Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit review: An expensive way to rebuild credit

This card is an interesting choice if you want to earn rewards while rebuilding your credit. Although you can only redeem rewards for a statement credit, this can help you stay on top of your balance and avoid accruing hefty interest charges.

Rewards and redemption: Statement credit can help manage budget

It shouldn't be too difficult to earn cash back rewards because the Credit One Bank Platinum Visa for Rebuilding Credit earns unlimited 1 percent cash back on popular spending categories, like gas and groceries. But it also includes categories not typically offered in other cash back programs, such as internet and cable services.

Your cash back rewards are automatically added to your account as a statement credit on each billing cycle’s statement, so you won’t need to worry about redemption. While more flexibility would be great, having rewards automatically applied to your balance is a low-hassle benefit if you are managing debt and working toward a more positive payment history. 

Perks: Earn extra cash back 

Credit One Bank Visa cards feature two programs you can use to earn extra cash back and discounts. By linking your card and shopping with participating retailers, Credit One’s More Rewards and Visa Offers + Perks stack extra rewards or discounts on top of your ongoing earnings for eligible purchases. 

More Rewards provides deals that offer up to 10 percent bonus cash back, while Visa Offers + Perks is tailored toward online shopping, apparel and dining discounts with select businesses. Earning extra cash back may not be your primary focus as you rebuild credit, but you can enjoy issuer-run rewards programs on this card as you work to improve your credit. 

Another nice perk is that you can select a new payment due date that is at least six days before or after the original assigned date by calling customer service. You can only change your due date once in a six-month period, but it allows some flexibility if you need it. 

While this card has a few advantages, you might also want to consider some of its drawbacks, such as its annual fee and lack of credit-building perks. Along with its temptation to spend more for the sake of earning rewards, this card’s lack of credit-friendly perks can quickly spiral credit newcomers into debt.

Rates and fees: The annual fee is costly 

Although it doesn’t require a security deposit, the Credit One Bank Platinum Visa for Rebuilding Credit is far from a low-cost card. The biggest potential cost to consider is the annual fee: $75 for the first year. After that, $99 annually ($8.25 per month). Considering the low initial credit line, that is a lot to pay for not much spending power.

Since the rewards rate is relatively low, the annual fee could make it hard to pocket any cash back. This sentiment is especially true in the second year. You’ll need to spend at least $825 per month (or $9,900 per year) in your bonus categories just to offset the $8.25 monthly fee with cash back rewards.

The card’s APR is also higher than the current average credit card interest rate, but this is common on cards for credit-building. Other common fees include late payment fees, foreign transaction fees, credit limit increase fees, returned payment fees and cash advance fees.

Credit-building: No standout features

Outside of features like account alerts, zero fraud liability and free monthly credit score access, the Credit One Bank Platinum Visa for Rebuilding Credit doesn’t carry many extra perks — even for building your credit.

Credit One will regularly review your account for responsible card use to determine if you qualify for a credit line increase. With a higher credit limit, you may be able to keep your credit utilization lower, an important factor in determining your credit score. However, opportunities for a credit line increase are typical for cards of this type. 

You might be tempted to opt into Credit One's Credit Protection Program, which will cover your card’s minimum payment if you lose your job or become disabled. But combined with this card’s high rates and fees, the mounting interest you would accrue by carrying a balance on your card could lead to a costly cycle, even though your account is frozen. Although the program will cover your card’s minimum payment, you’re still on the hook for the rest of the balance. 

Plenty of cards for people with no credit history are available that may be more accessible and even easier to get, but you might need to put down a security deposit. Despite higher upfront costs, secured credit cards could be a better option, especially if you need a higher initial spending limit. These cards can come with fewer potential costs and often include more credit-building features.