards Terms and Conditions for more information
- CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE
*See application for additional details
Avant Cash Back Rewards Card
- 1% Unlimited Cash Back on Every Purchase†, Everywhere Mastercard is accepted
- No Limit On The Monthly Rewards You Can Earn
- $0 Foreign Transaction Fees
- Cash Advance Fee - The greater of $10 or 3% of the amount of the cash advance
- Fast and Easy Application Process
- Zero Fraud Liability for Unauthorized Charges
- Conveniently Pay Your Card Through Our Online Portal, 24/7
- Checking your eligibility does not affect your credit score
- Minimum Finance Charge - If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than $1.00
- May Help Strengthen Your Credit History With Responsible Use
- We May Periodically Review Your Account For Credit Line Increases
- Returned Payment Fee : Up to $25
- Avant branded credit products are issued by WebBank
- ^See the Provider’s terms for more information
- † See the Rewards Terms and Conditions for more information
- CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE
*See application for additional details
Avant Cash Back Rewards Card
- 1% Unlimited Cash Back on Every Purchase†, Everywhere Mastercard is accepted
- No Limit On The Monthly Rewards You Can Earn
- $0 Foreign Transaction Fees
- Cash Advance Fee - The greater of $10 or 3% of the amount of the cash advance
- Fast and Easy Application Process
- Zero Fraud Liability for Unauthorized Charges
- Conveniently Pay Your Card Through Our Online Portal, 24/7
- Checking your eligibility does not affect your credit score
- Minimum Finance Charge - If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than $1.00
- Help Strengthen Your Credit History With Responsible Use
- We May Periodically Review Your Account For Credit Line Increases
- Returned Payment Fee : Up to $25
- Avant branded credit products are issued by WebBank
- ^See the Provider’s terms for more information
- † See the Rewards Terms and Conditions for more information
- CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE
*See application for additional details
opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card
- No annual fee – keep more money in your pocket!
- No credit check required – 89% approval rate with zero credit risk to apply!
- Earn up to 10% cash back on everyday purchases
- Boost your credit score fast—2 out of 3 opensky® cardholders see an average increase of 47 points after 6 months
- Track your progress with free access to your FICO® score in our mobile app
- Build your credit history with reporting to all three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
- Seamless payments—add your card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay
- Start with as little as $300 – Secure your line with a refundable security deposit
- Fast and easy application—apply in minutes with our mobile-first experience
- Flexible payment options—pick a due date that works for you
- More time to fund—spread your security deposit over 60 days with layaway
- Join 1.6 million+ cardholders who have used opensky® to build better credit!
- CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE
*See Terms and Conditions
Merrick Bank Secured Credit Card
- Choose your own credit line based on how much money you want to put down as a security deposit.
- Initial deposits can be from $200 to $3,000. You can increase your credit line at any time by adding additional money to your security deposit, up to $3,000.
- After 9 months, we review your account for a credit line increase. No additional deposit required!
- Secured Credit Cards are great for people looking to build or rebuild credit and are available to people with all kinds of credit backgrounds.
- Unlike a debit card or a pre-paid card, it helps build your credit history. We report your payment history to all three major credit-reporting agencies.
- Get your FICO® Credit Score for free each month.
- Fraud coverage if your card is lost or stolen. Access your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get help staying on track with available Auto Pay and account alerts.
- Card issued by Merrick Bank, Member FDIC.
- CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE
*See Terms and Conditions
The Secured Self Visa® Credit Card
- Start building credit with all three credit bureaus with the secured Self Visa® Credit Card.
- Apply Now: Intro No Annual Fee with the secured Self Visa® Credit Card^
- No credit check
- No hard inquiry
- $100 minimum security deposit*
*Qualification for the secured Self Visa® Credit Card is based on meeting eligibility requirements, including income and expense requirements and establishment of security interest. Criteria Subject to change.
The secured Self Visa® Credit Card is issued by Lead Bank, Sunrise Banks, N.A., or First Century Bank, N.A., each Member FDIC.
^$0 annual fee for the first year only, $25 annual fee thereafter. Variable APR of 27.99%. Offer valid for new customers only. - 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:
FICO® Score Ranges:
- Exceptional: 800–850
- Very Good: 740–799
- Good: 670–739
- Fair: 580–669
- Poor: 300–579
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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*See the online credit card applications for details about terms and conditions of credit card offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. When you click on the " Apply Now " button you can review the credit card terms and conditions on the credit card issuer's web site.
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