First Progress
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Verified CustomerInterest rates are awful
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First Progress
The First Progress line of credit building credit cards is a new card program designed to help consumers establish credit records with the major consumer credit bureaus. Credit improvement information on each active card account is reported monthly to each of the three major credit bureaus - Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. You post a... show more
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First Progress
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Verified CustomerSo, I signed up for this credit card, and there has been no credit card delivered to me. I would not recommend this credit card company. I have been without a credit card for two months now, going on three. I started out with a balance of $200 of my hard-earned money, and now I have a balance of $64 but still no card.
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First Progress
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Verified CustomerDo not waste your time! There are hidden charges, and they don't do anything themselves; everything just gets escalated. If you have a web issue, they can't get you back in without escalation, which can take five business days. They told me I could get my payment hold released early if I showed proof that the payment was taken, so I sent my bank statement. After that, they told me it would have to be escalated and could take up to 14 business days. I will be going to open a credit card with Discover Cashback Card and get my $600 back since I can never seem to use my credit when I need it!
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First Progress
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Stay away from this company! They do not send timely information regarding your account. They will then charge late fees for payments you were not notified you needed to make and report you to the credit bureaus as late. I closed my account with them when they did this to me and they told me my security deposit would be refunded within 30 days. Seven weeks later, I still have not received a check. I called and spoke to a supervisor, and she told me the request to refund my deposit was never submitted, so now I have to wait another 30 days to see if I get my $1,000 back. Do not use this company!
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First Progress
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I was introduced by Experian, thinking it was a good option to open my account in late October. Payment on time. Closed account in February with a positive balance, then charged fees affecting my credit file. Now 150-day late payments appear on my credit, requiring an additional $200. (Joke) I don't recommend it; stay away.
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First Progress
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1 Star Rating
Scammers. They attempted to keep a $1,000 deposit from me and only refunded it after I provided proof that they received my money. Beware. I've reported them to the CFPB, and this business needs to be investigated as soon as possible. I'm not the only person from whom they've tried to keep money without ever sending a physical card.
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First Progress
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5 Star Rating
This card got me to where I am today (821 score). I used it when I was rebuilding my credit, and it was magical. After 2 years of use, I was ready to get another card (not secured) and move up from there. I feel like I owe them a big thank you for what they did for me. I cannot believe how many bad reviews there are on here for this card. I helped two others by recommending this card to them and walking them through how to use it, and they are both very happy.
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First Progress
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There were two charges from a company called "Happiness" on my card that I did not make for $199.65 on March 6, 2025. I called First Progress and disputed these charges; they escalated it to fraud and told me I would receive a letter regarding their decision. The letter arrived on June 17th, stating these charges were deemed fraudulent, I was not responsible for payment, and that my account had been closed. On June 24th, First Progress started sending me payment reminders that I have a balance due of $199.65. I called again and explained to them that I received a letter saying these disputed charges were found to be fraudulent and I was not responsible; please remove them from my balance, I was not paying for it, and my account was supposed to be closed. They told me to download the claim dispute form on their site, fill it out, and return it to the fax number provided with the received letter from the fraud department and provide a reason why I do not feel I am responsible for these charges. I did all that was requested and faxed it on June 25, 2025.
It is now July 18, 2025, and First Progress is now racking up late fees for this unpaid balance, which I have been told I am not responsible for; the charges have never been removed, and my account is still active and "past due". I have called again, was transferred to four different people/departments, the last being the front house fraud department, and I was told that they do not see any of the faxes or dispute files sent because that goes to the back house of the fraud department. She said she would expedite my dispute claim, and I would be receiving a letter about their decision in about two weeks (again)!
I have been getting the run-around for over a month now, with all people/departments passing the buck on my calls and complaints, nobody knows anything about anything, but they are racking up late fees and expecting me to pay. One agent even suggested I pay the full amount, and that they would "with no problem" refund me my money after the fraud department finished their case and made a decision; remind you, it's a decision that was already made on June 17th by the fraud department. This company needs to be deeply investigated, reported as a scam, and shut down!
August 22, 2025 Update: In June, I was informed my above card and account were closed; instead, a new account/card number was created without my knowledge, I never received a physical card, and two more "Happiness" charges appeared and posted on July 24, 2025 (same amounts as before), on an account/card that I was told was closed a month earlier! Also, I asked for email verification that they actually closed my account this time and was informed that "they cannot do that," but that my refund check would be sent to me within 30 days guaranteed. I am watching for this.
This company needs to be investigated, sued, and closed as soon as possible!
It is now July 18, 2025, and First Progress is now racking up late fees for this unpaid balance, which I have been told I am not responsible for; the charges have never been removed, and my account is still active and "past due". I have called again, was transferred to four different people/departments, the last being the front house fraud department, and I was told that they do not see any of the faxes or dispute files sent because that goes to the back house of the fraud department. She said she would expedite my dispute claim, and I would be receiving a letter about their decision in about two weeks (again)!
I have been getting the run-around for over a month now, with all people/departments passing the buck on my calls and complaints, nobody knows anything about anything, but they are racking up late fees and expecting me to pay. One agent even suggested I pay the full amount, and that they would "with no problem" refund me my money after the fraud department finished their case and made a decision; remind you, it's a decision that was already made on June 17th by the fraud department. This company needs to be deeply investigated, reported as a scam, and shut down!
August 22, 2025 Update: In June, I was informed my above card and account were closed; instead, a new account/card number was created without my knowledge, I never received a physical card, and two more "Happiness" charges appeared and posted on July 24, 2025 (same amounts as before), on an account/card that I was told was closed a month earlier! Also, I asked for email verification that they actually closed my account this time and was informed that "they cannot do that," but that my refund check would be sent to me within 30 days guaranteed. I am watching for this.
This company needs to be investigated, sued, and closed as soon as possible!
Product: First Progress Credit Cards
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Same thing happened to me about unknown charges to the same place Happiness and the same thing I received a letter and getting what seems to be a run around about getting my deposit back
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First Progress
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1 Star Rating
If I could give zero as a review, I would. Worst over worst company; they don't want to return the money but are quick to report you and leave their negative inquiries in your account even after you finish paying them. Every time I called them, they told me to call back in 2 to 3 business days. My account is closed, and they don't want to give me my money back, even though they told me it was refundable when I was opening my account. Bad company, I do not recommend First Progress to anyone. They are terrible.
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First Progress
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1 Star Rating
Very poor customer service. They canceled my credit card without me knowing due to fraud and there never was fraud. Then I get a letter in the mail that a new card will be arriving in 7-10 days. Guess what? After calling the company every 2 weeks for 45 days they have no answer on when my card will be created or mailed out to me. How can I use a product without a card to use? I asked them for overnight shipping and they told me “no, it will come standard mail.” And what do I do in the mean time for gas, groceries or monthly recurring charges? Very upset with the way they are handling the situation.
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First Progress
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The company exhibited gross inefficiency and mismanagement of funds, time, and credit reporting. Poor customer service, departments are independently operated and do not communicate with each other. Any questions will be met with a "please call back in 5 business days," but after 25 business days, they will still have no answer, resolution, or contact information for their affiliate departments. If you are looking to build your credit, this is not the firm to do it with. I canceled as soon as I saw the signs, to avoid any credit issues. There are so many options out there... you really have to ask yourself, do you have time for people to mishandle your finances? My answer was no.
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First Progress
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WARNING: Do not make a payment on this card before the current month's statement is issued, or it will be applied to the wrong month, a hold will be placed on your card, and a $30 late fee will be charged. This has happened to me twice; apparently, my bank's bill pay service calendar doesn't align with the First Progress calendar. FP Customer Service's attitude was "oh well, too bad. That's the way it is."
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First Progress
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I observed fraudulent transactions made on my account on 04-21-25 and 04-22-25. I reported the unauthorized transactions on 04-28-25. Three weeks later, I received a letter from First Progress stating they consider the transactions authorized because they were made within a prescribed radius of where I live, despite me telling them I don't have possession of my card.
I contacted them about the decision to appeal it. At this point, they will no longer speak to you and direct you to a generic email of [email protected] to dispute the claim. At this point, I filed a police report, filed a complaint with the CFPB and the Texas Attorney General against First Progress.
I then sent GPS locations from my vehicle during the dates and times the unauthorized transactions took place to include information on the locations to prove I was not near those locations during those times. I called First Progress for updates over the month, only to be told there is no further information.
On May 22nd, I got an alert that my credit score had dropped by 23 points. I found out that now First Progress is reporting I have two cards with them at 100% utilization. I called them again, but they couldn't explain the multiple accounts and still no resolution to the fraudulent transactions.
I sent several follow-up emails to [email protected] over the month of June asking for updates with no response.
I logged in to my account and noticed they gave credit, then took it away, gave credit again three days later, then took it away. I called again asking why they did that twice, only to put all the charges back on my card. Of course, I got the deer in the headlights response of "we are not sure." I'm then transferred to another person that I spent 39 minutes on the phone with, struggling to understand what they were saying as their English speaking skills were elementary at best. They then tell me that I was found not liable for the charges back on 06-11-25 and they are typically removed in 24 to 48 hours. Well, it's 120 hours later, so why are the charges still there? No one had an answer.
One week later, I see the charges removed but now $7.53 in interest on an account that had a zero balance. I call them and spend another 28 minutes on the phone to get it removed.
It's now a week later and still not removed.
I checked my credit report and now First Progress is reporting three cards at 100% utilization, which is false again, dropping my credit score an additional 23 points.
Here we are, two months later, nine follow-up emails with no response, seven calls totaling 156 minutes, and in worse condition because of fraudulent activity at First Progress with false reporting and delays in retaliation for my dispute.
I firmly believe fraud is taking place within their organization.
Anyone in the same situation, feel free to visit their headquarters and see how they would like a face-to-face instead of hiding behind a phone and PO Boxes. I plan on paying a visit as well.
Synovus Place
33 West 14th Street, 4th Floor
Columbus, Georgia 31901
Main Phone Number: 706-649-5756
I contacted them about the decision to appeal it. At this point, they will no longer speak to you and direct you to a generic email of [email protected] to dispute the claim. At this point, I filed a police report, filed a complaint with the CFPB and the Texas Attorney General against First Progress.
I then sent GPS locations from my vehicle during the dates and times the unauthorized transactions took place to include information on the locations to prove I was not near those locations during those times. I called First Progress for updates over the month, only to be told there is no further information.
On May 22nd, I got an alert that my credit score had dropped by 23 points. I found out that now First Progress is reporting I have two cards with them at 100% utilization. I called them again, but they couldn't explain the multiple accounts and still no resolution to the fraudulent transactions.
I sent several follow-up emails to [email protected] over the month of June asking for updates with no response.
I logged in to my account and noticed they gave credit, then took it away, gave credit again three days later, then took it away. I called again asking why they did that twice, only to put all the charges back on my card. Of course, I got the deer in the headlights response of "we are not sure." I'm then transferred to another person that I spent 39 minutes on the phone with, struggling to understand what they were saying as their English speaking skills were elementary at best. They then tell me that I was found not liable for the charges back on 06-11-25 and they are typically removed in 24 to 48 hours. Well, it's 120 hours later, so why are the charges still there? No one had an answer.
One week later, I see the charges removed but now $7.53 in interest on an account that had a zero balance. I call them and spend another 28 minutes on the phone to get it removed.
It's now a week later and still not removed.
I checked my credit report and now First Progress is reporting three cards at 100% utilization, which is false again, dropping my credit score an additional 23 points.
Here we are, two months later, nine follow-up emails with no response, seven calls totaling 156 minutes, and in worse condition because of fraudulent activity at First Progress with false reporting and delays in retaliation for my dispute.
I firmly believe fraud is taking place within their organization.
Anyone in the same situation, feel free to visit their headquarters and see how they would like a face-to-face instead of hiding behind a phone and PO Boxes. I plan on paying a visit as well.
Synovus Place
33 West 14th Street, 4th Floor
Columbus, Georgia 31901
Main Phone Number: 706-649-5756
Product: First Progress Credit Cards
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First Progress
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1 Star Rating
They took my deposit quickly enough, which was three months ago! I still don't have a usable card. I did finally receive a card (after two and a half months), but they promptly voided it immediately after I activated it, citing that I never received the card. If I didn't receive it, how could I activate it? It's just a scam. I'm guessing I will have to get my attorney involved to get my deposit back. Shame on you for preying on people who want to get their lives back in order.
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First Progress
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First Latitude is a joke! I submitted the documents they asked for over a week ago and still no decision. They can't even see that I submitted them. I asked to just withdraw my application and refund my deposit; they said it will take 7-10 business days. They are quick to take your money but take their time to refund it. Stay away from First Latitude! They are nothing but a scam.
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First Progress Q&A(456 questions)
Get answers to your questions about First Progress below. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company. Please keep in mind that it is not a financial institution’s responsibility to ensure all posts and questions are answered. In addition, WalletHub independently collected information for some of the cards on this page. Ad Disclosure
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6
UpvotesWhat are the best First Progress unsecured credit cards?
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Bogdan Roberts
First Progress does not have any unsecured credit cards right now, unfortunately. First Progress only offers secured credit card options designed for people looking to establish or rebuild their credit standing, so you will need to place a refundable security deposit.
Things to Know About First Progress Credit Cards
Deposits for First Progress secured credit cards vary by card but can start at $200. However, approved applicants can choose to deposit up to $2,000 or $5,000, depending on the card. The amount of the deposit determines your initial credit limit, and also serves as collateral for the issuer, should you default on the account. You'll get the deposit back when you close the account with no outstanding balance.
If you're not set on First Progress as an issuer, there are other credit card issuers offering unsecured cards for people who want to repair their credit.
Alternative Unsecured Credit Card Options
Keep in mind that unsecured credit cards for rebuilding credit are saddled with high interest rates and a host of fees. That will take a sizeable chunk out of what will likely be a pretty low credit limit.
Therefore, secured credit cards are the better deal for repairing less-than-good credit. You will have to put down your own money to open the account, but it's money you'll get back if you use the card responsibly. If you establish a history of timely payments, you may receive a credit limit increase or be eligible to transition to an unsecured credit card with better terms.
10
UpvotesWhat is the First Progress Platinum Elite Card credit score requirement?
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Sebi Mitchell
The First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard® Secured Credit Card is available to people with bad credit. That means people with credit scores below 640 may have a shot at getting approved for the First Progress Platinum Elite card.
You should note that while your credit score is an important factor, there are plenty of other things that will impact your chances of being approved for the First Progress Platinum Elite Card, too. Some other key criteria include your income, existing debt load, number of open accounts, recent...
3
UpvotesHow do I cancel my First Progress credit card?
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Evelyn Boros
To cancel a First Progress credit card, call customer service at 1 (888) 403-4783 and ask a customer service rep to cancel your card account. Cardholders can also cancel an account by mail.
Be aware that if there's a balance remaining on the canceled account, you are still required to make at least the minimum payment every month until the balance is paid in full. You will also need to update the payment method for any...
1
UpvoteWhat are the best First Progress Platinum Elite benefits?
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Cameron DiGiovanni
The best First Progress Platinum Elite benefits are zero liability protection and monthly credit bureau reporting. These perks are certainly good to have, though it's important to note that they're also relatively common credit card benefits.
First Progress Platinum Elite Benefits
- Zero liability protection
- Monthly credit bureau reporting
- Worldwide acceptance
While these benefits aren't bad, the First Progress Platinum Elite simply doesn't have as many benefits as a lot of the other credit cards on the market.
...15
UpvotesHow can I pay my First Progress Platinum Elite card?
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Maria Adams
You can make a First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard® Secured Credit Card payment online, by phone, through the Synovus Bank mobile app or by mail. To pay a First Progress Platinum Elite bill online, log in to your online account and find the payment button. Then, choose how much to pay, when to pay it, and where the payment is coming from. Synovus Bank does not allow cardholders to set up automatic payments.
Ways to Make a First Progress Platinum Elite Payment
- Online: Log...
13
UpvotesHow do I get expedited shipping for my First Progress Select Secured card?
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WalletHub
No, you cannot get expedited shipping on your First Progress Select Secured. However, First Progress does offer an optional Expedited Processing Service for $19.95. With the Expedited Processing Service your First Progress Select Secured application will be processed up to 7 days faster. However, this service is only available if you use a debit or prepaid card to fund your security deposit.
The First Progress Select Secured is a fairly inexpensive card for people with no credit, or for people who are looking...
13
UpvotesHow do I cancel my First Progress Platinum Elite credit card?
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Lisa Cahill
To cancel my First Progress Platinum Elite credit card, call customer service at (866) 706-5543 and ask a customer service rep to cancel your card account. First Progress does not allow you to cancel an account in person or by mail.
Be aware that if there's a balance remaining on the canceled account, you will still need to make at least the minimum payment every month until the balance is paid in full. You will also need to...
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13
UpvotesIs the First Progress Select Secured card a good credit card?
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Keyaira Sutton
Yes, the First Progress Select Secured is a good card if you have bad credit. This card offers 1% cash back on all purchases, after paying the card’s bill. And helps you build your credit history by reporting to all three major credit reporting agencies. Like most secured cards, it does require an initial security deposit of $200 which becomes your credit limit.
The only downside the First Progress Select Secured has is a $39 annual fee. You can find better asecured credit cards in the market without annual fees.
Alternative Secured...
12
UpvotesHow could you pay the First Progress Platinum Elite deposit?
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Joe Weider
The funds for your security deposit are withdrawn from your bank account and placed into an escrow account held by the card issuer. You will then receive this sum, plus interest, when you close your account with zero balance.
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11
UpvotesWhat are the best First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard promotions?
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Maria Adams
The First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard® Secured Credit Card has no limited-time promotions, but it has does not have an increased penalty APR, which is a plus. Cardholders do not need to do anything specific to take advantage of this, as it applies automatically.
While the First Progress Platinum Elite doesn't have any limited-time promotions, that's not unusual for cards targeted to people with bad credit. You may be able to find other cards that have more promotions, though. Check out WalletHub's editors' picks...
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