What Total Visa Cards Offer and Who They're Built For
Total Visa is a credit card issued by Fortiva Bank, designed mainly for people rebuilding credit or starting from scratch. The card reports to all three credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — which means your payment history can help raise your credit score over time. Unlike some cards that only report to one or two bureaus, this matters because lenders look at all three when you explore for a mortgage, car loan, or other credit later.
The card comes in two versions: a secured card and an unsecured card. The secured version requires a cash deposit that becomes your credit limit — so if you deposit $500, you get a $500 limit. The unsecured version is available to people with slightly better credit and does not require a deposit. Both charge an annual fee, which varies depending on the version and current offers.
Total Visa is not a rewards card. You will not earn cash back or points on purchases. The value is in the credit-building function, not in perks. If you already have good credit and want rewards, this is not the right card. If you are rebuilding after missed payments, collections, or a bankruptcy, or if you have no credit history at all, this card is worth considering.
Key Takeaways
- Total Visa reports to all three credit bureaus, so on-time payments help rebuild your credit score faster than cards that report to only one or two.
- The secured version requires a cash deposit equal to your credit limit, while the unsecured version does not but is only available to people with some credit history.
- Both versions charge an annual fee; the exact amount depends on which card you choose and current promotions.
- The card has no rewards, no cash back, and no sign-up bonus — the benefit is credit building, not spending perks.
- Your deposit is held in a separate account and earns interest, so you are not losing money by putting it down.
Secured vs. Unsecured: Which Version Makes Sense for You
The secured card is the entry point. You deposit money — typically between $300 and $2,500 — and that amount becomes your credit limit. The deposit sits in a savings account earning interest, so Fortiva is holding your money safely while you use the card. After 6 to 12 months of on-time payments, you may be able to convert to the unsecured version without losing your deposit.
The unsecured card does not require a deposit. You get a credit limit based on your credit history and income, just like a regular credit card. This version is only available if you already have some credit history — usually a credit score in the 600s or higher, though Fortiva does not publish exact thresholds. If you have never had credit or your score is very low, you will not be offered the unsecured version right away.
Choose the secured card if you have no credit history, a very low score (below 550), or recent negative marks like a bankruptcy or collection. Choose the unsecured card if you have some credit history and want to skip the deposit requirement. Either way, the goal is the same: demonstrate that you pay on time, and your score will improve.
Annual Fees and Other Costs
Total Visa charges an annual fee on both the secured and unsecured versions. The exact amount varies — it has ranged from $39 to $99 depending on the card version and the time period — so check the current offer before you explore. This fee is charged once per year, usually on your statement anniversary or account opening date.
There is no interest-free period on purchases. If you carry a balance, you will pay interest when ready. The interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) varies by applicant and is not published in advance; Fortiva will tell you the rate after you explore. Rates for credit-building cards are typically higher than rates for cards offered to people with good credit — often in the 18% to 24% range, though this varies.
There are no foreign transaction fees, no late fees beyond standard credit card penalties, and no over-limit fees. If you pay late, you will face a late fee (the amount depends on your state and the card terms), and the late payment will be reported to the credit bureaus and hurt your score. Paying on time is the entire point of this card, so avoid late payments at all costs.
How Your Deposit Works and When You Get It Back
When you open a secured Total Visa account, your deposit is held in a separate savings account at Fortiva Bank. You cannot spend this money — it is collateral for the card. The deposit earns interest, which means Fortiva is paying you a small amount to hold your money. The interest rate on the savings account is set by Fortiva and is not negotiable, but it is better than earning nothing.
You get your deposit back when you close the account or when Fortiva converts your card to unsecured. Conversion usually happens after 6 to 12 months of on-time payments, though Fortiva does not may provide a specific timeline. Once converted, your credit limit may stay the same or increase — that decision is up to Fortiva. You can request conversion, but Fortiva will review your account and decide whether to approve it.
If you close the account, your deposit is returned to you, usually within 5 to 10 business days. If you have an outstanding balance on the card, Fortiva will use your deposit to pay it down first. If you have a credit balance (meaning you overpaid), that will be returned to you as well. Plan to keep the account open for at least 6 to 12 months to give yourself time to build credit before closing it.
Credit Reporting and Score Impact
Total Visa reports your account activity to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion every month. This means every on-time payment you make is recorded and helps your credit score. Every late payment is also recorded and hurts your score. The impact of on-time payments builds over time — you will not see a big jump after one month, but after 6 to 12 months of consistent payments, most people see a noticeable improvement.
Your credit utilization — the percentage of your credit limit that you are using — also affects your score. If your limit is $500 and you carry a $400 balance, your utilization is 80%, which hurts your score. Keeping utilization below 30% (so $150 or less on a $500 limit) helps your score more. This is one reason to use the card for small, regular purchases and pay them off quickly rather than carrying a large balance.
The card itself will show up on your credit report as a credit account. Having a mix of account types — credit cards, installment loans, and so on — helps your score. If this is your first credit card, opening it will add diversity to your credit profile, which is a positive factor in how your score is calculated.
Comparing Total Visa to Other Credit-Building Cards
Other banks offer secured credit cards with similar features. Capital One Secured Mastercard, Discover Secured Card, and OpenSky Secured Visa are common alternatives. The main differences are the annual fee, the interest rate, the minimum deposit, and the conversion timeline. Capital One, for example, may offer a lower annual fee or faster conversion to unsecured status. Discover reports to all three bureaus like Total Visa does. OpenSky does not require a credit check, which appeals to people with very poor credit or no credit history.
The best card for you depends on your specific situation. If you have no credit history at all, OpenSky may be the easiest to get. If you want the fastest path to conversion, Capital One has a reputation for converting accounts after 6 months of on-time payments. If you want a card with no annual fee, Discover Secured Card has offered this at times, though offers change. Compare the current annual fee, APR, and conversion terms across cards before deciding.
One advantage Total Visa has is that Fortiva is a smaller, less well-known issuer, which means fewer people are competing for the same credit limit increases or conversion offers. This is not a major factor, but it is worth noting if you are comparing multiple options.
How to Use Total Visa to Actually Build Credit
Opening the card is not enough — you have to use it correctly. Make a small purchase each month, like a subscription or a tank of gas. Pay the full balance before the due date. Repeat this every month for at least 6 to 12 months. This pattern shows lenders that you can borrow money and pay it back reliably, which is what a credit score measures.
Do not carry a balance to pay interest. The goal is to demonstrate responsibility, not to pay fees. If you carry a balance, you are paying interest for the privilege of building credit, which defeats the purpose. Charge what you can afford to pay off in full each month.
Do not close the account after your score improves. Closing it removes an account from your credit history and can actually lower your score. Keep it open and use it occasionally, even after you have built enough credit to get other cards. The longer your account history, the better it is for your score.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get approved for Total Visa if I have bad credit or no credit history?
Yes. The secured version is designed for people with bad credit or no credit history. You will need to provide a deposit, but approval is much easier than for a regular credit card. Fortiva does not publish exact credit score requirements, but people with scores below 550 or with no credit history are often approved for the secured card.
What happens if I miss a payment?
A missed payment will be reported to all three credit bureaus and will hurt your credit score. You will also face a late fee. If you miss a payment, contact Fortiva as soon as possible — some issuers will work with you if you pay within 30 days. After 30 days, the damage to your score is significant and harder to recover from.
How long does it take to convert from secured to unsecured?
Conversion usually happens after 6 to 12 months of on-time payments, but Fortiva does not may provide a timeline. You can request conversion after 6 months, and Fortiva will review your account. Some people convert faster, and some take longer. Keep making on-time payments and your chances improve.
Will my credit limit increase over time?
Possibly. After several months of on-time payments, Fortiva may increase your limit without a hard inquiry. You can also request a limit increase, though Fortiva will review your account and may do a hard inquiry, which temporarily lowers your score. Do not request increases too often — once or twice per year is reasonable.
Can I use Total Visa internationally?
Yes, Visa is accepted worldwide. There are no foreign transaction fees, so you can use the card abroad without extra charges. The exchange rate will be set by Visa, not by Fortiva, so you will get a fair rate. Just make sure to notify Fortiva of travel plans if you are concerned about fraud detection.