Accepted Credit Score
Bad Credit
Fortiva Credit Card
By:
Fortiva
Info about the Fortiva Credit Card has been collected by WalletHub to help consumers better compare cards.
The financial institution did not provide the details.
Editor’s Take
John Kiernan, Credit Card Editor
April 16, 2021
Review: Fortiva Credit Card
The Fortiva Credit Card is an unsecured credit card for people with bad credit, which means there is no minimum credit score and no security deposit needed. However, the Fortiva Card charges a one-time fee of $25 prior to account opening and has an annual fee of $49 - $175 the first year. The annual fee drops to $0 - $49 from the second year on, but it is joined by a monthly fee of $5 - $12.50 at that point.
In exchange for those fees, cardholders get an unsecured credit line of an undisclosed amount. The Fortiva Credit Card also reports to the three major credit bureaus each month. It can therefore help you improve your credit score if used responsibly, as well as enable you to finance certain emergency expenses. However, carrying a balance from month to month will be expensive, thanks to the Fortiva Mastercard’s high APR. There are much less expensive ways to build or rebuild your credit, too.
That’s the Fortiva Credit Card in a nutshell. For your convenience, we’ll continue by highlighting the biggest factors to take into account when deciding whether to apply for the Fortiva Credit Card or reconsider alternative options.
Fortiva Credit Card Review Highlights:
Bottom Line: Is the Fortiva Credit Card Good?
No. The Fortiva Credit Card is not a good choice, unless you have bad credit and need to borrow a small amount of money for an emergency expense. The card’s interest rate and fees are too high to make it a good option for credit-building alone, and its lack of rewards means it’s not a good fit for people who plan to pay their bill in full every month. Most people would be better off with a $0 annual fee secured credit card.
In exchange for those fees, cardholders get an unsecured credit line of an undisclosed amount. The Fortiva Credit Card also reports to the three major credit bureaus each month. It can therefore help you improve your credit score if used responsibly, as well as enable you to finance certain emergency expenses. However, carrying a balance from month to month will be expensive, thanks to the Fortiva Mastercard’s high APR. There are much less expensive ways to build or rebuild your credit, too.
That’s the Fortiva Credit Card in a nutshell. For your convenience, we’ll continue by highlighting the biggest factors to take into account when deciding whether to apply for the Fortiva Credit Card or reconsider alternative options.
Fortiva Credit Card Review Highlights:
- One-time fee: $25
Some unsecured credit cards for bad credit, such as the Fortiva Mastercard, assess a fee prior to account opening in order to skirt a law prohibiting excessive fees the first year. - Annual fee: $49 - $175 1st yr, $0 - $49 after
The average credit card annual fee is $18.3, but many credit cards for people with bad credit have no annual fee. - Monthly fee: $0 1st yr, $5 - $12.50 after
It’s best to avoid this monthly fee, by graduating to a cheaper unsecured credit card offer within 12 months. - Interest Rate: 22.74% - 36% (V)
The Fortiva Card’s APR depends on your creditworthiness when you apply. Any rate from the range of possibilities will be above-average for a credit card offer right now, however. That’s why it’s best not to carry a balance from month to month with this card, except in emergency situations. - Credit limit: Undisclosed
The Fortiva Credit Card’s spending limit is revealed to new cardholders after approval for an account. That, combined with the fact that cardholders can’t request a credit limit increase, makes it very hard to count on the Fortiva Mastercard as a way to cover emergency expenses. Plus, whatever your limit is, fees will eat into the amount of spending power that you have available initially. - Rewards: None
The Fortiva Credit Card’s lack of rewards makes it a bad choice for people who plan to pay their bill in full every month. - How to apply: Online, with an offer code
You can apply for the Fortiva Credit Card online – but only in response to an offer that you receive in the mail. Receiving a mail offer for the Fortiva unsecured Mastercard doesn’t guarantee approval, but it does mean the chances are extremely good.
Bottom Line: Is the Fortiva Credit Card Good?
No. The Fortiva Credit Card is not a good choice, unless you have bad credit and need to borrow a small amount of money for an emergency expense. The card’s interest rate and fees are too high to make it a good option for credit-building alone, and its lack of rewards means it’s not a good fit for people who plan to pay their bill in full every month. Most people would be better off with a $0 annual fee secured credit card.
This review is not provided, commissioned or endorsed by any issuer. Opinions and ratings are our own.
April 16, 2021
Fortiva Credit Card's Key APRs & Fees
| ONE-TIME FEES
|
|---|
| $25 |
| ANNUAL FEE
|
| $49 - $175 1st yr, $0 - $49 after |
| MONTHLY FEE
|
| $0 1st yr, $5 - $12.50 after |
| REGULAR RATE
|
|---|
| 22.74% - 36% (V) |
| GRACE PERIOD
|
| 25 days |
Fortiva Credit Card's Highlights
| Payment history reported to all three major bureaus. |
| Transaction alerts keep you in charge of your credit. |
| Use your card everywhere Mastercard® cards are accepted. |
| $0 fraud liability. |
Fortiva Credit Card's Additional Info
| MAX LATE FEE
|
$40 |
|---|---|
| MAX OVERLIMIT FEE
|
None |
| MAX PENALTY APR
|
None |
| FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEE
|
3% |
| SMART CHIP
|
Yes, unknown |
-
CASH ADVANCE APR
25.74% - 36% (V)
-
CASH ADVANCE FEE
5% (min $5)
- Last updated on 4/16/2021
at Fortiva's secure site
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Customer Questions and Answers
Don't see what you're looking for? Submit your question about Fortiva Credit Card to our community. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by the issuer of this card.
How do I apply for the Fortiva Credit Card? Reply 9
Irene Henderson
@irene_h
You can apply for the Fortiva credit card online if you have received an offer in the mail. First, visit the Fortiva website, click on "Respond to a Mail Offer" near the top-center of the page, and enter the acceptance code in the space provided. You can find your code near the bottom of your mail offer. Click "Submit Code" and follow the prompts to finish your Fortiva credit card application.
Note that currently, you won’t be able to apply for a Fortiva credit card unless you have a mail offer. There is no way to apply online if you don’t have a promo code, and applications are not accepted over the phone.
9
Upvotes
Where can I use my Fortiva Credit Card? Reply 7
Erwin Lozano
@erwin_lozano
Your Fortiva credit card can be used anywhere. It is a Mastercard, which is accepted virtually everywhere in the U.S. and in more than 200 countries and territories around the world.
However, using the Fortiva credit card abroad may not be such a good idea, considering its 3% foreign transaction fee.
7
Upvotes
How do I get a Fortiva Credit Card credit limit increase? Reply 6
Erwin Lozano
@erwin_lozano
You can't get a Fortiva Credit Card credit limit increase.
The cardholder agreement specifically states that the card issuer will not accept Fortiva Credit Card limit increase requests.
If you aren’t happy with the credit limit you’re given when you sign up, your only choices are to wait until your credit score improves to apply for a different card or avoid the Fortiva Credit Card altogether.
6
Upvotes
How can I get a Fortiva Credit Card cash advance? Reply 21
FRANKIE SOLOMON
@solosolosolo
To get a Fortiva Credit Card cash advance, you can withdraw funds from an ATM.
You will need to request a 4-digit PIN from Citi customer service (800-245-7741) if you did not receive one after being approved for an account.
Cash advances are extremely expensive, so it’s best to avoid them whenever possible. Also, there may be additional bank fees when you withdraw cash from an ATM.
2
Upvotes
How do I cancel my Fortiva Credit Card? Reply 3
Kendall Morris
@kendallmorris
You can cancel your Fortiva Credit Card by calling (800) 245-7741 or by sending a cancelation request to the following address:
Account Services
P.O. Box 105555
Atlanta, GA 30348-5555
Don’t forget to pay down any outstanding balance you might have on your account first, to avoid being charged with further interest.
3
Upvotes
Is the Fortiva Credit Card a good card? Reply 3
Sierra Rosenberg
@sierra_rosen
No, the Fortiva Credit Card isn’t a good card. It’s an unsecured card for people with bad credit, having one-time, annual and monthly fees, but also an APR of 22.74% - 36% (V). And it's not even available for everyone, you can only apply for it with a pre-approved offer code.
If you have bad credit, I’d suggest applying for a less expensive secured card instead.
3
Upvotes
How much is the Fortiva Credit Card foreign transaction fee? Reply 2
Isabel Rios
@isabel_rios
The Fortiva Credit Card’s foreign transaction fee is 3%. You’ll be charged with it if you use your card for purchases made in another currency.
If you’re looking for a similar credit card without a foreign transaction fee, check out the Discover it® Secured Credit Card and the Secured Mastercard® from Capital One.
2
Upvotes
What bank issues the Fortiva Credit Card? Reply 2
Sydney Garth
@sydneygarth
The Fortiva Credit Card is issued by The Bank of Missouri since Fortiva itself doesn't have a banking license. But the servicing of the credit card accounts is still done by Fortiva.
2
Upvotes
How much is the starting Fortiva Credit Card credit limit? Reply 2
Frank Carroll
@frankie_carroll
The starting Fortiva Credit Card credit limit isn’t disclosed. Each approved applicant’s limit will be decided based on a number of factors, such as their credit score, income, and debt-to-income ratio.
You should also know that Fortiva clearly states the fact that you cannot request credit limit increases.
2
Upvotes
Fortiva Credit Card Reviews
Share your insights and review the Fortiva Credit Card.
Apr 14, 2021
Terrible card, even if your credit is bad. very low initial balance, and they bury deep in the T&C that they DO NOT increase credit. after the first year, you get hit with an annual fee, and then they bang you out for $7.50 monthly "processing fee" regardless if you have a balance or not. STAY AWAY FROM THIS CARD. plenty of other options out there
Comment
Apr 01, 2021
Stay away from Fortiva. $10 MONTHLY MAINTENANCE FEE After two years, and there's no way to avoid it. Even that this company gives credit fast, they rip people off. Try to stay away from this company, not worth it.
Mar 20, 2021
This company is the worst. I used them for financing furniture. I pay every month on the due date and they charge me late fees. Had I not noticed the fees on my statements, they would continue to charge me fees. I called their customer service and they said payments made after 5pm will be posted the next day. This is not written on the payment page, emails, texts, or their FAQs on their page. They didn’t want to credit the late fees. Had I not been adamant with the manager, they would not credit the fees. Awful company. Paying off this card to never deal with them again.… show more
Mar 14, 2021
Terrible fees not a good card even if you're credit goes to good they still charge you 12.50 a month maintenance fee if you don't need this card don't get it unless you have 200 extra dollars per year laying around
Jan 09, 2021
Verified Customer
Quick approval is the only good thing about this card! I have been with this company for almost 2 years I always pay on time and never be late and I still keep getting declined for a credit line increase! The customer reps are clueless and useless! I would never recommend this card to anyone ever!! Unfortunately I’m stuck with the card due to the credit history but this card is definitely not it!!
Dec 03, 2020
Very poor customer service and misdirection given to customer repeatedly. Not worth the hassle, please seek other means if you need a retail loan. Lots of hidden fees. Not a good choice for people who intend to pay off balances or trying to avoid extra fees being added to your basic purchases.
Oct 22, 2020
If you get this card, most of your monthly payment will go toward fees and interest so do not charge more than you can pay off and pay extra. DO NOT get the credit insurance either as it is jut another fee and I found out from them that even with it, it doesn't kick in right away and by the time it does, your credit is worse because of late payments they won't remove. Get a secured card from a local bank or if anything go to Capital One (NOT CreditOne)… show more
Jul 28, 2020
The card it okay. Customer service is mediocre. The monthly fees that you get charged every month are pretty much the the same amount as your minimum monthly payment so if you are only making the minimum payment, you aren't going to ever pay the card off.
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Last updated on: Apr 16th, 2021 at 07:04 ET
Related Credit Cards
If you are interested in the Fortiva Credit Card, check out the following credit cards as well:
Related Credit Card Categories
Fortiva Credit Card is related to the following categories:
WalletHub is an independent comparison service.
We work hard to show you up-to-date product terms, however, this information does not originate from us and thus, we do not guarantee its accuracy. When you click "Apply Now" you will be directed to the offering institution's website. In addition, keep in mind that actual rates and other information may vary for a number of reasons including the applicant's' creditworthiness and differences between an individual's situation and the criteria/assumptions used to generate the information displayed. Before submitting an application, always verify all terms and conditions with the offering institution. Please let us know if you notice any differences.
Ad Disclosure: Offers originating from paying advertisers are noted as “Sponsored” at the top of this page. Advertising may impact how and where offers appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). At WalletHub we try to present a wide array of offers, but our offers do not represent all financial services companies or products.
Irrespective of whether an offering institution is a paid advertiser, the presence of offer information on WalletHub does not constitute a referral or endorsement of the institution by us or vice versa. Furthermore, offers have not been reviewed or approved by the offering institution. Information is displayed first and foremost to help consumers make better decisions.
Editorial Disclaimer: Editorial and user-generated content on this page is not provided, commissioned, reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the issuer. In addition, it is not the issuer’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Offer last updated: Apr 16th, 2021 at 07:04 ET