Amex Business Gold vs First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard Secured: Which Is Better In 2026?

First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here’s a closer look at why we recommend the First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card.

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• It offers a competitive interest rate, which is a significant advantage for those who might carry a balance from time to time.
• Cardholders can earn cash back on purchases, a feature not commonly found on secured cards designed for building credit.
• The application process is accessible for those with poor or no credit history and won't negatively impact your credit score.

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Pros

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• Helps build your credit history by reporting to all three major credit bureaus.
• There's no hard credit inquiry when you apply, so it won't impact your credit score.
• Provides flexibility for funding the security deposit, including the option to pay in installments.

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Cons

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• Charges an annual fee, which can be a drawback for a credit-building card.
• There is no option to graduate to an unsecured card, requiring you to close the account to get your deposit back.
• Account management is not as modern as larger banks, lacking a mobile app and relying on mail for some processes.

First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card vs American Express® Business Gold Card

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Categories

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When deciding which is better, Amex Business Gold or First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard Secured, it's essential to recognize they are designed for completely different users and financial goals.

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• American Express® Business Gold Card: This card is best for established businesses with significant and often variable spending. It automatically rewards companies for purchases in their top spending categories, making it ideal for those who value flexible rewards.
• First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card: This secured card is designed for individuals who are building or rebuilding their credit history. It's a good fit for those who may carry a balance and want to earn rewards while establishing a positive payment record.

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Redemption

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American Express® Business Gold Card: Cardholders can redeem their points with great flexibility, including transferring them to a wide array of airline and hotel partners. Points can also be used for gift cards, merchandise, or to book travel directly through American Express.

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First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card: Rewards earned with this card are typically redeemed as a statement credit, directly reducing the account balance. This straightforward redemption process is designed to be simple and beneficial for those focused on managing their credit.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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To find the best card for your wallet, a tool like Kudos can help you compare top-rated credit cards using your own spending habits.

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• Test drive credit cards: Use your real spending data to see personalized earnings projections before you apply, all without impacting your credit score.
• Welcome offer guarantee: If you find a better public welcome offer within three months of being approved for a card, Kudos will match it.
• Approval odds analysis: Understand your chances of getting approved for various cards with a detailed analysis based on your credit report.
• Personalized recommendations: Get card recommendations tailored to your spending habits from a comparison of nearly 3,000 credit cards.
• Kudos Boost rewards: Earn extra rewards when you shop at your favorite stores, which can be stacked on top of your regular credit card rewards.

Who Should Choose the American Express® Business Gold Card?

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The American Express® Business Gold Card is best suited for established businesses with significant and variable expenses, particularly those spending over $50,000 annually. Its primary appeal lies in automatically rewarding your top two spending categories with 4X Membership Rewards® points each billing cycle (Terms Apply), making it ideal for companies whose spending fluctuates across areas like advertising, shipping, or airfare. Ultimately, this card is for business owners who value flexible, high-earning rewards and can spend enough in the bonus categories to easily offset the $375 annual fee.

Who Should Choose the First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card?

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The First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card is specifically designed for individuals with limited or poor credit history who are looking to build or rebuild their credit profile. It's an especially strong choice for those who might occasionally carry a balance, as its 14.24% variable APR is significantly lower than what's typical for starter cards. Because there is no minimum credit score required and the application process doesn't involve a hard credit inquiry, it provides an accessible pathway to establishing positive credit for those who may not qualify for other cards.

Alternatives to Consider

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If our Amex Business Gold vs First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard Secured comparison has you thinking neither card is the right fit, let's explore a few other top contenders.

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_{Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.}

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Tips for Application Success

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Before You Apply

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• Know your credit score: Most cards require good to excellent credit, but some are designed for building credit.
• Review the requirements: Be prepared to meet any spending minimums for a welcome offer or provide a security deposit.
• Have a plan for the card: Understand how the card’s benefits and rewards align with your spending habits and financial goals.

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Application Strategy

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• Time your application: Apply before a large planned purchase to help meet any minimum spending requirements.
• Know the card’s purpose: Ensure you meet specific eligibility, such as having a business for a business card or providing a deposit for a secured card.
• Understand the credit inquiry: Some applications involve only a soft pull initially, while others for credit building may not require a hard credit check at all.

Our Methodology

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We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

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Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What credit score do I need for these cards?

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The American Express® Business Gold Card generally requires a good to excellent credit score, while the First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card is designed for individuals building or rebuilding their credit and may not require a prior credit history.

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Is the American Express® Business Gold Card a good choice for personal use?

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No, the American Express® Business Gold Card is a business charge card tailored for business expenses with relevant rewards and benefits. For personal spending, you would be better served by a personal credit card.

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What is the difference between a secured card and a charge card?

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A secured card, like the First Progress Platinum Prestige, requires a security deposit that typically equals your credit limit, making it a tool for building credit. In contrast, a charge card, such as the Amex Business Gold, often has no preset spending limit but requires the balance to be paid in full each month.

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Why does the First Progress card have an annual fee if it's a secured card?

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The annual fee on the First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card helps cover the costs of account administration and reporting your payment activity to the three major credit bureaus. This reporting is a key feature for those looking to establish or improve their credit profile.

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