Capital One Platinum 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 breakdown of why we like the First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card.

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• The application process is accessible even for those without a credit history, and applying won't impact your credit score.
• It is one of the few secured cards that allows you to earn cash back rewards on your purchases.
• Your payment activity is reported to all three major credit bureaus, which is essential for building a positive credit history.

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Pros

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• Offers a lower-than-average APR for a secured card, which is beneficial if you anticipate carrying a balance.
• The application process does not require a credit history and won't result in a hard inquiry on your credit report.
• Provides flexibility by allowing you to fund your security deposit in installments over time.

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Cons

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• Charges an annual fee, which can be a drawback when other secured cards do not.
• There's no option to graduate to an unsecured card, meaning you'll have to close the account to get your security deposit back.
• Account management is limited, with no dedicated mobile app and a reliance on traditional mail for some services.

First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card vs Capital One Platinum

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Categories

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When deciding which is better Capital One Platinum or First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard Secured, it's crucial to understand the main category each card falls into.

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• Capital One Platinum Credit Card - This card is best for individuals with fair credit who are looking to build or rebuild their credit history. It serves as a straightforward credit-building tool from a major issuer.
• First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card - This secured card is designed for those building or rebuilding credit who might carry a balance from time to time. It is a good option for people who are concerned about high interest rates on starter cards.

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Redemption

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Capital One Platinum Credit Card: This card is a straightforward credit-building tool and does not offer a rewards program. Therefore, there are no points, miles, or cash back to redeem.

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First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card: As a card designed to help build or rebuild credit, it does not feature a rewards or redemption program. Its value lies in providing an opportunity to establish a positive credit history.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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To eliminate the guesswork, a tool like Kudos can help you compare thousands of cards and find the best fit based on your actual spending habits.

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• Test drive a credit card: Before you apply, you can simulate your potential earnings with a new card using your real transaction history. This feature provides an annual rewards projection and a net value calculation (rewards minus annual fees) without a hard credit pull.
• Personalized recommendations: Get data-driven recommendations for cards that will maximize your rewards based on your unique spending patterns.
• Approval odds and guarantees: Receive a detailed analysis of your approval odds based on your credit report. Kudos also offers a welcome offer guarantee, matching any better public offer you find within three months of approval.
• Extra rewards and bonuses: Earn extra rewards through Kudos Boost when shopping at participating stores. New users may also be eligible for a sign-up bonus.
• Financial dashboard: Monitor all your transactions, track spending, and keep an eye on your credit score in one place.

Who Should Choose the Capital One Platinum?

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The Capital One Platinum Credit Card is a straightforward tool designed specifically for individuals focused on building or rebuilding their credit health. It's an ideal choice for first-time credit users, students, or anyone with a fair credit score who needs to establish a positive payment history. Those who prioritize a simple, no-annual-fee card that reports to all three major credit bureaus over earning rewards will find this card to be a valuable financial instrument.

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 designed for individuals with limited or poor credit who want to build or rebuild their credit history. Because the issuer doesn't require a credit history or perform a hard credit inquiry, it's an accessible option for those who may not qualify for traditional unsecured cards. It is also particularly suitable for users who might carry a balance and want to minimize interest charges, thanks to its relatively low APR.

Alternatives to Consider

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If our comparison of the Capital One Platinum Credit Card and the First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card has you looking for other options, you're in the right place. Let's explore a few alternatives that might be a better match for your financial goals.

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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 your credit score: Your credit standing helps determine which cards you’ll likely qualify for, from secured cards to premium rewards cards.
• Assess your financial readiness: Determine if you can fund a required security deposit for a secured card or simply plan for responsible on-time payments.
• Understand the card’s purpose: Decide if you need a long-term rewards card or a short-term tool designed to build or rebuild your credit history.

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Application Strategy

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• Target appropriate cards for your credit level, from secured options that don't require a credit check to cards for fair credit.
• Understand the credit inquiry, as some issuers perform no hard pull, preventing an impact on your credit score.
• Evaluate the card’s growth potential, such as automatic credit line reviews or the ability to graduate to an unsecured card.

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 requires a cash security deposit to open the account. This deposit usually determines your credit limit and makes it easier to get approved if you have a limited or poor credit history.

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Do I get my security deposit back with the First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard Secured?

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Yes, your security deposit is refundable. You will typically get it back when you close your account in good standing or if the issuer graduates you to an unsecured card.

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Does the Capital One Platinum card require a security deposit?

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No, the Capital One Platinum Credit Card is an unsecured card, so it does not require a security deposit. Your eligibility is based on your creditworthiness rather than a cash deposit.

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