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Destiny® Mastercard® with Instant Credit Review: The $175 Question You Need Answered
July 1, 2025
If you're rebuilding credit, you've probably seen ads for the Destiny® Mastercard® with Instant Credit. The promise sounds appealing: instant approval, no security deposit, and credit building. But here's what those ads don't tell you upfront—the card charges a hefty annual in the first year, followed by a smaller fee annually.
Before you apply, let's break down whether the Destiny® card is actually helping you build credit or just draining your wallet.
What Is the Destiny® Mastercard® with Instant Credit?
The Destiny® Mastercard® with Instant Credit is an unsecured credit card designed for people with poor credit or past bankruptcies. Offered by First Electronic Bank, it promises to report to all three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—which can help rebuild your credit history over time.
The card's main appeal? You don't need good credit to qualify, and there's no security deposit. But as we'll see, those benefits come at a steep price.
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Breaking Down the True Cost—The Math You Need to See
Let's do the math on what the Destiny® card actually costs you in Year 1 versus Year 2.
Year 1 Costs
- Annual fee: $175
- Total first-year cost: $175
Year 2+ Costs
- Annual fee: $49
- Monthly maintenance: $12.50 × 12 = $150
- Total annual cost: $199/year
Bottom line: After the first year, you're paying $199 annually just to hold this card—before you even factor in interest charges from the APR.
The Real Question: Does This Math Make Sense?
If you're using this card to build credit, you'll pay at least $200+ over two years before earning any value. Compare that to secured cards with no annual fees, and you'll see why financial experts recommend alternatives.
Should You Apply? The Honest Decision Framework
✅ You Might Consider the Destiny® Card If:
- You have very poor credit (under 550) and need credit history fast
- You've been denied for secured credit cards multiple times
- You cannot afford a security deposit for a secured card
- You need access to credit immediately for emergencies
❌ You Should Avoid the Destiny® Card If:
- You can afford a $200-$500 security deposit for a secured card
- Your credit score is 550 or above
- You want rewards or cash back
- You're looking to minimize annual fees
- You carry a balance month-to-month (that 35.9% APR will hurt)
Most importantly: If you have access to even $200 for a deposit, secured cards like the Discover it® Secured or Chime Card™ will save you hundreds while building credit just as effectively.
Who This Card Is Really For (Target Specificity)
The Destiny® card is marketed to people with challenged credit histories—typically those with:
- Credit scores below 550
- Recent bankruptcies (Chapter 7 or Chapter 13)
- Past charge-offs or collections
- Very thin or no credit files
However, just because you can get approved doesn't mean you should apply. The high fees make this card practical only for people in very specific situations—primarily those who've been denied for every other option and need credit access immediately.
How Does the Destiny® Card Compare to Better Alternatives?
When building credit, the card you choose matters. Here's how the Destiny® card stacks up against smarter options.
Destiny® Card vs. Chime Card™
The Chime Card™ is a secured credit card with a unique twist—instead of a traditional security deposit, you transfer money into your Chime spending account to set your credit limit. This gives you complete control over your spending without the risk of overspending.
Both cards report to all three major credit bureaus, so they're equally effective at building your credit history. The difference? Chime lets you do it without draining your wallet. The credit limit on Chime is based on the amount you transfer to your account, giving you flexibility that the Destiny® card's fixed limit doesn't provide.
The bottom line: If avoiding fees and interest is your priority, Chime wins hands down. You'll save over two years while building credit just as effectively. To apply for a Chime Card™, a Chime® Checking Account is required.
Destiny® Card vs. Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Here's where things get interesting. The Discover it® Secured Credit Card requires a security deposit, but it offers something the Destiny® card doesn't—actual cash back rewards that put money back in your pocket.
No annual fee whatsoever. Your security deposit sets your credit limit, and here's the kicker—you get that deposit back when you graduate to an unsecured card.
With Discover, you'll earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, plus cash back on everything else. Even better? Discover automatically matches all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year. That's like getting double rewards just for being a cardholder.
Both cards report to all three major credit bureaus, so you're building credit either way. But with Discover, you're actually earning money while you do it—potentially hundreds of dollars in cash back over two years, compared to losing in fees with Destiny®.
The verdict: If you can afford the security deposit (which you'll eventually get back), the Discover it® Secured is the smarter choice. You'll build credit, earn rewards, and save money—a win across the board.
Destiny® Card vs. Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard
The Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard® is another option designed for credit builders, but unlike Destiny®, it actually gives you something back—cash back rewards that can help offset the annual fees.
Comparing the Costs: Both cards charge significant fees, but there's a difference in structure.
The Credit Limits: Destiny® offers up to $700, while Aspire® provides up to $1,000—giving you more spending power and potentially better credit utilization ratios.
The Rewards Difference: Here's what sets Aspire® apart—you'll earn cash back on eligible gas, grocery, and utility purchases, plus 1% on everything else. Destiny® offers zero rewards. If you spend $200/month on gas and groceries alone, that's $72 in cash back per year with Aspire® versus nothing with Destiny®.
The Reality Check: Neither card is a bargain. Both charge high fees and high APRs. But if you're comparing these two specifically, Aspire® at least gives you rewards to offset some of those costs. That said, secured cards with no annual fees remain the smarter choice for most people looking to build credit.
If you do choose Aspire®, review the Cardholder Agreement for complete rate and fee information at aspire.com/legal.
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Application Path—What to Expect When You Apply
Applying for the Destiny® card is straightforward, but understanding the process helps you avoid surprises.
Step 1: Prequalification Check
The Destiny® website allows you to check if you prequalify without affecting your credit score. This is called a "soft pull"—it doesn't show up on your credit report as an inquiry.
Step 2: Formal Application
If you decide to move forward, you'll complete a formal application. At this stage, First Electronic Bank will perform a hard inquiry, which will temporarily impact your credit score (typically 5-10 points).
Step 3: Approval & Card Issuance
If approved, your card typically arrives within 7-10 business days. You'll need to activate it by calling the number on the sticker attached to the card.
Step 4: Start Building Credit
Once activated, use the card for small purchases and pay off your balance in full each month to avoid that 35.9% interest rate. The card reports to all three bureaus monthly, so consistent on-time payments will gradually improve your score.
Pro tip: Set up automatic payments to avoid the $29-$40 late fee.
Trust Building—The Transparent Truth About This Card
Let's be honest: the Destiny® card has earned its share of criticism, and for good reason.
What Users Actually Say
Reddit and online reviews reveal consistent complaints:
- Delayed card delivery (some users wait 3+ weeks)
- Poor customer service (long hold times, unresponsive support)
- No mobile app for account management (as of 2025, you manage everything through a web portal or the Concora Credit app)
- High fees feel predatory given the lack of benefits
The Upside (Yes, There Are a Few)
That said, the card does deliver on its core promise:
✅ Reports to all three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)
✅ No security deposit required
✅ Acceptance anywhere Mastercard is accepted
✅ Fraud protection (standard Mastercard $0 liability)
Our take: The Destiny® card works for credit building, but it's an expensive, bare-bones option when better alternatives exist.
Problem-Solution Bridge—Build Credit Smarter, Not Harder
Here's the real issue: You need to rebuild credit, but high-fee cards like Destiny® can trap you in a cycle of paying more for less.
The Smarter Path Forward
Instead of paying a hige amount for over two years for the Destiny® card, consider this strategy:
- Open a secured card with no annual fee (like Discover it® Secured or Chime Card™)
- Use it responsibly for 6-12 months (keep utilization under 30%, pay on time)
- Graduate to an unsecured card (many secured cards automatically upgrade)
- Unlock rewards and better terms once your score improves
This approach costs you nothing in fees and builds credit just as effectively—often faster, since you're not carrying high-interest debt.
How Kudos Helps You Build Credit Smarter
Kudos is a free AI-powered wallet that helps you maximize your credit cards—whether you're building credit or optimizing rewards.
With Kudos, you can:
- Find the best card for your credit profile
- Track your credit-building progress across all your cards
- Unlock hidden perks you didn't know you had (the average user leaves $624 in benefits unused annually)
- Get notified when you're using the wrong card for a purchase
Sign up free at joinkudos.com and start building credit smarter.
Hidden Fees You Need to Know About
Beyond the annual and monthly fees, the Destiny® card has additional charges that can add up fast:
Fee Breakdown
- Late payment fee: $29 (first offense within 6 months), $40 thereafter
- Returned payment fee: $29 (first offense within 6 months), $40 thereafter
- Over-limit fee: $29 (first offense within 6 months), $40 thereafter
- Foreign transaction fee: 1% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
Translation: If you miss one payment and go over your limit, you could face $80+ in fees in a single billing cycle—on top of the already high annual costs.
FAQs—Your Questions Answered
Is the Destiny® Mastercard® a real credit card?
Yes, it's a legitimate unsecured credit card issued by First Electronic Bank. It reports to all three major credit bureaus.
What's the credit limit on the Destiny® card?
As of May 2025, the maximum credit limit is $700. However, after the $175 first-year annual fee is charged, your available credit drops to around $525.
Does the Destiny® card have an app?
Yes, the card can be managed through the Concora Credit app, available on the App Store. However, user reviews note the app's functionality is limited compared to major issuers.
Can I upgrade from the Destiny® card to a better card later?
The Destiny® card does not offer an automatic upgrade path. You'll need to apply for a different card once your credit improves. Many users recommend switching to a no-fee card after 6-12 months of responsible use.
Is the Destiny® card worth it compared to secured cards?
For most people, no. Secured cards like Discover it® Secured or Chime Card™ offer better terms, no annual fees, and equal credit-building power. The Destiny® card only makes sense if you've been denied for all secured options and cannot afford a deposit.
Bottom Line—Should You Get the Destiny® Card?
The Destiny® Mastercard® with Instant Credit does what it promises: it helps people with poor credit build a credit history without requiring a security deposit. But a huge amount for over two years with no rewards and an APR, it's one of the most expensive ways to build credit.
Final Verdict:
✅ Get the Destiny® card if: You've been denied for every other option, can't afford a security deposit, and need credit access immediately.
❌ Skip the Destiny® card if: You can afford a $200-$500 deposit for a secured card with better terms.
The Smarter Alternative
Start with a secured card (Discover it® Secured or Chime Card™), use it responsibly for 6-12 months, and graduate to better cards as your score improves. You'll save hundreds in fees and build credit just as effectively.
And if you want to maximize every dollar you spend while building credit, download Kudos for free—the AI-powered wallet that helps you use the right card at the right time, every time.
Don't let high fees slow down your credit journey. Build smarter with Kudos.
Unlock your extra benefits when you become a Kudos member
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Join over 400,000 members simplifying their finances
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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