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5 Things to Know About the Fortiva Credit Card
5 Things to Know About the Fortiva Credit Card
The card’s fees and interest rates combined make it a poor long-term option for building credit.Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us when you click to or take an action on their website, but this does not influence our evaluations or ratings. Our opinions are our own.
Updated · 4 min read Written by Senior Writer & Content Strategist + more + more Edited by + more + more SOME CARD INFO MAY BE OUTDATEDThis page includes information about these cards, currently unavailable on NerdWallet. The information has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been provided or reviewed by the card issuer.
The Fortiva Credit Card, issued by The Bank of Missouri and serviced by the fintech company Atlanticus, is an unsecured option for those with less-than-ideal credit. Without a security deposit requirement, this card can be alluring, but its fees and rates make it costly to hold. Depending on your creditworthiness, the fees on this credit card may come close to adding up to a typical deposit requirement except that you'll never get that money back. The price of this card makes it a poor long-term option for building credit. Here’s what you need to know about the Fortiva Credit Card. » MORE: Can’t get a credit card? Try these alternative options » MORE: Nerdy PerspectiveWhat are the most important things to consider when getting started with credit cards?
writer, credit cards
"The purpose of your first credit card is to not only to build credit, but also to help you build good habits. Good credit card habits include paying your balance off on time and in full every month, using less than 30% of your credit limit and tracking your expenses to make sure you’re not spending more than you can afford." "The purpose of your first credit card is to not only to build credit, but also to help you build good habits. Good credit card habits include paying your balance off on time and in full every month, using less than 30% of your credit limit and tracking your expenses to make sure you’re not spending more than you can afford."writer, credit cards
writer, credit cards
"Avoid annual fees on a credit card when your goal is to build credit. You’ll hopefully work your way up to better credit eventually and don't want to get stuck with a card with an annual fee. Closing the card is an option, but doing so can have a negative impact on your credit score and dampen your goals. It helps to choose strategically from the beginning. Don't overlook secured credit cards because they require a deposit upfront. If you can swing it, one that offers a path to someday upgrade to a better option with the same issuer can be a useful credit-building tool. Paying on time makes you eligible to get the deposit back once you’re upgraded, putting credit goals on track and setting you up with a small emergency fund that could keep debt at bay." "Avoid annual fees on a credit card when your goal is to build credit. You’ll hopefully work your way up to better credit eventually and don't want to get stuck with a card with an annual fee. Closing the card is an option, but doing so can have a negative impact on your credit score and dampen your goals. It helps to choose strategically from the beginning. Don't overlook secured credit cards because they require a deposit upfront. If you can swing it, one that offers a path to someday upgrade to a better option with the same issuer can be a useful credit-building tool. Paying on time makes you eligible to get the deposit back once you’re upgraded, putting credit goals on track and setting you up with a small emergency fund that could keep debt at bay."writer, credit cards
writer, credit cards
"I chose my first credit card simply because a friend had the same one and I didn't know any better. What I wish I had known then: Look for a card with no annual fee that reports to all three credit bureaus. Then, when you get your first card, set yourself up for success by opting into payment reminders, spending alerts and fraud notifications. Doing so can help you avoid missing a payment or overspending, both of which can damage your credit score." "I chose my first credit card simply because a friend had the same one and I didn't know any better. What I wish I had known then: Look for a card with no annual fee that reports to all three credit bureaus. Then, when you get your first card, set yourself up for success by opting into payment reminders, spending alerts and fraud notifications. Doing so can help you avoid missing a payment or overspending, both of which can damage your credit score."writer, credit cards
writer, travel rewards
"Don't get fixated on your credit score when you're starting out! Sign up for your first card and handle that credit responsibly. With a year or less of on-time payments, you'll start to see your score increase. Then you can start looking for a card that may be more rewarding for your specific spending habits." "Don't get fixated on your credit score when you're starting out! Sign up for your first card and handle that credit responsibly. With a year or less of on-time payments, you'll start to see your score increase. Then you can start looking for a card that may be more rewarding for your specific spending habits."writer, travel rewards
writer, credit cards
"The purpose of your first credit card is to not only to build credit, but also to help you build good habits. Good credit card habits include paying your balance off on time and in full every month, using less than 30% of your credit limit and tracking your expenses to make sure you’re not spending more than you can afford." "The purpose of your first credit card is to not only to build credit, but also to help you build good habits. Good credit card habits include paying your balance off on time and in full every month, using less than 30% of your credit limit and tracking your expenses to make sure you’re not spending more than you can afford."writer, credit cards
writer, credit cards
"Avoid annual fees on a credit card when your goal is to build credit. You’ll hopefully work your way up to better credit eventually and don't want to get stuck with a card with an annual fee. Closing the card is an option, but doing so can have a negative impact on your credit score and dampen your goals. It helps to choose strategically from the beginning. Don't overlook secured credit cards because they require a deposit upfront. If you can swing it, one that offers a path to someday upgrade to a better option with the same issuer can be a useful credit-building tool. Paying on time makes you eligible to get the deposit back once you’re upgraded, putting credit goals on track and setting you up with a small emergency fund that could keep debt at bay." "Avoid annual fees on a credit card when your goal is to build credit. You’ll hopefully work your way up to better credit eventually and don't want to get stuck with a card with an annual fee. Closing the card is an option, but doing so can have a negative impact on your credit score and dampen your goals. It helps to choose strategically from the beginning. Don't overlook secured credit cards because they require a deposit upfront. If you can swing it, one that offers a path to someday upgrade to a better option with the same issuer can be a useful credit-building tool. Paying on time makes you eligible to get the deposit back once you’re upgraded, putting credit goals on track and setting you up with a small emergency fund that could keep debt at bay."writer, credit cards
writer, credit cards
"I chose my first credit card simply because a friend had the same one and I didn't know any better. What I wish I had known then: Look for a card with no annual fee that reports to all three credit bureaus. Then, when you get your first card, set yourself up for success by opting into payment reminders, spending alerts and fraud notifications. Doing so can help you avoid missing a payment or overspending, both of which can damage your credit score." "I chose my first credit card simply because a friend had the same one and I didn't know any better. What I wish I had known then: Look for a card with no annual fee that reports to all three credit bureaus. Then, when you get your first card, set yourself up for success by opting into payment reminders, spending alerts and fraud notifications. Doing so can help you avoid missing a payment or overspending, both of which can damage your credit score."writer, credit cards
writer, travel rewards
"Don't get fixated on your credit score when you're starting out! Sign up for your first card and handle that credit responsibly. With a year or less of on-time payments, you'll start to see your score increase. Then you can start looking for a card that may be more rewarding for your specific spending habits." "Don't get fixated on your credit score when you're starting out! Sign up for your first card and handle that credit responsibly. With a year or less of on-time payments, you'll start to see your score increase. Then you can start looking for a card that may be more rewarding for your specific spending habits."writer, travel rewards
writer, credit cards
"The purpose of your first credit card is to not only to build credit, but also to help you build good habits. Good credit card habits include paying your balance off on time and in full every month, using less than 30% of your credit limit and tracking your expenses to make sure you’re not spending more than you can afford." "The purpose of your first credit card is to not only to build credit, but also to help you build good habits. Good credit card habits include paying your balance off on time and in full every month, using less than 30% of your credit limit and tracking your expenses to make sure you’re not spending more than you can afford."writer, credit cards
writer, credit cards
"Avoid annual fees on a credit card when your goal is to build credit. You’ll hopefully work your way up to better credit eventually and don't want to get stuck with a card with an annual fee. Closing the card is an option, but doing so can have a negative impact on your credit score and dampen your goals. It helps to choose strategically from the beginning. Don't overlook secured credit cards because they require a deposit upfront. If you can swing it, one that offers a path to someday upgrade to a better option with the same issuer can be a useful credit-building tool. Paying on time makes you eligible to get the deposit back once you’re upgraded, putting credit goals on track and setting you up with a small emergency fund that could keep debt at bay." "Avoid annual fees on a credit card when your goal is to build credit. You’ll hopefully work your way up to better credit eventually and don't want to get stuck with a card with an annual fee. Closing the card is an option, but doing so can have a negative impact on your credit score and dampen your goals. It helps to choose strategically from the beginning. Don't overlook secured credit cards because they require a deposit upfront. If you can swing it, one that offers a path to someday upgrade to a better option with the same issuer can be a useful credit-building tool. Paying on time makes you eligible to get the deposit back once you’re upgraded, putting credit goals on track and setting you up with a small emergency fund that could keep debt at bay."writer, credit cards
writer, credit cards
"I chose my first credit card simply because a friend had the same one and I didn't know any better. What I wish I had known then: Look for a card with no annual fee that reports to all three credit bureaus. Then, when you get your first card, set yourself up for success by opting into payment reminders, spending alerts and fraud notifications. Doing so can help you avoid missing a payment or overspending, both of which can damage your credit score." "I chose my first credit card simply because a friend had the same one and I didn't know any better. What I wish I had known then: Look for a card with no annual fee that reports to all three credit bureaus. Then, when you get your first card, set yourself up for success by opting into payment reminders, spending alerts and fraud notifications. Doing so can help you avoid missing a payment or overspending, both of which can damage your credit score."writer, credit cards
writer, travel rewards
"Don't get fixated on your credit score when you're starting out! Sign up for your first card and handle that credit responsibly. With a year or less of on-time payments, you'll start to see your score increase. Then you can start looking for a card that may be more rewarding for your specific spending habits." "Don't get fixated on your credit score when you're starting out! Sign up for your first card and handle that credit responsibly. With a year or less of on-time payments, you'll start to see your score increase. Then you can start looking for a card that may be more rewarding for your specific spending habits."writer, travel rewards
1. You are preapproved with a mail offer
You can use the acceptance code from a mailed offer to explore the terms on the card’s website. One benefit of this card is that you’ll get to see the odds of approval without any impact to your credit scores, but other credit cards can also offer that option in addition to lower costs. Preapproval does not guarantee that you'll get the card; it's more of a soft "yes" based on the information in your credit report. If you make it beyond that step and officially apply, you'll then get a firm approval or rejection based on eligibility. At this point in the process, there is a hard inquiry that can temporarily affect credit scores, but that’s typical with most credit card issuers. ? Nerdy Tip Depending on eligibility, you might qualify for the Fortiva Credit Card or the Fortiva Cash Back Rewards Card. With the cash-back option, you can earn up to 3% cash back in qualifying categories and 1% on everything else. The Fortiva Cash Back Rewards Card is also heavy on fees and has a high annual percentage rate, or APR, to consider, so it's critical to not give much weight to incentives. The ongoing costs will easily eclipse the value of rewards.2. Weighty fees can dip into your budget
Depending on your terms, the Fortiva Credit Card can pile on the fees. Whether you’re on the low end or the high end of the fee spectrum, the price isn’t sustainable or ideal over a long term. The card’s fees include: An annual fee: From $49 to $175 the first year, and after that it’s $0 to $49 annually. An annual fee: An account maintenance fee: From $60 to $180 annually (billed monthly). An account maintenance fee: A late payment fee: Up to $41. A late payment fee: Authorized user: $19 to add another user to your account. Authorized user: Authorized user: If you can afford to pay the fees on this card, you’re better off opting for a secured credit card with a deposit. If you have a good payment history, the money is returned when you close the card or the issuer allows you to upgrade to a better option. One ideal quality of a credit-builder card is that it's easy to keep open over a long period of time. The length of your credit history factors into credit scores, so closing a credit card can negatively affect them. A secured credit card is an exception because closing the card oftentimes is essential to getting the deposit back. » MORE: See NerdWallet’s best credit cards for bad credit » MORE:3. The APR for transactions could be a debt magnet
It’s critical to your financial health to avoid carrying a balance on the Fortiva Credit Card. The APR for purchases ranges from 22.74% to 36%, based on creditworthiness (rate accurate as of March 2023). If you’re paying annual fees, monthly maintenance fees and an exorbitant APR, that’s a toxic combination that can lead to debt. For this same reason, you want to avoid cash advances whenever possible. They charge the same interest rate, and there’s a fee of $5 or 5%, whichever is greater, of the amount of every transaction. To avoid interest charges, consider: The Chime Card™ can help you avoid fees and interest because it doesn’t allow carrying a balance from one month to the next. It doesn’t require an upfront security deposit or a credit check. Instead, it requires a Chime® checking account to fund the ongoing security deposit in the amount of your choice. You can spend only as much money as is set aside for the Chime Card™. And if you need cash, the Chime checking account has a program that may allow overdrafts of up to $200 with no fees, if you can qualify. Terms apply. To avoid interest charges, consider: Chime Card™ Chime Card™ Chime Card™ NerdWallet rating Annual fee $0 Apply now Apply now READ REVIEW See more from Chime® Chime says the following: The secured Chime Visa® Credit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your card for its issuing bank. Based on a representative study conducted by Experian® in Sept 2025, the top 10% of members who made their first purchase with Credit Builder, an earlier version of Chime Card™, between April and August 2024, observed a FICO® Score 8 increase of 71 points after approximately 8 months. Average increase of 28 points across all participants in the study. Credit score improvement not guaranteed. Paying on time may increase your score, while late payment may decrease your score. Other credit activity can impact your score. Credit score is one of many factors creditors may consider in evaluating credit applications. Chime Card™ On-time payment history may have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score. Results may vary. Chime will report your activities to Transunion®, Experian®, and Equifax®. Impact on your credit may vary, as Credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations. Money added to the Chime Card™ will be held in a secured deposit account as collateral for your Chime Card™, and you can spend up to this amount. You can use money deposited in your Secured Deposit Account to pay off your charges at the end of every month. Chime Card™ Chime Card™ Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and over the counter advance fees may apply. SpotMe® on Credit is an optional, no interest / no fee overdraft line of credit tied to the Secured Deposit Account available to qualifying members with an active Chime Card Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Chime Card service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime® Checking Account each month and have activated your physical secured Chime Visa® Credit Card or Chime Visa® Debit Card. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Secured Deposit Account up to $20, but may later be eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe on Chime Card Limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime’s or its banking partners’ discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Chime Card, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions and fees associated with OTC cash withdrawals. SpotMe on Chime Card won’t cover non-card transactions. SpotMe on Chime Card Terms and Conditions. With a qualifying direct deposit, earn 1.5% cash back on eligible secured Chime Visa® Credit Card purchases. » MORE: See NerdWallet’s best credit cards with no credit check » MORE:4. It packs credit-building features
The Fortiva Credit Card has some ideal credit-building features, but the costs of the card cancel them out. It reports payments to all three major credit bureaus, a key step in building credit. As a cardholder, you’ll also get periodic reviews for credit limit increases. A credit limit bump can help credit scores along because it can lower your credit utilization ratio, the amount of available credit used compared with the card's credit limit. It’s a key factor that affects credit scores. The Fortiva Credit Card's credit limit can go as high as $2,000, depending on eligibility and the invitation channel. Periodic reviews may also allow you to graduate to different products or get fee reductions, according to Fortiva. For credit limit increases and lower costs, consider: The $0-annual-fee Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card reports to all three major credit bureaus, and it can offer the chance to qualify with a security deposit of $49, $99 or $200, depending on eligibility. In as little as six months, you’re also automatically considered for a credit limit increase. As long as you maintain a good payment history, the deposit is returned and you might be able to upgrade to the unsecured Capital One Platinum Credit Card. For credit limit increases and lower costs, consider: $0 Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card Capital One Platinum Credit Card Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card NerdWallet rating Annual fee $0 READ REVIEW » MORE: See NerdWallet’s best credit cards to build credit » MORE:5. The credit protection program is optional
The Fortiva Credit Card offers an optional credit protection program that covers the minimum payment owed, up to six months, if you become unemployed, disabled or hospitalized. In the event of loss of life, the program cancels all or a portion of your outstanding debt, up to a certain amount. Terms apply. To exercise the benefit, you’ll have to file a claim by phone or mail. To qualify for coverage, you’ll have to pay 89 cents for every $100 of the outstanding balance. If you have a balance of $500, that’s a monthly cost of around $5 until the balance decreases. This option likely isn’t worth the cost. It’s another fee that can add to the costs of owning this card. Generally, after loss of life, your estate is responsible for any unpaid debts. If there is no money or property left to cover those balances, the debt is typically left unpaid. In the event of hospitalization, the program can cover the minimum payment for six months, but interest still accrues, and any annual fee is deferred until the benefit period ends. And if you can qualify for unemployment or disability insurance, coverage may not be needed for those situations. » SEE: How to find the best credit card for you » SEE: Article sources NerdWallet writers are subject matter authorities who use primary, trustworthy sources to inform their work, including peer-reviewed studies, government websites, academic research and interviews with industry experts. All content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness and relevance. You can learn more about NerdWallet's high standards for journalism by reading our editorial guidelines. About the author Melissa Lambarena Melissa is a credit cards writer at NerdWallet. Her work has been featured by The Associated Press, New York Times, Washington Post and USA Today. See full bio. Helpful resources Best Cash Back Credit Cards Best Travel Credit Cards Best Balance Transfer Credit CardsFind the right credit card for you.
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