Capital One Platinum 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 closer look at why we recommend the First Progress Select MasterCard® Secured Credit Card.

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• It’s highly accessible for applicants with limited or poor credit history, as no credit check is required to apply.
• The card helps you build credit history by reporting your payment activity to all three major credit bureaus.
• You can earn cash back rewards on your purchases, a standout benefit not commonly found on secured cards.

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Pros

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• There’s no credit check or minimum score required to apply, making it a stress-free entry point for those with limited or no credit history.
• The card reports to all three major credit bureaus, helping you establish or improve your credit profile with responsible use.
• It offers cash back rewards on purchases, a valuable feature not often found on secured cards designed for credit building.

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Cons

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• An annual fee is required, and there are fees for foreign transactions, making it less ideal for use abroad.
• There is no option to graduate to an unsecured card, meaning you’ll eventually have to close the account to get your security deposit back.
• The customer experience is less modern, lacking a dedicated mobile app and featuring a basic online portal.

First Progress Select MasterCard Secured Credit Card vs Capital One Platinum

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Categories

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When deciding which is better, Capital One Platinum or First Progress Select MasterCard Secured, it's important to understand their primary purpose. Both cards are designed as tools to help consumers, but they cater to slightly different needs within the credit-building space.

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• Capital One Platinum Credit Card is a credit-builder card designed for individuals with fair credit. It's a straightforward option for those looking to establish or rebuild their credit history without the complexity of a rewards program.
• First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card is also a credit-builder card, but it's specifically geared toward individuals with poor or no credit history. It provides an accessible path for those who might not qualify for other cards to begin building a positive credit profile.

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Redemption

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Capital One Platinum Credit Card: This card is a tool for building credit and does not come with a rewards program. Therefore, there are no points, miles, or cashback to redeem.

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First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card: Focused on helping individuals establish or repair their credit, this secured card does not offer a rewards or redemption program. Its main purpose is to provide a pathway to a better credit history.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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For those looking to expand their options, a tool like Kudos can help you compare nearly 3,000 credit cards to find the best fit for your spending habits.

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• Test drive a credit card: Simulate your potential earnings with a new card based on your actual spending history before you apply.
• Approval odds: Get a detailed analysis of your approval chances based on your credit report.
• Welcome offer guarantee: If you find a better welcome offer within three months of approval, Kudos will match it.
• Kudos Kickstart+: Unlock $100 in rewards when you add select approved cards to your Kudos Wallet.
• Kudos Boost: Earn extra rewards on top of your credit card rewards when you shop at participating stores through the platform.

Who Should Choose the Capital One Platinum?

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The Capital One Platinum Credit Card is designed as a straightforward tool for individuals who are new to credit or are looking to improve their financial standing. It's an ideal choice for those with fair credit scores, typically in the 580-669 range, including students, young professionals, or anyone rebuilding their credit after past financial challenges. Because it reports to all three major credit bureaus and has no annual fee, the card serves as a simple, low-cost stepping stone toward better credit health without the complexity of a rewards program.

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 need a reliable tool to build or rebuild their credit profile. This card is an excellent choice for those who have been denied other credit cards and want to avoid a hard inquiry on their credit report, as approval doesn't depend on a credit score. It's particularly well-suited for users who want to establish a positive payment history with all three major credit bureaus while benefiting from a relatively low 18.24% variable APR and earning 1% cash back on purchases.

Alternatives to Consider

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After reviewing the Capital One Platinum vs First Progress Select MasterCard Secured comparison, you might find that neither card is the perfect match for you. Fortunately, the market offers other strong contenders for building or rebuilding your credit.

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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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• Check your credit score - Know where you stand before applying for a new card.
• Have a payment plan - Ensure you can pay your balance on time and in full each month.
• Understand the card’s purpose - Determine if the card’s features align with your financial goals.

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Application Strategy

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• Time your application with large purchases - Align your application with a planned large expense to help meet any minimum spending requirements.
• Know the issuer’s rules - Be aware of application restrictions, as some issuers limit how many cards you can open in a certain period.
• Adjust for the card’s purpose - For credit-builder cards, the strategy is responsible use to improve your score, not chasing a welcome offer.

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 security deposit to open the account, which usually determines your credit limit. This deposit makes it easier for individuals with limited or poor credit to get approved.

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Do I need a security deposit for the Capital One Platinum Credit Card?

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No, the Capital One Platinum Credit Card is an unsecured card and does not require a security deposit. Approval is based on your credit history and financial information.

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Do both cards report to the major credit bureaus?

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Yes, both the Capital One Platinum Credit Card and the First Progress Select MasterCard® Secured Credit Card report your payment history to all three major credit bureaus. This helps you build credit with on-time payments.

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Can I get my security deposit back from the First Progress card?

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Yes, you can get your security deposit back from the First Progress Select MasterCard® Secured Credit Card. The deposit is refunded when you close your account in good standing with the balance paid in full.

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