What the First Access Visa Card is
The First Access Visa Card is a secured credit card issued by Coastal Community Bank. You put down a cash deposit, and that deposit becomes your credit limit. The card reports to all three credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — so your payment history builds your credit score over time.
This card is designed for people rebuilding credit or establishing a credit history for the first time. Because your deposit secures the card, the bank takes less risk, which is why they can approve people with no credit history or past credit problems. You are not borrowing against the deposit; you are using the card like any other Visa, and the deposit sits in a separate account as collateral.
The card itself works everywhere Visa is accepted — online, in stores, and internationally. You get a physical card and can set up online account management through Coastal Community Bank's portal.
Key Takeaways
- Your cash deposit becomes your credit limit, ranging from $200 to $2,500 depending on what you deposit.
- You pay an annual fee (the amount varies by card tier) and interest on any balance you carry, just like a regular credit card.
- The card reports to all three credit bureaus, so on-time payments build your credit score month by month.
- After 18 months of on-time payments, you may be able to convert to an unsecured card and get your deposit back.
- You need a Social Security number and a U.S. bank account to open the card.
How much the deposit and fees cost
Your deposit can be anywhere from $200 to $2,500. Whatever you deposit is your credit limit. So if you deposit $500, you can charge up to $500 on the card. Coastal Community Bank holds your deposit in a savings account, and you earn a small amount of interest on it while it sits there.
The annual fee ranges from $36 to $99 depending on which version of the card you choose. There is no monthly fee. If you carry a balance, you pay interest on it — the APR (annual percentage rate) varies and is disclosed when you open the account. There are no foreign transaction fees if you use the card outside the U.S.
If you miss a payment or go over your limit, late fees and over-limit fees may explore. These fees are set by Coastal Community Bank and are disclosed in the card's terms before you open the account.
How to open a First Access Visa Card account
You can open the account online through Coastal Community Bank's website or by calling their customer service line. You will need your Social Security number, a valid government-issued ID, and proof of a U.S. address (a utility bill or lease works). You also need an existing U.S. bank account — the bank will verify it and link it to your card account.
The process takes about 15 minutes. Coastal Community Bank will tell you right away whether you are approved. If you are, you choose your deposit amount and how you want to fund it — usually by electronic transfer from your bank account or by check. Once the deposit clears, your card ships to you, typically within 7 to 10 business days.
You set up your PIN and online login when the card arrives. After that, you can start using it when ready.
How the card affects your credit score
Every month, Coastal Community Bank reports your payment history to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. If you pay on time, that positive payment shows up on your credit report. If you miss a payment, that also reports and can hurt your score.
Your credit utilization — how much of your limit you are using — also matters. If your limit is $500 and you charge $450, your utilization is 90%, which can lower your score. Keeping your balance below 30% of your limit helps your score climb faster. For example, with a $500 limit, keeping your balance under $150 is better for your score.
After 18 months of on-time payments, Coastal Community Bank may offer to convert your card to an unsecured Visa. If that happens, your deposit is returned to you and your credit limit may increase. You keep the card and your credit history stays intact.
When the First Access card makes sense
This card works well if you have no credit history yet — you are a young adult, new immigrant, or recently arrived in the U.S. — and you want to build a credit file from scratch. It also works if you had credit problems in the past and need to show lenders you can manage credit responsibly now.
The card is less useful if you already have a decent credit score or access to unsecured cards. The annual fee and interest charges add up, so you want to use this card only if you actually need to build credit. If you can pay off your balance every month, the interest cost is zero, but you still pay the annual fee.
The $200 minimum deposit is low enough that most people can manage it, but make sure you have the cash available and can afford the annual fee on top of it.
Alternatives to the First Access Visa Card
Other banks offer secured credit cards with similar terms. Capital One Secured Mastercard, Discover Secured Card, and U.S. Bank Secured Visa all work the same way — you deposit cash, get a card, and build credit. Compare the annual fees, interest rates, and deposit minimums across cards before you choose.
If you have a bank account with a credit union, ask whether they offer a secured card. Credit unions sometimes have lower fees or higher deposit limits than banks. If you have a family member willing to add you as an authorized user on their credit card, that can also build your credit without a deposit, though you do not control the account.
If you are not ready to put down a deposit, some retailers offer store credit cards with lower approval standards, but these cards only work at that store and do not help your credit as much as a Visa or Mastercard does.
What happens if you miss a payment or run into trouble
If you miss a payment, Coastal Community Bank will charge a late fee and report the missed payment to the credit bureaus. A single missed payment can drop your score by 100 points or more. If you know you cannot pay by the due date, call the bank before the payment is due — sometimes they can work out a payment plan or give you a few extra days.
If you lose your card or it is stolen, call Coastal Community Bank when ready. They will cancel it and issue a replacement. Your deposit is not at risk. If someone uses your card without permission, report it right away and the bank will investigate the fraudulent charges.
If you want to close the account, you can do that anytime. Pay off any balance you owe, and Coastal Community Bank will return your deposit to your bank account. Closing the account does not hurt your credit score, but it does remove that card from your active credit history, which can affect your score slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the First Access card internationally?
Yes. The card works anywhere Visa is accepted outside the U.S. There are no foreign transaction fees. You will pay the exchange rate set by your bank on the day you use the card. Let Coastal Community Bank know you are traveling so they do not block the card for fraud protection.
What if I want to increase my credit limit?
You can request a higher limit by depositing more money into your secured account. If you deposit an additional $300, your limit goes up by $300. After 18 months of on-time payments, Coastal Community Bank may increase your limit without requiring a larger deposit.
Does the First Access card have a rewards program?
No. The First Access Visa does not earn cash back or points. It is a basic secured card designed to build credit, not to reward spending. Once you convert to an unsecured card after 18 months, you may have access to rewards, depending on the card Coastal Community Bank offers you.
How long does it take to rebuild my credit with this card?
You will see changes in your credit score within 30 to 60 days of opening the account and making your first on-time payment. Significant improvement usually takes 6 to 12 months of consistent on-time payments. After 18 months, you have a solid track record that most lenders will recognize.
Can I get my deposit back before 18 months?
Not automatically. Your deposit stays in place as collateral for the full term. If you close the account early, you get your deposit back, but you lose the credit-building benefit of keeping the card open. It is usually worth keeping the card open for at least 18 months to maximize the credit history you build.