Eric Bank is an M.B.A. who has covered financial and business topics since 1985, appearing regularly on Credible, eHow, WiseBread, The Nest, Zacks, Chron, BadCredit.org and dozens of other outlets. Eric specializes in taking complex subject matters and explaining them in simple terms for consumer audiences, particularly in the world of personal finance. Eric holds a Master's in Business Administration from New York University and a Master's in Finance from DePaul University.
Lillian Guevara-Castro brings more than 30 years of editing and journalism experience to the CardRates team. She has worked at The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, Gwinnett Daily News, Gainesville Sun, and The New York Times, where she covered demographics, consumer issues, and the business and financial sectors. Lillian has a degree in journalism and communications from Georgia State University and brings her fact-checking expertise to ensure Digital Brands content is accurate and engaging.
Ashley Fricker has more than a decade of experience as a finance contributor and editor, and has specialized in the credit card industry since 2015. Her credit card commentary is featured on national media outlets that include CNBC, MarketWatch, Investopedia, and Reader's Digest, among many others. She has worked closely with the world’s largest banks and financial institutions, up-and-coming fintech companies, and press and news outlets to curate comprehensive content and media. Ashley holds a bachelor's degree in multimedia journalism from Florida Atlantic University.
Our in-house experts rate credit card offers based on:
Reward rates and redemptions
Regular and promotional APRs
Signup bonuses
Annual and other fees
Travel and other credits
General approval rates
Issuer reputation
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Credit cards for consumers with poor credit compete in various ways. Some offer cash back rewards or consumer protections. The Reflex® Platinum Mastercard® is one of several subprime cards that promise to double your credit limit after six months of responsible use.
Which begs the question: Is a higher credit limit sufficient reason to choose this card? Before you answer, you’ll want to read about the alternative cards appearing in this review. For consumers with poor credit, these cards may offer better value and lower costs.
You can quickly prequalify for the card without affecting your credit score.
It offers a generous initial credit limit that may double after six months if you pay your bills on time.
It provides $0 fraud liability and reports your payments to all three credit bureaus. However, the card assesses a high annual fee and 35.90% Fixed. But you can avoid interest charges by paying your entire balance each month.
You may be able to avoid the monthly maintenance fee that kicks in after the first year if you have a decent credit score. The card does not assess a setup fee, but it imposes a foreign transaction fee and charges for cash advances, additional cards, expedited service, and late or returned payments.
How to Qualify & Apply
The easiest way to apply is online. You can do so through the links below, and learn more about the card here:
Disclosure: When you apply through links on our site, we often earn referral fees from partners. For more information, see our ad disclosure and review policy.
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CardRates.com is a free online resource that offers valuable content and comparison services to users. To keep this resource 100% free, we receive compensation for referrals for many of the offers listed on the site. Along with key review factors, this compensation may impact how and where products appear across CardRates.com (including, for example, the order in which they appear). CardRates.com does not include the entire universe of available offers. Editorial opinions expressed on the site are strictly our own and are not provided, endorsed, or approved by advertisers.
Our in-house experts rate credit card offers based on:
Reward rates and redemptions
Regular and promotional APRs
Signup bonuses
Annual and other fees
Travel and other credits
General approval rates
Issuer reputation
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate credit card offers based on:
Reward rates and redemptions
Regular and promotional APRs
Signup bonuses
Annual and other fees
Travel and other credits
General approval rates
Issuer reputation
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
To be eligible to apply, you must live in the United States (except CO, IL, MA, WA, WV), be at least 18 years old, prove you have enough income to afford the monthly minimum payments, provide your Social Security Number, and finally, have a bank account.
You can also prequalify on the issuer’s website by filling out and submitting an online form with the following items:
Name
Contact information
Social Security Number
Total monthly income
Job status
Date of birth
Whether you have an active checking account or debit card
Whether you want an additional card
Alternatively, can respond to a pre-approved offer you may have received in the mail. The offer means your ultimate approval is likely but not guaranteed.
Prequalification does not require a credit check. But if you are preapproved and choose to apply for the card, the issuer will then run a hard credit check that may slightly affect your credit score. Assuming all goes well, you can e-sign the cardmember agreement and expect your card to arrive within 10 days (sooner if you pay for expedited handling).
Benefits & Drawbacks
The Reflex® Platinum Mastercard® caters to consumers who want to rebuild their credit. It offers slim benefits beyond a credit limit increase, yet its interest rate and fees are substantial.
Benefits
Credit reporting: The bank reports your account to all three major credit bureaus, and consistently paying your bill on time is the most efficient way to build or rebuild credit.
Free credit scores: The card provides free access to your VantageScore from Experian when you sign up for electronic statements.
Potential for higher credit limit: Initial credit limits range from $300 to $1,000. Your limit may double after six months of responsible usage.
Fast Processing: You can apply quickly and receive an instant response.
Widely accepted: Merchants welcome this Mastercard worldwide.
Mastercard Zero Liability Protection: You don’t have to pay for unauthorized charges arising from card loss or fraudulent use.
High credit limit: The maximum credit limit is $4,000, which is pretty high for an unsecured card for bad credit.
These benefits, apart from credit-limit increases, are basic and available from most credit cards.
Drawbacks
High fees: The card charges an annual fee ranging from $75 - $125, which increases after the first year. There’s also a monthly maintenance fee after the first year. Reflex automatically assesses these fees, reducing your available credit limit until paid. Various additional fees apply.
High APR: The card charges a 35.90% Fixed. Though high, other subprime cards charge even higher interest rates.
No rewards: Unlike many other credit cards, this one offers no rewards program or cash back benefits. There is no signup bonus or introductory 0% APR, and it does not support balance transfers.
Given these disadvantages, it may be worth considering the following alternative credit cards.
Other Cards Worth Considering
The following three unsecured cards compete directly with the Reflex® Platinum Mastercard®. They are at least as attractive to subprime consumers and maybe even more so. Be sure to carefully compare the regular APRs, annual fees, and follow the links to the card’s terms for more details on potential fees.
Our in-house experts rate credit card offers based on:
Reward rates and redemptions
Regular and promotional APRs
Signup bonuses
Annual and other fees
Travel and other credits
General approval rates
Issuer reputation
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate credit card offers based on:
Reward rates and redemptions
Regular and promotional APRs
Signup bonuses
Annual and other fees
Travel and other credits
General approval rates
Issuer reputation
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Greater access to credit than before - $700 credit limit
Get a Mastercard accepted online, in store and in app
Account history is reported to the three major credit bureaus in the U.S.
$0 liability* for unauthorized use
Access your account online or from your mobile device 24/7
*Fraud protection provided by Mastercard Zero Liability Protection. If approved, you'll receive the Mastercard Guide to Benefits that details the complete terms with your card.
If you qualify for the Milestone® Mastercard®, you can gain access to an initial credit limit of $700. The issuer designed this card for consumers looking for an accessible, no-frills product.
The card offers a few essential benefits, such a mobile app, $0 liability protection, fraud protection, and reporting to all three major credit bureaus.
Our in-house experts rate credit card offers based on:
Reward rates and redemptions
Regular and promotional APRs
Signup bonuses
Annual and other fees
Travel and other credits
General approval rates
Issuer reputation
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate credit card offers based on:
Reward rates and redemptions
Regular and promotional APRs
Signup bonuses
Annual and other fees
Travel and other credits
General approval rates
Issuer reputation
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
Building your credit? Using the Capital One Platinum Secured card responsibly could help
Put down a refundable security deposit starting at $49 to get a $200 initial credit line
You could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, like making payments on time
Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking to access your account from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app
The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card requires a refundable $49 security deposit for an initial credit line of $200. It comes with a mobile app, $0 fraud liability, and no annual fee. You can avoid the card’s high interest rate by paying your entire balance each month.
The initial credit limit is modest, but the issuer will automatically consider cardholders for an increase in as little as six months — with no additional deposit required.
Our in-house experts rate credit card offers based on:
Reward rates and redemptions
Regular and promotional APRs
Signup bonuses
Annual and other fees
Travel and other credits
General approval rates
Issuer reputation
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate credit card offers based on:
Reward rates and redemptions
Regular and promotional APRs
Signup bonuses
Annual and other fees
Travel and other credits
General approval rates
Issuer reputation
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
The Surge® Platinum Mastercard® is the very definition of a no-frills, low-cost, unsecured credit card. The card offers a prequalification process that does not impact your credit score. It also reports your payments to all three credit bureaus.
The card’s introductory credit limit is up to $1,000 and doubles when you make your first six monthly payments on time. The card has an annual fee and an APR on the higher end, but can be a good unsecured option for someone looking to rebuild their credit.
Real Reviews From Cardholders
Reviewers have mixed opinions about the card. Lora is a fan:
“I have nothing bad to say. They helped me out tremendously. And I would recommend this company to anybody. My experience was wonderful.”
“Terrible experience with this card. They start hounding for payment days before it is due. Annual and maintenance fees are expensive. Card insurance is the worst! [I had to] close the account to correct my personal information.”
Read through the cardmember agreement carefully to understand its fees and decide whether the card makes sense for your wallet.
FAQs: What is the Credit Limit?
The card’s initial credit limit is $300 to $1,000, depending on your creditworthiness. You can double your limit in as little as six months by paying your bills on time. After that, the issuer will review your account periodically for future limit increases.
Its maximum credit limit is $4,000, and it does not charge a credit limit increase fee.
The card provides a grace period between the close of each billing cycle and the subsequent payment due date. You will not accrue interest on purchases if you pay your entire balance by the due date. The card charges interest on cash advances beginning on the transaction date.
The initial annual fee ranges from $75 - $125, depending on your creditworthiness. After the first year, the card’s annual fee increases, and the optional monthly maintenance fee will begin.
The card assesses the annual fee before you begin using your card and will reduce the amount of credit you initially have available. For example, your initial available credit will be $225 or lower if the card assigns you a $300 credit limit. The card will reduce your available credit even further if you order an additional card.
This card is ideal for someone who can pay on time, build up their credit score, and move on to a better card after a year.
How Does the Mobile App Work?
The Reflex® Platinum Mastercard® offers Android and iOS versions of its mobile app, which you can use to manage your credit card and make payments. You set up the app by entering the account information for your credit card and checking account.
The app displays your payment due date, current balance, and recent activities. You can make a credit card payment by transferring money from your bank account. You cannot use the app to pay with a debit card, although you can do so over the phone.
The app lets you set various alerts, including the following:
Balance exceeds threshold
Balance is within a specified amount of your credit limit
Credit card payment due date
Credit limit reached or exceeded
Payment post to account
Statement available
Certain features are missing from the app. You cannot use it to set up automatic payments, although it will tell you whether you established autopay. As mentioned, you cannot make a debit card payment with the app, and you can only view one credit card per login session.
In addition, you cannot freeze your card from the mobile app, order a replacement card, or chat with a customer representative. These will need to be done on the bank’s website or over the phone.
Can I Withdraw Cash Advances?
You can get cash advances from your card at an ATM or from a bank teller. The card charges a transaction fee for each advance, and you accrue interest daily on the advance until you repay it. There is no interest-free grace period as there is for purchases.
But you cannot take a cash advance during the first 95 days your account is open. Unlike some competitors, the card does not waive the cash advance fee for the first year.
Who Issues the Reflex® Platinum Mastercard®?
Celtic Bank issues the Reflex Credit Card on behalf of Continental Finance Company, LLC, the card’s marketer and servicer. CFC, founded in 2005, manages several credit card brands for more than 2.6 million consumers with less-than-perfect credit.
CFC received accreditation from the Better Business Bureau in 2017. It has a BBB rating of A+, but its customer review score is only 3.31 out of five. The company has closed 177 complaints in the last 12 months.
Trustpilot gives Continental Finance a “Poor” rating of 1.8 out of five. The rating service reports that CFC hasn’t replied to negative reviews for the past 12 months.
In 2015, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ordered CFC to “refund an estimated $2.7 million to approximately 98,000 consumers who were charged illegal credit card fees.” The CFPB found that the company misrepresented certain fees and charged consumers illegally. CFC paid a civil penalty of $250,000.
Note that the CFPB charges pertained to CFC’s Cerulean, Matrix, and Verve subprime credit cards, not the Reflex® Platinum Mastercard®.
Salt Lake City’s Celtic Bank was incorporated in 2000 and began operating the following year. It is not BBB-accredited, and its rating is B. Its BBB customer review score is poor: 1.32 out of five. Customers have filed 175 complaints against the bank in the last three years.
The Reflex® Platinum Mastercard® and the typical secured card cater to consumers with limited or poor credit. Both can help you build or rebuild credit by reporting your payments to one or more credit bureaus.
The following chart contrasts the two products:
Feature:
Reflex® Platinum Mastercard®
Typical Secured Credit Card
Type of Card
Unsecured credit card
Secured credit card
Annual Fee
$75 - $125
Usually low or no annual fee
Monthly Maintenance Fees
Optional. The card waives the fee for the first 12 months.
None
Interest Rate (APR) for Purchases
35.90% Fixed
Generally lower
Credit Limit
The initial limit is $300 to $1,000, with potential increases up to $4,000, depending on your creditworthiness. The initial amount doubles after six months of timely payments.
The initial credit limit is equal to your security deposit. Some cards accept deposits as high as $5,000 to $10,000. The issuer may refund the deposit after six to 12 months of timely payments.
Security Deposit
Not required
Required (usually $200 to $500)
Credit Building
Reports to major credit bureaus
Rewards
None
Several secured cards offer rewards
Eligibility Requirements
Less stringent, designed for poor or no credit history
Requires cash deposit, generally easier approval
Foreign Transaction Fees
The card charges this fee for each international transaction.
Some secured cards waive this fee.
Additional Benefits
The card provides free credit scores and a mobile app.
Varies, mainly focused on credit building
We recommend you seriously consider a secured credit card with no annual fee instead of the Reflex® Platinum Mastercard®, which charges up to $125 upfront and possibly more than $200 annually after that.
A secured card also requires an upfront payment, but the issuer refunds your deposit when you close the account or upgrade to an unsecured card. In contrast, you can’t get a refund on the annual and monthly maintenance fees of an unsecured credit card.
Both products are easy to get, but some secured cards do not check credit and have no effect on your credit score. We believe secured credit cards clearly offer several advantages over high-cost, unsecured cards.
This Card May Be For You If…
You may want to apply for this card for several reasons, including the following:
Easy access: The card accepts applicants with less-than-perfect (i.e., fair or poor) credit. You may want to obtain this card if other issuers have rejected your applications.
Credit limit increase opportunity: It offers the potential for credit limit increases and may double your initial credit after you make at least six monthly payments by the due date. Further increases are possible, up to $4,000.
Building or Rebuilding Credit: The bank reports to all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). Triple reporting is the most efficient method for building credit, but you must pay your bill on time each month.
Before applying, please check out the three alternative cards included in this review. Some cost less and deliver more perks.
About the Author
Eric Bank
Finance Expert
Eric Bank is an M.B.A. who has covered financial and business topics since 1985, appearing regularly on Credible, eHow, WiseBread, The Nest, Zacks, Chron, BadCredit.org and dozens of other outlets. Eric specializes in taking complex subject matters and explaining them in simple terms for consumer audiences, particularly in the world of personal finance. Eric holds a Master's in Business Administration from New York University and a Master's in Finance from DePaul University.
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