[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/personal-finance\/credit\/first-access-card-review\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/personal-finance\/credit\/first-access-card-review\/","headline":"First Access Visa\u00ae Card Review: An Expensive Card with Limited Purchasing Power","name":"First Access Visa\u00ae Card Review: An Expensive Card with Limited Purchasing Power","description":"First Access Visa\u00ae Card Basics: Designed for bad or limited credit applicants, the First...","datePublished":"2020-09-02","dateModified":"2022-12-21","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/author\/ashley-sutphin-watkins\/#Person","name":"Ashley Sutphin Watkins","url":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/author\/ashley-sutphin-watkins\/","identifier":60,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d7ed67c6901210e47bcba4a6963591eda262f239ba4608acb8908580b17a8c03?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d7ed67c6901210e47bcba4a6963591eda262f239ba4608acb8908580b17a8c03?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Money Done Right","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Money-Done-Right-Personal-Finance-and-Investing-Blog.png","url":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Money-Done-Right-Personal-Finance-and-Investing-Blog.png","width":488,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/first-access-card-review.jpg","url":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/first-access-card-review.jpg","height":460,"width":1900},"url":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/personal-finance\/credit\/first-access-card-review\/","about":["Credit"],"wordCount":2445,"keywords":["schema"],"articleBody":"\t    \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFirst Access Visa\u00ae Card\t\t\t\tBasics: Designed for bad or limited credit applicants, the First Access Visa\u00ae Card is expensive, offers low credit limits and may not be the best way to build or rebuild credit.Pros: Even with bad credit, you can be approved for the First Access Visa\u00ae Card in as little as 60 seconds with an online application. The First Access Visa\u00ae Card is accepted anywhere Visa is, and is unsecured.Cons: The First Access Visa\u00ae Card APR is high, even compared to other similar cards for people with bad credit. The First Access Visa\u00ae Card has several other fees associated with use, and initial credit limits are low. \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRewards \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t0\/10\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOther Perks\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t0\/10\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAnnual Fee (Details)\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t8\/10\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWelcome Offer\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t0\/10\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEase of Approval (Details)\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t9\/10\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIntro APR\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t0\/10\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWELCOME OFFERNoneANNUAL FEESee TermsREWARDS RATENonePERKSNone\t\t\t\tOur Review Methodology        We may receive a commission if you sign up or purchase through links on this page.  Here's more information.    If you have bad credit or limited credit, getting a credit card and then making monthly payments is one of the best ways to improve your score. It can be challenging, however, to gain approval for a card. The First Access Visa\u00ae Card is geared toward applicants with no credit or bad credit, who want to build their history.The First Access Visa\u00ae Card is issued by The Bank of Missouri. As a Visa card, you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted in the United States, including retailers and ATMs. The First Access Visa\u00ae Card can\u2019t be used to make purchases with merchants outside of the United States, for gambling or at automated fuel pumps.After applying online, you may be approved within 60 seconds and issued a card by mail.The First Access Visa\u00ae Card is unsecured, meaning you aren\u2019t required to pay a deposit. There is a one-time $95 program you have to pay for activation. The initial credit limit is only $300. The annual fee is billed right away and is $75 for the first year, further eroding your purchasing power with this card.There are better ways to build or rebuild credit in many cases. For example, if you have a specific expense, an emergency loan may be cheaper that the First Access. If you want a card for credit-building, a secured card may be cheaper.Table of ContentsToggleFirst Access Visa\u00ae Card BenefitsFirst Access Visa\u00ae Card FeesWho the First Access Visa\u00ae Card Is Good ForWho the First Access Visa\u00ae Card Isn\u2019t Good ForFirst Access Visa\u00ae Card Pros and ConsFirst Access Visa\u00ae Card Frequently Asked QuestionsAlternatives to the First Access Visa\u00ae CardFirst Access Visa\u00ae Card BenefitsWhile limited in overall offerings, with no associated rewards or perks, there are a few benefits of the First Access Visa\u00ae Card.Easy ApprovalThe primary benefit of the First Access card is the ease of approval. Most consumers willbe approved for the card, even with poor credit. You can apply online and receive a decision in around a minute.Visa AcceptanceAnywhere Visa is accepted, the First Access Visa\u00ae Card is accepted. If you want to make purchases online, for example, and you don\u2019t have the credit history for another card, First Access may be an option. You can also use the First Access Visa\u00ae Card at ATMs for cash advances, although as with other credit cards, they are expensive after the first year.Credit-BuilderIt\u2019s tough to build or rebuild your credit because you may not be approved for many financial products.The First Access Visa\u00ae Card is a good way to build your credit. Since the credit limit is low, it may help you better manage your spending. Then, your on-time payments are reported by the First Access issuing company to all three major credit bureaus each month.If you only use cash or a debit card, you\u2019re not building your credit history as you are when using a credit card.Unsecured CardThe First Access Visa\u00ae Card is unsecured, meaning you don\u2019t pay an upfront security deposit upon approval. With secured cards, the deposit you pay reflects your credit limit. You may not have the cash for a secured card right now so an unsecured card for poor credit may be a better alternative.There is a one-time $95 program fee required for activation, even though First Access isn\u2019t a secured card.First Access Visa\u00ae Card FeesThere are numerous fees attached to the First Access card. It\u2019s important to be aware of all of these before accepting a card offer.Annual FeeThe annual fee for the First Access Visa\u00ae Card is $75 the first year. After that, the annual fee is $48. The initial $75 annual fee is assessed at the time you open your account, meaning your initial credit limit is reduced to $225 right away. Even if you don\u2019t use your account after the first year, the ongoing $48 annual fee is assessed.Program FeeThere is a one-time $95 program fee, which you have to pay when you activate your account.Monthly Servicing FeeAfter the first year of opening your account, a monthly servicing fee is assessed. The fee is $8.25 a month, for a total of $99 a year. Until the account is closed, you pay this fee.Cash Advance FeeIn addition to the interest on cash advances, you\u2019re also charged a transaction fee. The cash advance transaction fee may be $10 or 3% of the cash advance, whichever is the greater of the two.Late Payment FeeWith any credit card, but particularly cards like First Access Visa\u00ae Card, it\u2019s important that you commit to making on-time payments. Otherwise, these cards get incredibly expensive and may cause further damage to your credit. There is a late payment fee of up to $41 if you didn\u2019t have any other late payments during the previous six billing cycles. Your late payment fee then goes to a maximum of $41 if you have a history of late payments.Additional CardThere\u2019s a $29 additional card fee annually for each additional card. The fee is assessed when you request an additional card. Then, it\u2019s assessed on the anniversary date that you opened your account. It doesn\u2019t matter if the card is used or not, the fee is still assessed.Credit Limit Increase FeeIf you are approved for a credit limit increase, you\u2019ll have to pay 20% of the amount of that increase. For example, if you\u2019re approved for a $100 credit limit increase on your First Access Visa\u00ae Card, you\u2019ll have to pay a $20 credit limit increase fee.\t\t\tFor limited or fair credit the First Access Visa\u00ae Card offers the opportunity to build credit history.2\/5 Rating\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t.st3-37365.btn.btn-default:hover{border-color: #4db848;color: #4db848;background: #fff !important;}\t\t\t\t\tApply NowWe earn a commission on this offer.\t\t\tWho the First Access Visa\u00ae Card Is Good ForThere are a few situations where you might consider applying for the First Access Visa\u00ae Card.Bad CreditIf you have bad credit or you\u2019re just starting out, you need to be able to show a history of on-time payments and financial responsibility. Building your credit in incremental steps will help you make bigger purchases, such as getting a home mortgage. The First Access Visa\u00ae Card is one of only a few bad credit cards that you may be approved for. You Don\u2019t Need to Make a Big PurchaseThe First Access Visa\u00ae Card has an initial credit limit of only $300. After the annual fee is assessed right after account activation, your spending power goes down to $225, and is below $200 if you get a second card.If you\u2019re applying for credit because you have a big emergency expense, the First Access Visa\u00ae Card isn\u2019t right for you. If you just want a card that\u2019s easy to manage and you only want to make small purchases and pay them off quickly, this card may work for you.You Don\u2019t Have the Cash for a Secured CardThe premise of a secured credit card is similar to a debit card. You pay a deposit to the card issuer and that serves as your credit limit. You can build your credit, but you don\u2019t have to worry about racking up more debt because you can\u2019t spend beyond the deposit amount.The First Access Visa\u00ae Card is unsecured, so it\u2019s more expensive than most secured cards but you don\u2019t need upfront cash to use it.It\u2019s important to mention, that even though First Access Visa\u00ae Card isn\u2019t technically a secured card, you do have to pay a $95 program fee before you can use your account.Who the First Access Visa\u00ae Card Isn\u2019t Good ForIt may be better to find a different card if you fall into any of the following categories.You Could Be Approved for Another CardThe First Access Visa\u00ae Card is incredibly expensive and offers no perks or rewards. If you could be approved for another card, even one that\u2019s considered middle-of-the-road in terms of perks and benefits, you should consider that instead of First Access.You Have a Big Emergency ExpenseIf something comes up that you don\u2019t have the cash to cover, such as a home or car repair, the First Access Visa\u00ae Card probably isn\u2019t the best way to get financing. You might consider a short-term emergency or personal loan instead. In addition to being expensive, the First Access Visa\u00ae Card has a low credit limit of only $300 initially, which drops to $225 after the annual fee is assessed.You can only qualify for a credit limit increase after 12 months and even then, a 20% fee is assessed on the limit increase, further eroding your purchasing power.International TravelersIf you often travel out of the country or you buy from international merchants, you can\u2019t use the First Access Visa\u00ae Card for those purchases.Not Able to Commit to On-Time PaymentsAny credit card needs to be paid on-time, but if you use the First Access Visa\u00ae Card and you don\u2019t pay on time, it not only affects your credit but it can be extremely expensive. The APR on the card is already among the highest of any card at 34.99%. If you then factor in late payments, you could put yourself in a difficult financial situation if you missed or were late on just one payment.\t\t.st2-37367.btn.btn-default:hover{border-color: #4db848;color: #4db848;background: #fff !important;}\t\t\t\tApply NowWe earn a commission on this offer.\t\t\tApprovalBad or limited creditSecurity DepositNoneAPR34.99%\t\tFirst Access Visa\u00ae Card Pros and ConsThere are a few pros and some cons to be aware of before you apply for a First Access Visa\u00ae Card or accept an offer.First Access Visa\u00ae Card ProsBad Credit Approval: If your credit isn\u2019t perfect or you don\u2019t have any credit, you are likely to be approved for a First Access card.\u00a0Visa Acceptance: First Access is a Visa card, accepted anywhere Visa is accepted.\u00a0Credit Reporting: Your history of payments with First Access is reported monthly to all three major credit bureaus.\u00a0Instant Approval: Some applicants may be approved online in as little as 60 seconds.\u00a0Unsecured: If you don\u2019t have the cash to pay a deposit for a secured card, First Access is unsecured and doesn\u2019t require a deposit.\u00a0First Access Visa\u00ae Card ConsHigh APR: The APR on the First Access card is 34.99%. There are cards even for bad credit with a lower APR.\u00a0Low credit limits: The starting credit limit for the First Access is only $300, which then goes down to $225 after the assessment of the annual fee. You can\u2019t be approved for a credit limit increase for at least a year after opening a new account.Expensive: There are quite a few fees associated with First Access including an annual fee, monthly servicing fee, and a 20% credit limit increase fee. There\u2019s also a one-time $95 program fee.\u00a0No perks: There aren\u2019t any perks or rewards with the First Access card. First Access Visa\u00ae Card Frequently Asked QuestionsThe following are answers to some of the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the First Access Visa\u00ae Card..accordion-list .accordion-title:hover{color: #4db848;}How do you apply for a First Access Visa\u00ae Card?You can apply for the First Access Visa\u00ae Card online and receive a response within 60 seconds. If you receive an offer for a First Access Visa\u00ae Card, you can also activate it online, but you need to pay the $95 program fee first. What is the cash advance fee?If you need a cash advance, there is no additional fee for the first year. Then, after that you pay a fee of either 3% or $10 of the cash advance, whichever is greater. How can you avoid paying interest?If you have the First Access Visa\u00ae Card and you don\u2019t want to pay the high interest charges on purchases, you will need to pay your new balance on your previous monthly statement by your statement due date. You have at least 21 days from the closing date of your billing cycle.When do you pay the annual fee?If you activate a First Access account, your annual fee is assessed at opening. The annual fee for the first year is $75 and after that the annual fee is $48. The annual fee is non-refundable, but won\u2019t be billed to you after your card is closed. If you reopen your account, you have to pay a prorated annual fee. Can you get a credit limit increase?You can get a credit limit increase on your First Access Visa\u00ae Card, but only after it\u2019s been open for a year. You will have to pay a 20% credit limit increase fee if you accept the increase. Alternatives to the First Access Visa\u00ae Card.btn.btn-blue.dift:hover, .btn.btn-default.dift:hover {color: #4db848;border-color: #4db848;background: #fff !important;}\t\t\t First Access Visa\u00ae CardFirst Digital CardReflex MastercardIndigo Unsecured Mastercard \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPros and Cons\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tVisit\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRead Review\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tVisit\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRead Review\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tVisit\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tVisit\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBestFor\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNo security deposit\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFast approval\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHigher credit limits for a bad credit card\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t24\/7 mobile account access and management\t\t\t\t\t\tWelcomeOffer\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNone\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNone\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNone\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNone\t\t\t\t\t\tAnnualFee\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$75 the first year and $48 after that\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$75 for the first year, $48 after that\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$99\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$75 the first year and $99 after that\t\t\t\t\t\tRewardsRate\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNone\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNone\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNone\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNone\t\t\t\t\t\tPerks\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNone\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNone\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$0 Fraud Liability protection\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNone\t\t\t\t\t\tCreditScore\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPoor to fair\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPoor to fair\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPoor to fair\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPoor to fair\t\t\t\t\t\tSecurityDepositRequired\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNo, but there is a one-time $95 program fee\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNo\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMay be required for some applicants\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNo\t\t\t\t\t\tIntroAPR\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNone\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNone\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNone\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNone\t\t\t\t\t\tBalanceTransferFee\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNone\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNone\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNone\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNone\t\t\t\t\t\tRedemptionOptions\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNone\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNone\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNone\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNone\t\t\t\t\t\tMinimumRedemptionThreshold\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNone\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNone\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNone\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNone\t\t\t\t\t\tForeignTransactionFee\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCan\u2019t be used for foreign transactions\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCan\u2019t be used for foreign transactions in foreign currency\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1% of each transaction\t\t\t\t\t\tMaximumLateFee\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$41\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$40\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$40\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$40\t\t\t\t\t\tGracePeriod\t\t\t\t\t\t\t21 days\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t21 days\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t25 days\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t25 days\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Personal Finance","item":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/personal-finance\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Credit","item":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/personal-finance\/\/credit\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"First Access Visa\u00ae Card Review: An Expensive Card with Limited Purchasing Power","item":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/personal-finance\/credit\/first-access-card-review\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]