Looking for a secured credit card that does not run a credit check to approve you? First Progress is one of the names that comes up most often for people rebuilding credit. Its secured Mastercards are designed for approval even with damaged or limited credit history.
This guide breaks down the First Progress secured cards, what they cost, and how they stack up against other credit-building options. Here is what you should know before you apply.
What Is First Progress?
First Progress is a credit card program that offers secured Mastercards aimed at consumers with poor, limited, or no credit. Because the cards are secured, you put down a refundable deposit that typically sets your credit limit.
The big selling point is accessibility. First Progress generally does not require a credit check for approval, so people who have faced denials elsewhere may still qualify.
First Progress cards are built for credit access through a refundable deposit, not for rewards. That makes them a practical tool for establishing or rebuilding a payment history.
The Three First Progress Cards
First Progress offers three secured cards, and the main difference is the balance between annual fee and APR. Choosing the right one depends on whether you plan to carry a balance.
Platinum Elite
As of June 2026, the Platinum Elite reportedly carries a $29 annual fee with a purchase APR around 25.24% variable. It is the lowest annual fee of the three, which suits people who pay in full each month.
Platinum Select
The Platinum Select reportedly charges a $39 annual fee with a lower APR around 17.49% variable. This middle option balances a modest fee with a more reasonable interest rate.
Platinum Prestige
The Platinum Prestige reportedly has a $49 annual fee but the lowest APR, around 14.24% variable. If you expect to occasionally carry a balance, the lower rate can save money over time.
These numbers can change, so check First Progress's website for current fees and APR. Terms and conditions apply, and APRs vary by creditworthiness.
How First Progress Helps Build Credit
The mechanism is simple but powerful. First Progress reports your account activity to the major credit bureaus, so on-time payments can help build a positive credit history over time.
Your deposit is refundable, meaning you get it back when you close the account in good standing or graduate to a better product. That makes the deposit a tool, not a sunk cost.
The key is using the card responsibly: charge a little, pay on time, and keep your balance low relative to your limit.
Choosing Your Deposit Amount
With secured cards, your deposit usually equals your credit limit. A higher deposit gives you more spending room and can make it easier to keep utilization low.
Even a small deposit can get you started, and some builders advertise a low minimum deposit to lower the barrier. The habit of paying on time matters far more than the size of your limit.
How First Progress Compares to Other Builders
First Progress is a solid no-credit-check option, but it is worth comparing against other Firstcard partners before deciding. Whether you are weighing different secured Mastercards or app-based builders, each has a slightly different structure that suits a different starting point.
The Self Visa® Credit Card pairs a credit-builder savings account with a secured card, so you build savings and credit at once. If you have thin or damaged credit and would rather grow a deposit gradually than hand over a lump sum upfront, the Self Visa® Credit Card fits because it reports to all three bureaus and turns your own savings into your credit line.
If you would rather keep credit building inside the banking app you already use, the Current Build Card ties credit building to a connected banking experience. The Current Build Card fits readers who manage money from their phone and want positive payment history to build automatically as they spend, without tracking a separate secured deposit the way First Progress requires.
Current Build Card
Current Build Card
$0 annual fee. No minimum deposit required. No credit check required. 1 point per dollar on eligible categories. Reports to Experian, TransUnion, Equifax.
Fee
$0
APR
0%
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Credit Check
No
Cashback
1 point/dollar on eligible categories (with qualifying payroll deposit)
Benefit
No credit check, no deposit minimum
For a digital-first approach with the lowest barrier to entry, the Kikoff Secured Credit Card focuses on simple reporting of on-time payments. If you are starting from a very thin file and want an easy, low-cost way to show steady on-time payments each month, the Kikoff Secured Credit Card fits because it builds history without a large upfront deposit.
Kikoff Secured Credit Card
Kikoff Secured Credit Card
Kikoff Secured Credit Card works like a debit card & checking account and performs like a credit builder. Build credit with your everyday purchases.
APR
0%
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Credit Check
No
Cashback
Yes
Benefit
0% interest. No credit check.
The OpenSky Secured Visa, like First Progress, requires no credit check to apply. Each reports to the bureaus, which is what can help your score grow.
Tips for Getting the Most From a Secured Card
The card matters less than the habits you build around it. Paying your full statement balance on time, every single month, is the most important factor.
Keeping your balance well below your limit also helps. Many experts suggest staying under 30% utilization, and paying in full means you avoid interest entirely.
If you want a credit-building card with budgeting tools built in, Firstcard offers a credit builder card designed for people starting from scratch. Used responsibly, any of these cards can help you graduate to unsecured products.
Is First Progress Right for You?
For many people rebuilding credit, First Progress is a reasonable choice, especially the low-fee Platinum Elite if you pay in full. The no-credit-check approval makes it accessible when other cards say no.
That said, compare the total first-year cost against partner options before committing. Whether you pick a secured card from First Progress, Self, or OpenSky, the responsible habits you build will drive your results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does First Progress check your credit?
No, First Progress generally does not require a credit check for approval on its secured cards, which makes it accessible to people with poor or limited credit. Approval is based largely on your refundable deposit. Check First Progress's website for current approval details.
Which First Progress card is best?
It depends on your habits. As of June 2026, the Platinum Elite has the lowest annual fee, best for those who pay in full, while the Platinum Prestige has the lowest APR for those who may carry a balance. Compare the fee and APR trade-off before choosing.
Is First Progress a real credit card that builds credit?
Yes, First Progress secured Mastercards report to the major credit bureaus, so on-time payments can help build your credit history over time. Your deposit is refundable when you close in good standing. Alternatives like the Self Visa® Credit Card and OpenSky work similarly.
How much deposit do you need for First Progress?
First Progress secured cards typically require a refundable deposit that sets your credit limit, often starting around $200. A larger deposit gives you more spending room. Check First Progress's website for current minimum deposit amounts.
