The Total Visa® Card is a credit card designed for individuals with bad or limited credit history who are looking for an opportunity to rebuild their financial profile.
Unlike secured credit cards, the Total Visa® Card is unsecured, meaning you don’t need to put down a security deposit to get approved.
However, it comes with several fees, including an initial program fee, an annual fee, and a monthly servicing fee, making it a costly option compared to other credit-building alternatives.
Despite these costs, the card reports to all three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion), helping responsible users improve their credit scores over time.
If you’re looking for an entry-level credit card with a straightforward application process, the Total Visa® Card could be an option—but it’s essential to weigh the fees carefully.
About the Issuer
The Total Visa® Card is issued by The Bank of Missouri, a FDIC-insured financial institution that provides credit solutions for consumers with various financial backgrounds.
The bank specializes in subprime credit products, giving people with poor credit a second chance to access credit and build a stronger financial foundation.
By working with all three major credit bureaus, the Bank of Missouri ensures that Total Visa cardholders can demonstrate responsible credit usage, leading to potential credit score improvements over time.
Who Should Consider This Card?
The Total Visa® Card is best suited for:
Individuals with bad or limited credit who need a basic credit-building tool.
People looking for an unsecured credit card but who don’t want to put down a security deposit.
Consumers who are comfortable paying fees in exchange for access to credit.
Those who can commit to making on-time payments to improve their credit score.
Who Should Avoid This Card?
If you have good credit, you’re better off applying for a card with no annual fees and better rewards.
If you can afford a security deposit, a secured credit card may be a cheaper and better alternative.
If you plan on carrying a balance, the high APR and monthly fees can make this card expensive.
Top Benefits of the Total Visa Card
Easy Approval Process
- Designed for people with bad or limited credit. Approval is based on income and ability to pay rather than a high credit score.
No Security Deposit Required
- Unlike secured credit cards, the Total Visa® Card does not require a deposit, making it accessible to those without extra cash upfront.
Reports to All Three Major Credit Bureaus
- Helps users build or rebuild credit by reporting payment history to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
Fast Application Process
- The online application takes minutes, and you’ll receive a quick decision on approval.
Credit Limit Increases Over Time
- After demonstrating responsible usage, cardholders may qualify for credit limit increases, improving their credit utilization ratio.
Fraud Protection
- Zero Fraud Liability ensures that unauthorized transactions are not your responsibility.
Fees & Interest Rates
Initial Program Fee: $89 (one-time fee, due before account activation)
Annual Fee: $75 for the first year, then $48 per year
Monthly Servicing Fee: $6.25 per month ($75 annually, waived for the first year)
APR (Interest Rate): 35.99% Variable APR
Credit Limit: Starts at $300 (minus fees deducted upon account opening)
Foreign Transaction Fee: None (but the card is only accepted in the U.S.)
Late Payment Fee: Up to $41
Important Consideration
- Your credit limit starts at $300, but the initial program fee ($89) and the first year’s annual fee ($75) are deducted immediately, reducing your available credit upon activation.
- The monthly servicing fee ($6.25) begins after the first year, adding to the overall cost of maintaining this card.
- The high 35.99% APR means that carrying a balance can quickly lead to expensive interest charges.
Is the Total Visa Card Worth It?
The Total Visa® Card can be useful for rebuilding credit, but it comes at a high cost.
Pros:
Easy approval for individuals with bad credit.
No security deposit required.
Reports to all three major credit bureaus.
Potential for credit limit increases.
Cons:
High fees (initial program fee, annual fee, monthly servicing fee).
High APR (35.99%) makes carrying a balance expensive.
Low initial credit limit ($300, minus fees).
No rewards or cashback program.
Only accepted in the U.S. (limited usability).
Fees and charges
Late Payment Fee: Up to $41.00 ;
Returned Payment Fee: Up to $41.00 ;
● APR: 35.99% ;
● Cash Advance: First year: $0. After: $10 or 3% per cash advance.
Expert review
The Total Visa Card is designed for individuals with poor or limited credit history who need an accessible option for rebuilding credit.
It offers easy approval with no need for a perfect credit score and reports to all three major credit bureaus, helping users improve their financial standing.
However, the card comes with high fees, including an initial program fee, and a high APR, making it expensive for those who carry a balance.
It’s a viable option for credit rebuilding but requires careful financial management.
You will remain on this site
+Positive points
- Easy Approval: Designed for individuals with poor or limited credit history, offering a higher chance of approval.
- Reports to Major Credit Bureaus: Helps build or rebuild credit by reporting to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
- No Security Deposit Required: Unlike secured credit cards, no upfront deposit is needed to open an account.
- Fast Application Process: Online application with quick decisions, making it accessible for those needing credit urgently.
- Usable Anywhere Visa is Accepted: Can be used for everyday purchases both online and in stores.
- Negative points
- High Fees: Includes a program fee, annual fee, and monthly maintenance fees, making it costly over time.
- Low Initial Credit Limit: Starts with a low limit, which may not be sufficient for large purchases.
- High APR: Carrying a balance can become expensive due to the high interest rates applied to purchases.