What the Surge Credit Card Is
The Surge Credit Card is a credit card issued by Surge Mastercard, designed for people who are building or rebuilding their credit history. Unlike standard credit cards, it requires a cash deposit that becomes your credit limit — you put down $300 to $2,000, and that amount is how much you can borrow. The card reports to all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), which means your payment history shows up on your credit report and can help raise your credit score over time.
This is a secured credit card, meaning the deposit protects the card issuer if you don't pay your bill. You're not giving away the money — it sits in a deposit account while you use the card to make purchases. After you've made on-time payments for a period of time (typically 18 months or longer), the issuer may convert your card to an unsecured card and return your deposit.
Key Takeaways
- The Surge Card requires a cash deposit between $300 and $2,000 that becomes your credit limit, and you keep that money in a deposit account while you use the card.
- The card charges an annual fee (currently $98) and a monthly maintenance fee ($7), which are higher than many standard cards but typical for secured cards aimed at credit builders.
- Your payment history reports to all three credit bureaus, so on-time payments directly affect your credit score.
- After roughly 18 months of on-time payments, you may be able to convert to an unsecured card and get your deposit back.
- The card carries a high interest rate (APR varies by creditworthiness) because it's designed for people with limited or poor credit history.
Fees You'll Pay
The Surge Card has two recurring fees that come out of your account each month. The annual fee of $98 is charged once per year, and the monthly maintenance fee of $7 is charged every month — that's $84 per year on top of the annual fee. These fees are deducted from your deposit account, not from your available credit, so they reduce the cash you have sitting in reserve.
Beyond those two fees, you'll pay interest on any balance you carry from month to month. The APR (annual percentage rate) depends on your creditworthiness at the time you open the account. There are no foreign transaction fees, and you won't be charged for paying your bill on time. Late payments, cash advances, and returned checks each carry separate fees that you should review in the card's terms before you open an account.
How Your Credit Score Is Affected
The Surge Card reports your payment activity to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion every month. This means that every on-time payment you make builds positive history on your credit report, and missed or late payments will show up as negative marks. If you're starting from a low credit score or no credit history at all, consistent on-time payments over several months can begin to raise your score.
Your credit utilization — the percentage of your available credit that you're using — also matters. If your deposit is $500 and you carry a $400 balance, you're using 80% of your limit, which can lower your score. Keeping your balance well below your limit (ideally under 30% of your credit limit) helps your score climb faster. The monthly fees reduce your deposit, which technically reduces your available credit, so factor that into how much you plan to spend each month.
When the Card Converts to Unsecured
After you've made on-time payments for approximately 18 months, Surge may offer to convert your card to an unsecured Mastercard. When this happens, your deposit is returned to you, and the card works like a standard credit card — you no longer need the cash cushion behind it. The conversion is not automatic; the issuer reviews your account and decides whether to offer it based on your payment history and account activity.
If your account is converted, your credit limit may increase, decrease, or stay the same depending on how the issuer assesses your creditworthiness at that time. The annual and monthly fees may also change. You should review the new terms carefully before accepting the conversion. If you decline the conversion offer, your card remains secured and your deposit stays in place.
How to Use the Card Responsibly
To get the most benefit from the Surge Card, use it for small, regular purchases that you can pay off in full each month. This keeps your utilization low and shows lenders that you can manage credit responsibly. Set up automatic payments from your bank account so you never miss a due date — even one late payment can set back your credit-building progress significantly.
Avoid carrying a balance from month to month if you can, because the interest rate is high and the fees already add up quickly. If you do carry a balance, pay as much as you can toward it each month to reduce the amount of interest you're charged. Track your deposit balance carefully, since the monthly maintenance fee reduces it; if your deposit drops too low, contact the issuer to understand what happens next.
Comparing the Surge Card to Other Secured Cards
Other secured cards on the market include the Capital One Secured Mastercard, the Discover it Secured Credit Card, and the OpenSky Secured Visa Card. Each has different deposit requirements, fee structures, and terms for conversion to unsecured status. The Capital One card, for example, has no annual fee but does charge a monthly fee; the Discover card has no annual or monthly fees but requires a higher minimum deposit. The OpenSky card reports to all three bureaus like Surge does, but has different fee and APR terms.
Before you choose the Surge Card, compare it side by side with at least two other secured cards to understand which fees and terms work best for your situation. Look at the total cost of ownership over 18 months — the sum of all annual fees, monthly fees, and estimated interest — rather than focusing on any single fee. Some cards may cost less overall even if their annual fee appears higher.
What Happens If You Miss a Payment
If you miss a payment on the Surge Card, the issuer will report it to the credit bureaus, and it will appear on your credit report as a late payment. A single late payment can lower your credit score by 50 to 100 points or more, depending on your current score and credit history. The card issuer will also charge you a late fee (the amount varies; check your card agreement) and may increase your APR.
If you miss multiple payments or fall significantly behind, the issuer may close your account and use your deposit to cover the unpaid balance. Once an account is closed for non-payment, it becomes much harder to rebuild credit because you lose the opportunity to show on-time payment history going forward. If you're struggling to make a payment, contact the issuer when ready to discuss your options before the payment due date passes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my deposit back before 18 months?
No, the deposit is held for the life of the account unless the card is converted to unsecured or the account is closed. If you close the account yourself, the issuer will return your remaining deposit (minus any unpaid balance or fees) within a few weeks. If the account is closed due to non-payment, the issuer may use the deposit to cover what you owe.
What credit score do I need to open a Surge Card?
Surge does not publish a minimum credit score requirement. The card is marketed to people with limited or poor credit history, so it may be available to people with scores below 600. The best way to find out is to check your may be able to access without a hard inquiry, or contact the issuer directly before you open an account.
Does the monthly maintenance fee count toward my credit limit?
No. The $7 monthly maintenance fee is deducted from your deposit account, not from your available credit on the card. However, it reduces the total cash you have on deposit, which can matter if you need to close the account or if the deposit drops below the issuer's minimum.
Can I use the Surge Card to pay bills online?
Yes, you can use the Surge Card anywhere Mastercard is accepted, including online bill payments. However, some billers charge a fee for credit card payments, so check before you pay a bill with the card. Using the card for regular purchases and paying the bill in full each month is usually a better strategy for building credit.
What happens to my credit score if I pay off my balance early?
Paying off your balance early is good for your credit score because it lowers your utilization ratio and shows responsible credit management. However, the card issuer still reports your account activity to the bureaus each month, so the benefit comes from the pattern of on-time payments over time, not from a single early payment.