WalletHub Rating
2.2/5
The First Digital Mastercard is an expensive unsecured credit card for people with limited or bad credit. It charges a $95 “program fee” prior to account opening and has a $75 annual fee the first year. Then, starting year two, the annual fee drops to $48 but is joined by a monthly fee of $8.25. That’s a total of $147 in annual and monthly fees from the second year on. Info about the First Digital Mastercard® has been collected by WalletHub to help consumers better compare cards. The financial institution did not provide the details.
WalletHub Rating Breakdown
User Reviews
3.3/5
399 reviewsRead and write reviews
Editor’s Review
2.0/5
John Kiernan, Credit Card EditorRead full review
Market Comparison
Market Comparison
2.1
The Market Comparison is a key component of the WalletHub Rating, as it measures how appealing the terms of a card are compared to a pool of over 1,500 credit card offers monitored by WalletHub. To ensure cards are evaluated for their most relevant purpose, we score each card across various cardholder needs and select the rating for the need with the highest score, which is “Improve Credit by Paying in Full Each Month” for this card.
Fees
0.0
Rewards
5.0
Cost
1.8
Other Features
4.5
2.1/5
Compared against 1,500+ credit cards
KEY TERMS
Accepted Credit Scores
Accepted Credit Scores
Limited History, No Credit, Bad Credit
First Digital Card Fees
One-Time Fees→$95
Annual Fee→$75 1st yr, $48 after
Monthly Fee→$0 1st year, $8.25 after
First Digital Card APR on Purchases
35.99%
First Digital Card Rewards
Earn 1% cash back rewards on payments made to your First Digital Credit Card
See Cash Back Rewards Programs Terms & Conditions for details
First Digital Card's Additional Info
Checking Account Required
$300 credit limit (subject to available credit)
Build up your credit history with a card that reports to all three major credit bureaus every month.
Perfect credit not required for approval; we may approve you when others won’t.
*See Rates, Fees, Costs & Limitations for complete offer details
Issued by Synovus Bank, Member: FDIC
show more
Learn More
at First Digital's secure site
Editor's ReviewFact checked
Fact checked
John Kiernan, Managing Editor
September 12th, 2024
Fact Checked by Alina Comoreanu
Senior Researcher
First Digital Card Pros & Cons
Qualify with limited or no credit history
Does not require security deposit
One-time fees
High regular APR
Foreign fee
First Digital Card Review
2.0 / 5
The First Digital Mastercard is an expensive unsecured credit card for people with limited or bad credit. It charges a $95 “program fee” prior to account opening and has a $75 annual fee the first year. Then, starting year two, the annual fee drops to $48 but is joined by a monthly fee of $8.25. That’s a total of $147 in annual and monthly fees from the second year on.
In return, cardholders get a credit line of at least $300, with no deposit needed. This provides a small amount of emergency borrowing power, but it will be costly to carry a balance from month to month with this card, too. The First Digital Mastercard’s interest rate is a whopping 35.99% – nearly twice as high as the average credit card APR.
First Digital Mastercard cardholders also get the opportunity to build credit with responsible use, as the card reports account information to the three major credit bureaus on a monthly basis. But all major credit cards report to credit bureaus monthly, including secured credit cards, and most of them are much less expensive than the First Digital Mastercard.
Below, we’ll highlight the biggest strengths and weaknesses of this offer to help you decide whether applying for the First Digital Mastercard is really the right move for you.
First Digital Mastercard Review Highlights:
- High one-time fee: $95
Most credit cards do not charge one-time fees that you have to pay before opening an account. But some unsecured credit cards for people with bad credit, such as the First Digital Mastercard, charge this type of “program fee” or “application processing fee” in order to skirt a law prohibiting excessive fees the first year an account is open. - High annual fee: $75 first year, $48 after
The average credit card annual fee is about $22.22, and lots of credit cards for people with limited or bad credit have $0 annual fees. - High monthly fee: $0 1st year, $8.25 after
This monthly fee is the reason why the First Digital card’s drop in annual fee from year one to year two is unlikely to save you money. If you keep the card open for at least 8 months the second year, year two with the First Digital Mastercard will actually be more expensive. - High APR: 35.99%
Carrying a balance from month to month with the First Digital Mastercard is extremely expensive, thanks to an APR that’s nearly twice as high as the average credit card interest rate. That’s crucial because the ability to borrow money without prepaying is the main reason to use this card over a secured credit card, most of which charge much lower fees. - Low credit limit: $300+
First Digital Mastercard accountholders start off with just $225 in available credit, as the card’s $75 first-year annual fee is charged when you open an account. That means the card is only suitable for relatively minor emergency expenses. - Rewards: 1% cash back on all purchases, after paying the card’s bill
The First Digital Mastercard will reward you with 1% cash back in the form of a statement credit for payments made on your account. - Fairly high approval odds
The First Digital Mastercard advertises the ability to approve applicants that other credit card companies might reject. But there’s still a credit check when you apply, unlike some of the easiest credit cards to get.
It may not seem like people with limited or damaged credit have many good credit card options, but shopping around will increase your chances of finding the best credit card for your needs. So, before submitting an application, we recommend comparing the First Digital Mastercard to the best starter credit cards as well as the best credit cards for bad credit.
Show More
First Digital Card Video Review
Compare The First Digital Card vs. Popular Alternatives
 First Digital Mastercard® |  Discover it® Secured Credit Card |  Capital One Platinum Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
2.2WalletHub Rating WalletHub Rating 2.2 This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated this card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need with the highest score, which is "Improve Credit by Paying in Full Each Month." A score of 5 is the best a card can receive, and the rating for the card may vary on different pages where it is compared to other cards for different needs. Editor’s Rating 2.0 User Reviews 3.3 Market Comparison 2.1 fees: 0.0 rewards: 5.0 cost: 1.8 Other Features: 4.5 | 4.7WalletHub Rating WalletHub Rating 4.7 This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated this card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need with the highest score, which is "Improve Credit by Paying in Full Each Month." A score of 5 is the best a card can receive, and the rating for the card may vary on different pages where it is compared to other cards for different needs. Editor’s Rating 5.0 User Reviews 3.7 Market Comparison 4.8 fees: 5.0 rewards: 5.0 cost: 5.0 Other Features: 3.0 | 3.6WalletHub Rating WalletHub Rating 3.6 This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated this card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need with the highest score, which is "Improve Credit by Paying in Full Each Month." A score of 5 is the best a card can receive, and the rating for the card may vary on different pages where it is compared to other cards for different needs. Editor’s Rating 5.0 User Reviews 3.6 Market Comparison 3.4 fees: 5.0 rewards: 0.0 cost: 3.3 Other Features: 4.5 |
minimum depositNo Deposit Needed | minimum deposit$200 | minimum depositNo Deposit Needed |
one time fees$95 | one time fees$0 | one time fees$0 |
annual fee$75 1st yr, $48 after | annual fee$0 | annual fee$0 |
monthly fee$0 1st year, $8.25 after | monthly fee$0 | monthly fee$0 |
Regular APR35.99% | Regular APR28.24% Variable | Regular APR29.99% (V) |
rewards rate | rewards rate | rewards rate |
Sponsored Apply Now | Sponsored Apply Now |
Questions & Answers
Can't find what you are looking for? Submit your question about First Digital Mastercard® to our community. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by the issuer of this offer. 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.
Most Popular
How can I log in to my First Digital Mastercard account online?
Reply
1
Chip Lupo, Credit Card Writer
@CLoop
You can log in to your First Digital Mastercard® account by going to the login page on the First Digital website or mobile app and entering your username and password in the appropriate fields. Then, click the “Log In” to access your online account.
How to Register for Online Access on your First Digital Card Account
- Register your First Digital Card for online account access. Click “New here? Register” and enter your 16-digit account number, the last 4 digits of your Social Security number, your postal code, and your email address to verify your credit card account.
- Choose your First Digital Card username and password. Your username must be between 8 and 50 characters long, and can contain letters, numbers, periods, underscores, and the @ sign. Your password must be 8 to17 characters long; have no spaces; and have at least 1 lowercase letter, uppercase letter, number, and special character.
- Log in with your new First Digital Card credentials. From the login page on the First Digital website or its mobile app for iOS or Android, fill out the User ID and Password fields using your new credentials, and click “Log In” to access your account.
After you have signed up and logged in, you'll be able to manage your First Digital Card account online. You can pay your credit card bill, see credit card statements, monitor account activity, and change account information such as passwords and automatic payments.
If you forget your login information, click “Forgot your Password” on the First Digital login page. Then, follow the prompts to reset or retrieve your username or password.
Upvotes
What is the First Digital Card credit limit?
Reply
Chip Lupo, Credit Card Writer
@CLoop
The First Digital Card credit limit is $300 or more. Everyone who gets approved for First Digital Card is guaranteed a credit limit of at least $300, and particularly creditworthy applicants could get limits a lot higher than that. The higher an applicant's credit score and income are, the higher the starting credit limit is likely to be.
The First Digital Card credit limit that you start with isn't necessarily your credit line forever. You can ask to get a credit limit increase by calling the...
show more
1
Upvotes
Does First Digital Card offer rental car insurance?
Reply
Chip Lupo, Credit Card Writer
@CLoop
The First Digital Card does not offer a rental car insurance benefit. Even though the First Digital Card doesn't have rental car insurance, this perk is one of the handful of credit card benefits that still come with many credit card offers. If you'd like a credit card with rental car insurance, there are plenty of options.
In general, credit card rental car insurance provides coverage against damage and theft of a rental vehicle, usually up to the vehicle's actual...
show more
9
Upvotes
Is the First Digital Mastercard legit?
Reply
9
4
Chip Lupo, Credit Card Writer
@CLoop
Yes, the First Digital Mastercard® is legit. The First Digital Card is legit because it is issued by Synovus Bank, an FDIC member that is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has an “A+” BBB rating. The First Digital Card also reports information to the major credit bureaus each month.
Why The First Digital Card is Legit
- Issued by Synovus Bank, FDIC member and BBB accredited with an “A+” rating.
- Rated 2/5 stars by WalletHub editors.
- 3.3 / 5...
show more
2
2
View more answers
Upvotes
What is the First Digital Card credit score requirement?
Reply
Chip Lupo, Credit Card Writer
@CLoop
The First Digital Mastercard® credit score requirement is 500 or better. That means people with bad credit or better have a shot at getting approved for the First Digital 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 Digital Card, too. Some other key criteria include your income, existing debt load, number of open accounts, recent credit inquiries, employment...
show more
Upvotes
Does the First Digital Card have pre-approval?
Reply
Chip Lupo, Credit Card Writer
@CLoop
You cannot check for First Digital Card pre-approval. First Digital does not offer pre-approval through its website, so anyone interested in applying for the First Digital Card will have to do so without the benefit of checking for pre-approval beforehand.
You can, however, use WalletHub's CardAdvisor tool instead and learn how easy it is to find the right credit card for you. Just answer a few general questions, and based on your responses, CardAdvisor will provide you with...
show more
Upvotes
Is there a First Digital Credit Card mobile app?
Reply
Maria Adams, Credit Cards Moderator
@m_adams
Yes, there is a First Digital Card mobile app and it is available for both Android and iOS. The mobile app allows you to manage your credit card, check your balance and monitor your account activity, among other things.
This can make the First Digital Card mobile app a very convenient tool, because it allows you to manage your account on the go and from anywhere.
How to Download the First Digital Card Mobile App
- Visit the...
show more
6
Upvotes
What is the First Digital Mastercard APR?
Reply
6
1
Brianne Larch, WalletHub Credit Card Analyst
@BrianneLarch
The First Digital Card APR is 35.99%. That's one of the most expensive credit card APRs on the market, and the average credit card charges around 23.1%. Therefore, it's not a good idea to carry a balance on this card. The APR for cash advances (using your card like a debit card to withdraw cash) is equally high (35.99%). There is no penalty APR for late payments, although there is a hefty late fee.
While the...
show more
3
5
Upvotes
How much is the First Digital Mastercard annual fee?
Reply
5
1
Chip Lupo, Credit Card Writer
@CLoop
The First Digital Card annual fee is $75 1st yr, $48 after the first year. First Digital Card's $75 1st yr, $48 after annual fee is higher than the average annual fee among new credit card offers right now. It's not the only fee you need to worry about with the First Digital Mastercard®, either.
First Digital Card Fees
- Annual Fee: $75 1st yr, $48 after the first year
- Cash Advance Fee: 3% (min $10)
To learn more, refer to WalletHub's guide on credit card fees.
5
Upvotes
Do I need a checking account to get the First Digital Mastercard?
Reply
5
Maggie Bowers
@maggie_b
The First Digital Mastercards requires a checking account to apply.
The application is available online, and First Digital's website says you can get a decision in as little as 60 seconds.
4
Related Credit Cards From Our Partners
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Capital One Platinum Credit Card
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit
Indigo® Mastercard® for Less than Perfect Credit
Milestone® Mastercard®
Merrick Bank Secured Credit Card
Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card
Related Credit Card Categories
First Digital Mastercard® is related to the following categories:
Instant Approval Credit CardsUnsecured Credit CardsPoor CreditCredit Cards for 18-Year-Olds Mastercard RewardsUnsecured Mastercard Credit Cards
First Digital Card Reviews
Share your insights and review for the First Digital Mastercard®
5
30%
4
19%
3
20%
2
14%
1
18%
3.3
399 reviews
399 reviews
What's Your Rating?
Most Recent
gocwill768
@gocwill768
1 Star Rating
Please explain how you make a payment 3 weeks before it’s due and it is considered an extra payment for the previous month? No idea but that’s there practice. Poor, slow customer DISservice. If you’re rebuilding your credit pick a reputable bank, because they are not reputable.
Comment
Christie M Piper
@christiep_10
5 Star Rating
This was an Easy to get card with high interest rate. It is definitely a great way to build credit. There is a program fee of $95 you have to pay
Comment
1
shannenheyman
@shannenheyman
2 Star Rating
I received my card after paying the program fee, used the card and called to make a payment. It is very difficult to reach someone to pay the card that speaks English. I will be paying the card off in full withing the next couple of weeks and hope to reach someone I can talk to without difficulty.
Comment
1
Jonesfaithworks
@Jonesfaithworks
5 Star Rating
Thanks For Giving Me A Chance To Rebuilt and Restore My Credit!!! I’m One Step Closer To My Dreams and Goals‼️? Success In The Making‼️
Comment
2
temica leininger
@Tleininger
2 Star Rating
Its been over a month since i applied and paid my $95 program fee and i still have no card. I got an email stating there was a delay however, 30+ days is excessive. I also received a $77 bill from them. So now I have a bill, no card, and despite all my efforts to contact the company, no response. Not 1. The company is called first digital but ive not even been given the option of a digital card until mine arrives. The process to get the card is simple and that gets the 2 stars nothing else has been satisfactory for me.
Comment
8
kennyjoyner1
@kennyjoyner1
1 Star Rating
I guess I missed it, but after paying the $95 fee nearly a month later I still have not received my card. However, I received a bill of $41 with a $75 balance on the account for the annual fee. That's a total of $170 before I even have gotten a chance to use the card. Well, I'm not that desperate, I canceled and requested my $95 back which they say I will receive in 7 to 10 business days.
Comment
5
marianf
@marianf
2 Star Rating
I tried to use it on a purchase twice, it’s declined. I have $300 limit. I called the rep said that the company I was buying from probably used it as a debit card. This is the 3rd time this happened. Wish I had seen a few of these reviews before
Comment
5
paultrac
@paultrac
1 Star Rating
This Credit Card is the worst I have ever had. The support is disgusting that's if you can get them on the phone. If you have a dispute don't expect any results. They simply don't resolve it
Comment
7
whuser68841427
@whuser68841427
1 Star Rating
I hadn’t even received my new card yet and there were 3 unauthorized charges on my credit card on my first statement. I have been fighting with this company for over 60 days to remove the charges and they say they opened up an investigation on the charges and when I call back 2 weeks later they tell me the investigation has been closed with no further explanation. I open up another investigation and the same thing……2 weeks later I call and it’s been closed with no explanation? This has been going on for over 2 months and they won’t remove the charges. This company sucks! Told them to close my account and I will not be paying for those charges. I also reported them to the BBB for Fraudulent charges!
Comment
3
tabitha sigman
@Tk_851
1 Star Rating
BUYER BEWARE: I have a situation where my wallet was stolen. My credit cards were in my wallet. Before we caught it the thief racked up a HUGE bill..and my first digit card wound up over the limited because I refused to pay for it. To even speak to a fraud specialist or have a new card shipped first digitalis policy is that the owner of the card has to pay the balance down to 0. I was just told this by a customer service representative. They won't even close my account or send me a new card without me paying off the balance.
Comment
4
Shanna Curry
@reneshanna
How is that even possible?
Comment
2
1
Review First Digital Mastercard®
First Digital Mastercard®
Credit Cards
>
First Digital
Important Disclosures
Ad Disclosure: Certain offers that appear on this site originate from paying advertisers. For full transparency, here is a list of our current advertisers.
Advertising impacts how and where offers appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear and their prevalence). At WalletHub, we try to list as many credit card offers as possible and currently have more than 1,500 offers, but we do not list all available offers or financial service companies.
Advertising enables WalletHub to provide you proprietary tools, services, and content at no charge. Advertising does not impact WalletHub's editorial content including our best credit card picks, reviews, ratings and opinions. Those are completely independent and not provided, commissioned, or endorsed by any issuer, as our editors follow a strict editorial policy.
WalletHub is not a financial advisor. Our goal is to provide you with top-notch content, data, and tools. You are responsible for deciding what financial products and providers are best for your needs.
Irrespective of whether an institution or professional is a paid advertiser, the presence of information on WalletHub does not constitute a referral or endorsem*nt of the institution or professional by us or vice versa.
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. Actual terms may vary. Before submitting an application, always verify all terms and conditions with the offering institution. Please let us know if you notice any differences.
* The information about the following cards has been independently collected by WalletHub: First Digital Mastercard®.
