What the Atlas Credit Card Offers
The Atlas Credit Card is a secured credit card issued by Fortiva Bank. You put down a cash deposit, and that deposit becomes your credit limit — so if you deposit $500, you get a $500 limit. The card reports to all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), which means your payment history builds a credit record that other lenders can see.
The card charges an annual fee of $48. There is no foreign transaction fee, and you can set up automatic payments through the issuer's online portal. The card does not offer cash back, travel rewards, or other perks — it exists to help you build credit history, not to reward spending.
Fortiva also offers a path to upgrade: after you demonstrate responsible use (typically 7 to 12 months of on-time payments), you may be able to move to an unsecured card with a higher limit and no deposit requirement. The company does not may provide this upgrade, and timing depends on your account activity and payment record.
Key Takeaways
- Your deposit becomes your credit limit, so you control how much credit you build by choosing your deposit amount.
- The $48 annual fee is charged whether you use the card or not, so the cost is fixed regardless of your spending.
- Payment history reports to all three credit bureaus, which means on-time payments directly improve your credit score over time.
- You can request an upgrade to an unsecured card after several months of responsible use, though approval is not may provide.
- The card has no rewards, cash back, or travel benefits — it is designed for credit building, not spending incentives.
How the Deposit and Credit Limit Work
When you open an Atlas account, you choose how much to deposit. That amount becomes your credit limit when ready. If you deposit $300, your limit is $300. If you deposit $2,500, your limit is $2,500. Fortiva holds your deposit in a savings account and pays a small amount of interest on it — the rate varies but is typically less than 1% annually.
Your deposit stays in place as long as you hold the card. You do not spend down the deposit like a prepaid card. Instead, you use the credit limit it creates, pay your bill each month, and the deposit sits untouched. If you close the account, Fortiva returns your deposit to you, minus any unpaid balance on the card.
The deposit amount is your choice, so you can start small. Many people open an Atlas card with a $300 or $500 deposit to keep the initial cost low while they build their credit record. You can request a higher limit later by adding more to your deposit, though Fortiva will review your account first.
Fees and Costs You Need to Know
The annual fee is $48, charged once per year. This fee appears on your statement and must be paid like any other charge. There are no monthly fees, no late fees listed in the standard terms, and no foreign transaction fees. However, if you miss a payment, Fortiva may charge a late fee — check your cardholder agreement for the exact amount, as it can vary.
There is no fee to set up the account or to add money to your deposit. If you request a credit limit increase by depositing more money, there is no fee for that either. The only ongoing cost is the $48 annual fee.
Because the annual fee is fixed, the card makes the most sense if you plan to use it regularly. If you open it and never use it, you still pay $48 per year. If you use it for small purchases and pay it off each month, the fee is spread across your spending, but it is still a real cost to factor in.
How Atlas Reports to Credit Bureaus and Builds Your Score
Fortiva reports your payment history to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion every month. This means every on-time payment you make adds to your credit record, and every late payment or missed payment also gets reported. Over time, a pattern of on-time payments can raise your credit score.
The card also reports your credit utilization — how much of your limit you are using. If your limit is $500 and you carry a $250 balance, your utilization is 50%. Credit scoring models generally favor lower utilization, so paying down your balance each month (rather than carrying it forward) helps your score more than letting the balance grow.
The timeline for score improvement varies. Some people see movement within three to six months of on-time payments. Others take longer, especially if they are starting from a very low score or have recent negative marks on their record. The key is consistency — one missed payment can undo months of progress.
When Atlas Makes Sense and When It Does Not
The Atlas card works well if you have little or no credit history, or if your credit score has dropped due to past problems and you want to rebuild. The secured structure means you will be approved even if traditional lenders would turn you down. The reporting to all three bureaus means your work shows up where it matters.
The card is less useful if you already have access to unsecured cards with better terms, or if you cannot afford the $48 annual fee plus the deposit. It is also not the right choice if you need a card with rewards or travel benefits — Atlas does not offer those, and paying an annual fee for a card with no perks only makes sense if you are specifically building credit.
If you are considering Atlas, compare it to other secured cards first. Some competitors charge lower annual fees, offer higher interest rates on your deposit, or have different upgrade paths. The best card for you depends on your deposit amount, how long you plan to hold it, and what matters most in your situation.
The Upgrade Process and What Happens After
After you have used the Atlas card responsibly for several months, you can request an upgrade to an unsecured card. Fortiva does not publish exact timing, but most cardholders see an upgrade offer after 7 to 12 months of on-time payments. The company reviews your account activity, payment history, and current credit score before deciding.
If approved for an upgrade, you move to an unsecured card — your deposit is returned to you, and you get a new credit limit based on your creditworthiness. The new card may have different terms, a different annual fee, or no annual fee at all. Fortiva will tell you the terms before you accept the upgrade.
If you are not approved for an upgrade, you can keep using the secured card and request again later. There is no penalty for asking, and your continued on-time payments strengthen your case each month. Some people stay on the secured card longer by choice, especially if they want to keep building their credit record before moving to an unsecured product.
how the process works and What You Need
You can start the process on Fortiva's website. The process asks for basic information: your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment details. Fortiva performs a soft credit check (which does not affect your credit score) to verify your identity and review your credit history.
You will need to decide on your deposit amount before you finish the process. Common starting amounts are $300, $500, or $1,000, but you can choose any amount up to Fortiva's maximum (which varies). The deposit is transferred from your bank account after your process is approved.
Once approved, your card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You set up it online or by phone, and you can start using it when ready. Your first annual fee is charged on your statement after the card is activated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my deposit back if I close the card?
Yes. When you close your account, Fortiva returns your deposit to your bank account, minus any unpaid balance on the card. If you have a $500 deposit and a $50 balance, you receive $450. If you have paid off your balance completely, you get the full $500 back.
What happens if I miss a payment?
A missed payment is reported to all three credit bureaus and will lower your credit score. It also may trigger a late fee. Fortiva may also freeze your account or reduce your credit limit. If you miss a payment, contact the company as soon as possible to discuss your options — some issuers offer hardship programs or payment plans.
Can I increase my credit limit without adding more to my deposit?
Not typically. With a secured card, your limit is tied to your deposit. To raise your limit, you usually need to deposit more money. After you upgrade to an unsecured card, you may be able to request a limit increase without adding funds, but that depends on Fortiva's review of your account.
How long does it take to see my credit score improve?
Improvement timelines vary widely. Some people see movement within three to six months of on-time payments. Others take longer, especially if they are starting from a very low score or have recent negative marks. Consistent on-time payments over 12 months typically show meaningful improvement.
Is there a way to avoid the $48 annual fee?
No. The annual fee is charged every year you hold the card, and there is no way to waive it. If the fee is a barrier, look at other secured cards to compare their costs. Some competitors charge lower annual fees, which may make more sense for your situation.