What the Total Visa Card Is

The Total Visa is a credit card issued by Comenity Bank, marketed primarily to people rebuilding credit or establishing a credit history for the first time. It is a secured credit card, meaning you put down a cash deposit that becomes your credit limit — if you deposit $500, your limit is $500. The card reports to all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion), so responsible use can help raise your credit score over time.

This card is not the same as a prepaid card. With a prepaid card, you spend only what you load onto it. With the Total Visa, you borrow money from the bank each month and must pay it back — the deposit just sits in a reserve account as security in case you stop paying.

The card comes with a Visa logo, so you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted online, in stores, or over the phone. There is no annual fee, which sets it apart from many other secured cards aimed at people rebuilding credit.

Key Takeaways

  • The Total Visa requires a cash deposit ($300 to $2,500 depending on your bank account status) that becomes your credit limit, and that deposit earns no interest.
  • You pay interest on what you borrow each month (the APR varies but typically ranges from 18% to 24%), not on the deposit itself.
  • The card has no annual fee, but you will pay interest charges if you carry a balance, plus potential late fees of $25 to $35 if you miss a payment.
  • After 7 to 18 months of on-time payments, the bank may convert your account to an unsecured card and return your deposit.
  • The card reports to all three credit bureaus, so every payment (on-time or late) affects your credit score.

How Much the Deposit and Interest Will Cost You

Your deposit amount depends on your bank account history with Comenity Bank. If you have an existing checking or savings account with them in good standing, you may be able to deposit as little as $300. If you do not have an account with them, the minimum is typically $500. The maximum is $2,500. This deposit sits in a reserve account and earns no interest — you are not earning money on it while it sits there.

The interest rate (APR) on purchases is not fixed and varies by applicant. Most cardholders report rates between 18% and 24%, though your actual rate depends on your credit history and creditworthiness at the time you open the account. This rate applies to any balance you carry from month to month. If you charge $300 and pay the full balance by the due date, you pay no interest. If you charge $300 and pay only $100, you owe interest on the remaining $200.

Late fees run $25 to $35 per missed payment, depending on how late you are. A payment 30 days late costs less than one 60 days late. If you miss a payment by 60 days or more, the bank may also raise your APR as a penalty.

When Your Deposit Gets Returned

Comenity Bank does not publish a fixed timeline for converting your account from secured to unsecured. Most cardholders report that after 7 to 18 months of on-time payments, the bank reviews the account and may offer to return your deposit and convert you to a standard unsecured Visa card. Some accounts convert sooner, others take longer — it depends on your payment history and how your credit score improves.

When the conversion happens, the bank will notify you. Your deposit is returned to the bank account you used to fund it, or to a new account you specify. You do not have to do anything to request the conversion; the bank initiates it. However, conversion is not may provide — if you miss payments or carry high balances, the bank may keep the account secured indefinitely.

How This Card Affects Your Credit Score

Every transaction and payment you make on the Total Visa is reported to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This means the card can help or hurt your credit score depending on how you use it. On-time payments build your payment history, which is the largest factor in your credit score. Carrying a high balance relative to your limit (high utilization) can lower your score, even if you pay on time.

If you want to use this card to rebuild credit, the strategy is straightforward: charge a small amount each month (10% to 30% of your limit), then pay the full balance by the due date. This shows lenders you can borrow and repay reliably, without paying interest. Over time, this pattern raises your score and makes you a candidate for better cards with lower rates and higher limits.

A missed or late payment will damage your score significantly and stay on your credit report for seven years. Even one late payment can erase months of on-time payment history in terms of score impact.

Total Visa vs. Other Secured Cards

The Total Visa's main advantage is the lack of an annual fee. Many competing secured cards (like the Capital One Secured Mastercard or the Discover Secured Card) charge $35 to $95 per year just to hold the card. Over five years, that adds up.

However, the Total Visa's interest rate is not particularly competitive. Other secured cards often offer APRs in the 18% to 22% range, and some offer lower rates to applicants with better credit. The Total Visa's 18% to 24% range is middle-of-the-road. If you plan to carry a balance, a card with a lower APR will cost you less in interest.

The Total Visa also requires a higher minimum deposit ($500 for most new applicants) compared to some competitors, which charge $200 to $300 minimums. If you have limited cash on hand, a lower minimum might matter.

How to Use the Total Visa Responsibly

The goal of a secured card is to prove you can handle credit, not to carry a balance and pay interest. Here is the approach that works: charge something small each month — a subscription, a gas fill-up, a grocery purchase — then pay the full balance when the bill arrives. This takes a few minutes and costs you nothing in interest.

Set up automatic payments if possible. Many cardholders miss payments by accident, not intention. Automating a payment to the full balance on the due date removes the risk. If you cannot automate, set a phone reminder for one week before the due date.

Do not treat the card as extra money. The deposit is your money sitting in reserve — it is not a reason to spend more than you normally would. Stick to purchases you would make anyway, then pay them off.

Check your credit report once a year (free at annualcreditreport.com) to make sure the card is being reported correctly. Errors are rare but do happen, and catching them early matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Total Visa right away after opening the account?

Yes. Once your deposit clears (usually 1 to 3 business days), your card is activated and you can use it. You do not have to wait for a conversion or any other milestone to start charging.

What happens if I close the account before it converts to unsecured?

Your deposit is returned to you, minus any outstanding balance or fees owed to the bank. If you have paid off your balance in full, you get the entire deposit back. Closing the account will not hurt your credit score directly, but it does remove an active account from your credit history, which can have a small negative effect over time.

Can I increase my credit limit without adding more money?

Not on a secured card. Your limit is tied to your deposit. If you want a higher limit, you would need to add more money to your reserve account. Some banks allow you to increase your deposit after a few months of on-time payments.

Is the Total Visa the same as a prepaid card?

No. A prepaid card lets you spend only what you load onto it upfront. The Total Visa is a real credit card — you borrow money and pay it back. The deposit is collateral, not your spending balance. This is why it reports to credit bureaus and helps build your credit history.

What if I miss a payment?

A missed payment triggers a late fee ($25 to $35) and is reported to the credit bureaus, damaging your score. If you are 60 days late, the bank may raise your APR as a penalty. If you are 180 days late, the bank may close the account and use your deposit to cover the debt. Contact the bank when ready if you cannot pay on time — they may work with you on a payment plan.