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360 FCU Secured Visa Classic Review: A Comprehensive Look at This Credit-Building Card
What Is the 360 FCU Secured Visa Classic?
The 360 FCU Secured Visa Classic is a credit card offered by 360 Federal Credit Union, designed to help individuals build or rebuild their credit. As a secured credit card, it requires a cash deposit that serves as collateral and typically determines your credit limit. This card is particularly useful for those who may not qualify for traditional unsecured credit cards due to limited credit history or past financial difficulties.
Key Features:
- Low annual fee
- Competitive APR for purchases and balance transfers
- Opportunity to build credit with responsible use
- Reports to major credit bureaus
- Backed by a credit union known for member-focused services
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360 FCU Secured Visa Classic Pros & Cons
To provide a balanced view of the 360 FCU Secured Visa Classic, let's examine its advantages and disadvantages:
Pros:
- Credit-building opportunity: Regular reporting to major credit bureaus helps establish or improve your credit score.
- Low annual fee: Compared to many secured cards, the 360 FCU Secured Visa Classic has a relatively low annual fee.
- Competitive APR: The card offers a reasonable interest rate for purchases and balance transfers.
- No rewards program to complicate things: The straightforward nature of this card makes it easy to focus on responsible credit use.
- Credit union backing: 360 FCU is known for its member-centric approach, potentially offering better customer service than large banks.
Cons:
- Security deposit required: You'll need to provide a cash deposit to secure your credit line.
- No rewards program: Unlike some secured cards, this one doesn't offer cash back or points on purchases.
- Potential fees: While the annual fee is low, there may be fees for cash advances, balance transfers, and late payments.
- Limited credit limit: Your credit limit is typically equal to your security deposit, which may be lower than unsecured cards.
- Membership required: You'll need to become a member of 360 Federal Credit Union to apply for this card.
Who Is the 360 FCU Secured Visa Classic For?
The 360 FCU Secured Visa Classic is ideal for several types of consumers:
- Credit beginners: If you're new to credit and looking to establish a credit history, this card can be an excellent starting point.
- Credit rebuilders: For those who have experienced financial setbacks and need to rebuild their credit, the 360 FCU Secured Visa Classic offers a path to credit recovery.
- Students: College students with limited credit history may find this card useful for building credit while in school.
- Recent immigrants: Newcomers to the United States who need to establish a credit history can benefit from this secured card option.
- Conscious spenders: The card's straightforward nature, without complicated rewards programs, can appeal to those who prefer simplicity in their financial tools.
Comparing 360 FCU Visa Classic with Other Credit Cards
When considering the 360 FCU Secured Visa Classic, it's helpful to compare it with other popular options in the credit builder card category:
Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card:
- Annual fee: $0
- Security deposit: Flexible, based on the amount transferred to Credit Builder account
- Key features: No credit check to apply, reports to all three major credit bureaus
- Standout feature: No minimum security deposit required
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card (rate & fees):
- Annual fee: $0
- Security deposit: Minimum $200, which becomes your credit limit
- Key features: 1.5% cash back on all purchases, automatic credit line reviews
- Standout feature: Earn rewards while building credit
Current Build Visa® Credit Card:
- Annual fee: $0
- Security deposit: Flexible, based on the amount transferred to Build account
- Key features: No credit check required, reports to all three major credit bureaus
- Standout feature: Linked to Current banking app for easy fund transfers
Each card offers unique benefits tailored to different spending habits and preferences. Consider your personal financial goals when choosing the best card for you.
Key Takeaways:
- 360 FCU Secured Classic Visa is an attractive choice for those seeking a no-frills credit card from a trusted credit union
- Chime Credit Builder offers flexibility with no minimum deposit
- Capital One Quicksilver Secured provides cash back rewards
- Current Build integrates with banking app for convenient use
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Consider Using Kudos
While the 360 FCU Secured Visa Classic can be an excellent tool for building credit, it's important to maximize the benefits of any credit card you use. This is where Kudos comes in – a free AI-powered browser extension designed to help you get the most out of your credit cards when shopping online.
Kudos offers several features that can complement your use of the 360 FCU Secured Visa Classic:
- Personalized Credit Card Recommendations: Even if you're primarily using your secured card, Kudos can help you identify when using another card might be more beneficial.
- Integration with Over 15,000 Stores: This wide coverage ensures you're maximizing rewards across various online retailers.
- Reward Multiplication: During "Flash Boost" events, you can multiply your rewards up to 5X, potentially accelerating your savings.
- Credit Card Discovery: As you build your credit with the 360 FCU Secured Visa Classic, Kudos can help you discover new credit cards that might suit your improving credit profile.
If you're looking to get more out of your credit cards, Kudos is the best free shopping app to use when you shop online. They're currently offering $20 back after your first eligible purchase — just sign-up for free with code "GET20" and make a purchase at a Boost merchant.
Our Expert Takeaway
The 360 FCU Secured Visa Classic is a solid option for those looking to build or rebuild their credit. Its low annual fee and competitive APR make it an attractive choice among secured credit cards. While it doesn't offer rewards, its straightforward approach can be beneficial for those focusing on responsible credit use.
The backing of a credit union potentially offers better customer service and a more personalized experience compared to large banks. However, the requirement for credit union membership may be a hurdle for some applicants.
For those new to credit or recovering from past financial difficulties, the 360 FCU Secured Visa Classic provides a clear path to establishing a positive credit history. Its regular reporting to major credit bureaus ensures that responsible use is reflected in your credit score.
While using this card, consider complementing it with tools like Kudos to maximize your overall credit card strategy. As your credit improves, you may become eligible for unsecured cards with more benefits, but the 360 FCU Secured Visa Classic can serve as an excellent starting point on your credit journey.
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360 FCU Secured Visa Classic FAQ
What is the annual fee for the 360 FCU Secured Visa Classic?
The 360 FCU Secured Visa Classic has a low annual fee, but the exact amount may vary. It's best to check with 360 Federal Credit Union for the most current fee information.
Is there a balance transfer fee for the 360 FCU Secured Visa Classic?
Yes, there is typically a balance transfer fee. The exact fee should be confirmed with 360 FCU, as it may be subject to change.
Can I qualify for the 360 FCU Secured Visa Classic with bad credit?
Yes, the 360 FCU Secured Visa Classic is designed for individuals with limited or poor credit history. However, approval is not guaranteed and other factors may be considered.
What is the APR for purchases and balance transfers?
The APR for purchases and balance transfers is competitive compared to many other secured cards. However, the exact rate may vary based on market conditions and individual creditworthiness.
Does the 360 FCU Secured Visa Classic offer rewards?
No, this card does not offer a rewards program. It's primarily designed for building credit rather than earning rewards.
How does the security deposit work?
The security deposit typically determines your credit limit. For example, a $500 deposit would usually result in a $500 credit limit. The deposit is held as collateral and is refundable if you close the account in good standing or upgrade to an unsecured card.
Does the 360 FCU Secured Visa Classic report to all three major credit bureaus?
Yes, 360 FCU typically reports to all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), which is crucial for building your credit history.
Remember, while the 360 FCU Secured Visa Classic can be an excellent tool for building credit, using a tool like Kudos can help you maximize the benefits of all your credit cards as you progress on your financial journey.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
