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First Access Visa® Card Review: Is the Cost Worth Your Credit-Building Goals?
July 1, 2025
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What You Need to Know About the First Access Visa® Card
When you're rebuilding credit, finding a card that will approve your application can feel like searching for a lifeline. The First Access Visa® Card positions itself as that lifeline—an unsecured credit card that doesn't require a security deposit and markets itself to people with damaged or limited credit histories.
But here's the reality: while this card offers immediate credit access, it comes with a price tag that could cost you nearly $500 in the first year alone when you factor in all fees and interest. Before you apply, you need to understand exactly what you're paying for and whether better alternatives exist.
The First Access Visa® Card is issued by The Bank of Missouri and operates on the Visa network, giving you acceptance at millions of merchants. Unlike secured cards that require upfront cash deposits (typically $200-$500), this unsecured option provides instant credit access. However, that convenience comes with multiple layers of fees that significantly reduce your actual spending power.
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The Real Cost: Breaking Down Every Fee
Let's do the math that card issuers hope you won't calculate yourself.
Year 1 Total Cost Scenario:
You're approved for a $300 credit limit. Here's what happens immediately:
- Starting credit limit: $300
- Less program fee: -$95
- Less annual fee (average): -$75
- Actual available credit: $130
That's right—before you make a single purchase, you've already lost 57% of your credit limit to fees. Your actual spending power is just $130.
Year 2 and Beyond:
After your first year, the monthly maintenance fees kick in:
- Annual fee: $48
- Monthly maintenance (average $8.25): $99
- Year 2 total: $147
If you carry any balance with the 35.99% APR, add another $100+ in interest charges for a modest $300 annual spending pattern.
The Break-Even Question:
To justify these costs through the card's 1% rewards program, you'd need to pay down $49,500 in purchases annually—which is impossible given your $300 credit limit and 35.99% APR. The rewards program is essentially meaningless in the face of the fees.
Bottom line: You'll pay $464 in fees alone over three years for a card with a $300 limit—that's 155% of your credit line just in fees, not counting interest.
Who Should (and Shouldn't) Consider This Card
This card might work for you if:
- You've been rejected for secured cards and can't access the $200-$500 deposit required
- You have very poor credit (below 580) and need immediate credit reporting
- You understand this is a temporary stepping stone (6-12 months maximum)
- You can pay your balance in full every month to avoid the devastating 35.99% APR
- You have no other credit-building options available
Skip this card if:
- You can save $200 for a secured card deposit (you'll save hundreds in fees)
- You want actual value from your credit card (rewards, benefits, or reasonable costs)
- You're looking for a long-term credit solution (this card is designed to be temporary)
- You might carry a balance (the APR will devastate your finances)
- You qualify for cards with lower fees (many alternatives exist with better terms)
Smarter Alternatives: 4 Better Credit-Building Options
Let's compare the First Access Visa® Card against cards that offer better value for credit builders.
Alternative #1: Chime Card™
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "3069", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Credit Builders", "headerHint" : "No Annual Fees" } ]]
Alternative #2: Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "3058", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Credit Builders", "headerHint": "1.5% Flat Cash Back"} ]]
Alternative #3: Discover it® Secured Credit Card
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "827", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Credit Builders", "headerHint": "No Annual Fee Card"} ]]
Alternative #4: Current Build Visa® Credit Card
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "5132", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Credit Builders", "headerHint": "No Credit History Needed"} ]]
The Hidden Traps: What the Fine Print Reveals
Beyond the obvious fees, the First Access Visa® Card has several concerning fine-print details:
1. 21-Day Payment Window (Not 25 Days)
Most credit cards give you 24-25 days after your statement closing date to make your payment. First Access only gives you 21 days. This shortened window increases your risk of late payments, which come with:
- Late fee: Up to $41
- Potential credit score damage
- Possible APR increases
2. Credit Limit Increase Fees
Many credit cards automatically review your account for credit limit increases after responsible use. First Access charges you 25% of any credit line increase. Translation: If they increase your limit by $100, they charge you $25.
3. Minimum Interest Charge
Even if you only owe $10 at the 35.99% APR, you'll pay a minimum $1 interest charge. This adds up faster than you'd expect with a low credit limit.
4. Cash Advance Trap
After year one, cash advances cost $10 or 3% per transaction (whichever is greater) at the same 35.99% APR. With a $300 limit, a $100 cash advance costs $10 upfront plus devastating interest charges.
5. Statement Copy Fees
Need a duplicate statement? That'll be $3 per copy unless it's related to a billing dispute.
How to Maximize Value If You Choose This Card
If you've decided the First Access Visa® Card is your best (or only) option right now, here's how to minimize costs and maximize your credit-building impact:
Smart Usage Strategy:
- Set Up Automatic Payments: Never miss the 21-day payment window. Set auto-pay for the full balance.
- Use Only 10-20% of Your Available Credit: With a $130 actual available credit (after fees), charge only $13-$26 per month. This keeps your credit utilization ratio optimal.
- Make Strategic Small Purchases: Use the card for a single recurring subscription (like Netflix or Spotify) and immediately pay it off.
- Track Your Progress: Use Kudos to monitor your credit score improvements and identify when you qualify for better cards.
- Plan Your Exit Strategy: After 6-9 months of on-time payments, start applying for secured cards with better terms or no-annual-fee unsecured cards for fair credit.
- Never Carry a Balance: The 35.99% APR will destroy any credit-building benefits. Pay in full, every month, no exceptions.
The 6-Month Plan:
- Months 1-3: Use the card for one small recurring charge ($10-20). Pay in full immediately. Focus on establishing perfect payment history.
- Months 4-6: Continue perfect payment history. Start researching upgrade cards. Use Kudos to identify cards you now qualify for.
- Month 7: Apply for a better card. Once approved, pay off and close the First Access card.
Better Strategy: The Secured Card Savings Plan
Here's a smarter approach than the First Access Visa® Card:
90-Day Savings Challenge:
Instead of paying $170 in fees during your first year with First Access, save for a secured card deposit:
Week 1-4: Save $50
Week 5-8: Save $50
Week 9-12: Save $50
Total after 3 months: $150 saved
With $150-$200, you can open a Capital One Quicksilver Secured or Discover it® Secured card and be $200-$400 better off financially over the first two years.
The Math:
- First Access 2-year cost: $170 + $147 = $317 in fees
- Quicksilver Secured 2-year cost: $200 deposit (refunded after graduation) = $0 net cost
- Plus: You earn $180+ in cash back with Quicksilver Secured
- Total difference: You're $497+ better off taking three months to save for a secured card
Leverage Kudos to Maximize Your Credit Card Strategy
While the First Access Visa® Card serves a purpose for those with limited options, smart credit building requires the right tools. This is where Kudos transforms your approach to credit cards.
How Kudos Helps Credit Builders:
Track Multiple Cards Efficiently: When you're ready to move beyond the First Access card, Kudos helps you manage your growing credit card portfolio.
Identify Upgrade Opportunities: Kudos analyzes your credit profile and spending patterns to recommend when you qualify for better cards. Don't stay stuck with high-fee cards longer than necessary.
Maximize Rewards: Even with basic credit cards, Kudos helps you identify which card to use for each purchase to maximize cash back.
Monitor Credit Impact: Track how responsible credit card use improves your credit score over time. See the direct impact of your on-time payments and low utilization.
Compare Cards Side-by-Side: Use Kudos to compare the First Access card against alternatives mentioned in this review. Make data-driven decisions about which credit-building card offers the best value for your situation.
If you're serious about building credit strategically, Kudos is the best free tool to guide your journey from credit-building cards to premium rewards cards. Plus, new users can earn $20 back on their first eligible purchase of $30 or more with code "GET20."
The Bottom Line: Better Options Exist for Most Credit Builders
The First Access Visa® Card fills a specific niche: unsecured credit access for people who can't save for a secured card deposit and have been denied by other credit-building card issuers. For this narrow group, it provides a legitimate path to establishing credit history.
However, for the majority of credit builders, the math simply doesn't work out. You'll pay $170 in fees in year one for $130 in actual credit access. That's a 130% premium just to start building credit.
Our recommendation hierarchy:
- First choice: Save $200 for a secured card
- Second choice: Consider alternative unsecured options with lower fees
- Last resort: First Access Visa® Card—but only if you've explored all other options and commit to responsible use and a quick upgrade strategy
If you do apply:
✓ Understand the total cost: $464 over three years
✓ Have a concrete 6-9 month exit plan
✓ Never carry a balance (35.99% APR is devastating)
✓ Set up automatic payments immediately
✓ Use Kudos to track your progress and identify upgrade opportunities
Remember: the goal isn't just to build credit—it's to build credit economically while positioning yourself for better financial products. In most cases, that means taking a few months to save for a secured card deposit rather than paying ongoing fees to the First Access Visa® Card.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score do I need for the First Access Visa® Card?
The First Access Visa® Card is designed for applicants with poor credit, typically scores below 580. The card issuer uses lenient approval standards, making it accessible to those who have been denied by other card issuers. However, remember that easier approval comes with higher costs—this isn't a benefit, it's a trade-off.
How long does it take to see credit improvements with this card?
With responsible use (on-time payments, low utilization), you should see credit score improvements within 3-6 months. The card reports to all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), which is essential for building credit. However, the same credit building happens with any credit card that reports to bureaus—secured cards with lower fees deliver identical credit-building benefits.
Can I upgrade from the First Access Visa® Card to a better card?
The First Access Visa® Card does not have a built-in upgrade path to a better card from the same issuer. Your strategy should be to use this card for 6-9 months to establish positive payment history, then apply for a better credit card from a different issuer (like Capital One, Discover, or another major bank). Use Kudos to identify when you qualify for cards with better terms.
What happens to my credit limit after paying off the initial fees?
Your initial credit limit (typically $300) is immediately reduced by the $95 program fee and annual fee (ranging from $50-$125). If you're approved for a $300 limit and charged $170 in upfront fees, your available credit starts at $130. As you make purchases and payments, your available credit fluctuates, but your actual credit limit stays at $300 until you request (and pay for) a credit limit increase.
Are there any rewards or perks that make this card worthwhile?
The card offers 1% cash back on payments made to your First Access card, but this is essentially meaningless. To earn back just the first year's fees ($170), you'd need to make $17,000 in payments—impossible with a $300 credit limit. The card has no travel benefits, purchase protection, extended warranties, or other valuable perks. It's purely a credit-building tool, and an expensive one at that.
How does the First Access card compare to a secured card?
First Access Visa:
- No deposit required
- $170+ in fees year one
- $147 annual fees thereafter
- 35.99% APR
- Minimal rewards
Secured Card:
- $200 deposit required (refundable)
- $0 annual fee
- 1.5% unlimited cash back
- 29.49% APR
- Automatic credit limit reviews
The secured card costs $200 upfront but returns that deposit when you close the account in good standing or graduate to an unsecured card. The First Access card costs $464 over three years with no deposit refund. Financially, the secured card is superior if you can save the deposit.
What's the fastest way to graduate from this card?
Follow this proven 6-9 month strategy:
- Month 1: Set up auto-pay for full balance. Use card for one small recurring charge ($10-20).
- Months 2-5: Maintain perfect payment history. Keep utilization under 20%.
- Month 6: Check your credit score (should have improved 30-50 points). Start researching upgrade cards.
- Month 7-9: Apply for better card. Once approved, pay off and close the First Access card.
Use Kudos throughout this process to track your credit improvements and identify which better cards you now qualify for. The platform can alert you when your credit profile matches cards with better terms.
Can I avoid the monthly maintenance fees?
The only way to avoid monthly maintenance fees (which start in month 13) is to close your account before the second annual fee is charged. However, closing a credit account can temporarily hurt your credit score by increasing your overall credit utilization ratio and reducing your average account age. The better strategy is to keep the account open only as long as necessary (6-9 months), then upgrade to a better card before the second-year fees kick in.
What should I do if I'm denied for the First Access Visa® Card?
If you're denied for this card (which has very lenient standards), don't panic. This might actually indicate you have alternatives worth exploring:
- Check your credit reports for errors at AnnualCreditReport.com (free)
- Dispute any inaccuracies that might be hurting your score
- Consider credit builder loans offered by credit unions
- Look into secured cards that accept applicants with no credit history
- Become an authorized user on a family member's account with good payment history
Sometimes a denial is a blessing in disguise—it forces you to explore better credit-building paths that cost less money.
Is the First Access Visa® Card ever the best choice?
Realistically, the First Access Visa® Card is the "best" choice only in very specific circumstances:
- You've been denied by all secured card issuers
- You cannot access even $50-$100 for a deposit
- You need to establish credit history immediately (within days, not months)
- You're committed to responsible use and a fast exit strategy (6 months maximum)
Even in these scenarios, "best" is relative. The card is more accurately described as a "last resort" option that provides access to credit reporting at a significant financial premium. For 90% of credit builders, saving for a secured card deposit is the financially smarter long-term strategy.
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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.
