Destiny Credit Card Review: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re looking to start building your credit (or repair some damage that’s already been done), you may have stumbled upon the Destiny Mastercard.

The Destiny Credit Card can be a great option for many people — but just like any other credit card, it’s important to bear in mind its pros and cons. 

This guide will explain who the Destiny Credit Card is for, spell out the Destiny Credit Card fee structure, and explain how to apply for the Destiny Mastercard.

Is the Destiny Credit Card for me?

The Destiny Credit Card (or the “Destiny Mastercard”) is ideal for credit building. That means this card might be the right option for you if you have fair or poor credit and want to start improving it.

You aren’t going to need a high credit score to qualify for the Destiny Mastercard. In fact, you might even qualify if you’ve previously filed for bankruptcy.

If it sounds like you fit into this category and you want to find out more, the process of pre-qualifying for the Destiny Mastercard is fast and simple. You should get a quick response on whether you qualify without it affecting your credit score.

It’s also worth noting that you won’t have to pay a security deposit to open a new account with Destiny — so, if you’re strapped for cash and want to avoid setting up a card with a big deposit, the Destiny Mastercard could be an option worth exploring.

What makes this credit card different?

The Destiny Mastercard is different from many other credit cards because you’ll likely qualify even if you have bad or poor credit. Destiny considers all credit histories — even those with a bankruptcy on their record.

Also, unlike some other credit-building cards, Destiny doesn’t require a deposit. That makes it an affordable way to start your journey toward better credit. 

Because any on-time payments you make toward your Destiny account get reported to the three big credit bureaus, the responsible activity you use the card for should help you build a better credit score over time.

Another thing that makes the Destiny Credit Card stand out is that it has a relatively low credit limit of $500. That’s only half the size of some of its competitors. For example, with both the Surge Mastercard and the thimbl. credit card, you can get a limit of up to $1,000.

For some customers, a low credit limit is a bad thing. Others, however, might consider it a good thing because it keeps them from spending above their means.

What are my chances of getting approved?

In short: very good. You can generally get approved for a Destiny Mastercard even if you’ve declared bankruptcy or you have a low credit score.

If you're interested in getting the Destiny card, you can find out whether you’ll qualify by going through a quick pre-approval check. When asking for pre-approval, you’ll need to enter in a few basic details about yourself. Destiny will then perform a soft credit check — the type that won’t affect your credit score.

Although you don’t need great credit to get the Destiny card, you’ll still need to meet the eligibility requirements. These include the requirement to have a valid Social Security Number (SSN). Also, you can’t have previously had a Destiny Mastercard that was charged off because you missed payments.

Apart from those key requirements, this is a pretty inclusive card that most customers will likely get approved for.

All the details of the Destiny Credit Card

Generally speaking, the Destiny Mastercard could be a good fit for people who have poor credit and don't want to pay a security deposit to open a new credit card. However, this card has a relatively low credit limit and lacks rewards and many cardholder benefits (like cash back or the potential to increase your credit limit). 

That means you may be better off with a secured card in some cases. But let’s dive a little bit deeper into the card details.

With the Destiny Mastercard, you’re looking at a credit limit of $500. This limit can’t be increased during your account’s lifetime — even if you’re paying your bills on time.

Next, there’s the security deposit. As we’ve already mentioned, many credit-building cards require you to pay a security deposit, but Destiny doesn’t.

With a secured credit card, you have to send your credit card company a refundable deposit that is then used to decide your account limit.

For example, if you send a security deposit of $750, your secured card will likely be awarded a credit limit of $750. You’ll then get the deposit back once you close your account and transition to an unsecured card. If you fail to pay your bills, your credit card company could take some of your deposit, likely hurting your credit score.

In terms of credit building, all the activity on your Destiny Mastercard is reported to all three major bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax). This is important to remember because some card issuers only report to one or two bureaus. 

By choosing Destiny, you’ll ensure that your responsible spending will get reported wide and far.

Rates and Fees

Perks and rewards

If you’re looking for a card with dazzling rewards, the Destiny Mastercard might not be for you. It doesn’t have a rewards program or an introductory bonus.

All you’re going to get with the Destiny Credit Card is basic protection benefits, like Mastercard identity theft protection and zero liability protection. There are no cashback or rewards points here. Destiny is just about rebuilding your credit.

How to apply

Anyone who’s interested in establishing or rebuilding their credit can apply for the Destiny Mastercard. To get pre-qualified or approved, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old (19 in AL)
• Have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) 
• Have a physical address
• Have a US IP address
• Not have had a Destiny Mastercard account charged off due to delinquency

You’ll also need to meet some extra credit qualification criteria that involve a review of your income and your debt, and identity verification requirements.

To apply for Destiny, all you need to do is complete an online pre-qualification form. You can’t apply by phone.

After you submit your application, it will be reviewed, and you should get a response pretty quickly. In most cases, you’ll get approved, and your credit card should arrive within 14 business days.

Contact info

The Destiny Card is serviced by Genesis FS Card Services. Their customer service phone number is 1-800-583-5698. You can also find answers to common questions on the card’s website.

Other methods of contacting the Genesis FS Card Services customer service department include by fax (1-503-268-4711) and by mail: 

Genesis FS Card Services 

PO Box 4477 Beaverton, OR 

97076-4477

Other stuff you should know

We’ve covered almost everything now, but one key point we haven’t hit about the Destiny Mastercard is whether it lets you carry out balance transfers.

In short: no. The Destiny Credit Card doesn’t support balance transfers.

Does the Destiny Credit Card offer increases? 

No. Your Destiny credit limit can’t be increased.

Alternatives to the Destiny Credit Card

Here are five popular alternatives to the Destiny credit card:

1. Indigo Mastercard 

• Unsecured credit card
• Offers a credit limit starting at $300 (with potential to increase) 
• No security deposit needed

2. Surge Mastercard 

• Unsecured credit card
• Credit limit starts at $1,000
• No monthly fees in the first year ($10/mo. after that)

3. Total Visa Card 

• Unsecured credit card
• Doesn’t require a refundable security deposit
• Offers a credit limit starting at $300 (with potential to increase)
• Annual fee of $75

4. Revvi Card

• Unsecured credit card
• Offers 1% cash back on all purchases. 
• $300 minimum credit limit (with potential to increase) 
• No deposit needed

5. First Digital Mastercard: 

• Unsecured credit card 
• Charges a $95 program fee prior to the account opening 
• $75 annual fee for the first year

Final recommendation

At the end of the day, the Destiny Mastercard could be a smart option for you if you need to boost or repair your credit.

You’ll likely pre-qualify with bad credit (even if you’re coming out of bankruptcy), and a low credit limit makes it possible to build your credit responsibly. Just remember that the Destiny Mastercard doesn’t come with any perks or rewards.

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