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Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit review: An expensive way to rebuild credit

A decent option for credit-builders but a secured card might be a better fit

 /  9 min
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Snapshot

2.3

Bankrate rating
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Rating: 2.3 stars out of 5

Bottom line

Though this card can get the job done if you’re trying to rebuild your credit, it’s an expensive option that offers few advantages over a secured card.

Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit

Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit

Recommended credit score:(300 - 670)

Regular APR

29.49%* Variable

Annual fee

$75 for the first year. After that, $99 annually ($8.25 per month)

2.3
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Bankrate Score

Cost of membership

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1.0 / 5

Ease of building credit

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3.0 / 5

APR

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1.0 / 5

Features

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3.8 / 5
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Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit Overview*

It can be difficult to find the right credit card when you have bad credit, especially if you want to earn rewards, avoid annual fees and find a manageable APR. If you want to avoid a security deposit, it can be even harder since secured credit cards are the most common type of card available to people with poor credit.  

But a handful of unsecured credit cards like the Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit is available if you prefer no upfront costs. It's an unsecured credit card (meaning no security deposit) that also earns cash back on everyday purchases. 

However, this card’s APR is very high, and its annual fee is as high as many premium rewards cards’ annual fees. Plus, your initial spending limit will only be $300 to $500. If you’re focused on improving your credit score, the Credit One Platinum could be a short-term solution, but a secured card can be a more sustainable, less costly choice for achieving a better credit score.

  • Credit Card Cash Back Icon

    Rewards

    • Earn 1 percent cash back rewards on eligible gas, grocery purchases and mobile phone service, internet, cable and satellite TV services (Terms apply)

    Expert Appraisal: Exceptional
    See our expert analysis

  • Credit Card Search Icon

    Rates and fees

    • Annual fee: $75 the first year, then $99 ($8.25 per month)
    • Regular APR: 29.49%* Variable

    Expert Appraisal: Unimpressive
    See our expert analysis

  • Credit Fair Icon

    Credit-building features

    • Accounts reviewed regularly for credit line increase
    • Free credit score tracking and credit score report

    Expert Appraisal: Typical
    See our expert analysis

  • Congrats Icon

    Other cardholder perks

    • More Rewards program offers additional cash back when shopping at select merchants
    • Free membership in Experian IdentityWorksSM
    • Zero fraud liability if your card is lost or stolen
    • Pick Your Payment Due Date

    Expert Appraisal: Typical
    See our expert analysis

Credit One Platinum pros and cons

Pros

  • Checkmark Icon

    Earns cash back in common spending categories, so it’s a solid card for your everyday purchases

  • Checkmark Icon

    Potential access to an unsecured credit limit without making a deposit

  • Checkmark Icon

    Includes possible credit limit increases to promote good account standing

Cons

  • High annual fee that increases in the second year even if you pay on time

  • Access to larger credit limits with a secured card if you can make a deposit that’s greater than the maximum credit limit on this card

  • Limited cash back compared to similar cards

Why you might want the Credit One Platinum card

This card is a plus if you want to earn rewards while rebuilding your credit. Although you can only redeem rewards for a statement credit, this can help you stay on top of your balance and avoid accruing large interest charges.

Rewards and redemption: Statement credit can help manage budget

It shouldn't be too difficult to rack up cash back rewards because the Credit One Bank Platinum Visa for Rebuilding Credit earns unlimited 1 percent cash back on popular spending categories, like gas and groceries. But it also includes categories not typically offered in other cash back programs, such as internet and cable services.

Your cash back rewards are automatically added to your account as a statement credit on each billing cycle’s statement, so you won’t need to worry about redemption. While more flexibility would be great, having rewards automatically applied to your balance is a low-hassle benefit if you are managing debt and working toward a more positive payment history. 

Perks: Earn extra cash back 

Credit One Bank Visa cards feature two programs you can use to earn extra cash back and discounts. By linking your card and shopping with participating retailers, Credit One’s More Rewards and Visa Offers + Perks stack extra rewards or discounts on top of your ongoing earnings for eligible purchases. 

More Rewards provides deals that offer up to 10 percent bonus cash back, while Visa Offers + Perks is tailored toward online shopping, apparel and dining discounts with select businesses. Earning extra cash back may not be your primary focus as you rebuild credit, but you can enjoy issuer-run rewards programs on this card as you work to improve your credit. 

Another nice perk is you can select a new payment due date that is at least six days before or after the original assigned date by calling customer service. You can only change your due date once in a six-month period, but it allows some flexibility if you need it. 

Why you might want a different credit-rebuilding card

While this card has many advantages, you might want to consider some of its drawbacks, such as its annual fee and lack of credit-building perks. Along with its temptation to spend more for the sake of earning rewards, this card’s lack of credit-friendly perks can quickly spiral credit newcomers into debt.

Rates and fees: Annual fee might be too costly 

Although it doesn’t require a security deposit, the Credit One Bank Platinum Visa for Rebuilding Credit is far from a low-cost card. The biggest potential cost to consider is the annual fee: $75 for the first year, then $99 per year after (billed at $8.25 per month). Considering the low initial credit line, that is a lot to pay for not much spending power.

Since the rewards rate is relatively low, the annual fee could make it hard to pocket any cash back. This sentiment is especially true in the second year. You’ll need to spend at least $825 per month (or $9,900 per year) in your bonus categories just to offset the $8.25 monthly fee with cash back rewards.

The card’s APR is also higher than the current average credit card interest rate, but this is common on cards for credit-building. Other common fees include late payment fees, foreign transaction fees, credit limit increase fees, returned payment fees and cash advance fees.

Credit-building: No standout features

Outside of features like account alerts, zero fraud liability and free monthly credit score access, the Credit One Bank Platinum Visa for Rebuilding Credit doesn’t carry many extra perks — even for building your credit.

Credit One will regularly review your account for responsible card use to determine if you qualify for a credit line increase. With a higher credit limit, you may be able to keep your credit utilization lower, an important factor in determining your credit score. However, opportunities for credit line increase are typical for cards of this type. 

You might opt for Credit One's Credit Protection Program, designed to prevent your credit score from dropping for up to six months. This program will cover your card’s minimum payment if you lose your job or become disabled. You must wait at least 30 days after enrolling, however, to activate your protection. But combined with this card’s high rates and fees, the mounting interest you would accrue by carrying a balance on your card could lead to a costly cycle, even though your account is frozen. Although the program will cover your card’s minimum payment, you’re still on the hook for the rest of the balance. 

Since your protection and account can be forcibly closed if you’re 60 days past due or 20 percent over the limit, Credit One’s protection plan could end up costing more than other debt management options.

How the Credit One Platinum card compares to other credit-building cards

Plenty of cards for people with no credit history are available that may be more straightforward and even easier to get, but you might need to put down a security deposit. Despite higher upfront costs, secured credit cards could be a better option, especially if you need a higher initial spending limit. These cards can come with fewer potential costs and often include more credit-building features.

Image of Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit

Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit

Annual fee

$75 for the first year. After that, $99 annually ($8.25 per month)

Intro offer

N/A

Rewards rate

1%
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Recommended Credit Score

Bad to Fair (300 – 670)
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Image of Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Annual fee

$0

Intro offer

Cashback Match™
Info Icon

Rewards rate

1% - 2%
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Recommended Credit Score

No Credit History
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Image of Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

Annual fee

$0

Intro offer

N/A

Rewards rate

N/A

Recommended Credit Score

No Credit History
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Who is the Credit One Platinum card right for?

This card is ideal for credit-builders who want to earn rewards at the same time or who prefer to avoid a security deposit.

Bankrate’s Take — Is the Credit One Platinum card worth it?

The Credit One Bank Platinum Visa for Rebuilding Credit doesn’t carry the same refundable upfront cost as a secured credit card, but it does come with a costly annual fee that will be difficult to offset with its low cash back rate. The card may be a decent option if you have bad credit, but sometimes a secured card with a larger credit limit can be a more effective strategy as you work on improving your credit score.

Simply put, there are better credit cards available that accept applicants with a less-than-ideal credit history, and your pool of options deepens considerably if you have fair credit or are open to a secured card.

*The information about Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.

Frequently asked questions

What cardholders think

Image of Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit

Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit

4.0 Star Icon
44 ratings
Info Icon
Score breakdown
5 stars
43%
4 stars
30%
3 stars
16%
2 stars
5%
1 star
7%
Score by category
Overall 4.0 / 5
Extra perks 3.0 / 5
Privacy and security 3.5 / 5
Customer service 4.1 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 3.5 / 5

In May 2024, Bankrate collaborated with third-party SliceMR to survey 6160 cardholders nationwide. Bankrate and Slice MR collected, averaged and presented website analytics and cardholder responses to six questions on a 5-point scale. Responses are based on individual cardholder’s product details, and therefore cannot be verified for accuracy. Users received an incentive for their feedback. User ratings are unedited and have not been reviewed or approved by credit card issuers, nor do these ratings reflect Bankrate’s own reviews of these cards.

Community Reviews

Explore Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit reviews from certified cardholders.
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Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
Yes. It’s hardly have network issue.. I never experienced network failure with credit one bank
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
Using this card has actually started to repair and rebuild my credit score
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
No, I used it to help my credit score.
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 3 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
Bad customer service.
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
I've not had it long enough to see a difference yet
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
It has been useful in helping to rebuild my credit score.
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 3 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
I was going on vacation and because I always use my capital one credit card I got 109$ off my hotel I was staying in
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
I don't use it very.often
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
I am just trying to pay it off
Score by category
Online portal or mobile app 1 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
I would recommend this card they have been very helpful
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
its the best with rewards
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
I would highly recommend this card for people that are trying to build or upgrade their credit
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
I got an email and it sounded good to me regarding credit building.
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
The benefit of being able to get a credit card was the biggest thing for me
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
I try to make it a part of my everyday life, because I am working very hard to rebuild my credit
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
great way to build credit
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
I only use this card once in a while to help me improve my credit score. It doesn't have hardly any extras and it is very limited and has a lower credit limit. I'm hoping that it will help me improve my credit score though.
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
I would recommend this card. Very easy to use. Online is easy to use. Customer service has been great when I have to call them.
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
My first card that also helped me get my foot in the door to rebuilding my credit.
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
It was the first card I was issued after my BK was over.
Score by category
Extra perks 2 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
Yes because it helps me to rebuild my credit score
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
It was a way for me to rebuild credit
Score by category
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
Credit karma gave a guarantee to improve credit scores
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
Watching my credit score improve.
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
I was able to bring my credit score up 60 points in 2 months thanks to this card.
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
I would if they needed to rebuild their credit.
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
It was offered
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
No, just when I am in need of something while inbetween checks.
Score by category
Extra perks 2 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 2 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
It’s not a good card for establishing credit. It has no goods benefits or rewards that Exciting.
Score by category
Extra perks 1 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 3 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 1 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
Ease of use of card and app
Score by category
Online portal or mobile app 3 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
High interest rate
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 3 / 5
Customer service 3 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
Interest rate is very high. Annual fee is very high
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 3 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
No I do not use credit card everyday
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 2 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
I use it for specific purchases to help rebuild my credit and get my rewards for shopping at specific stores.
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 3 / 5
Customer service 3 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
Would not recommend due to the monthly fee as well as they start calling you before the bill is due if you are one cent over the card limit. Very annoying.
Score by category
Extra perks 2 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 3 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 2 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
It hasn’t done a whole lot to make my life any better.
Score by category
Extra perks 1 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 2 / 5
Customer service 3 / 5
Privacy and security 1 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
I could not get to a human on the phone till I finally did and I couldn't understand them.
Score by category
Extra perks 1 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 2 / 5
Customer service 2 / 5
Privacy and security 1 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
I've had a pleasant experiance and Iv'e never has an issue with them
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 3 / 5
Customer service 3 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
Rebuilding credit. Low credit limit with a high annual Fee
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 3 / 5
Customer service 3 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
I opened the card to help rebuild my poor credit. I was able to use the card to get myself gas and groceries for about 2 weeks.
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 2 / 5
Customer service 3 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
No because the interest rate is quite high.
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 3 / 5
Customer service 2 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
No credit limit
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 1 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
It was offered to me on credit karma
Score by category
Extra perks 2 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 1 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 2 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
Easy to get
Score by category

* See the online application for details about terms and conditions for these offers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. After you click on the offer you desire you will be directed to the credit card issuer's web site where you can review the terms and conditions for your selected offer.

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including card rates and fees, is accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information.