Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® review

The Credit One Bank Platinum Visa is a practical choice especially for people just starting their credit-building journey or who need to repair past credit. While this card doesn’t offer all the bells and whistles as comparable cards, it still boasts a solid rewards program, as well as many other perks.

Low initial credit limit

This card is targeted toward customers with fair to average credit, who may not have the wide range of choices offered to those with higher credit scores. As such, most customers begin with a low credit limit of around $300.  While it might seem low, this is smart for people who are learning or relearning good credit habits. Also, keep in mind that timely payments and good performance will lead to regular credit increases.

Better-than-average rewards program

For a starter card, the Credit One Bank Platinum Visa card offers a decent rewards program, though there are better ones around. Cardholders can earn 1% cash back on all eligible purchases, which include gas, groceries, mobile phone, internet, cable and TV. Since for many, these are recurring purchases, there are plenty of opportunities to earn cash back rewards. And the best part? There’s no annual limit on what you can earn.
For more benefits, the Credit One Bank Platinum Visa card offers 10% more cash back rewards from participating top retailers. Not a bad deal if you remember to shop at the right places.

Low cost of ownership

Credit isn’t free, and neither is the Credit One Bank Platinum Visa card. For a starter card, it offers a pretty good value. By our estimates, the average cardholder charges approximately $3,600 per year on their Cash Back Rewards card. When factoring in the annual fee ($39) and average cash back rewards earned ($17), you’re looking at a yearly cost of $22, which is considered “very good,” especially for cardholders with more limited options.

Beware of the high APR

Because this card is targeted toward customers with less-than-stellar credit, the Credit One Bank Platinum Visa card can get away with charging a higher variable APR. While some may balk at such a high interest rate, it may be better to just consider the APR a deterrent for irresponsible behavior, such as overspending or making late payments. Plus, if you pay off your balance in full each month, that high APR will never affect you.

Average fees and penalties

Credit card fees and penalties are the price of admission to the wonderful world of credit, especially when you’re just starting out. And if you are building or repairing poor credit history, you already know that the no-fee cards won’t be rolling your way.

For now, make do with what you can. While the card’s fees may be higher than average, they’re manageable, with an 8% ($5 minimum) fee for cash advances and 3% ($1 minimum) for foreign transaction fees. As with most cards, the late payment fees, at up to $39, is where you’ll get hit the hardest. Consider this another reason to avoid late payments.

Other card benefits

Besides its cash back rewards program, the Credit One Bank Platinum Visa card offers all cardholders these great perks, from online credit monitoring (great for those seeking to improve credit) to even more discounts from participating retailers. The key is to remember to take advantage of them.

• Free online credit score and credit report summary (terms apply)
• Custom notifications, payment reminders and fraud alerts
• Notification preference by text, push notification or email
• Zero liability and fraud protection
• Secure access to online account information (paperless)
• Anytime account management via mobile banking app
• Automatic account reviews for credit increases
• Optional credit protection
• Exclusive discounts from Visa

Great approval odds

If you are worried about your chances of qualifying for a credit card due to a low score or limited credit history, the Credit One Bank Platinum Visa card is a good place to start. With a higher APR and fees than other cards, it is specifically targeted toward those with poorer credit. That means it has a lower barrier to entry than flashier rewards cards.

Additionally, you can check for a prequalified offer on the Credit One website with no affect to your credit score. That way, you can get a better idea of approval before submitting an application.

Why get the Credit One Bank Platinum Visa card?

• You are looking for a valuable starter card with a cash back rewards program.
• You are trying to build credit or repair poor credit.
• You want a card with opportunities for credit increases based on good credit performance.

How to use the Credit One Bank Platinum Visa card:

• Use the card to pay for eligible purchases to earn 1% cash back.
• Use the card at participating retailers to earn up to 10% cash back.
• Make payments on time and in full to improve your credit score.
• Take advantage of regular credit increases when offered.