WalletHub Rating
2.1/5
The Total Visa Card is an expensive unsecured credit card for people with bad credit. The Total Visa Credit Card does not require applicants to place a refundable security deposit, but it does charge high fees, starting with an $95 “program fee” that’s assessed before account opening. There's also a high annual fee the first year, which is replaced by even higher combined monthly and annual fees in the following years.
WalletHub Rating Breakdown
User Reviews
3.5/5
1,499 reviewsRead and write reviews
Editor’s Review
2.0/5
John Kiernan, Credit Card EditorRead full review
Market Comparison
Market Comparison
2.0
The Market Comparison is a key component of the WalletHub Rating, as it measures how appealing the terms of a card are compared to a pool of over 1,500 credit card offers monitored by WalletHub. To ensure cards are evaluated for their most relevant purpose, we score each card across various cardholder needs and select the rating for the need with the highest score, which is “Rebuild Damaged Credit by Paying in Full Each Month” for this card.
Fees
1.1
Rewards
5.0
Cost
1.2
Other Features
4.7
2.0/5
Compared against 1,500+ credit cards
KEY TERMS
Accepted Credit Scores
Accepted Credit Scores
Bad Credit
Total Visa Fees
One-Time Fees→$95
Annual Fee→See Terms*
Monthly Fee→$0 1st year, $8.25 after
Total Visa APR on Purchases
35.99%
Total Visa Rewards
Earn 1% cash back rewards on payments made to your Total Credit Card
See Total Card Visa Rewards Programs Terms & Conditions for details
Total Visa's Additional Info
Checking Account Required
$300 credit limit (subject to available credit)
No security deposit, simply pay a one-time $95 program fee to open your account.*
User friendly Mobile App.
Offer not guaranteed; response provided in seconds.
*See Rates, Fees, Costs & Limitations for complete offer details
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Apply Now
at Total Card's secure site
Editor's ReviewFact checked
Fact checked
John Kiernan, Managing Editor
September 9th, 2024
Fact Checked by Alina Comoreanu
Senior Researcher
Total Visa Pros & Cons
Available to people with bad credit
$95 one-time program fee
High annual fee for the first year
High APR
Total Visa Review
2.0 / 5
The Total Visa Card is an expensive unsecured credit card for people with bad credit. The Total Visa Credit Card does not require applicants to place a refundable security deposit, but it does charge high fees, starting with an $95 “program fee” that’s assessed before account opening. There's also a high annual fee the first year, which is replaced by even higher combined monthly and annual fees in the following years.
What do you get in return for those non-refundable fees? A fairly low limit and a very high APR. The Total Visa Card’s credit limit is $300+ to start, and its regular APR is 35.99% – almost twice as much as the average secured credit card charges. As a result, whether you’re in the market with a secured card or an unsecured card, you should be able to do better than the Total Visa.
Total Visa Review Highlights
Expensive fees everywhere you look
The costs begin with an $95program fee before you even get your Total Visa Card, and they just keep on coming. You’ll get hit with a high annual fee upon account opening, which gets replaced by the combination of anannual fee and a monthly fee in the second year.
Limited initial spending power
New Total Visa cardholders start with a $300 credit line, of which only $225 is immediately available given the first-year fee. So you have to ask yourself if that’s enough of an emergency loan to meet your needs. After all, the whole point of using an unsecured credit card for bad credit, such as the Total Visa, is to satisfy financial obligations that you can’t afford in cash. If you don’t need extra spending power, a secured credit card will make credit building much cheaper.
Monthly credit-bureau reporting
The Total Visa Card reports account information to the three major credit bureaus each month. This will help you build positive credit history if you don’t miss due dates or max out your spending limit.
Interest packs a punch
The Total Visa Credit Card has an astronomic APR, which will quickly inflate the cost of any balance carried from month to month. For context, the average secured credit card charges only 22.87%, according to WalletHub’s latest Credit Card Landscape Report.
Card design options
Total Visa allows you to choose a design for your card from their gallery. There are a handful of options, including dogs and cats, flowers, a beach scene, and an American flag design.
Bank account required
You need a checking account to get approved for the Total Visa Credit Card. It will be used to facilitate monthly payments. This is fairly standard, but not all credit cards require a bank account.
Better options for bad credit
Whether you need an emergency loan or just a low-cost means of building credit, you can do better than the Total Visa Credit Card. Just take a look through WalletHub’s picks for the best credit cards for people with bad credit.
Learn more about the Total Visa Card
Total Visa Card phone number
The Total Visa Card customer service phone number is (844) 548-9721. People who do not yet have a Total Visa Card can call (844) 206-4371 for questions about the application or paying the Total Visa program fee.
Total Visa Card processing fee
The Total Visa Card’s application processing fee is $95. This fee, which the Total Visa calls a program fee, is assessed prior to account opening and card activation.
Total Visa Card credit limit
The Total Visa Card’s credit limit is $300. A new cardholder’s initial available credit will only be $225, however, as the card’s first-year annual fee is assessed upon account opening.
Total Visa Card activation
To activate a Total Visa Card, pay the one-time program fee for the account, find your approved application on the Total Visa website, and follow the instructions to activate your card.
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Compare The Total Visa vs. Popular Alternatives
 Total Visa® Card |  Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® |  Revvi Card |
|---|---|---|
2.1WalletHub Rating WalletHub Rating 2.1 This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated this card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need with the highest score, which is "Rebuild Damaged Credit by Paying in Full Each Month." A score of 5 is the best a card can receive, and the rating for the card may vary on different pages where it is compared to other cards for different needs. Editor’s Rating 2.0 User Reviews 3.5 Market Comparison 2.0 fees: 1.1 rewards: 5.0 cost: 1.2 Other Features: 4.7 | 3.1WalletHub Rating WalletHub Rating 3.1 This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated this card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need with the highest score, which is "Improve Credit by Paying in Full Each Month." A score of 5 is the best a card can receive, and the rating for the card may vary on different pages where it is compared to other cards for different needs. Editor’s Rating 2.8 User Reviews 3.3 Market Comparison 3.2 fees: 2.8 rewards: 4.0 cost: 2.9 Other Features: 4.5 | 2.0WalletHub Rating WalletHub Rating 2.0 This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated this card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need with the highest score, which is "Rebuild Damaged Credit by Paying in Full Each Month." A score of 5 is the best a card can receive, and the rating for the card may vary on different pages where it is compared to other cards for different needs. Editor’s Rating 1.5 User Reviews 3.0 Market Comparison 2.0 fees: 1.1 rewards: 5.0 cost: 1.2 Other Features: 4.7 |
minimum depositNo Deposit Needed | minimum depositNo Deposit Needed | minimum depositNo Deposit Needed |
one time fees$95 | one time fees$0 | one time fees$95 |
annual feeSee Terms* | annual fee$39 | annual fee$75 1st yr, $48 after |
monthly fee$0 1st year, $8.25 after | monthly fee$0 | monthly feeNone 1st year, $8.25 after |
Regular APR35.99% | Regular APR29.74% (V) | Regular APR35.99% |
rewards rate | rewards rate | rewards rate |
Sponsored Apply Now | Sponsored Apply Now | Sponsored Apply Now |
Questions & Answers
Can't find what you are looking for? Submit your question about Total Visa® Card to our community. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by the issuer of this offer. Please keep in mind that it is not a financial institution’s responsibility to ensure all posts and questions are answered.
Most Popular
2
Upvotes
Is the Total visa Card credit card legit?
Reply
2
Cameron DiGiovanni, Writer
@cdigiovanni20
Yes, the Total Visa® Card is a legit, real credit card. The Total Visa card is legit because it is issued by The Bank of Missouri, an FDIC member that is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has an "A+" BBB rating, in partnership with Vervent (former Total Card Inc.). The Total Visa also reports information to the major credit bureaus each month.
Why The Total Visa Card is Legit
- Issued by The Bank of Missouri, an FDIC member that is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has an "A+" BBB rating, in partnership with Vervent (former Total Card Inc.).
- Rated 2/5 stars by WalletHub editors.
- 3.5 / 5 average user rating on WalletHub.
- Reports to all three of the major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
- $0 fraud liability guarantee.
In addition, the Total Visa card is legit because it's on the Visa credit card network, meaning you can use the card anywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.
2
5
Upvotes
Whats the starting credit limit for the Total Visa credit card?
Reply
5
4
Maria Adams, Credit Cards Moderator
@m_adams
The starting credit limit for the Total Visa® Card is $300. If you use the Total Visa responsibly and pay your monthly bills on time for at least one year after opening your account, you may get an automatic credit limit increase.
Total Visa responsibly and pay your monthly bills on time for at least one year after opening your account, you may get a credit limit increase. They will do a harmless soft pull of your credit, and...
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13
Upvotes
Where can I make my Total Visa payment?
Reply
13
7
Chip Lupo, Credit Card Writer
@CLoop
You can make a Total Visa Card payment online, by phone, through the The Bank of Missouri mobile app or by mail. To pay a Total Visa bill online, log in to your online account and click on "BillPay." Then, choose how much to pay, when to pay it, and where the payment is coming from. The Bank of Missouri does allow cardholders to set up automatic payments, too.
Ways to Make a Total Visa Payment
...
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Upvotes
Does the Total Visa have a program fee?
Reply
Ryan P Page, Staff Writer
@ryan_page
Yes, the Total Visa® Card has a one-time program fee of $95, which you have to pay to open and activate your account. The Total Visa card also includes a monthly fee and an annual fee, making it rather expensive. However, the card does accept people with bad credit, so it can still be an appealing option for some consumers.
The Total Visa® Card doesn't require a deposit, but the annual fee, program fee, and all other associated fees...
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2
Upvotes
How can I log in to my Total Visa Card account online?
Reply
2
Maria Adams, Credit Cards Moderator
@m_adams
To log in to your Total Visa® Card account, go to the login page on the Total Card website and enter your username and password in the appropriate fields. Then, click the “Log In” to access your online account. If you don't already have an account, you will need to start by clicking “Register” in order to set up a username and password.
How to Log in to a Total Visa Credit Card Account
- Register your...
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1
Upvotes
How do I increase my Total Visa Card credit limit?
Reply
Chip Lupo, Credit Card Writer
@CLoop
You can increase your credit limit by using the card regularly, staying below your credit limit, and paying more than the minimum amount due each month. does not accept credit limit increase requests from cardholders, though they do keep track of your account activity to see if you are eligible for a credit limit increase. If you do qualify for a higher credit limit, the increase will apply automatically, and you will be...
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3
Upvotes
How do I cancel a Total Visa credit card?
Reply
3
1
Kendall Morris, Credit Cards Moderator
@kendallmorris
To cancel a Total Visa credit card, call customer service at (877) 480-6988 and ask a customer service rep to cancel your card account. Total Card does not allow you to cancel an account in person or by mail.
Be aware that if there's a balance remaining on the canceled account, you are still required to make at least the minimum payment every month until the balance is paid in full. You will also need to update...
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2
1
2
Upvotes
How long does it take for a Total Visa Card payment to post?
Reply
2
Maria Adams, Credit Cards Moderator
@m_adams
It typically takes one or two business days for a Total Visa card payment to post. However, that depends a lot on the way you make the payment. Online payments are processed faster, while mail payments take longer.
How Long It Takes forTotal Visa Card Payments to Post
- Payments received before 5:00pm CT on a business day will post to the account on the same day.
- Payments received after 5:00pm CT on...
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9
Upvotes
How do I apply for the Total Visa Card?
Reply
9
1
Adam McCann, Financial Writer
@adam_mcan
The only way to apply for the Total Visa is online, and you can get to the online application by clicking the “Apply Now” button on WalletHub or by going directly to Total Card Visa's website.
Keep in mind that the Total Visa requires bad credit, which means you need a 500+ credit score for high approval odds. Also note that applying for the card triggers a hard inquiry, which may temporarily hurt your credit score. So,...
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3
Upvotes
How can I get a Total Visa cash advance?
Reply
3
2
Maria Adams, Credit Cards Moderator
@m_adams
You can get a Total Visa cash advance at pretty much any ATM in the world.
Keep in mind, though, that credit card cash advances are too expensive. More specifically, Total Visa will charge you a cash advance fee of $0 the 1st yr, 3% (min $10) after - per transaction. The cash advance APR is 35.99%. Plus, interest starts building up right away.
So, cash advances are costly transactions and it's best to reserve them only for emergencies.
1
View more answers
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Total Visa Reviews
Share your insights and review for the Total Visa® Card
5
32%
4
26%
3
18%
2
11%
1
13%
3.5
1,499 reviews
1,499 reviews
What's Your Rating?
Most Recent
Nikki Bland
@NikkiB51
1 Star Rating
Worst card! I've had it for several years and haven't had a problem, maybe because I don't use it that often. Today, I tried to make an online payment for my medical premium bill. I have a separate mailing address from my home address. Online, it kept being declined, so I figured it was because of the different billing address. At one point, the online system said "Do Not Honor." I called Total Visa, and they said it wasn't a problem but suggested I use a different card to pay my bill. Customer service mentioned it might be because they don't support that merchant. I asked if I could only use my card with certain merchants. I figured she wasn't very knowledgeable, so I called my insurance company directly and gave them the information. They tried several times, and at one point, it said on their end "Do Not Honor." Why do I have this card if I can only use it for certain merchants? Worst card ever, and customer service is terrible too.
Comment
geraldpeters107_1
@geraldpeters107_1
1 Star Rating
Worst card ever! Trying to pay the bill, I received a late fee, so the bill never shrank. Then, I proceeded with a smaller payment, which only covered the interest charged! They don't want you paying the bill; the company wants you to stay in debt with them!
Comment
teka eal
@telaneal555
1 Star Rating
Worst credit card you can possibly get. My credit card got stolen and they wanted me to pay the full balance. I told them I'm not paying for something I didn't purchase. I've been trying to get an apartment; my dispute was ignored and now it's marked as a collection, messing up my credit and further decreasing my chances to get an apartment. Never get a card from Total Visa. They're a joke.
Comment
Tor gilbo
@erikgilbo8
2 Star Rating
This card was okay, non-chipped, and magnetic only. Problem: I closed the account four months ago. They kept it open and in collections 120 days later. I was never late, ever! I called them to verify closure, yet they keep billing me $5, $10, $15, $20 per month. Is there someone special behind the scenes?
Comment
Tor gilbo
@erikgilbo8
I changed my mind. Only 1 star. AVOID AT ALL COSTS. This card PROMISED to help improve bad credit. It only made my score worse. After the high interest, annual fee and difficulties it was A COMPLETE WASTE OF TIME, nearly a scam. re; wallet hub, credit karma et al.
Comment
Tor gilbo
@erikgilbo8
If there is a weirdo waiting at yer PO BOX one day. Buyer Beware
Comment
Jason R Babco*ck
@Seattle.Song
4 Star Rating
Well, this was truly one of the most foolish things I've done in a long time! This week I just graduated from my Secured Discover to a regular unsecured Discover It Chrome and wasn't thinking when I applied for this card last week. I knew it was full of ridiculous fees, but I justified it with my credit rebuild costs. However, after having much nicer and more prestigious quality credit cards, I honestly forgot what it was like to have a beginner card like this, where you can't even turn the card off or temporarily freeze your account. Before this makes too much of an impression on my credit length, I'll cut this card loose before the next annual $99 charge.
This is like highway robbery; they're making exorbitant amounts of money off of folks just trying to do the right thing, and they take advantage of you in the process. Shame on the suits at Total. I feel it only fair to report that I needed to make a couple of changes and called customer service and was pleasantly surprised how professional and efficient the representative was who handled my requirements; his name was Pedro and deserves a high five for excellent service.
Comment
Serenity Cribbs
@spritch154
1 Star Rating
I don't recommend this card. I opened this account almost 5 years ago now. I've made every payment on time. I applied for a credit line increase a few times over the years and it was declined every time. Your payments take days to post. The information on Myccpay is not current. You can't see your transactions in real-time. It's not convenient.
Fast forward, and I've recently moved to a different state. I did everything I was supposed to do. Change of Address with USPS, updated my account information online, got a new driver's license, etc. Well, now there is a block on my card. I called and was told that they needed a copy of my driver's license or utility bill to confirm the new address and sent me a case number. It's insanity, really. A block and a case number?! This isn't the first time I've had trouble with this card since my move. I will be paying this off AGAIN and cutting it up. I do not recommend it.
Comment
1
Thom braw
@tomsaye211
1 Star Rating
I don't recommend this card. I noticed they add additional amounts that can cause you to go over your credit limit without transparency, which seems fishy to me. I will be contacting the FTC about this and the outrageous $41.00 late fee, which should also be a red flag.
Comment
1
Mary Ann CAMP
@Bercier_k47
1 Star Rating
Do NOT get this card! I canceled my card when I didn't receive it and was told I would get my program fee of $95.00 returned. That was January 15th of this year, 2024. It is now March 19th, and every time I call, I get a different story. There are so many better options out there for poor credit. LOOK ELSEWHERE!
Comment
KC Source
@kc1981
1 Star Rating
Applied for this card back in January of 2023, paid the program/processing fee, and never received the card. Called four weeks later, canceled the card, and got a refund. The card was never received and never activated. I am still receiving statements in the mail along with texts and emails saying I owe on a card that was never received and never activated. Called Friday and was told that the application was withdrawn and there was no open account. Only to receive a call today saying, "This is an attempt to collect a debt." Spoke with a supervisor and she supposedly closed the account and adjusted the balance. Received an email two hours after that saying that I was late and owed an annual fee on a card I never received or activated. Please don't open a line of credit with this company. Shady practices all around.
Comment
1
Angela Nuccio
@allangies27
1 Star Rating
This card is not good for building credit, even if you pay your bill on time and keep a copy of the receipt with a reference number. It's no good; they just lied to me and said my bank refused payment after I gave them my reference number, which my bank told me there was no attempt by Total to process a payment. I even told Total to send me some proof that they attempted to process the payment, and they said they had none. So, I'm stuck paying a $30.00 late fee and my credit score lost 8 points. It doesn't sound like much, but when you are trying to build your credit, pay the exorbitant fees to get the card, and the annual fees with monthly fees, and the card that says it can help you build your credit does business like this, it defeats the purpose. So, I'll be paying this card off next month and tossing it in the trash. These people don't care for or about their customers. If you want a card that does care, get the CreditOne card.
Comment
1
Review Total Visa® Card
Expert Thoughts on Total Visa
To help potential applicants learn more about the Total Visa Credit Card, WalletHub posed the following questions to a panel of experts. You can see who they are and what advice they had to share below.
- When does it make sense to consider a credit card like theTotal Visa?
- What advice do you have for someone with bad credit who needs to borrow for an emergency expense?
Tingting Jia
Ph.D., Visiting Assistant Professor of Finance, Bucknell University
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Total Visa® Card
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