For individuals working to build or rebuild their credit, most of the options out there start with the same condition: a hefty security deposit. While secured cards can serve their purpose, they also create a financial barrier that many applicants can’t—or prefer not to—deal with. That’s why the Fortiva® Mastercard stands out.
As an unsecured credit card, Fortiva doesn’t require a deposit, making it an accessible option for credit rebuilders looking for purchasing power and practical perks right out of the gate.
🔐 What Is an Unsecured Credit Card?
An unsecured credit card extends credit to you without requiring a refundable deposit upfront. Instead of tying your credit limit to the amount you can lock away, issuers assess your application based on creditworthiness and income.
The Fortiva® Mastercard is issued as an unsecured card even to consumers with less-than-perfect credit—no program fee or initial deposit required.
Not sure if you’ll qualify? Check if you prequalify without a credit impact here →
💳 Why Choose Fortiva Over a Secured Card?
Here’s how Fortiva compares to traditional secured options:
| Feature | Fortiva® Mastercard | Typical Secured Card |
|---|---|---|
| Security Deposit | ❌ Not required | ✅ Usually $200–$500 |
| Cash Back Rewards | ✅ Up to 3% | ❌ Rare |
| Application Process | ✅ Prequalify with soft pull | ❌ Often requires hard pull |
| Monthly Credit Reporting | ✅ Yes, all 3 bureaus | ✅ Yes, all 3 bureaus |
| Credit Limit | Up to $1,000 | Tied to deposit amount |
💸 Fortiva Gives More Than Just a Credit Line
While many unsecured cards in the bad/fair credit range come with high fees and no perks, Fortiva offers practical benefits that help users grow their financial health:
- 3% Cash Back on groceries, gas, and utilities
- 1% Back on other purchases
- Free Credit Score Monitoring (via Equifax†)
- Zero Fraud Liability††
- No Deposit or Setup Fee
Want a closer look at Fortiva’s perks and drawbacks? Read the full Fortiva® Mastercard review →
🧠 Who Should Consider Fortiva?
Fortiva is ideal for:
- People with fair or poor credit who want real rewards
- Applicants who can’t afford or don’t want to tie up a deposit
- Credit builders who want monthly reporting to all three credit bureaus
If you’re focused on raising your credit score through responsible use—but also want a card that earns rewards—Fortiva offers a best-of-both-worlds option.
→ See how Fortiva rewards work for gas, groceries, and utilities →
→ Compare Fortiva to secured cards and learn what makes it different →
🏁 Final Thought: Build Credit Without the Deposit Burden
Secured cards may have their place—but if you’re ready to take a step forward without locking up your funds, the Fortiva® Mastercard offers a smarter path. With no deposit and actual cash back on real-world spending, it gives users the chance to build credit while making the most of their money.
→ Start with a risk-free prequalification—no impact to your credit →
→ Using Fortiva day-to-day? See the best categories for earning rewards →
Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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