First Access Visa® Card Review 2026

The secret to happiness isn’t buried in some philosophical text. Sometimes, it’s simply the ability to purchase what you want and need when the time comes.

Indeed, purchasing power can be the difference between a comfortable lifestyle and one that isn’t up to scratch. Oftentimes, the amount of cash you’re generating just isn’t enough to handle all of life’s demands, which is why credit cards exist.

Most credit card approvals however require a fairly good credit score. But is there hope for people with bad credit? Read our review to find out.

First Access Visa® Card Overview

Getting credit approved can greatly improve anyone’s status. After all, it’s cash at your disposal that solves the most immediate problems. Maybe you need to refill your tank, pay the bills, or even sort out groceries; whatever it is, credit can help you meet all these basic needs when regular income doesn’t suffice. However, getting approved for a credit card is another matter entirely.

People who have had problems with credit know this tale all too well. Bad credit or low scores usually mean you don’t get access to the money you need. If you do, it will likely come with high rates and punitive conditions.

When it comes to the application process, people with bad credit get a bit of reprieve. The card is designed specifically for people with bad credit and low credit scores. The application process is very quick: it takes just minutes to fill out and most applicants receive a decision within minutes. First Access is issued by The Bank of Missouri pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc.

Where most credit card providers wouldn’t even look the way of low scorers, First Access encourages them to send in applications, regardless of how low they may rank. The official site says less-than-perfect credit is welcome, but it does not promise approval or describe applicants as having a high chance of approval.

So, what happens after the credit cards are approved?

All you need to do is complete the form online. It usually takes just a couple of minutes, after which your application is processed. If approved, you must first pay a $95 program fee before the account is opened.

The issuer says cards are sent within 3-7 business days after approval, though it advises allowing up to 14 business days for arrival. Once your account is opened and you receive the card, you can activate it and begin using it.

Fees

This is where the problems with this credit card begin. For a product that is meant to ease the plight of people with low credit scores, there sure are a lot of auxiliary fees to be paid.

The processing fee starts off with a one-time fee to set up your account. That upfront program fee is $95 and must be paid before account opening. For the first year, there are no monthly servicing fees, but subsequent yearly servicing fees come in per year, which is billed to the card on a monthly basis.

An annual fee is also charged for the first year and year after that. The annual fee is $50, $75, $100, or $125 in the first year, depending on whether your approved credit limit is $200, $300, $400, or $500. After that, the annual fee is $48. Monthly servicing fees begin after the first year and range from $6.25 to $10.25 per month, again depending on your credit limit.

There is also no cash advance fee for the first year, but after that you either pay $10 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance. To have your card delivered via express delivery costs $35, and additional cards to your account cost about $29 annually for each card. If you choose a premium plastic card design, there can also be a one-time design fee of up to $10.