Total VISA Card Review
By: Heather Hanks July 10, 2020
The Total Visa card is ideal for people with damaged credit or who have struggled to improve their credit in the past. It has a quick application process and your activity will be reported to all three major credit reporting bureaus. All you need is a checking account to apply and become approved.
However, the Total Visa card comes with an $89 program fee and a $75 first-year fee. After that, you’ll pay $48 per year and a monthly service fee of $6.25. It also has a modest credit limit of $225. Additionally, if you have a balance from month-to-month, you’ll be subject to a 34.99% APR. This is one of the highest on the market. Before you apply for the Total Visa card, read our review here to get all the details.
What is the Total Visa Card?
The Total Visa card is issued by the Bank of Missouri under a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. The company can be contacted by email at [email protected] or via mail at P.O. Box 85710, Sioux Falls, SD 57118-5710. There are two phone numbers listed on the website. You can call 844-206-4371 for application questions or to pay your program fee and 844-548-9721 for general customer service questions. This is the only information about the company listed on the website.
The Total Visa card is an unsecured line of credit that is available to users with bad credit. The card doesn’t require much except a checking account to apply and become approved. They will also report your activity to all three major credit reporting agencies. This is a great way to boost your credit and ensure accuracy across all three agencies. However, there are several hidden fees to be aware of, including a higher than average APR. The card also cannot be used outside of the United States. If you’re looking for a travel card, then this one might not be for you.
What Does It Offer?
APR for purchases and cash advances: 34.99%
Program fee: $89 (one-time fee)
Annual fee: $75 for the first year and $48 after that
Monthly servicing fee: $0 for the first month and then $75 annual ($6.25 per month)
Cash advance fee: $0 for the first year and then either $10 or 3% of the amount after that (whichever is greater)
Late payment fee: up to $40
Returned payment fee: up to $40
Other fees: $35 express delivery fee and $3.00 copying fee of your billing statement per page
How Does It Work?
The Total Visa card allows you a chance to boost your credit by reporting to all three major credit reporting agencies. Your activity will be reported each time you make a timely payment. This will help you build a solid credit history over time. On the other hand, your activity will also be reported if you make a late payment. This can negatively affect your credit. The Total Visa card calculates your balance by using a method called average daily balance. This includes new purchases. You can always reject this plan as long as you have not used the card or paid a fee after receiving a billing statement. The company requires a one-time upfront fee of $89. This amount needs to be paid in full before you can open your account. Once they have received your payment and processed it, you can begin using your card.
Here is some important information to keep in mind in regards to how your account works:
When you become a card holder, you agree to allow Total Visa’s issuer to charge annual fees, monthly fees, and an additional card fee (if applicable) to your account.
You can apply for a credit limit increase after one year or 12 billing cycles. Total Visa has the right to deny your request if your account is not in good standing.
You will be charged 20% of the amount of your credit limit increase if your account is approved.
You are not liable for unauthorized use of your card, including if it’s lost or stolen. However, you must protect your rights by letting the issuer know either orally or in written form as soon as you become aware of unauthorized charges.
California residents are allowed to apply for a separate account from their spouse. Each shall have the right to the other’s account after they are approved.
The Total Visa card is not available in Wisconsin or New York.
If you notice an error on your account, you must notify the company 10 days before your billing due date or you will be responsible for paying it.
Total Visa Card: Pros and Cons
The Total Visa card is ideal if you have bad credit and can’t get approved for many other cards. The application process is quick and easy if you need a card right away. The only thing you need to have before you apply is a checking account. The Total Visa card reports your activity to all three major credit reporting agencies. Many other companies only report to one. You can use this to your advantage by paying all bills on time. This is the quickest way to boost your credit and ensure accuracy among the three different agencies.
However, this card comes with many hidden fees that you should be aware of before applying. On top of a one-time program fee of $89, you’ll be charged an annual fee of $75 the first year and $48 for every year after that. The credit limit is capped at $300. However, you will only have access to $225 initially. After one year, you will be eligible for a review to potentially increase your limit. This comes at a 20% fee of your increased limit. The Total Visa card is also higher than average at 34.99%. If you’re willing to overlook these fees, then the Total Visa card may have a place in your wallet.
Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Total Visa Card PROS
Total Visa Card CONS
With so many fees associated with the Total Visa card, you’ll want to make sure you have no other options before applying. If you use the card wisely, then you can take advantage of the credit reporting features to all three agencies. Make sure you pay all balances in full on your due date to increase your credit. Otherwise, this card may be too expensive for someone who does not have strong credit to begin with. Other cards are available for those with bad credit without program fees or annual fees. Be prepared to pay a fee if you decide to increase your credit limit. You will also need to have an active checking account open to qualify for this card.
The Total Visa card does not issue a large credit limit. This is a good thing if you have bad credit and need a card that will help you restore it. Taking on a credit limit bigger than what you can handle can negatively impact your score. One thing the Total Visa card does well is keep your credit limit modest to ensure you can make your payments. If you need a card that you can use to make larger payments, then you may want to consider looking elsewhere. You also can use this card to pay for gas, just not at the automated fuel pump.
When compared to other cards in its class, the Total Visa card offers one of the highest annual fees. There are also no reward rates or bonuses. The Total Visa card also has a much higher APR and lower overall rating scores than the competition. On the other hand, the Capital One Secured Mastercard comes with no annual fees, better ratings, and a lower APR. The Credit One Bank Visa is also another good option. It provides up to 1% cash back and an APR of 17.99% to 23.99% (check the company’s website for exact details). However, these cards may require you to have a better credit than the Total Visa card.
How To Apply
The Total Visa card ensures a fast and quick application process as one of its perks. The website states that you can be approved within seconds. The application asks for the following information:
After you enter this information, you’ll need to verify that you have a checking account. Then you’ll get to choose from one of six card designs. Finally, you’ll have to verify that you are a United States citizen over the age of 18. The Total Visa platform is secure and it only takes a few minutes to complete the application. Once you’ve finished entering in all of your information, you should know within 60 seconds if you are approved.
Many people like this card for its quick approval response. Be aware that the Total Visa issuers may pull a hard inquiry on your credit to determine your creditworthiness. Having too many of these on your credit report can negatively affect your score. However, the Total Visa card is targeted toward those with bad credit. This means you can apply even if you have less than perfect credit and want to work toward a better financial future.
The above review on the Total Visa card is based solely on the opinion of the credit experts at Creditnervana. The Total Visa card scores low for its hidden fees, high APRs, and low credit limit. You’ll pay a one-time program fee of $89 and $75 in annual fees for your first year. After that, you’ll pay $48 annually. You’ll also have to pay a 20% fee if you get approved for a higher credit limit. The Total Visa card has a steep APR of 34.99% for purchases and cash advances.
However, the card is available as an option for those with less than perfect credit. They also report your activity to all three major credit reporting agencies. This can help boost your credit as long as you make your payments on time each month. Also, the application process is quick and easy. You’ll be approved within 60 seconds after filling out your application. Keep in mind that you can’t use this card outside of the United States or at automated fuel pumps. Choose another card if you’re not a fan of hidden fees or need a better travel card.
Disclaimer
CreditNervana promises to keep our information as accurate and up-to-date as possible. However, you should always consult a financial advisor for specific questions about personal or business finances and investment opportunities, especially if you are looking in your area. Working with a trained professional who is familiar with your case is a safe and guaranteed way to make the best investment decision possible. Please review our terms and conditions before making any decision based on the information we provide. Financial institutions are constantly changing. Because of this, it’s a good idea to cross check the information you read here with any company you are considering working with.
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