Capital One Savor Student 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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This section breaks down the main reasons why we like the First Progress Select MasterCard Secured Credit Card.

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• It's highly accessible for individuals with poor or no credit history, as approval doesn't require a credit check.
• The card helps you build or rebuild credit by reporting your payment activity to all three major credit bureaus.
• Unlike many of its competitors, the First Progress Select MasterCard Secured Credit Card allows you to earn cash back rewards on your purchases.

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Pros

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• Your credit limit is set by your refundable security deposit, which you can increase over time to fit your needs.
• The application process is accessible and won't result in a hard inquiry on your credit report.
• Includes standard Mastercard benefits, such as fraud protection.

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Cons

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• The card charges an annual fee.
• There is no option to graduate to an unsecured card, so you'll eventually have to apply for a new card and close this account.
• Account management is not as modern as larger banks, lacking a dedicated mobile app and sometimes relying on mail for certain requests.

First Progress Select MasterCard Secured Credit Card vs Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards

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Categories

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Deciding which is better, the Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card or the First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card, depends entirely on your financial situation and goals.

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• Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is a student-focused card designed for those with some credit history who want to earn rewards on everyday spending like dining and entertainment.
• First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card is a credit-builder card best suited for individuals with poor or no credit history who need to establish or repair their credit profile.

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Redemption

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Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: Cardholders can redeem their cash back rewards in a variety of ways, including as a statement credit or a check.

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First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card: As a secured card focused on credit-building, it does not feature a rewards program, so there are no points or cash back to redeem.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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To make a data-driven decision, you can use a financial companion tool like Kudos, which helps you compare thousands of credit cards using your real spending data.

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• Test Drive Cards: Simulate your potential earnings with any credit card before you apply, using your actual transaction history to see a personalized rewards projection.
• Approval Odds Analysis: Get a detailed analysis of your approval odds for different cards based on your credit report.
• Welcome Offer Guarantee: If you find a better welcome offer for a card you got through Kudos within three months, Kudos will match it.
• Kudos Boost: Earn extra rewards on top of your regular card rewards when you shop at your favorite stores.
• $100 Kudos Kickstart+: Unlock $100 in rewards by adding select approved cards to your Kudos Wallet.

Who Should Choose the Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards?

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The Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards card is an excellent choice for college students, including those studying internationally, who want to build their credit history. It's particularly well-suited for those who frequently spend on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores, as it offers unlimited 3% cash back on these purchases. With no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, the card provides a low-maintenance way to earn rewards without worrying about extra costs.

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 who need to build or rebuild their credit history, such as those with poor credit or no credit file at all. Because the card doesn't require a credit check for approval, it's an accessible option for people who have been denied other cards, with approval being nearly guaranteed upon providing a security deposit. It's also a solid choice for users who might occasionally carry a balance, as it offers a lower variable APR than many other credit-builder cards on the market.

Alternatives to Consider

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If neither card in our Capital One Savor Student vs First Progress Select MasterCard Secured comparison feels like the right fit, there are several other excellent cards to consider.

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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, as requirements range from no history to excellent credit.
• Review eligibility rules - Some cards require student status or a security deposit to apply.
• Plan your initial spending - Ensure you can meet any early spend requirements to earn a bonus.

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Application Strategy

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• Find the best offer - Some application paths let you see your offer before a hard credit check.
• Time your application - Apply before a large planned purchase to help meet any spending requirements for a bonus.
• Consider all options - If you're denied, look into cards designed for your credit profile, like student or secured cards.

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 people who are building or rebuilding their credit history.

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Do I need to be a student to get the Capital One Savor Student card?

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Yes, you must be a student to qualify for the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card. Applicants are typically required to be enrolled at an accredited university, community college, or other higher education institution.

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How does a secured card help build credit?

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Secured card issuers report your account activity, including payments and balances, to the major credit bureaus. Making consistent, on-time payments can help establish a positive payment history and improve your credit score over time.

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Which card is better if I have no credit history?

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Both cards are designed for those new to credit, but a secured card like the First Progress Select MasterCard Secured is often more accessible if you have no credit history at all. Student cards may have slightly stricter requirements, though they are still easier to obtain than standard unsecured cards.

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