The First Access Visa Card is an unsecured card for bad credit that charges a $95 one-time program fee before the account even opens, plus an annual fee of $50 to $125 depending on the credit limit assigned, according to Fortunly and WalletHub.
Issued by The Bank of Missouri, First Access targets consumers with a FICO score in the 550 to 620 range who want to avoid a security deposit. Approved cardholders start with a $200 to $500 credit limit, a checking account is required to apply, and the account reports monthly to Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax.
Key Details at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Issuer | The Bank of Missouri |
| Network | Visa |
| Program Fee | $95 (one-time, before account opens) |
| Annual Fee | $50 to $125, depending on credit limit tier |
| APR | 35.99% fixed |
| Starting Credit Limit | $200 to $500 |
| Credit Limit Increase | Available after 12 months, for a fee of 25% of the increase |
| Rewards | 1% cash back on payments made (not purchases) |
Applicants can check their approval odds through the official First Access prequalification page, which uses a soft credit pull that does not affect your credit score.
Two Fees Worth Reading Twice
Most cards in this category charge fees on the front end and stop there. First Access adds two structural fees that stand out even in this category. First, according to Kudos, the $95 program fee does not count toward your credit limit at all, unlike the annual fee, which is billed directly to the card and reduces available credit from day one.
Second, the credit limit increase available after 12 months carries a fee equal to 25% of the increase itself, per WalletHub’s terms breakdown. That is a meaningfully different structure than cards like Reflex or Surge, where a limit increase after on-time payments does not cost anything extra.
Pros and Cons
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Cons
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Who Should Get This Card
The First Access Visa Card fits some financial situations better than others.
| Profile | Fit |
|---|---|
| FICO score in the 550 to 620 range | Good fit: matches the card’s target range |
| Wants a card on the Visa network specifically | Good fit: one of the few subprime options on Visa |
| Expects to need a credit limit increase soon | Poor fit: compare the Reflex Mastercard, where increases are free |
| Wants the lowest possible total fees | Consider the Destiny Mastercard instead |
If First Access’s fee structure gives you pause, our Cerulean Mastercard review covers another Bank of Missouri card with a lower APR, and our Fit Mastercard review breaks down a similar-tier alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the First Access Visa Card a legitimate credit card?
Yes. First Access is issued by The Bank of Missouri, an FDIC-insured bank. It reports account activity to Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax every month.
Does First Access require a security deposit?
No. First Access is an unsecured credit card, meaning approved applicants do not need to put down any cash deposit to open the account.
How much does the First Access Visa Card cost per year?
The one-time program fee is $95, plus an annual fee of $50 to $125 depending on your credit limit tier. A monthly maintenance fee also applies starting in year two.
Does First Access offer cash back?
Yes, but only on payments made toward the balance, not on purchases. Cardholders earn 1% back on payments, a different structure than most rewards cards.
Can I check if I qualify without hurting my credit score?
Yes. First Access’s prequalification process uses a soft credit pull, which does not affect your credit score. A hard inquiry only occurs if you proceed with the full application.
Disclaimer: We are not financial advisors. This review is for informational purposes only and reflects publicly available terms as of 2026. Card terms, fees, and APRs can change. Always confirm current details directly with the issuer before applying.