The Surge Platinum Mastercard – Is the Card Worth It?

Your credit score is like the gatekeeper to your financial future. A less-than-perfect credit history can make it difficult to get approved for loans, credit cards, and even housing or employment. But fear not, the Surge Platinum Mastercard is here to help you rebuild your credit and get back on track.

When you leverage the benefits of the Surge Platinum Mastercard and practice good credit habits, it can help pave the way for a brighter financial future.

Benefits of the Surge Platinum Mastercard

The Surge Platinum Mastercard from Celtic Bank is designed specifically for individuals with bad credit or no credit history. Here are some of the key benefits:

Potential Credit Limit Increase: Start with an initial credit limit of $300 to $1,000, and after making your first six monthly payments on time, you could see your credit limit doubled up to $2,000.
Build Credit with All Three Major Bureaus: Your payment history and credit utilization will be reported to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion to help improve your credit scores.
No Security Deposit Required: Unlike secured credit cards, the Surge Platinum Mastercard doesn’t require an upfront security deposit, making it more accessible for those with limited funds.
Prequalification Available: You can check if you prequalify for the card without impacting your credit score.
Manage Your Account Online: Access your account 24/7 through the online portal and sign up for electronic statements to receive your Vantage 3.0 credit score from Experian.

Key Features of the Surge Platinum Mastercard

Credit Limit: Initial credit limit of $300 to $1,000, with the potential to double up to $2,000 after making six on-time payments.
Credit Reporting: Your payment history and credit utilization are reported to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion to help build your credit.
No Security Deposit: No need to tie up funds with a security deposit.
Prequalification: Check if you prequalify without a hard credit pull.
Online Account Access: Manage your account online 24/7 and sign up for electronic statements.
Accepted Everywhere: Use your Surge Platinum Mastercard wherever the Mastercard is accepted.

Cost and Fees of the Surge Platinum Mastercard

While the Surge Platinum Mastercard offers an accessible way to build credit, it does come with some costs and fees to be aware of:

Annual Fee: $75 to $125 annual fee, depending on your creditworthiness.
APR: 29.99% variable APR, which is on the higher end for credit cards.
Other Potential Fees: Late payment fees, returned payment fees, and foreign transaction fees may apply.

It’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions to understand all potential costs associated with the card.

How to Apply for the Surge Platinum Mastercard

Applying for the Surge Platinum Mastercard is a straightforward process:

Prequalify (Optional): You can start by prequalifying for the card on the Continental Finance website. This involves a soft credit pull that won’t impact your credit score.
Complete the Application: Fill out the application with your personal and financial information, including your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and income details.
Review and Submit: Carefully review the terms and conditions, and if you agree, submit your application.
Wait for a Decision: Continental Finance will review your application and make a decision, which may take a few days to a couple of weeks.

Activating Your Surge Platinum Mastercard

If approved, you’ll receive your new Surge Platinum Mastercard in the mail. Before you can start using it, you’ll need to activate the card by following the instructions provided.

Once your card is activated, you can create an online account to manage your Surge Platinum Mastercard. Here’s how:

Visit the Continental Finance website and click on the “Account Login” button.
Select “Register” to create a new account.
Enter your personal and account information as prompted.
Set up your username and password.

Through your online account, you can view your transactions, check your balance, make payments, and even sign up for electronic statements to receive your Vantage 3.0 credit score from Experian.

Forgotten Login Details

If you forget your login credentials, don’t worry. On the Continental Finance login page, you’ll find options to retrieve your username or reset your password.

Making Payments on Your Surge Platinum Mastercard

Staying on top of your payments is crucial for building credit with the Surge Platinum Mastercard. You can make payments in several ways:

Online: Log in to your online account and make a payment from your linked bank account or debit/credit card.
Phone: Call the customer service number on the back of your card to make a payment over the phone.
Mail: Send a check or money order to the payment address provided in your statement or cardholder agreement.
Automatic Payments: Set up automatic payments from your bank account to ensure you never miss a due date.

Making at least the minimum payment on time each month is essential to avoid late fees and negative impacts on your credit score.

Is It a Legitimate Credit Card?

The Surge Platinum Mastercard is indeed a legitimate credit card. Celtic Bank is the credit card issuer, and Continental Finance Company services it. Both are well-known financial institutions in the United States.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings and cardholder reviews provide some insights into its legitimacy and customer experiences. The BBB has not accredited Celtic Bank but has given it a B rating. The BBB has accredited Continental Finance Company and awarded it an A+ rating.

While those ratings indicate a level of trustworthiness, it’s still wise to thoroughly research any financial product before applying. Review the terms and conditions carefully, read reviews and experiences from current cardholders, and compare it against other credit card options to ensure it align with your goals and situation.

Is the Card Worth It?

Whether the Surge Platinum Mastercard is worth it for you depends on your specific financial circumstances and goals. Here are some key considerations:

It could be worthwhile if:

You are looking to build or rebuild your credit history from scratch or after past issues
You don’t want to tie up funds with a security deposit required for a secured card
You are enticed by the potential to increase your credit limit by making on-time payments
You don’t mind paying higher fees and interest rates in exchange for more accessibility

However, it may not be ideal if:

You plan to carry a balance, as the 29.99% APR is quite high
You want a card with a robust rewards program or more perks
You don’t think you’ll qualify for the higher end of the credit limit range
The annual fee of up to $125 doesn’t fit your budget

Ultimately, the Surge Platinum Mastercard could be a valuable tool for improving your credit if used responsibly, but you’ll need to weigh the costs against the benefits based on your situation. Review all the details, compare options, and determine if it supports your journey towards better credit or if another card may be more suitable.

Conclusion

The Surge Platinum Mastercard is a valuable tool for individuals looking to rebuild their credit or establish a credit history from scratch. With its potential for a credit limit increase, reporting to all three major credit bureaus, and no security deposit required, it offers a path to better credit scores.

It’s essential to understand the costs and fees associated with the card and to use it responsibly by making on-time payments and keeping your credit utilization low.