Milestone® Mastercard®: Build Credit with No Deposit

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Key takeaways

The Milestone® Mastercard® offers an opportunity for individuals to build or rebuild their credit without the need for a security deposit.
This card is accessible to those with poor credit. It provides a chance to improve credit scores through responsible use and on-time payments.
Potential applicants should carefully review the fine print including all potential fees.

The Milestone® Mastercard® is specifically designed to help individuals with little to no credit build a positive payment history. By consistently paying your bills on time and in full, and maintaining low balances, you should see your credit score improve over time. This unsecured credit card accepts applicants with all types of credit backgrounds, including those who have experienced past bankruptcies. One of the standout features of the Milestone® Mastercard® is that it does not require a security deposit, making it an ideal option if you are strapped for cash or unable to commit to a secured card’s upfront costs. Additionally, the card offers a quick and easy application process, allowing you to get started on your credit-building journey without unnecessary delays.

If the benefits of the Milestone® Mastercard® align with your financial needs and goals, continue reading to learn more about how this card can be a valuable tool in improving your creditworthiness and achieving a more secure financial future.

What we like about Milestone® Mastercard®

Credit made accessible

The Milestone® Mastercard® is a solid choice if you’re looking to build or rebuild your credit, especially if you’ve had past financial issues such as bankruptcy that make obtaining a credit card challenging. This card is designed with an inclusive approach, making it an appealing option for a wide range of consumers who might otherwise struggle to get approved for a credit card. Unlike many other cards aimed at individuals with poor or no credit, the Milestone® Mastercard® does not require a security deposit, which can be a significant barrier for many. Instead, it offers the convenience and flexibility of an unsecured card while providing a pathway to improve your credit score through responsible use.

The convenience of a Mastercard®, even with less than perfect credit!

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Prequalify for instant credit

You can prequalify for the Milestone® Mastercard® without hurting your credit score, which is a significant advantage for those who are cautious about maintaining their current credit standing. Milestone® will only conduct a soft credit pull to check your finances during the prequalification process. This means your credit score will not be affected, allowing you to explore your options without any negative impact. Prequalifying is not a guarantee of approval, but it offers a simple and risk-free way to see if you are likely to be accepted for the card.

If you decide to proceed with a formal application after prequalifying, Milestone® will then perform a hard credit check. This hard inquiry may result in a temporary dip in your credit score, which is a standard part of the application process for most credit cards. It’s important to be aware of this potential impact and to consider it when deciding to move forward with your application. However, the benefits of gaining access to an unsecured credit card like the Milestone® Mastercard®—which can help you build or rebuild your credit through responsible use—often outweigh the temporary effects of a hard inquiry.

No security deposit required

Unlike many credit cards targeted toward individuals with lower credit scores, the Milestone® Mastercard® is a regular credit card and does not require a security deposit. This is great if you don’t have upfront cash to deposit and need a line of credit.

Reports to all three credit bureaus

When you’re looking to improve your credit score, credit reporting is a must. The Milestone® Mastercard® reports to all three major credit bureaus – Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. This is essential since payment history is the most important factor in building credit. Pay your bills in full and on time, and keep your credit utilization low, and you should see a boost in a few months.

Not sure if Milestone® Mastercard® is the one for you?

Check out the best unsecured cards for bad credit to find your match.

Complete with Mastercard® features

Being a credit-building card doesn’t mean skimping on features. As part of the Mastercard® network, Milestone® can offer users plenty of perks.

Mastercard® Global Service gives you 24/7 assistance worldwide in case your card is lost or stolen. It covers lost or stolen card reporting, emergency card replacement, and emergency cash advances.

Zero Liability Protection means you are not responsible for unauthorized transactions, adding an extra layer of security to your finances and giving you peace of mind.

Mastercard® Airport Concierge lets you enjoy 15% off on airport meet and greet services, which are available round the clock in 700 destinations worldwide.

Identity Theft Monitoring is a crucial feature in today’s digital age. This service helps to safeguard your personal information including your social security number, email addresses, bank accounts, credit cards, and more.

Credit protection

You can choose to enroll in credit protection with the Milestone® Mastercard®, a feature that can be a lifesaver if unexpected events impact your ability to pay your credit card bill. This optional service is designed to provide peace of mind by offering a safety net during times of financial difficulty. Eligible unforeseen events that can trigger credit protection include involuntary termination of employment, disability, hospitalization, natural disasters, and loss of life. These circumstances can severely disrupt your ability to manage your finances, making credit protection a valuable addition to your financial planning.

Credit protection can help by potentially pausing or covering your payments during these challenging times, preventing your credit score from taking a hit due to missed payments. However, it is important to be aware that there are specific restrictions and eligibility criteria associated with this service. Even if you experience one of the covered events, you may not automatically qualify for benefits, depending on the terms and conditions set forth by the credit protection plan.

Overlimit coverage

The Milestone® Mastercard® offers optional overlimit coverage, a feature that ensures your transactions will be processed even if you exceed your credit limit. This can be particularly beneficial in situations where you need to make an essential purchase and don’t have enough available credit. With overlimit coverage, you avoid the inconvenience and potential embarrassment of having your card declined at the point of sale.

It’s important to note that this convenience comes with a fee of up to $41 each time you exceed your credit limit. Before enrolling in overlimit coverage, you should carefully consider whether this fee is worth the benefit of uninterrupted purchasing power. For those who prioritize having a safety net for unexpected expenses or emergencies, the fee might be justifiable. On the other hand, if you are diligent about monitoring your spending and maintaining a low credit utilization rate, you may find that you rarely, if ever, need to rely on this feature.

Enrolling in overlimit coverage can provide peace of mind, knowing that you have a backup plan in place should you temporarily run out of credit.

Great Card for Building Credit!

“I have had this card for about two years and I’ve honestly had a really pleasant experience with it. I applied for this card because I needed to rebuild my credit and wanted a low-balance non-secured credit card to do so. The card itself doesn’t really have a lot of benefits, per se, but it did exactly what I needed it to do. As soon as I was approved for the card and started using it, my credit score rose 30 points! My card arrived quickly and the setup process was easy (I literally called the activation phone number at 12:30 am and my card was activated by 12:32 am). If you are looking for a card that will help you rebuild your credit and keep you accountable, give Milestone a try!” Carina M

What to watch out for with Milestone® Mastercard®

High APR

One significant downside of the Milestone® Mastercard® is its high annual percentage rate (APR). The card’s APR ranges from 24.90% to 35.90%, which is considerably higher than the average APR for credit cards. This high APR can be particularly concerning if you plan on carrying a balance from month to month, as it can result in substantial interest charges over time. These interest charges can quickly add up, making it more challenging to pay down your balance and potentially leading to a cycle of debt.

If you are unable to pay your balance in full each month, the high APR can significantly increase the total cost of your purchases. For example, even a relatively small balance can accrue a substantial amount of interest, making it harder to achieve your goal of improving your credit score. It is important to carefully consider your ability to manage and pay off your balance regularly to avoid the financial strain caused by high interest rates.

For those who are diligent about paying their balance in full each billing cycle, the high APR may not pose as much of an issue. However, if you anticipate needing to carry a balance, it’s crucial to weigh this factor heavily in your decision-making process. Exploring other credit card options with lower APRs might be beneficial in such cases, as it can save you money in the long run and make debt management more manageable.

Greater access to credit than before – $700 credit limit!

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Annual fee

The Milestone® Mastercard® comes with an annual fee, which can be a deterrent for some potential cardholders. The annual fee ranges from $35 to $99, depending on the specific version of the card you are approved for. This fee is deducted from your initial credit limit, meaning if you are approved for a $700 credit limit and have a $35 annual fee, you will start with a $665 available credit limit. It’s important to factor this into your financial planning, as it reduces the immediate credit available to you.

Weighing this cost against the card’s benefits is crucial to determine if it is a worthwhile expense for you. The Milestone® Mastercard® can be a valuable tool for building or rebuilding your credit, especially if you have limited options due to past financial challenges. The card’s ability to report to all three major credit bureaus, coupled with its lack of a security deposit requirement, can make it a practical choice for many.

However, the annual fee is an ongoing cost that needs to be justified by the benefits you receive. Consider whether the card’s features, such as its credit reporting, overlimit coverage, and credit protection options, align with your financial goals and needs. Additionally, assess whether the opportunity to improve your credit score outweighs the cost of the annual fee.

For some, the ability to rebuild credit and the potential long-term financial benefits may justify the annual fee. For others, especially those who are very budget-conscious or have other credit card options available with lower or no fees, the cost may be prohibitive. Ultimately, it’s about finding the right balance between the card’s costs and the advantages it offers to ensure it supports your financial objectives. Read on to further explore how the Milestone® Mastercard® can fit into your credit-building strategy and whether it is the right choice for you.

Bottom line

The Milestone® Mastercard® is a decent option if you are seeking an unsecured card to repair or build your credit. While it shares common characteristics with most cards aimed at individuals with poor credit, such as high-interest rates and fees, it tends to have fewer fees compared to other similar cards. One of its significant advantages is that it reports to all three major credit bureaus—Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax—which is essential for building a positive credit history. Additionally, the Milestone® Mastercard® allows you to prequalify without affecting your credit score, providing a risk-free way to see if you qualify for the card before undergoing a hard credit inquiry.

This card is particularly inclusive, placing no barriers against those who have faced financial challenges in the past, including bankruptcies. This makes it an attractive option for individuals who have been repeatedly denied for traditional credit cards due to their financial history. The absence of a security deposit requirement also makes it accessible to those who may not have the funds to commit to a secured credit card.

For those looking to rebuild their credit while having access to the conveniences of an unsecured credit card, the Milestone® Mastercard® could be a suitable choice. It provides a straightforward path to improving your credit score, as long as you manage your payments responsibly and keep your balances low.

However, it’s crucial to be mindful of the card’s high APR and fees, ensuring you can manage them effectively. Weighing these costs against the card’s benefits will help you determine if it aligns with your financial goals. If traditional credit card applications have been consistently denied, the Milestone® Mastercard® offers a viable alternative to get back on track with your credit. Continue reading to explore more about how this card can support your credit-building journey and help you achieve financial stability.

1. Paycheck Advance is For eligible customers only. Your actual available Paycheck Advance amount will be displayed to you in the mobile app and may change from time to time. Conditions and eligibility may vary and are subject to change at any time, at the sole discretion of Finco Advance LLC, which offers this optional feature. Finco Advance LLC is a financial technology company, not a bank. Expedited disbursement of your Paycheck Advance is an optional feature that is subject to an Instant Access Fee and may not be available to all users. Expedited disbursements may take up to an hour. For more information, please refer to Paycheck Advance Terms and Conditions.

2. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC, and Cross River Bank, Member FDIC. The Current Visa® Debit Card is issued by Choice Financial Group pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. The Current Visa® secured charge card is issued by Cross River Bank 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. Current Individual Account required to apply for the Current Visa® secured charge card. Independent approval required.

3. Individual results may vary. Using your credit card responsibly may allow you to improve your credit score. Credit building depends on various factors, including your payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, and other financial activities.

4. Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer’s submission of deposits.

5. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group. Funds held in Savings Pods are FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 at our partner bank Choice Financial Group, member FDIC

6. Actual overdraft amount may vary and is subject to change at any time, at Current’s sole discretion. In order to qualify and enroll in the Fee-Free Overdraft feature, you must receive $500 or more in Qualifying Deposits into your Current Account over the preceding 30-day period. For more information, please refer to Fee-free Overdraft Terms and Conditions.

7. You may earn Points in connection with your everyday spending and by completing other actions that Current designates as subject to the Current Points Program. The amount of Points granted for different actions as well as the purchase requirements necessary to earn Points will vary, and is subject to Current’s sole discretion. After qualifying, please allow 3-5 business days for points to post to your Current account. The Current Points program is not available to Teen Account holders. See Current Points Terms and Conditions.

8. Some fees may apply, including out of network ATM fees of $2.50 per transaction, late payment fees of 3% of any total due balance outstanding and past due for two or more billing cycles, foreign transaction fees of 3% of the full transaction amount (minimum $0.50), card replacement fees per card of $5 for regular delivery and $30 for expedited delivery, cash deposit fees of $3.50 per deposit, and third party processing fees.

9. Boost Bonuses are credited to your Savings Pods within 48 hours of enabling the Boost feature and on a daily basis thereafter, provided that the Savings Pod has accrued a Boost Bonus of at least $0.01. The Boost rate on Savings Pods is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed rate is effective as of August 1, 2023. Must have $0.01 in Savings Pods to earn a Boost rate of either 0.25% or 4.00% annually on the portion of balances up to $2000 per Savings Pod, up to $6000 total. The remaining balance earns 0.00%. A qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more is required for 4.00%. No minimum balance required. For more information, please refer to Current Boost Terms and Conditions.

10. Cryptocurrency services are powered by Zero Hash LLC and Zero Hash Liquidity Services LLC, and may not be available in all states. Terms and conditions apply. When you buy or sell cryptocurrency, a difference between the current market price and the price you buy or sell that asset for is called a spread. However, unlike most other exchanges Current does not charge an additional trading fee. Cryptocurrency transactions are a form of investment, and all investments are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested. Cryptocurrency is not insured by the FDIC or any other government-backed or third-party insurance. Your purchase of cryptocurrency is not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by, Choice Financial Group or Cross River Bank. The cryptocurrency assets in your Zero Hash account are not held at Current, Choice Financial Group, or Cross River Bank. Current, Choice Financial Group, and Cross River Bank are not responsible for the cryptocurrency assets held in any Zero Hash account. Neither Current, Choice, nor Cross River Bank is involved in the purchase, sale, exchange of fiat funds for cryptocurrency, or custody of the cryptocurrencies. Terms and Conditions apply (platform and user agreements). Crypto on Current is not currently available in HI. Licensed to engage in Virtual Currency Business Activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services. This does not constitute investment advice.

11. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group. Your money is FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 at each of our partner banks, Choice Financial Group and Cross River Bank, members FDIC.

12. Average value based on Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings in 2023 for stays of two nights. Benefits include daily breakfast for two, room upgrade upon arrival when available, $100 amenity, guaranteed 4PM late checkout, and noon check-in when available. Certain room categories not eligible for upgrade. $100 amenity varies by property. Actual value will vary based on property, room rate, upgrade availability, and use of benefits.

13. Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

14. The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

15. Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one- way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

16. Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

17. Coverage for a Stolen or damaged Eligible Cellular Wireless Telephone is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, and limits of liability of this benefit. The maximum liability is $800, per claim, per Eligible Card Account. Each claim is subject to a $50 deductible. Coverage is limited to two (2) claims per Eligible Card Account per 12 month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

18. When an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase to an Eligible Card, Extended Warranty§ can provide up to one extra year added to the Original Manufacturer’s Warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your Card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

19. Purchase Protection is an embedded benefit of your Card Membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect Covered Purchases made on your Eligible Card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date. The coverage is limited to up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Coverage Limits Apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

20. Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC.

21. The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card is issued by Stride Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.

22. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted.

23. The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is effective as of September 20, 2023. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest.

24. There’s no fee for the Chime Savings Account. Cash withdrawal and Third-party fees may apply to Chime Checking Accounts. You must have a Chime Checking Account to open a Chime Savings Account.

25. To apply for Credit Builder, you must have received a single qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more to your Chime Checking Account. The qualifying direct deposit must be from your employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, or benefits payer by Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit OR Original Credit Transaction (OCT). Bank ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, verification or trial deposits from financial institutions, peer to peer transfers from services such as PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, mobile check deposits, cash loads or deposits, one-time direct deposits, such as tax refunds and other similar transactions, and any deposit to which Chime deems to not be a qualifying direct deposit are not qualifying direct deposits.

26. Money added to Credit Builder will be held in a secured account as collateral for your Credit Builder Visa card, which means you can spend up to this amount on your card. This is money you can use to pay off your charges at the end of every month.

27. Based on a representative study conducted by Experian®, members who made their first purchase with Credit Builder between June 2020 and October 2020 observed an average FICO® Score 8 increase of 30 points after approximately 8 months. On-time payment history can have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score.

28. On-time payment history may have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score. 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.

29. Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.

30. SpotMe® on Debit is an optional, no fee overdraft service attached to your Chime Checking Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Debit service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month and have activated your Visa debit card. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account for up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially 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 Debit limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime’s sole discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Debit, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe on Debit will not cover any non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. SpotMe on Debit Terms and Conditions.

31. Tipping or not tipping has no impact on your eligibility for SpotMe®.

32. Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.

33. Save When I Get Paid automatically transfers 10% of your direct deposits of $500 or more from your Checking Account into your savings account.

34. Round Ups automatically round up debit card purchases to the nearest dollar and transfer the round up from your Chime Checking Account to your savings account.

35. Mobile Check Deposit eligibility is determined by Chime in its sole discretion and may be granted based on various factors including, but not limited to, a member’s direct deposit enrollment status.

36. Funds are automatically debited from your Checking Account and typically deposited into the recipient’s Checking Account within seconds. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed.

37. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed. Non-Chime members must use a valid debit card to claim funds.

* EarnIn is not available for Connecticut residents

Rachel Alulis

Rachel Alulis has been the lead editor for Moneyfor’s credit cards team since 2015 and for the financial rewards team since 2023. Before joining Moneyfor, Rachel worked at USA Today and the Des Moines Register. She then established a successful freelance writing and editing business specializing in personal finance. Rachel holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and an MBA.