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Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card: What You Need to Know
Building credit in the United States can be challenging, especially for students, newcomers, or anyone with little to no credit history. Many banks require a Social Security Number (SSN) and conduct hard credit checks, which often leads to rejections. The Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card takes a different approach, positioning itself as an accessible option for people who want to start or rebuild their credit.
How the card works
Firstcard is a financial technology company that partners with Regent Bank, Member FDIC. This means that while Firstcard itself is not a bank, its accounts are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 through Regent Bank. Cardholders use their own deposited funds as security, and every purchase is reported to the three major credit bureaus. Over time, on-time payments can help establish a stronger credit profile.
Unlike many traditional secured cards, Firstcard does not require a credit check or hard inquiry. The APR is listed as 0%, reducing the risk of debt accumulation. There are also built-in spending limits to help users avoid overspending.
Who can apply
One of the unique aspects of Firstcard is its acceptance of international students, immigrants, and applicants without an SSN. For these users, some features like APY (interest on deposits) or credit monitoring may be limited, but the card remains a pathway to start building credit. ITIN holders can access APY features, though monitoring remains unavailable.
Cashback and APY
Beyond credit building, Firstcard includes rewards and savings incentives:
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Up to 15% cashback at more than 29,000 partner merchants.
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A Random Cashback feature offering up to 10% back after each purchase, triggered through the app.
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Plan-based APY on deposits:
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Standard: 0.75%
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Firstcard+: 2.00%
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Premium: 4.00%
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For context, the FDIC reported that the national average savings rate was 0.42% APY in late 2024.
Pricing and plans
Firstcard offers three subscription tiers:
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Standard – $6/month (0.75% APY, limited cashback, 3% foreign fee)
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Build Your Credit (Firstcard+) – $9/month (2.00% APY, 0.50% unlimited cashback, 1.5% foreign fee)
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Premium – $12/month (4.00% APY, 1% unlimited cashback, 0% foreign fee)
All plans include reporting to the credit bureaus, cashback opportunities, and access to credit monitoring tools (except for applicants without SSN, where restrictions apply).
Security and transparency
The card operates on the Mastercard network with Zero Liability Fraud Protection. Accounts are protected with encryption technology, and deposits are insured by Regent Bank. In terms of fees, the issuer highlights no interest charges, no late fees, no overdraft fees, and no setup fees.
Reported results
According to Firstcard’s own user data, people with a starting credit score below 500 have seen an average increase of +52 points within three months of responsible use. Results will vary, but consistent on-time payments remain the most important factor.
Final thoughts
The Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card is positioned as a modern alternative to traditional secured cards. With its no-credit-check policy, 0% APR, and acceptance of applicants without SSN, it fills a gap for students and immigrants often left out of mainstream banking. Its subscription model may not suit everyone, but for those looking for transparency, rewards, and a straightforward way to build credit, it could be worth considering.
