Amex Business Gold vs First Progress Select MasterCard Secured: Which Is Better In 2026?

First Progress Select MasterCard Secured Credit Card Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here’s a breakdown of why we like the First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card.

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• It's accessible to those with poor or no credit history because it doesn't require a credit check for approval.
• The card helps you build credit by reporting your activity to the three major credit bureaus.
• You can earn cash back on purchases, which is an uncommon benefit for a secured card.

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Pros

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• Offers a lower-than-average interest rate for a secured card, which is beneficial if you carry a balance.
• Provides the flexibility to increase your credit line over time by adding to your security deposit.
• Features a straightforward approval process that doesn't require a credit check or minimum credit score.

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Cons

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• It comes with an annual fee and charges a fee on foreign transactions.
• There is no path to upgrade to an unsecured card, and it lacks premium perks or rewards.
• The customer service experience is less modern, with some processes requiring physical mail and no dedicated mobile app.

First Progress Select MasterCard Secured Credit Card vs American Express® Business Gold Card

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Categories

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When deciding which is better, Amex Business Gold or First Progress Select MasterCard Secured, it's important to understand that these cards serve entirely different purposes.

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• American Express® Business Gold Card is designed as a versatile tool for business owners, especially those with growing companies and variable expenses.
• First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card is best for cash back seekers, particularly those who are also looking to build or rebuild their credit history.

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Redemption

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American Express® Business Gold Card: Points earned with this card offer flexibility, allowing you to redeem them for travel, transfer them to airline and hotel partners, or cover eligible business purchases.

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First Progress Select MasterCard Secured Credit Card: As a cash back card, its rewards are straightforward and are typically redeemed as a statement credit against your balance.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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Kudos is an advanced financial companion platform that helps you compare nearly 3,000 credit cards using a data-driven explorer tool.

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• Test drive a credit card: Before applying, you can simulate potential earnings from a new card using your real spending data, without any commitment or impact on your credit score.
• Approval odds analysis: Get a detailed breakdown of your chances of approval for different cards based on your credit report.
• Welcome offer guarantee: If you find a better welcome offer within three months of getting a card through Kudos, they will match it.
• Kudos Boost rewards: Earn additional rewards on top of your regular credit card rewards when you shop at participating stores.
• Spending and credit score monitoring: Track your transactions, spending patterns, and credit score directly within the platform.

Who Should Choose the American Express® Business Gold Card?

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The American Express® Business Gold Card is tailored for growing companies with significant and variable expenses, particularly those with over $50,000 in annual business spending. It's an excellent fit for entrepreneurs who value a flexible rewards structure, as the card automatically awards 4X points on the top two spending categories each billing cycle without needing pre-selection. Ultimately, businesses that can maximize these bonus categories and appreciate premium travel protections will find the card's benefits easily outweigh its annual fee. Terms apply.

Who Should Choose the First Progress Select MasterCard Secured Credit Card?

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The First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card is designed for individuals with poor or no credit history who are looking for a straightforward path to building or rebuilding their credit. This card is an ideal choice for someone who has been denied traditional credit cards, as it does not require a credit check for approval. Applicants should be comfortable paying a $39 annual fee and providing a minimum $200 security deposit in exchange for features like reporting to all three major credit bureaus and a relatively low 18.24% variable APR.

Alternatives to Consider

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If this comparison of the American Express® Business Gold Card vs. the First Progress Select MasterCard Secured Credit Card has you searching for other options, you're in the right place. Here are a few other excellent cards to consider if neither of the above is the right fit for your wallet.

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_{Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.}

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Tips for Application Success

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Before You Apply

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• Review the credit requirements: Card approval can range from requiring excellent credit to having no minimum score.
• Assess your eligibility: Some cards are designed for specific users, like business owners, or may require a security deposit.
• Understand issuer rules: Look for application restrictions, such as limits on welcome offers or the ability to upgrade the card later on.

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Application Strategy

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• Plan your spending to maximize rewards: Ensure your typical purchases align with a card’s bonus categories to get the most value.
• Time your application strategically: Apply before a large planned purchase to help meet any Welcome Offer spending requirements.
• Match the card to your goal: Choose a card designed for your objective, whether it's earning business rewards or building credit with a secured card.

Our Methodology

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We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

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Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is a secured credit card?

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A secured credit card requires a refundable cash deposit that typically determines your credit limit. These cards are designed for individuals who are building or rebuilding their credit history.

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What is a charge card?

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A charge card is a type of card that requires the balance to be paid in full each month. Unlike traditional credit cards, many charge cards do not have a pre-set spending limit.

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Do I need a business to apply for the American Express® Business Gold Card?

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Yes, you need a business to apply, but this can include sole proprietorships, freelance work, or even a side hustle. American Express will ask for your business information during the application process.

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