Getting approved for the Fortiva® Mastercard® isn’t guaranteed, but it’s far more accessible than traditional unsecured cards. That’s because Fortiva targets consumers with credit scores between 500–630, a segment typically denied by mainstream issuers.
Here’s what Fortiva tends to look for:
- Verifiable income ($1,200/month or more)
- Active checking account
- No recent fraud alerts or open bankruptcies (within the last 12 months)
- Stable address history (same residence for 6+ months helps)
- No delinquent utilities or cell phone debts in the past 60 days
Pro Tips to Improve Approval Odds:
- Use the Prequalification Tool First – It uses a soft inquiry, so there’s no credit impact.
- Pay Down Existing Balances – Reducing your utilization below 30% boosts internal scoring.
- Don’t Apply After Multiple Recent Inquiries – Wait at least 45 days between credit card applications.
- Check Your Reports for Errors – Fortiva uses data from Experian and TransUnion; dispute outdated negatives.
- Avoid Using VPNs When Applying – Fortiva may flag inconsistencies in your IP or location.
How to Apply for the Fortiva® Mastercard® (Step-by-Step)
Applying is quick — typically under 3 minutes. Follow these steps carefully to avoid disqualification:
- Go to the Official Fortiva® Site or trusted referral partners (Memivi, Credit Karma, etc.).
- Click on “See If You Qualify” — this triggers a soft pull.
- Enter your full legal name, address, SSN (last 4 digits), and income.
- If pre-approved, you’ll see a custom offer (credit line, APR, fee breakdown).
- Accept the terms and submit your final application.
- Upon approval, your card ships within 7–10 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Will Fortiva® increase my credit limit over time?
Yes, but it’s not automatic. Fortiva reviews accounts every 6 to 12 months. Users who consistently pay on time and keep balances low may receive $150–$300 increases.
2. Can I waive the monthly maintenance fee?
Not exactly. The fee is built into the pricing model. However, some users report receiving lower fees after negotiating with customer service — especially after 12 months of responsible use.
3. What happens if I miss a payment?
Fortiva charges a late fee up to $41, and may also raise your APR to a penalty rate (as high as 34.99%). It’s crucial to use autopay or set alerts to avoid this.
4. Is there a mobile app or online access?
Yes. Fortiva offers both a mobile app and desktop portal. You can track spending, schedule payments, and access your free VantageScore®.
5. Can I add an authorized user?
Yes, but it comes with an additional annual fee (around $25–$35) per user. The authorized user’s activity will also reflect on your report, so only add trusted individuals.
6. Will closing the card hurt my credit?
If it’s your oldest account, closing it could reduce your average age of credit. However, if you’ve opened better accounts, closing Fortiva later might help you shed annual fees without much score impact.
Underrated Hacks Few People Talk About
✅ Use Fortiva strictly for recurring bills (Netflix, Spotify, phone). This keeps utilization low and builds payment history without risk of overspending.
✅ After 9–12 months, try a product change. Some users were offered internal upgrades or better terms through Fortiva’s servicing bank (The Bank of Missouri).
✅ Call and ask for fee reductions. Some customers were able to reduce their monthly fee from $12 to $6.50 after 6 months of on-time payments.
✅ Sign up for email alerts — Fortiva sometimes runs internal promos offering statement credits or referrals.
✅ Pair with a free credit monitoring app (like Credit Sesame or NerdWallet) to track your score progression in real time.
Better Alternatives You Might Consider
If you’re unsure about Fortiva’s high fees, here are some viable competitors:
🔹 Mission Lane® Visa®
- No security deposit
- Transparent pricing
- Lower starting APR (~26.99%)
- Offers automatic credit line increases
🔹 Indigo® Platinum Mastercard®
- Designed for damaged credit
- Prequalification available
- Lower fees than Fortiva in most cases
🔹 OpenSky® Secured Visa®
- No credit check required
- $200 refundable deposit
- Good for those with no credit at all
Final Verdict: Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Use Fortiva®
✔ Recommended for:
- Consumers with recent credit damage
- Those denied for secured cards
- Users who can manage fees in exchange for unsecured access
❌ Not ideal for:
- People carrying balances month to month (APR is too high)
- Those eligible for cards like Capital One Platinum or Petal 1
- Anyone seeking long-term financial products (this is a bridge card, not a destination)
Bottom Line
The Fortiva® Mastercard® is not the cheapest way to rebuild credit — but for many, it’s the only unsecured option available during a credit recovery phase. Think of it like paying for access back into the system. With strategic use, it can open doors to lower APR cards, auto loans, and mortgages in as little as 12–18 months.
👉 Ready to take control of your financial reset? Prequalify today with no credit impact, and begin rebuilding smarter.
