Total Visa® Card: $300 Starting Credit Limit

Our review of the Total Visa® Card

If you’ve been struggling to get approved for a credit card due to poor credit, the Total Visa Credit Card could be the solution. The easy online application offers a rapid response, meaning you can access a new credit line without a long wait. More importantly, your activity gets reported to not one but all three major credit bureaus. This can give you a major boost if you can navigate the necessary account fees. You’ll need a checking account and some personal information to get started.

Who Can Benefit from the Total Visa Credit Card?

The Total Visa® Card caters to individuals with a less-than-perfect credit history. Using the card responsibly and making timely payments can demonstrate your creditworthiness and improve your credit score.

The Total Visa® Card can also benefit individuals seeking a credit card for everyday purchases and financial convenience. With its wide acceptance and fraud protection measures, the card offers a reliable and accessible means of making online and in-store purchases. Whether you need to pay for groceries, gas, or bills, the Total Visa® Card can provide a convenient and secure payment option.

Card Availability

It is worth noting that the Total Visa Card isn’t open to applicants everywhere. Currently, the card is not available to residents in the following U.S. states:

New York

Wisconsin

Perfect Credit Not Required

The Total Visa is designed to help users build credit with on-time payments and smart financial management. The card, issued through the Bank of Missouri, features a high purchase APR, a modest credit limit, and the chance for credit limit increases with responsible use.

The card doesn’t require good credit to apply; instead, it aims for the subprime credit card market. Potential applicants can also check their suitability for the card thanks to a quick, simple pre-qualification process. There’s no credit check required to pre-qualify, meaning you can get an idea of your approval odds before submitting a full application.

Earn Cash Back

The Total Visa Card offers basic cash back rewards on purchases. Cardholders earn 1% cash back on all purchases, with rewards redeemable as statement credits only. It’s important to note that rewards cannot be earned on the program fee paid during account opening.

Total Visa Benefits

No Security Deposit Required

The Total Visa credit card is unsecured, meaning you do not need to provide any collateral to obtain the card. However, the initial credit limit is set at $300. It is possible to increase the credit limit after one year, but there will be a cost involved, which we will discuss shortly.

Free Credit Score

The Total Visa credit card provides a free monthly update of your credit score. This feature allows you to track your progress and observe your score improve as you demonstrate good credit habits, such as paying your card on time and maintaining a low balance.

Visa Benefits

Zero Fraud Liability

Cardholder Inquiry Services

Emergency Card Replacement

Roadside Dispatch and Auto Collision Damage Waiver

Lost/Stolen Card Reporting

ID Navigator from Norton

Total Visa Fees

There are plenty of fees with the Total Visa, including some recurring ones. These fees include a one-time $95 program fee, an $8.25 monthly servicing fee (which Total waives for the first year), and additional fees for a whole host of other things:

$29 authorized user fee

25%-of-the-increase fee on any credit limit increase

$9.95 design fee for a premium plastic card design

$35 express delivery fee

Altogether, there are many costs you need to consider with the Total Visa. This is because the card charges the annual fee upfront, meaning your initial credit limit will differ significantly from the advertised $300 starting limit.

Comparison

When it comes to credit cards, there are several options available for individuals with bad to fair credit. Four such options are the Fortiva® Mastercard®, Surge® Platinum Mastercard®, Aspire® Cashback Rewards, and Total Visa® Card. Each of these cards has its own set of features and benefits that cater to the needs of individuals in this credit range.

Starting with the credit needed, all four cards require subprime to fair credit. This means that individuals with less-than-perfect credit can still have a chance to be approved for these cards. Additionally, all four cards offer a pre-qualification process, allowing potential applicants to check if they meet the initial requirements before officially applying.

Moving on to the initial credit limit, the Fortiva® Mastercard® offers a limit of $350, while the Surge® Platinum Mastercard® provides a slightly lower limit of $300. Similarly, the Aspire® Cashback Rewards and Total Visa® Card both offer an initial credit limit of $350 and $300, respectively.

When it comes to annual fees, the Fortiva® Mastercard® charges a fee ranging from $49 to $175 for the first year, with subsequent years having a fee of up to $49. On the other hand, the Surge® Platinum Mastercard® has an annual fee ranging from $75 to $99. The Aspire® Cashback Rewards and Total Visa® Card have similar fee structures, with the first year costing $49 to $175 and subsequent years having a fee of up to $49 for the former, and an initial fee of $75 followed by $48 for the latter.

In terms of rewards, the Fortiva® Mastercard® and Surge® Platinum Mastercard® do not offer any rewards program. However, the Aspire® Cashback Rewards card provides 3% cash back on gas, groceries, and utilities, along with 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases. Similarly, the Total Visa® Card offers 1% cash back on all purchases.

Comparison with the Mercury® Mastercard®

One of the standout features of the Mercury Mastercard is its potential lack of an annual fee, making it an excellent perk for cardholders with near-prime credit scores. Additionally, the card may provide cash-back rewards for suitable applicants.

While the Mercury Mastercard offers significant benefits, it also has drawbacks. One of the biggest limitations is that not all applicants can get the no-annual-fee card option. Additionally, the Mercury Card requires a pre-selected offer code to apply, whereas Total Visa does not.

What We Like About the Card

The Total Visa credit card offers several appealing features for potential cardholders. Firstly, it is accessible to individuals with poor credit, providing opportunities for those looking to rebuild their credit history. Additionally, the card reports to all three major credit bureaus, meaning responsible use can positively impact the cardholder’s credit score.

Things to Consider

When considering the Total Visa® Card, it is important to consider a few key factors. First and foremost, assess your financial situation and determine if you can afford the annual fee associated with the card.

It is also recommended that the terms and conditions of the Total Visa® Card be thoroughly reviewed. Familiarize yourself with any additional fees, penalties, or restrictions that may apply. By understanding the terms and conditions, you can make an informed decision and ensure that the Total Visa® Card is the right credit card for you.

FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions about the Total Visa® Card:

What bank is Total Visa? The Total Visa Card is issued through the Bank of Missouri.

Is there a Total Visa secured credit card? No. Total and the Bank of Missouri do not offer a Total Secured Visa, just the Total Unsecured Visa.

Is the Total Card a good credit card? The best way to judge any credit card is through consumer reviews. Total Visa Card reviews from consumers are very positive about the card, with many calling it one of the best credit cards for fair credit, for bad credit, and for rebuilding your credit in general.