What Fortiva Credit Cards Are
Fortiva is a financial services company that issues credit cards marketed to people with limited credit history or past credit problems. Their cards come with a deposit requirement — you put money down, and that becomes your credit limit. The company reports your payment activity to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), which means on-time payments can help build or rebuild your credit score over time.
Fortiva operates several card brands under different names, including Milestone and Surge, so you may see their cards advertised under those names rather than "Fortiva" directly. The basic structure is the same across their products: deposit-backed, monthly reporting to credit bureaus, and fees that vary by card.
These cards are not loans. You are not borrowing money from Fortiva upfront. You deposit your own money, and Fortiva holds it as collateral while you use the card to make purchases. Your deposit stays in a separate account and earns a small amount of interest in some cases.
Key Takeaways
- Fortiva cards require you to deposit money upfront, which becomes your spending limit, and that deposit stays frozen while you use the card.
- The company charges an annual fee (the amount varies by card product) plus potential fees for late payments, foreign transactions, or going over your limit.
- Fortiva reports your payment history to all three credit bureaus each month, so consistent on-time payments can raise your credit score over time.
- You can request a credit limit increase after a period of on-time payments, and Fortiva may increase your limit without requiring an additional deposit.
- The card is designed as a stepping stone — after demonstrating responsible use, you may become may be able to access for unsecured credit cards with lower fees and no deposit requirement.
How the Deposit and Credit Limit Work
When you open a Fortiva card, you choose how much to deposit. That amount becomes your credit limit. If you deposit $500, you can spend up to $500 on the card. Fortiva holds your deposit in a separate savings account and does not use it to cover your monthly bill — you pay your bill from your regular bank account, just as you would with any credit card.
Your deposit is yours. It does not disappear or get forfeited if you use the card responsibly. You can close the account and retrieve your deposit at any time, though some cards require you to wait a certain period (often six months to a year) before you can withdraw it without penalty. Check the specific terms for the card you are considering, as this varies.
The deposit protects Fortiva if you stop paying. If you default on the card, Fortiva can use your deposit to cover the debt. This is why they can issue cards to people with poor credit or no credit history — their risk is limited to the amount you have deposited.
Fees You Will Encounter
Fortiva cards charge an annual fee, typically ranging from $48 to $99 depending on which card product you choose. This fee is charged to your account once per year, usually on your account anniversary or in the first month. Unlike some credit cards that waive the first-year fee, most Fortiva cards charge the fee from month one.
Beyond the annual fee, watch for these common charges: late payment fees (usually $25 to $35 if you miss a due date), over-limit fees if you exceed your credit limit, and foreign transaction fees if you use the card outside the United States. Some cards also charge a monthly maintenance fee in addition to the annual fee, so read the terms carefully before you open an account.
Interest rates on Fortiva cards are typically higher than rates on unsecured cards — often in the 18% to 24% range, depending on the specific product and your creditworthiness at the time of process. This means carrying a balance is expensive. The card works best if you use it for small purchases and pay the full balance each month.
How Fortiva Reports to Credit Bureaus
Fortiva reports your account activity to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion every month. This means your payment history — whether you pay on time, how much of your limit you use, and whether you ever miss a payment — becomes part of your credit file. On-time payments help your credit score rise. Late payments or missed payments damage it.
The benefit of a Fortiva card is that it gives you a way to demonstrate responsible credit behavior if you have limited history or past problems. Each month you pay on time, you are building evidence that you can manage credit responsibly. Over time, this can raise your score enough to open doors to better credit products.
However, the reporting works both ways. If you miss payments or carry a high balance relative to your limit, that also gets reported and can hurt your score. Using more than 30% of your available credit in any given month can lower your score, even if you pay on time. The card is most effective when you keep your balance low and pay it off in full each month.
When a Fortiva Card Makes Sense
A Fortiva card is worth considering if you have no credit history and need to build a file from scratch, or if you have past credit problems and are working to recover. The deposit requirement means you can get approved even with poor credit, and the monthly reporting means you have a real path to improve your score.
The card is less useful if you already have access to unsecured credit cards with lower fees and better terms. If you can get approved for a standard card without a deposit, that is usually the better choice. Similarly, if you cannot afford to deposit several hundred dollars upfront, a Fortiva card is not an option for you.
The card also makes sense only if you can commit to paying on time every month. If you have a history of missed payments or know you will struggle to pay the bill consistently, the fees and interest charges will work against you. A secured card is a tool for building credit, not a way to borrow money cheaply.
Alternatives to Fortiva Cards
Other companies offer secured credit cards with similar structures. Capital One Secured Mastercard, Discover Secured Card, and U.S. Bank Secured Visa are examples. Compare the annual fees, interest rates, and deposit requirements across options. Some cards charge lower annual fees or offer better terms after a period of on-time payments.
If you have some credit history but a lower score, you might also look at unsecured cards marketed to people with fair credit. These do not require a deposit and may have lower fees, though the interest rates are typically higher. Check what you can get approved for before committing to a secured card.
Another option is to become an authorized user on someone else's credit card account. If a family member or trusted friend with good credit adds you to their account, their payment history can appear on your credit file and help your score. This requires trust and a strong relationship, but it costs nothing and can be faster than building credit on your own.
How to Use a Fortiva Card to Build Credit
The most effective strategy is to use the card for one or two small, recurring purchases — a gas station, a grocery store, or a streaming subscription — and pay the full balance every month. This demonstrates consistent, responsible use without requiring you to carry a balance and pay interest.
Keep your balance well below your credit limit. Aim to use no more than 10% to 20% of your available credit in any given month. If your limit is $500, try to keep your balance under $50 to $100 before your statement closes. This shows lenders you are not dependent on credit and can manage money responsibly.
Set up automatic payments from your bank account to may support you never miss a due date. Missing even one payment can set back your credit-building progress significantly. After six to twelve months of perfect payment history, contact Fortiva to ask about a credit limit increase. Some companies will raise your limit without requiring an additional deposit, which increases your available credit and further improves your credit score.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get my deposit back if I close the account?
Yes, your deposit is returned to you after you close the account and pay any remaining balance. Some cards require you to wait a certain period (often six months to a year) before you can withdraw your deposit without penalty. Check your card's terms for the specific timeline.
Can I use a Fortiva card if I have no credit history?
Yes. Fortiva cards are designed for people with limited or no credit history. The deposit requirement means the company can issue a card without relying on your credit score. You will need to provide proof of income and a valid ID, but a credit score is not required.
How long does it take to build credit with a Fortiva card?
Most people see measurable score improvement within three to six months of on-time payments. Significant improvement typically takes twelve to eighteen months. The exact timeline depends on your starting score, how much of your limit you use, and whether you have other negative items on your credit report.
What happens if I miss a payment?
A missed payment is reported to the credit bureaus and damages your score. You will also be charged a late fee (typically $25 to $35). If you miss a payment, contact Fortiva when ready to bring your account current. The sooner you pay, the less damage to your credit.
Can I upgrade to an unsecured card?
Yes. After demonstrating responsible use with a Fortiva card, you may become may be able to access for unsecured credit cards with lower fees and no deposit requirement. Some companies offer a path to upgrade directly through their own product line. You can also explore for other unsecured cards once your credit score has improved enough.