The Revel Mastercard is an unsecured credit card for bad credit that charges $75 to $125 in annual fees depending on your credit limit, and unlike most cards in this category, it is only available through a mail offer, not an open online application, according to AskMrCreditCard.
Issued by The Bank of Missouri and serviced by Continental Finance, Revel targets consumers with poor credit (FICO 629 or lower) who want to avoid a security deposit. If you received a Revel mail offer, it will list one of four credit limit tiers: $300, $500, $750, or $1,000, and the account reports monthly to Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax.
Key Details at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Issuer | The Bank of Missouri, serviced by Continental Finance |
| How to Apply | Mail offer only, no open online application |
| Annual Fee | $75 to $125 first year, $99 to $125 renewal |
| Monthly Fee | $0 to $10/month starting year two (up to $120/year); waived on $750 and $1,000 tiers |
| APR | Around 30% fixed |
| Starting Credit Limit | $300, $500, $750, or $1,000, per your specific mail offer |
| Credit Limit Increase | Can double after 6 months of on-time payments, up to $4,000 max |
Because Revel is invitation-only, there is no general prequalification page to check odds in advance. If you received a genuine Revel offer letter, it will include an offer code tied to your name and address. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recommends verifying any mail credit card offer directly with the issuer before responding, rather than through a link or phone number printed only on the mailer itself.
Why the Tier You’re Offered Changes the Math
Like its sibling Surge, Revel’s real cost depends heavily on which of the four tiers appears on your mail offer. According to AskMrCreditCard, the $750 and $1,000 versions charge only the annual fee with no monthly maintenance fee at all, while the $300 and $500 versions add a monthly fee on top once year two begins.
NerdWallet also flags an unusual charge worth knowing about: a $9.95 one-time fee applies if you choose a “premium” colored version of the card instead of the standard platinum design, a fee most competing cards in this category don’t have.
Pros and Cons
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Cons
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Who Should Get This Card
The Revel Mastercard fits some financial situations better than others, especially depending on whether you have an active mail offer.
| Profile | Fit |
|---|---|
| Received a genuine Revel mail offer | Good fit to evaluate, especially at the $750 or $1,000 tier |
| Wants room to grow the credit limit over time | Good fit: up to $4,000 maximum limit |
| Wants to apply online without waiting for a mail offer | Poor fit: try the Surge Mastercard instead |
| Wants the lowest possible ongoing cost | Consider the Cerulean Mastercard instead |
If you didn’t receive a Revel mail offer, our Surge Mastercard review covers a nearly identical tiered structure from the same servicer that you can apply for online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Revel Mastercard a legitimate credit card?
Yes. Revel is issued by The Bank of Missouri, an FDIC-insured bank, and serviced by Continental Finance. It reports account activity to Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax every month.
Can I apply for the Revel Mastercard online?
No. Revel is currently only available through a mail pre-approval offer, so you cannot search for and submit an open application the way you can with most other cards in this category.
Does Revel charge a monthly fee?
It depends on your credit limit tier. Cardholders at the $300 or $500 tier pay a monthly fee starting in year two. Cardholders at the $750 or $1,000 tier pay no monthly fee at all.
Can my Revel credit limit increase?
Yes. Cardholders who make their first six monthly minimum payments on time can have their credit limit doubled, with a maximum credit limit of $4,000 over time.
Does Revel require a security deposit?
No. Revel is an unsecured credit card, meaning approved applicants don’t need to put down any cash deposit to open the account.
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.