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About Merrick Bank Classic Secured Credit Card
Merrick Bank Classic Secured Credit Cards can help cardholders establish or rebuild their credit profiles with responsible use. Security deposit amounts are flexible, ranging from $200–$3,000. The annual fee is $36 for the first year, then $3 per month after that. Merrick Bank reports to all three major credit card bureaus and provides credit line reviews. Read verified customer reviews to learn more or submit your own.
Pros & Cons
- Smart chip technology
- Works everywhere Mastercards are accepted
- Flexible payment options
- No rewards
- Higher fees
Merrick Bank Classic Secured credit card review
Merrick Bank Classic Secured Mastercard is a great secured credit card for rebuilding credit because the issuer reports to all three major credit card bureaus and provides automatic credit line reviews. Initial security deposits are a minimum of $200, but cardholders can deposit up to $3,000 for a higher credit line — this is more than the maximum limit set by many secured credit card issuers.
As with many secured credit card accounts, the security deposit is FDIC-insured but doesn’t earn interest. Merrick Bank Classic Secured deposits are refundable only after your account has been closed and all balances (plus fees) are fully paid.
Merrick Bank Secured credit card benefits
Merrick Bank Classic Secured credit card benefits include flexible payment options, free FICO scores, zero liability protection, plus online financial management tools and educational resources about credit building.
- Flexible payment options: Paperless statement options make it simple to pay balances online, over the phone or by mail. Plus, Merrick Bank’s 25-day grace period makes it easier to keep up with your balance and avoid paying interest.
- Free FICO scores: All Merrick Bank customers are provided complimentary FICO scores each month through goScore.
- $0 liability protection: Cardholders aren’t held responsible for unauthorized charges made on their Merrick Bank Classic Secured account.
- Free online and mobile access: Access your Merrick Bank Classic Secured account anytime through Merrick Bank’s free online Cardholder Center or through the goMobile app.
- Free financial education: Free online resources to teach you about money management and responsible credit use.
How to apply for a Merrick Bank Classic Secured credit card
Even though Merrick Bank doesn’t have a minimum credit score requirement, applicants must be at least 18 years old and those with a pending bankruptcy filing or any outstanding federal, state or local tax obligations will be disqualified. Applicants must also meet some income and identity verification requirements.
- Complete an online application: First, select the Merrick Bank Classic Secured card on Merrick Bank’s website. You will choose the card design that you prefer, provide personal and financial information to Merrick Bank then electronically sign a disclosure. Be sure to read the summary of terms closely.
- Fund your initial deposit: Even after applicants meet all other eligibility requirements, the security deposit must be paid within 30 days for your Merrick Bank credit card application to be approved.
- Receive your card: If approved, Merrick Bank will mail your secured credit card, along with your cardholder agreement and pricing appendix, which will include more specific details about the rates and fees you will be obligated to pay.
Merrick Bank secured credit card rates and fees
Merrick Bank Classic Secured Mastercard minimum payments vary by cardholder, but will equal the current and past-due balances and fees, plus 1% of your new balance and fees or $35, whichever amount is greater. An increase in variable rates will also an increase in your minimum payment amount.
Like most other secured credit cards, a Merrick Bank Classic Secured cardholder’s variable APR (annual percentage rate) is based on the market based on the prime rate and the cardholding individual's creditworthiness. There aren’t over-the-limit or balance transfer fees since the Merrick Bank Classic Secured credit card doesn’t allow these features.
An “expedited phone payment fee” will be charged to make payments over the phone — a customer service representative will disclose the amount before completing your transaction. A replacement card fee will be charged for each replacement Merrick Bank Classic Secured card or PIN that you request. Merrick Bank also charges $2 per page for making copies of billing statements, sales slips or payment copies at your request.
It’s important to note that the cost of fees will reduce how much credit you have available to you. For example, if you enroll with the minimum $200 deposit, your available credit will be $164 after the initial annual fee comes out of your account.
Fee | Amount |
---|---|
Annual fee | $36 for first year, then $3 monthly |
Late payment fee | Up to $40 |
Returned payment fee | Up to $40 |
Foreign transaction fee | 2% |
Cash advance fee | 4% ($10 min.) |
Additional card fee | $12 per year, then $1 monthly |
Merrick Bank Classic Secured credit card FAQ
Does the Merrick Bank secured card graduate?
No, Merrick Bank secured credit cards cannot graduate to unsecured accounts.
How long does it take to get a Merrick Bank Classic Secured credit card in the mail?
It can take Merrick Bank up to six weeks to process your application and security deposit and mail your Merrick Bank Classic Secured credit card to your home address.
How can I get a secured credit limit increase with Merrick Bank?
You can increase your credit limit by making additional deposits to your Merrick Bank Classic Secured Mastercard account in increments of $50 at a time up to $10,000.
Is a Merrick Bank Classic Secured credit card worth it?
If you’re looking for a secured credit card to help build or rebuild your credit, the Merrick Bank Classic Secured card could be a good option. Like most secured credit cards, the Merrick Bank Classic Secured credit card doesn’t earn rewards on purchases or interest on the deposit, but it does come with perks like free FICO scores and online financial management tools. Overall, the Merrick Bank Classic Secured credit card can help build or rebuilt credit, but it’s also easy to rack up a lot of fees and have your credit score dip even further.
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- 4,534,748 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
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- We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
- Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
Merrick Bank Classic Secured Credit Card Company Information
- Company Name:
- Merrick Bank Classic Secured Credit Card
- Website:
- merrickbank.com