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Total Visa® Card review: Building your credit comes at a steep price

 /  10 min
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Snapshot

2.7

Bankrate rating
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Rating: 2.7 stars out of 5

Bottom line

This card comes with rewards and is accessible for people with poor credit. However, it's not the most competitive card on the market. You'll find better options with lower fees and better interest rates.
Recommended credit score:(300 - 670)
Apply nowLock

on Total Visa's secure site

Intro offer

N/A

Rewards rate

Earn 1% cash back

Annual fee

See Terms

Regular APR

See Terms

4.2

Cardholder rating

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4.2 / 5

Extra perks

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4.0 / 5

Meets needs

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4.2 / 5

Online tools

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4.3 / 5

Customer service

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4.3 / 5

2.7

Bankrate score

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2.7 / 5

Cost of membership

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1.0 / 5

Ease of building credit

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3.0 / 5

APR

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1.0 / 5

Features

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2.5 / 5
compare
Compare

Total Visa® Card overview

  • Credit Card Cash Back Icon

    Rewards

  • Credit Card Search Icon

    Rates and fees

  • Credit Fair Icon

    Credit-building features

Total Visa card pros and cons

Pros

  • Checkmark Icon

    This card reports to all three credit bureaus, helping you to boost your credit score over time.

  • Checkmark Icon

    No security deposit required

Cons

  • The fees are extraordinarily high, and the card touts a high APR — making carrying a balance very expensive.

  • While it's rare for a credit-builder card to boast a rewards program, it could prove distracting if you are trying to practice positive credit habits.

  • The card doesn’t allow cardholders to make purchases outside the U.S., limiting its use for travelers.

Why you might want the Total Visa card

Why you might want a different card

How the Total Visa card compares to other cards for bad credit

Image of Total Visa® Card
Bankrate Score
Apply now Lock Icon
on Total Visa's secure site

Annual fee

See Terms

Intro offer

N/A

Rewards rate

Earn 1% cash back
Info Icon

Recommended Credit Score

Bad to Fair (300 – 670)
Info Icon
Image of OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
Bankrate Score
Apply now Lock Icon
on Capital Bank's secure site

Annual fee

$35

Intro offer

N/A

Rewards rate

Up to 10%
Info Icon

Recommended Credit Score

No Credit History
Info Icon
Image of Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit

Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit

Annual fee

$75 for the first year. After that, $99 annually ($8.25 per month)

Intro offer

N/A

Rewards rate

1%
Info Icon

Recommended Credit Score

Bad to Fair (300 – 670)
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Who is the Total Visa card right for?

Bankrate’s Take — Is the Total Visa card worth it?

How we rated this card

Document Icon
50+
cards rated
Search Icon
500+
data points analyzed
Debt Icon
250+
fees tracked
Credit Card Reviews Icon
40+
perks evaluated

Frequently asked questions

What cardholders think

Image of Total Visa® Card

Total Visa® Card

4.2 Star Icon
50 ratings
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Score breakdown
5 stars
46%
4 stars
34%
3 stars
14%
2 stars
4%
1 star
2%
Score by category
Overall 4.2 / 5
Extra perks 3.6 / 5
Meets financial needs 4.2 / 5
Privacy and security 4.2 / 5
Customer service 4.0 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4.1 / 5

In May 2024, Bankrate collaborated with third-party SliceMR to survey 6160 cardholders nationwide. Bankrate and Slice MR collected, averaged and presented website analytics and cardholder responses to six questions on a 5-point scale. Responses are based on individual cardholder’s product details, and therefore cannot be verified for accuracy. Users received an incentive for their feedback. User ratings are unedited and have not been reviewed or approved by credit card issuers, nor do these ratings reflect Bankrate’s own reviews of these cards.

Community Reviews

Explore Total Visa® Card reviews from certified cardholders.
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Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
Easy to use. Great customer service
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
If this card had an annual fee, do you feel it was worth it? What card features and benefits helped you offset the cost?
I feel this card is worth it
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
Magnetic Stripe
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
Only card available thru my bank
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Meets financial needs 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
I've never had any problems with this card I absolutely love using it
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
easy to use and great customer service
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
I got it when my credit status was marginal
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
I've gotten discounts at certain retailers and restaurants for using it
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
Yes it is and it's because I use it all the time.
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
itwasfrommucreditunion
Score by category
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
Never had any issues with card
Score by category
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
It has been a very reliable card to use. They have great customer service!
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
I can use it anywhere
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
It was just the option of card my bank gave me for my debit card
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
Got 20 percent discount
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Meets financial needs 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 3 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
I am totally happy with my Visa card
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
Since I never experienced any issues with the card itself or the overall service, I’d definitely recommend to anyone who asks me about it.
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
It’s great for starters
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
Best card out there by far
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
Total visa allows me to keep track of my credit payments.
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
No I use this at need basis.Because I don't like to be in debt.
Score by category
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
I like all of the benefits of this card program
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
I was approved was the main reason
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
It just works for my specific needs.
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Meets financial needs 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
It was offered to me
Score by category
Meets financial needs 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
Always had a VISA
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Meets financial needs 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
they notify me when they think some else has tried to make a charge on my card
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Meets financial needs 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
Easy to get hold of customer service.
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Meets financial needs 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
Yes, because it’s convenient to use
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Meets financial needs 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
I would recommend it is a great card as long as you pay it off monthly and don't let interest build up
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Meets financial needs 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 3 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
I trust Visa.
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Meets financial needs 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
Because I heard very good things about it
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Meets financial needs 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
I would recommend, it's been nothing but great for me
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
Financial needs met
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Meets financial needs 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
The benefit of using a total Visa cards is good percentages good mileages and good motel stays and good car rentals
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
It does the job.
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 3 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
Love it
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Meets financial needs 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 3 / 5
Customer service 3 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
Haven't had the card long enough to really have much of an opinion.
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Meets financial needs 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
My bank recommended this card and it is extremely to use and track my spending with.
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Meets financial needs 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
No benefit yet
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Meets financial needs 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
I wouldn’t recommend, cos it doesn’t offer too much options than just purchasing
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Meets financial needs 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
I had an offer
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Meets financial needs 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 3 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
Yes, I use it for small purchases that can be paid off quick so that I can increase my credit score
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 3 / 5
Customer service 3 / 5
Privacy and security 2 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
I wish they give more cash back
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Meets financial needs 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 2 / 5
Privacy and security 2 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
I would recommend if you are trying to build your credit slowly but surely but no real rewards for having this card. High interest rate so beware
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Meets financial needs 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 3 / 5
Customer service 3 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
Security
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Meets financial needs 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 3 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
This is or was only for emergency. It is not anywhere near the top of the list.
Score by category
Meets financial needs 1 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
The customer service is horrible, they are not able to answer my questions properly
Score by category
Extra perks 2 / 5
Meets financial needs 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 3 / 5
Customer service 1 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
Not good
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Meets financial needs 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 3 / 5
Customer service 3 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
I chose the card because at the time, I was trying to build my credit and this was a card hat was offered to me. However, I thought that I would be able to grow with the card. This was not the case. They are slow to increasing the credit limit to help me build my credit.
Score by category
Extra perks 2 / 5
Meets financial needs 1 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 2 / 5
Customer service 2 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Written by
Re'Dreyona Walker
Associate Editor, Credit Cards
Re'Dreyona Walker is an editor for Bankrate and CreditCards.com, focusing on product guides and reviews. As a personal finance expert, she is dedicated to providing honest product reviews as well as in-depth, comprehensive guides to assist readers in building credit and finding the best credit cards for their needs.
Edited by Editor II, Credit cards
Reviewed by Former Senior Director of Content

* See the online application for details about terms and conditions for these offers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. After you click on the offer you desire you will be directed to the credit card issuer's web site where you can review the terms and conditions for your selected offer.

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including card rates and fees, is accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information.