What First Premier Credit Card Is and How to Get One
First Premier Bank issues the First Premier Credit Card, a secured card that reports to all three credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You put down a cash deposit, usually between $200 and $2,500, and that deposit becomes your credit limit. The card itself works like any other: you charge purchases, receive a monthly statement, and pay what you owe.
To get one, you visit the First Premier Bank website or call their customer service line, provide personal information including your Social Security number, and submit a request. First Premier then reviews your information and tells you whether they will issue you a card. The whole process typically takes one to two weeks from submission to receiving your card in the mail.
This card is designed for people rebuilding credit or starting from scratch. Because your deposit secures the card, First Premier takes less risk than they would with an unsecured card, which is why they can approve people with poor credit history or no credit history at all.
Key Takeaways
- First Premier Credit Card requires a cash deposit that becomes your credit limit, ranging from $200 to $2,500 depending on the deposit you choose.
- You can request a card through First Premier Bank's website or by phone, and the bank will review your information and notify you of approval or denial within one to two weeks.
- The card reports your payment history to all three major credit bureaus, so on-time payments help rebuild your credit score over time.
- First Premier charges an annual fee and a monthly maintenance fee, so you should review the current fee schedule before submitting your request.
What Information You Need Before You Start
Have your Social Security number ready. First Premier will ask for it as part of their review process. You will also need a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card — to verify your identity.
Gather your current contact information: a phone number where First Premier can reach you, a mailing address where they will send your card, and an email address. If you have moved recently, use your current address, not a previous one.
You do not need to have a bank account with First Premier to get the card, though some people do. If you plan to set up automatic payments from a bank account, have that account number and routing number available, but you can also pay by mail or phone if you prefer.
The Steps to Request a Card
Visit firstpremierbank.com and look for the credit card process section, or call First Premier's customer service number. Both routes lead to the same process form.
Fill in your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, phone number, and email. You will also enter your annual income and employment status. First Premier uses this to assess whether you can afford the deposit and monthly payments.
Choose your deposit amount. This becomes your credit limit. If you deposit $500, your limit is $500. If you deposit $2,000, your limit is $2,000. Start with an amount you can afford to leave in the bank's hands for as long as you hold the card.
Review the fee schedule before you submit. First Premier charges an annual fee and a monthly maintenance fee. The exact amounts change, so check the current terms on their website. These fees are deducted from your available credit, so if your limit is $500 and the monthly fee is $10, you have roughly $490 to spend.
Submit your request. First Premier will review your information, usually within one to two weeks, and contact you by phone or email with a decision.
What Happens After You Submit Your Request
First Premier reviews your process. They look at your credit history if you have one, your income, and whether you have had accounts with them before. Unlike some secured cards, First Premier does not require a perfect record — they work with people who have missed payments, collections accounts, or no credit history.
If First Premier approves you, they will tell you the next steps: how to send your deposit and when to expect your card. You typically mail a check or arrange a bank transfer for your deposit. Once First Premier receives and processes it, your card is mailed to you, usually within one to two weeks.
If First Premier denies your request, they will explain why. Common reasons include insufficient income, a very recent bankruptcy, or fraud concerns. If you are denied, you can reapply after addressing the issue — for example, waiting longer after a bankruptcy or improving your income documentation.
How Payments and Credit Reporting Work
Once you receive your card, you use it like any other credit card. Charge purchases, receive a monthly statement, and pay your bill by the due date. First Premier reports your payment history to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion every month.
On-time payments build your credit score. Late payments, missed payments, and high balances all hurt your score. To rebuild credit effectively, charge small amounts you know you can pay off in full each month — groceries, gas, a subscription — and pay on time every single month.
Your deposit stays in First Premier's account the entire time you hold the card. It is not touched unless you close the account or fail to pay your bill. If you close the account in good standing, First Premier returns your deposit, usually within one to two weeks.
When First Premier Might Convert Your Card to Unsecured
After you have held the card for a period of time and made consistent on-time payments, First Premier may offer to convert your secured card to an unsecured card. This means you get your deposit back and keep the card with a credit limit based on your creditworthiness rather than your deposit.
There is no set timeline for this conversion — it depends on your payment history and credit score. Some cardholders see an offer after 18 months; others wait longer. You do not have to accept the conversion if you do not want to, but it is usually a sign that your credit has improved.
Alternatives If First Premier Is Not Right for You
Other banks issue secured cards with different fee structures and deposit requirements. Capital One Secured MasterCard, Discover Secured Card, and U.S. Bank Secured Visa Card are common alternatives. Compare the annual fee, monthly maintenance fee, deposit range, and credit reporting practices before deciding.
Some secured cards have no monthly maintenance fee, which saves you money over time. Others have lower annual fees or higher deposit limits. If First Premier's fees seem high for your situation, research what other issuers offer.
If you have a bank account, some banks offer their own secured cards to customers. Ask your bank whether they have one — you may already have a relationship that makes the process simpler.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get approved if I have bad credit or no credit history?
Yes. First Premier works with people who have poor credit, recent late payments, collections accounts, or no credit history at all. The deposit secures the card, so your credit history is less important than your ability to make the deposit and afford monthly payments.
What happens to my deposit if I miss a payment?
Your deposit is held separately and is not used to cover missed payments. If you miss a payment, First Premier reports it to the credit bureaus and may charge you a late fee, but your deposit remains untouched unless you close the account or First Premier closes it due to non-payment.
How long does it take to receive the card after I am approved?
After First Premier approves you, you send your deposit, and they process it. Once processed, your card is mailed to you, usually within one to two weeks. The entire timeline from process to card in hand is typically three to four weeks.
Can I increase my credit limit later?
Yes. After you have held the card for a period of time and made on-time payments, you can request a higher limit by sending a larger deposit. First Premier will review your request and let you know whether they will increase your limit.
Do I have to use the card every month to keep it open?
No, but using it regularly and paying on time is how you rebuild credit. If you never use the card, it still reports to the credit bureaus, but you are not building a positive payment history. Charge small amounts monthly and pay them off to show lenders you can manage credit responsibly.