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The First Tech Platinum Secured Mastercard® is a secured credit card designed to help individuals build or rebuild credit. To apply, you’ll need to become a member of First Tech Federal Credit Union. The card has $0 fees for annual membership, foreign transactions, cash advances, or balance transfers. A $500 to $25,000 refundable deposit secures the card and sets your credit limit, making it an excellent choice for those looking to improve their credit with minimal fees.
If you wish to compare one card over another, select a maximum of three cards on this page and click Add to compare to view the details in a side-by-side comparison.
First Tech Platinum Secured Mastercard®
BEST FOR:
Members of First Tech FCU who want to build their credit
- Earn 1 point per $1 spent on eligible purchases
- Minimum $500, which determines your credit limit (up to $25,000)
- No fees for foreign transactions, cash advances, or balance transfers
- Reports to major credit bureaus
Pros
- Has low starting APR
- Enjoy $0 annual, foreign transaction, balance transfer, and cash advance fees
- Lets you earn rewards on purchases
Cons
- Has no welcome offer
- Does not offer a 0% introductory period
- You need to become a First Tech member to open an account
- Purchase assurance: When an item you bought with your covered card is damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase, you may be eligible for benefits under this coverage
- Mastercard Global Service™: Provides worldwide, 24-hour assistance with Lost and Stolen Card Reporting, Emergency Card Replacement, and Emergency Cash Advance
- Mastercard ID Theft Protection™: This is a theft resolution service in case you become a victim of identity theft
- Ongoing rewards: Earn unlimited 1x points per dollar spent on purchases and redeem your rewards for travel, merchandise, gift cards, and more—plus, your rewards don’t expire
- Earn 1 point per $1 spent on eligible purchases
- Minimum $500, which determines your credit limit (up to $25,000)
- No fees for foreign transactions, cash advances, or balance transfers
- Reports to major credit bureaus
Pros
- Has low starting APR
- Enjoy $0 annual, foreign transaction, balance transfer, and cash advance fees
- Lets you earn rewards on purchases
Cons
- Has no welcome offer
- Does not offer a 0% introductory period
- You need to become a First Tech member to open an account
- Purchase assurance: When an item you bought with your covered card is damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase, you may be eligible for benefits under this coverage
- Mastercard Global Service™: Provides worldwide, 24-hour assistance with Lost and Stolen Card Reporting, Emergency Card Replacement, and Emergency Cash Advance
- Mastercard ID Theft Protection™: This is a theft resolution service in case you become a victim of identity theft
- Ongoing rewards: Earn unlimited 1x points per dollar spent on purchases and redeem your rewards for travel, merchandise, gift cards, and more—plus, your rewards don’t expire
When grading secured business credit cards like the First Tech Platinum Secured Mastercard®, we rate the annual fee and ongoing annual percentage rates (APRs) first. We also grade the card based on rewards, security deposit requirements, introductory APR, other fees, and additional features.
Grading Criteria | Card Score | Highest Possible Score |
|---|---|---|
Annual Fee | 25 | 25 |
Ongoing APR | 25 | 25 |
Ongoing Rewards | 8 | 10 |
Introductory Rewards | 0 | 10 |
Security Deposit | 5 | 10 |
Other Fees | 10 | 10 |
Introductory APR | 0 | 5 |
Additional Features | 3 | 5 |
Total Score | 76 | 100 |
Who the First Tech Platinum Secured Mastercard® Is Best For
- Those who need to rebuild or establish credit: Ideal for individuals with poor or no credit, as it reports to major credit bureaus Experian, Equifax, TransUnion .
- Those who want to maximize business expenses: Earn 1% cash back on all purchases, regardless of categories.
- Those who want to avoid fees: It has $0 annual, cash advance, balance transfer, and foreign transaction fees.
- Those able to make a security deposit: A $500 minimum deposit sets your credit limit.
- Those with a First Tech FCU business checking account: Manage all financial transactions within one institution.
Check out our recommended alternatives below if this card doesn’t meet your needs.
First Tech Platinum Secured Mastercard® Rewards
You can earn 1 point for every $1 spent on eligible purchases. There are no limits on how many points you can accumulate, and points do not expire, making it a flexible option for those looking to build credit while earning rewards.
Redeem these points for the following:
- Travel
- Merchandise
- Gift cards
- Donations to charity
First Tech Platinum Secured Mastercard® Rewards Calculator
Use our rewards calculator to see how much you can earn with the First Tech Platinum Secured Mastercard®. Points are valued at 1 cent each, meaning 1,000 points = $10 in cash back. Enter your monthly spending below to estimate your total points and see how your rewards can grow over time.
First Tech Platinum Secured Mastercard® Features
Mastercard® Benefits
- Mastercard ID Theft Protection™: Access to identity theft resolution services.
- Mastercard Global Service: 24/7 assistance for lost or stolen cards, emergency card replacement, and cash advances.
- MasterRental Coverage: Vehicle rental coverage for damage, theft, and related charges.
- Mastercard Airport Concierge™: 15% discount on airport meet and greet services.
- MasterAssist: Medical, legal, and personal travel assistance.
- Purchase Assurance: Coverage for purchases within 90 days.
- Travel and Baggage Protections: Trip cancellation, lost luggage, and travel accident insurance.
First Tech FCU Benefits
- Portland Trail Blazers Option: Choose a branded card to get discounts on games, shows, and performances at the Rose Quarter, plus 10% off Rip City Clothing Co. at the Moda Center when using your First Tech Platinum Secured Mastercard®.
- Digital Banking: Enjoy full access to the First Tech mobile app for iOS and Android, allowing you to manage your accounts, pay bills, transfer money, and use Zelle® for easy payments.
First Tech Platinum Secured Mastercard® Fees
APR
- Introductory: None
- Purchase: 14.25% to 18.00% variable—adjusts with the prime rate
- Cash advance: 18.00% variable—adjusts with the prime rate
- Balance transfer Balance Transfers between First Technology Federal Credit Union credit card accounts are not permitted. : 14.25% to 18.00% variable—adjusts with the prime rate
Fees
- Annual: $0
- Foreign transaction: $0
- Cash advance: $0
- Balance transfer: $0
- Late payment: Up to $25
- Returned payment: Up to $25
Your due date is at least 21 days after each billing cycle. No interest on new purchases if the previous balance is paid in full, but interest on cash advances starts from the transaction date.
You can make payments for your First Tech Platinum Secured Mastercard® through several methods:
- Online banking: Log into your First Tech account and make a payment directly.
- Mobile app: Download the First Tech app and use it to manage and pay your credit card bill.
- Automatic payments: Set up recurring payments to ensure timely payments of your total due.
- Phone: Call the customer service line to make a payment over the phone.
- Mail: Send a check or money order to the payment address Always double check your billing statement for any payment address updates. :
First Tech Credit Card Payments
PO Box 2780
Portland, OR 97208-2780
- In Person: Visit a First Tech branch location to make a payment in person. This is ideal if you prefer face-to-face interactions or need additional services.
First Tech Platinum Secured Mastercard® Alternatives
Emburse Spend Card
 Emburse Spend CardBEST FOR: Earning unlimited cash back rewards | |
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This is best for businesses wanting control over spending without needing credit approval. It’s a prepaid card that eliminates interest rates and allows you to issue unlimited virtual and physical cards. This card offers expense management tools, making it ideal for tracking and budgeting business expenses efficiently.
American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
BEST FOR:
Those who want better cash back rewards
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.49% – 27.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
- Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
- From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That’s why you’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power.
- The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- 0% introductory annual percentage rate (APR)
- Welcome offer
- Fixed rate rewards
- $0 annual fee
Cons
- Cash advance isn’t allowed
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- 2% cash back is capped at $50,000 in annual spending
- Expanded buying power: Enjoy flexible buying power when your business needs it. Expanded buying power gives you the freedom to spend beyond your credit limit and help get business done. While the amount you can spend above your credit limit isn't unlimited, it adjusts with your use of the card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors.
- Car rental loss and damage insurance: As a Card Member, You can be covered for damage to or theft of a rental vehicle in a covered territory when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire rental and decline the collision damage waiver at the rental company counter. (Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. 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. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.)
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.49% – 27.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
- Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
- From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That’s why you’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power.
- The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- 0% introductory annual percentage rate (APR)
- Welcome offer
- Fixed rate rewards
- $0 annual fee
Cons
- Cash advance isn’t allowed
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- 2% cash back is capped at $50,000 in annual spending
- Expanded buying power: Enjoy flexible buying power when your business needs it. Expanded buying power gives you the freedom to spend beyond your credit limit and help get business done. While the amount you can spend above your credit limit isn't unlimited, it adjusts with your use of the card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors.
- Car rental loss and damage insurance: As a Card Member, You can be covered for damage to or theft of a rental vehicle in a covered territory when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire rental and decline the collision damage waiver at the rental company counter. (Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. 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. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.)
This card offers 2% cash back on all eligible purchases up to $50,000 per year, with a $0 annual fee. It’s a great option for businesses wanting to maximize rewards while enjoying a solid introductory 0% APR period on purchases for the first 12 months.
Ramp Credit Card
Ramp Credit Card
BEST FOR:
Those who are using Ramp as their main financial management tool
- Up to 1.5% cash back on purchases, regardless of spending categories
Pros
- Offers rewards for cardholders
- Does not charge additional fees
- Integrates with accounting software, such as QuickBooks and Xero
Cons
- Requires paying balances in full each month
- Is unavailable to sole proprietors and unincorporated businesses
- Travel and emergency assistance services: Call the Benefit Administrator at (800) 397-9010 if you are in the United States or (303) 967-1093 if you are outside of the US if you need emergency assistance.
- Purchase security: Receive a maximum of $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per cardholder in cases of theft or damage to purchases made with your card.
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: When using this card for renting a car, you can be reimbursed for damages caused by theft or collision up to the Actual Cash Value of most rented cars. Note that rental periods of 31 consecutive days are covered.
- Extended warranty protection: Extend warranties for eligible purchases made with your covered account and/or rewards programs associated with your account.
- Up to 1.5% cash back on purchases, regardless of spending categories
Pros
- Offers rewards for cardholders
- Does not charge additional fees
- Integrates with accounting software, such as QuickBooks and Xero
Cons
- Requires paying balances in full each month
- Is unavailable to sole proprietors and unincorporated businesses
- Travel and emergency assistance services: Call the Benefit Administrator at (800) 397-9010 if you are in the United States or (303) 967-1093 if you are outside of the US if you need emergency assistance.
- Purchase security: Receive a maximum of $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per cardholder in cases of theft or damage to purchases made with your card.
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: When using this card for renting a car, you can be reimbursed for damages caused by theft or collision up to the Actual Cash Value of most rented cars. Note that rental periods of 31 consecutive days are covered.
- Extended warranty protection: Extend warranties for eligible purchases made with your covered account and/or rewards programs associated with your account.
It is a business charge card with a $0 annual fee that offers 1.5% cash back on every purchase. It also provides real-time insights into spending and offers tools to optimize expenses. There’s no interest since it’s a charge card, and it helps businesses streamline financial management.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To gain First Tech FCU membership, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Work for one of First Tech FCU’s 900-plus partner companies—some examples include Amazon, Microsoft, and Intel.
- Have a family or household member who is already a First Tech FCU member
- Work or live in Lane County, Oregon
- Belong to the Computer History Museum or the Financial Fitness Association; to be a member of the Computer History Association or the Financial Fitness Association, visit one of its locations or join online.
If you don’t meet the criteria above, you can either call First Tech FCU at (855) 855-8805 or schedule a virtual or in-person appointment at your earliest convenience.
First Tech Credit Union has physical branches in the following states:
- California
- Colorado
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Massachusetts
- Oregon
- Texas
- Washington
When joining a credit union, you can receive the following benefits:
- Get access to a suite of financial services, such as checking and savings accounts, loans, and credit cards
- Receive earnings in the form of higher savings rates and lower loan rates; savings rates offered by First Tech FCU are higher than the national average
- Be assured that it is led by a people-over-profit philosophy
Bottom Line
First Tech Platinum Secured Mastercard® is a great secured business credit card to consider if you want to build or rebuild your credit with minimal fees. With $0 annual, foreign transaction, cash advance, and balance transfer fees, it offers a cost-effective way to manage your finances while earning rewards on everyday purchases. The required $500 to $25,000 refundable security deposit helps set your credit limit, providing flexibility based on your financial situation. Overall, this card is an excellent choice for those seeking to improve their credit profile with the added benefits of a reputable credit union.