If you’re on the hunt for a credit card that doesn’t require a perfect credit score, the Surge Platinum Mastercard may be the one for you. Not only can you easily qualify for the card no matter your credit score, but it can help you build or rebuild your credit. 

Moreover, unlike most cards for people with poor or limited credit, the Surge Platinum Mastercard is an unsecured card. Meaning you don’t have to put down a security deposit to get it. 

Instead, you receive a high credit limit of up to $1,000 that can double in only six months, monthly reporting to all three major credit bureaus, and the buying power of Mastercard.

Intrigued? Let’s look further into what Surge Platinum Mastercard has to offer and see if it is the right card for you.

What We Like About Surge Platinum Mastercard

Discover the Credit Card That Welcomes All

The Surge Platinum Mastercard welcomes applicants from all credit backgrounds, including those with limited or poor credit histories. Even if you’ve been denied before, due to your credit score, Surge will consider your application. Surge Platinum’s inclusivity gives everyone the opportunity to access credit and work towards improving their credit scores.

Excellent Card to Help Improve Credit: The application process was very easy to use. And, knowing that the Surge Mastercard will also help with my credit score was a major plus for me. Thank you. Eric

Get an Initial Credit Limit of up to $1,000!

The Surge Platinum Mastercard offers an initial credit limit ranging from $300 to $1,000, subject to available credit. This is an incredibly high initial credit limit for a card aimed at people with bad credit. A high credit limit of $1,000 makes it easier to maintain a low credit utilization ratio, improve your score, make essential purchases, and manage your finances effectively.

Credit Limit May Double After Six Months

Your credit limit can double after only six months all the way up to $2,000! All you have to do is make your first six monthly payments on time and you’ll receive this perk. A higher credit limit gives you greater purchasing power, lets you spend more while maintaining a low credit utilization ratio, and reflects positively on your credit score.

Reports to All Three Major Bureaus

When you’re building or rebuilding credit you want your responsible card usage to be known. The best way to do this is for your credit card issuer to report your monthly payments to all three major credit bureaus: TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. As you use your card responsibly, pay off balances on time, and use less than 30% of your credit line, you should see your score improve.

Pro tip: Use this card for necessary purchases and pay off your balance each month. Watch your credit score surge!

Prequalify for Instant Credit

You can easily prequalify for the Surge Platinum Mastercard without impacting your credit score. It’s always a good idea to pre-qualify before you apply so that you know that you have a chance for the card. When you’re ready to apply, the application process is fast and easy so you’ll know if you’re approved in seconds.

Very Solid !!!!! The whole process of getting this credit card and helping me rebuild my credit and the overall usage has been very solid. They even advise you and show you what percentage your at on spending and where you want to be for your credit to grow and staying below a certain number , no other credit card company has ever done that to my knowledge , i highly recommend applying for this credit card if you can.

Andrew G

Nice for giving me a chance: I like this card, it gave me a chance to build my credit without a secured deposit. Easy to use and taken anywhere visa and master card is taken. It also has an app than you can check you balance and what’s been spent. It also let you know when your next payment is due and how much is due. You can make your payment online or by phone whichever you prefer to do. I was surprised with the credit limit on my card. I try only to use it when needed for gas or groceries or if there’s something I just can’t live without.

Surge Platinum Mastercard: Accepted Around the World

The Surge Platinum Mastercard is widely accepted, as it is backed by the Mastercard network. This means you can use your card for purchases and transactions at millions of locations worldwide, providing you with flexibility and convenience in your day-to-day spending.

Get Your Credit Score for Free

As a cardholder, you’ll enjoy free monthly access to your Vantage 3.0 score from Experian. This benefit allows you to monitor your credit score, track your progress, and gain valuable insights into your credit health.

Mastercard’s Zero Fraud Liability Promise

With the Surge Platinum Mastercard you get Mastercard’s Zero Fraud Liability Protection. This means you are not held responsible for unauthorized transactions made on your card. Report any fraudulent activity and you won’t have to pay.

What to Look Out For

Surge Platinum Mastercard’s High APR

Surge Platinum Mastercard’s APR of 29.99% is variable depending on the market and on the high side. High APRs are typical for credit cards aimed at consumers with bad to limited credit. Pay off your balances in time every month and you will avoid having to pay any interest charges. It is possible to navigate a high APR while you build credit.

Monthly and Annual Fees

The Surge Platinum Mastercard comes with an annual fee of $75 to $125 and a monthly maintenance fee of up to $10 (waived the first year.) Annual fees and monthly maintenance fees for credit-builder credit cards are incredibly common. They are the price you have to pay to use their services to build your credit.

No Rewards or Bonuses

Surge Platinum Mastercard does not offer a rewards program, which is standard for cards designed for people with poor to limited credit. Nor does it have a sign-up bonus. This isn’t much of a short-coming since big sign-up bonuses are reserved for credit cards aimed at consumers with good to excellent credit.

Final Thoughts

If you have limited to poor credit and have your heart set on an unsecured credit card, Surge Platinum Mastercard can fit the bill. It can help you build credit with responsible usage, offers a high initial credit limit that can double in only six months, and reports all payments to the major credit bureaus. 

Before applying for the card, it’s important to consider the high APR and associated fees and make sure you will be able to pay. Despite it’s drawbacks, the Surge Platinum Mastercard is a good option for consumers with poor or fair credit scores and those without a credit history who need an opportunity to build credit.

About the author

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.