Assent Platinum Mastercard® Secured Credit Card: A Detailed Review
Build credit with Assent Platinum; $0 annual fee, credit monitoring, accepted worldwide.
Features
- APR: 29.24% variable, applicable to purchases, cash advances, and balance transfers.
- Annual Fee: $0, making it cost-effective for users.
- Credit Line: Ranges from $200 to $2,000, secured by a fully refundable deposit.
- Deposit Requirements:
- Minimum deposit: $200, refundable upon closing the account balance.
- Fees:
- Cash Advance Fee: 3% (minimum $10).
- Late Fee: Up to $41.
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%.
- Return Payment Fee: Up to $30.
- Additional Features:
- Monthly reporting to all three major credit bureaus.
- Free real-time access to your credit score and ongoing credit monitoring provided by Experian.
- Full-feature Platinum Mastercard® benefits, including wide acceptance for car rentals, hotels, and more.
Benefits
- Credit Building: Regular reporting to major credit bureaus helps users establish or rebuild their credit history.
- Accessibility: No credit inquiry is required to apply, making it accessible for those with no or poor credit.
- Flexibility: Users can receive their cards faster with the expedited processing option.
- Utility: The card is accepted anywhere Mastercard® is, useful for various purchases, including travel.
- Monitoring: Continuous access to credit score and monitoring assists users in understanding and improving their credit status.
Drawbacks
- High APR: At 29.24%, it could be costly if balances are carried out month to month.
- Secured Credit: Requires a cash deposit locked until the account is closed, reducing liquidity.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: The 3% fee on international transactions can add up during travel abroad.
Product Summary
The Assent Platinum Mastercard® Secured Credit Card is an excellent option for individuals looking to build or rebuild their credit. With no annual fee and a variable APR of 29.24%, this card offers the basics for establishing credit, alongside benefits like credit score access and wide acceptance. While the high APR and foreign transaction fees are drawbacks, the benefits of building credit with manageable costs make it a viable choice for new credit users.