
The First Digital NextGen Mastercard is built for people who feel like the door to credit has been shut on them. If you’ve faced rejections in the past or you’re struggling with poor, limited, or fair credit, this card is designed with you in mind. The purpose of this guide is simple: to show you exactly what this card offers—the good, the not-so-good—and help you decide if it can truly support your financial comeback.
The big appeal of the First Digital NextGen Mastercard is straightforward: it gives you access to an unsecured credit line without needing to lock away a deposit. For many, that alone can be a game-changer. For the right person, it can be a stepping stone to building a stronger credit profile.
First Digital NextGen Mastercard Benefits
- Adding Value While You Rebuild Credit: With the First Digital NextGen Mastercard, every purchase you make earns 1% cash back—a benefit rarely found in cards built for consumers with poor or limited credit histories.
- No Security Deposit: The most significant advantage is that it does not require a cash security deposit. For individuals who do not have an extra $200 to $500 in savings to tie up as collateral for a secured card, this feature provides a direct path to obtaining a revolving credit line.
- High Approval Odds for Subprime Credit: The card’s underwriting standards are specifically designed to accommodate applicants with poor credit scores and even those with a prior bankruptcy. This provides an opportunity for individuals who have been declined by prime lenders.
- Full Credit Bureau Reporting: The card reports to all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). For someone with no open credit lines, this is an essential feature for building the payment history necessary to improve a credit score.
- Quick Application Process: Applications are completed entirely online with an instant decision in many cases, making it easy to know right away if you qualify.
- Unsecured Credit Line: Unlike secured cards that require you to put money down, the First Digital NextGen offers a true revolving unsecured credit line.
- Credit-Building Potential: With consistent on-time payments, cardholders can see steady improvements to their credit score over time.
- Nationwide Acceptance: As a Mastercard, the card is widely accepted at millions of locations across the U.S., including both in-store and online purchases.
- Access to Account Management Tools: Cardholders can manage their account online or through mobile devices, making it convenient to track balances, payments, and due dates.
- Chance for Credit Limit Increases: Responsible card use over time may lead to opportunities for higher credit limits, giving you more purchasing power.
- Customer Support: Provides assistance for billing questions, card issues, or general account management, helping cardholders stay on top of their credit journey.
Who Can Apply: Eligibility Criteria
- You must be a U.S. resident, at least 18 years old, with a valid Social Security Number.
- You must have an active checking account.
- You must have a source of income.
- You should have a poor or limited credit history.
How to Apply

- Visit the First Digital Card website to begin the online application. A quick decision is often available.
- If approved, you will be required to pay the $95 Program Fee to proceed.
- Once the fee is paid, your card will be mailed to you. The annual fee will be charged to your first statement after activation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- In what specific situation is this card a better choice than a secured card?
This card is only a better choice in one specific circumstance: if a consumer has a verifiable income to pay the high fees but absolutely does not have the liquid cash for a refundable security deposit, and they have exhausted all secured card options. - What are the biggest risks associated with getting this card?
There are two primary risks. The first is the high, non-refundable cost. You will pay hundreds of dollars in fees over a couple of years. The second and more significant risk is carrying a balance and falling into debt due to the extremely high 35.99% APR. - Does the card offer any rewards or other valuable benefits?
No, the First Digital NextGen card is a basic credit-building tool. It does not offer a rewards program like cash back or points, nor does it have other valuable perks like travel insurance or cell phone protection. - If I am approved, can I choose to decline the offer after seeing the fees?
Yes. If you apply and are approved, you will be shown the final terms. You are not obligated to open the account. You can decline the offer before paying the $95 Program Fee, and no account will be opened.