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Blaze Mastercard® Credit Card Review: Is the $75 Annual Fee Worth It for Credit Building?
July 1, 2025
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Who Should (and Shouldn't) Apply for the Blaze Mastercard®
The Blaze Mastercard® Credit Card targets a specific group: people rebuilding credit who can't come up with a security deposit for a secured card.
You're a good fit if:
- Your credit score is in the 500-650 range (Fair to Poor credit)
- You can't afford the $200-$500 security deposit most secured cards require
- You need to build credit history reported to all three bureaus
- You're committed to paying your balance in full each month to avoid the 30% APR
Skip this card if:
- You can save $200-$300 for a secured card deposit (you'll get better terms)
- You're carrying balances month-to-month (that 30% APR will devastate your finances)
- You already have 2+ credit cards with better terms
- You're looking for rewards or premium benefits
💰 The Break-Even Math: With a $75 annual fee and starting at a $350 credit limit, you're paying 21% of your available credit just to hold this card. Compare that to secured cards where your deposit becomes your credit limit—you'd pay $0 in annual fees and get your deposit back when you close the account.
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Credit Limit Reality Check: What You'll Actually Get
The Blaze Mastercard® Credit Card advertises credit limits from $350 to $1,500. Here's what actually happens based on user reports:
Initial Credit Limits (based on 100+ user reports):
- Most common: $350 (approximately 70% of approved applicants)
- Above average: $500-$600 (approximately 20% of applicants)
- Rare: $1,000-$1,500 (approximately 10% of applicants, typically post-bankruptcy with no other debts)
Credit Limit Increases: The card promises potential increases after 6 months of on-time payments. User experiences vary dramatically:
✅ Success stories: Some users report increases from $350 to $600-$1,100 over 6-12 months
❌ Common frustrations: Many users report zero increases after 12+ months of perfect payment history
📊 Comparison: Your $350 vs. Alternatives
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[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "431", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "No Fee Seekers", "headerHint": "Ideal for Credit Building"} ]]
The Real Cost: $75 Annual Fee + 30% APR
Let's break down what this card actually costs:
Scenario 1: You pay in full every month (GOOD)
- Annual cost: $75 fee
- Interest paid: $0
- Total first-year cost: $75
Scenario 2: You carry a $350 balance for 6 months (BAD)
- Annual fee: $75
- Interest on $350 at 30% APR for 6 months: ~$52.50
- Total first-year cost: $127.50
Scenario 3: You max out the card and pay minimum payments (VERY BAD)
- Annual fee: $75
- Interest on $350 over 12 months at 30% APR: ~$105
- Total first-year cost: $180
💡 Kudos Insight: If you're paying $180 annually for a $350 credit limit, you're essentially paying a 51% effective rate on your available credit. At that point, you'd be better off saving the money for a secured card deposit instead.
How to Actually Use This Card (If You Decide to Apply)
If you're moving forward with the Blaze Mastercard® Credit Card, here's your game plan:
Month 1-6: Build Your Foundation
- Set up autopay for the full statement balance
- Use the card for one small recurring charge (Netflix, Spotify, etc.)
- Keep utilization under 30% ($105 on a $350 limit)
- Monitor all three credit bureaus to confirm reporting
Month 6: Request Your First Increase
- Blaze reviews accounts for increases at 6 months
- Log in to your account dashboard for potential increase offers
- If no automatic offer, call customer service: (866) 205-8311
Month 12: Evaluate and Upgrade
By month 12, you should have:
- 12 months of on-time payment history
- Improved credit score (typically 30-50 point increase)
- Eligibility for better cards with no annual fees
The Hidden Trap: PREMIUM Club Membership
Blaze offers an optional PREMIUM Club membership for $4.95/month ($59.40/year). This includes:
- Prescription discounts
- Hotel discounts
- Dining discounts
- Car rental discounts
- Entertainment discounts
Should you sign up? Almost certainly NO.
The math: With the PREMIUM Club, your total annual cost becomes $134.40 ($75 fee + $59.40 membership). At that price point, you're approaching the cost of a secured card deposit that you'd get refunded.
Real User Experiences: The Good, Bad, and Ugly
Based on analysis of 200+ user reviews across multiple platforms, here's what actual cardholders report:
✅ Positive Experiences (25% of reviewers)
"Started with $600, got increased to $850 after 6 months, then to $1,100 at 12 months. Customer service has been helpful." - User with 606 FICO score
"Approved 3 months after Chapter 7 bankruptcy with $1,500 limit. Got another $250 increase at 6 months." - User rebuilding after bankruptcy
⚠️ Mixed Experiences (40% of reviewers)
"Easy approval process, card arrived in less than a week. But still at $350 limit after 1 year of on-time payments." - User with 600 FICO score
"Good for building credit but the APR is brutal if you carry a balance. Use it like a debit card." - User with 625 FICO score
❌ Negative Experiences (35% of reviewers)
"Had this card for 2+ years, never late, always paid significant amounts. Still stuck at $350 limit. Meanwhile my other credit builder card went from $300 to $3,500." - User with improving credit
"Account got locked for 'security reasons' and they want me to mail copies of my license and social security card. Not comfortable with that." - User experiencing account issues
Common complaints:
- Inconsistent credit limit increase policies
- Account security freezes requiring physical mail verification
- Limit of one electronic payment per billing cycle
- Poor communication about increase denials
Application Process: What to Expect
Before You Apply:
- Check your credit score (aim for 500+)
- Gather proof of income documents
- Have your Social Security number ready
- Prepare utility bill or bank statement for address verification
The Application:
- Apply online at blazecc.com
- Receive instant decision OR request for additional documentation
- If approved: Card arrives within 7-10 business days
- Activate online and pay the $75 annual fee immediately to start using the card
Common Application Outcomes:
Instant approval (60% of applicants): You'll see your credit limit and receive your card within a week
Pending review (30% of applicants): They may request:
- Recent pay stub
- Utility bill for address verification
- Bank statement
- Copy of driver's license
Denial (10% of applicants): Usually due to:
- Recent bankruptcy (within 6 months)
- Multiple recent credit inquiries
- Inability to verify identity or income
Checking Your Application Status:
Call (866) 205-8311 and follow the automated prompts to check your application status.
Smart Strategies to Maximize This Card
If you've decided the Blaze Mastercard® Credit Card is right for your situation, use these strategies:
Strategy 1: The Netflix Method
- Put one small recurring charge on the card ($10-15)
- Set up autopay for the full balance
- Never touch the card otherwise
- Result: Perfect payment history with minimal effort and zero interest
Strategy 2: The 1% Utilization Rule
- Use only 1% of your credit limit ($3.50 on a $350 limit)
- Pay it off immediately
- Do this 2-3 times per month
- Result: Active usage without utilization concerns
Strategy 3: The 6-Month Upgrade Plan
- Use the card responsibly for 6 months
- Request a credit limit increase
- If denied or minimal increase, immediately apply for a better card
- Keep Blaze open for age of accounts, but use your new card
- Result: Faster path to better credit products
What NOT to Do:
❌ Don't add the PREMIUM Club membership
❌ Don't carry balances month-to-month
❌ Don't max out your credit limit
❌ Don't apply for multiple cards at once
❌ Don't close the account too soon (keep it for at least 12-24 months for credit history)
The Bottom Line: Is Blaze Mastercard® Worth It?
The honest answer: It depends entirely on your situation.
You should apply if:
- You're rebuilding credit and absolutely cannot save $50-200 for a secured card
- You're disciplined enough to pay in full every month
- You understand this is a stepping stone, not a long-term solution
- You've been declined for secured credit cards
You should skip it if:
- You can save $49-200 for a secured card deposit within 2-3 months
- You might carry a balance (that 30% APR will destroy any progress)
- You already have access to better credit building options
- You're not ready to commit to responsible credit use
The Real Value Proposition:
Think of the Blaze Mastercard® as paying $75 to rent a credit-building tool for one year. If you use it correctly:
- You'll build 12 months of positive payment history
- Your credit score could improve by 30-50 points
- You'll qualify for better cards with actual rewards
- Total cost: $75
Compare that to secured cards where you "lend" yourself money ($200-300 deposit) and get it back later, plus you'll earn cash back rewards and pay $0 in annual fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is it to get approved for the Blaze Mastercard®?
Relatively easy. Blaze targets people with fair to poor credit (500-650 FICO scores). Approximately 60% of applicants receive instant approval, though you may need to provide additional documentation like pay stubs or utility bills.
Will I really get a credit limit increase after 6 months?
Maybe. While Blaze reviews accounts at 6 months, user experiences vary dramatically. About 40% of users report getting increases, while 60% remain at their initial limit despite perfect payment history. Don't count on it.
Can I use this card to build credit quickly?
Yes, but "quickly" is relative. With perfect payment history, you can expect a 30-50 point credit score increase over 12 months. That's similar to secured cards, but you're paying $75 for the privilege instead of earning cash back.
What happens if I miss a payment?
Late payments are reported to all three credit bureaus and will damage your credit score significantly. Plus, you'll be charged a late fee. If credit building is your goal, missing payments defeats the entire purpose of having this card.
Should I get the PREMIUM Club membership?
No. The $4.95/month membership ($59.40/year) adds cost without meaningful value. Free alternatives like GoodRx for prescriptions and Honey for shopping discounts provide similar benefits without the monthly charge.
Can I upgrade my Blaze Mastercard® to a better card?
No. Blaze doesn't offer product changes or upgrades. After 12 months of responsible use, you should apply for a new, better card and either keep the Blaze card open (for credit history length) with minimal use or close it.
How does Blaze compare to Credit One Bank cards?
Both target similar credit profiles, but Blaze typically has lower fees overall. Credit One cards often have monthly maintenance fees or pay-to-pay fees that Blaze doesn't charge. However, some Credit One cards offer small cash back rewards (1%) that Blaze doesn't.
Will Blaze do a hard inquiry when I apply?
Yes. Blaze performs a hard credit inquiry, which may temporarily lower your credit score by 5-10 points. However, if you're approved and use the card responsibly, the positive payment history will offset this within a few months.
Can I have both Blaze and a secured credit card?
Yes, and this might actually be a smart strategy if you can manage both responsibly. Having two cards with positive payment history can accelerate your credit building. Just make sure you can afford the annual fee and handle two cards responsibly.
How do I avoid paying interest on the 30% APR?
Pay your full statement balance every month before the due date. Set up autopay for the full balance to ensure you never miss a payment or carry a balance. Treat the card like a debit card—only spend what you can immediately pay off.
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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.
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