Capital One Platinum Secured vs First Progress Select MasterCard Secured: Which Is Better In 2026?

First Progress Select 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 Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card.

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• It's a great option for building credit because it doesn't require a credit check for approval.
• The card helps you establish a positive credit history by reporting your activity to the three major credit bureaus.
• You can earn cash back rewards on purchases, a feature not commonly found on secured credit cards.

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Pros

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• High approval odds, even for those with poor or no credit history.
• The security deposit is refundable and can be increased over time to raise your credit limit.
• Includes standard Mastercard benefits like fraud protection.

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Cons

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• An annual fee is required, and the card charges foreign transaction fees.
• There is no path to upgrade to an unsecured card, which can be a drawback as your credit improves.
• The account management experience is dated, lacking a mobile app and sometimes relying on snail mail for certain requests.

First Progress Select MasterCard Secured Credit Card vs Capital One Platinum Secured

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Categories

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Deciding which is better, the Capital One Platinum Secured or the First Progress Select MasterCard Secured, ultimately depends on your primary credit-building goals.

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• Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is an excellent choice for fee-averse individuals looking to build or rebuild their credit. It's a straightforward tool for establishing a positive credit history with a major, reputable issuer.
• First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card is ideal for credit-builders who may occasionally carry a balance and also want to earn rewards on their spending. This card is particularly suited for those who might not qualify for other cards due to their credit history.

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Redemption

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Capital One Platinum Secured: This card does not offer a rewards program for points or cash back. Its primary function is to help you build or rebuild your credit history through responsible use.

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First Progress Select MasterCard Secured Credit Card: This card allows you to earn rewards on your everyday purchases. The rewards you accumulate can then be redeemed, typically as a statement credit against your balance.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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For a data-driven approach, a tool like Kudos allows you to compare nearly 3,000 credit cards to find the best fit for your specific spending habits.

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• Simulate your potential earnings with any card using your real spending data with the 'Test Drive' feature.
• Receive a detailed analysis of your approval odds for different cards based on your credit report.
• Get personalized card recommendations based on your transaction history.
• Unlock rewards like the $100 Kudos Kickstart+ for adding select approved cards to your Kudos Wallet.
• Take advantage of a welcome offer guarantee, where Kudos will match a better offer if you find one within three months.
• Monitor your spending, transactions, and credit score with built-in tools.

Who Should Choose the Capital One Platinum Secured?

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The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is designed for individuals who need to build or rebuild their credit history. This makes it an ideal choice for students, recent immigrants, or anyone with a limited or poor credit profile looking for a fresh start. With flexible security deposit options and no annual fee, it serves as an accessible stepping stone toward establishing a positive credit record and graduating to an unsecured card.

Who Should Choose the First Progress Select MasterCard Secured Credit Card?

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The First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card is tailored for individuals with poor or no credit history who need a straightforward tool to build or rebuild their credit profile. It’s an ideal choice for those who have been denied other cards, as approval doesn't require a credit check and is almost guaranteed with a security deposit. This card best serves users who are willing to pay a $39 annual fee to gain access to a lower-than-average APR for a secured card and earn 1% cash back on purchases.

Alternatives to Consider

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If you've weighed the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card vs. the First Progress Select MasterCard® Secured Credit Card and decided neither is the right fit, don't worry. There are several other excellent secured cards on the market that could be a better match for your financial situation.

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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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• Check application requirements – Some secured cards don't require a credit check, making them accessible even with a poor or limited credit history.
• Prepare for a security deposit – You will need to provide a refundable deposit, which typically determines your initial credit limit.
• Understand the card's purpose – The primary goal of a secured card is to build or rebuild your credit history over time.

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Application Strategy

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• Consider no-inquiry applications – Some secured cards don't require a credit check, which can protect your score from a hard pull.
• Look for an upgrade path – Choose a card from an issuer that may automatically review your account for graduation to an unsecured card.
• Demonstrate responsible use – Make consistent, on-time payments to ensure positive reporting to the major credit bureaus.

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 is a secured credit card?

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A secured credit card is a type of credit card that requires a cash security deposit to open the account. The deposit amount usually becomes your credit limit, which reduces the lender's risk.

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Can a secured credit card help build credit?

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Yes, most secured card issuers report your payment activity to the major credit bureaus. Making on-time payments can help you establish or improve your credit history over time.

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How do I get my security deposit back?

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You can typically get your security deposit back when you close your account in good standing or when the issuer graduates you to an unsecured card. This process varies by card issuer, so it's best to check their specific terms.

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