Continental Finance offers a handful of credit cards for people who are trying to build or rebuild their credit. The cards have similar features and terms, and the Reflex Mastercard® is one of the options that can be had without a security deposit.
APR : 25.90% – 29.99% Variable
Intro APR : N/A
Rewards : None
Annual Fee : $75 – $99
Reflex Mastercard Card Details
- See if you Pre-Qualify
- It won’t affect your credit score
- It takes less than a minute
- Review your offer and apply
- Card offers are for an authentic Mastercard with a Credit Limit between $300 and $750
- $0 Fraud Liability
- Potential credit limit increase after 6 months
- Monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus
- APR (variable) ranges from 25.90% to 29.99%
- $75 – $99 annual fee
Reflex Mastercard Benefits
- See if you’re Pre-Qualified with no impact to your credit score
- Free access to your Vantage 3.0 score from TransUnion (When you sign up for e-statements)
- Monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus
- Use your card at locations everywhere Mastercard is accepted
Reflex Mastercard Fees
ONE-TIME FEES  |
|---|
| None |
| ANNUAL FEE |
| $75 – $99 |
| MONTHLY FEE |
| $0 1st year, up to $10 after |
Reflex Mastercard Rates
| REGULAR RATE |
|---|
| 25.9% – 29.99% (Variable) |
| GRACE PERIOD |
| 25 days |
Pros and Cons of the Reflex Mastercard
Issued by Continental Finance Company, the Reflex Mastercard is marketed toward people who might otherwise struggle to qualify for a credit card. Like all credit cards, it has its share of pros and cons.
Pros
- Generous credit limit – The Reflex Mastercard® starts users out with a $500 credit limit. This is higher than most cards designed for people with poor credit scores.
- Reports to all credit bureaus – If you’re using your credit card to rehabilitate your credit, you want it reporting to all three major credit bureaus. The Reflex card reports to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
- Free access to your Vantage score – Reflex cardholders who sign up for electronic statements get free access to their Vantage score through TransUnion.
- Mobile account tools – The Reflex Mastercard® gives you the ability to manage your account from your smartphone. There is also an option to control your account online.
- Credit limit increases after 12 months – Continental Finance Company reviews accounts for a possible credit limit increase after 12 months of responsible use.
Cons
- Annual fee – The Reflex Mastercard® has a $75-$99 annual fee, which is higher than most credit cards.
- Monthly maintenance fee – After the first 12 months, users must pay a monthly maintenance fee ranging from $0 to $10 per month.
- Other fees – In addition to the annual fee and monthly maintenance fees, the Reflex card charges a host of other fees.There is a 3% foreign transaction fee on overseas purchases, a $30 fee every time you add an authorized user, a maximum $40 late payment fee, and a max $40 returned payment fee. If you need to make an expedited payment over the phone, Continental Finance Company will charge you $10.95.In addition, you’ll pay two types of fees for every cash advance: 5% or $5, whichever is greater, along with an interest charge that is calculated by multiplying the monthly periodic rate by the average daily balance of cash advances.
- High interest rate – The Reflex card has a relatively high annual percent rate (APR). The variable rate is anywhere between 25.90% and 29.99% depending on your creditworthiness.
- Checking account required – Applicants must have a checking account to apply for the card.
Perhaps the biggest drawback to the Reflex card is that you don’t always have the option of getting an unsecured card.
If your creditworthiness doesn’t meet their standards, they will limit you to a secured card with a required up-front payment of $50, $100, $150, or $500. You can review the full terms and conditions before you apply.
Should You Apply for the Reflex Mastercard?
Reflex Card is a financial product that is ideal for those who have no credit or bad credit scores and cannot get approved for other credit cards. Celtic Bank is a reputable financial institution, and the Reflex credit card is a quality option if you are looking to improve your credit score and plan to pay your bill in full every month.
This process is made even easier with Celtic Bank and Reflex Card’s online payment portal. Because payments are so crucial to building a good credit score, this online bill pay feature is a real time saver.
If you are looking to repair your credit and need added securities in place, then this card’s lower credit limits and credit protection program can help you avoid falling into unmanageable debt. The card also waives the first year of maintenance fees, which can save you some money, especially if you are considering upgrading to a better credit card in the short term.
How to Apply for the Reflex Mastercard
Applying for the Reflex Mastercard® is an easy process. You can even see if you prequalify without worrying about any hard inquiries on your credit report.
Continental Finance Company lets you apply online, over the phone, or by mail if you received a pre-selected offer. If you choose to apply over the phone, you can call 1-866-513-4598 to speak with a customer service representative.
To apply online, follow these four steps:
1. Open the Application
You can access the online application from the Reflex Mastercard® website.
2. Submit Your Information
Continental Finance Company will ask for several types of personal information, including your name, social security number, date of birth, phone number, and home address. You must also provide information about your employment and monthly income.
3. Confirm Your Security Code
Some online reviewers say Reflex will send a verification code to your smartphone after you submit the first page of the application. This is just an added security measure, so be sure to have your phone handy if you plan on applying online.
4. Wait for a Decision
In some cases, Continental Finance Company will make an instant decision to approve you based on your application. However, the bank says it can take up to 30 days to hear back.
Assuming your application is approved, you must activate your card before you can use it. Once you receive your card in the mail, activate it by calling the toll-free number on the back of the card.
Reflex Mastercard VS Competitors
| Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card | Credit One Bank Visa for Rebuilding Credit | Petal 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa Credit Card |
| Rewards rate1.5% cash back on all purchases | Rewards rate1% cash back on eligible purchases including gas, groceries and phone services. Terms apply. | Rewards rate1% cash back on eligible purchases right away. Up to 1.5% cash back on every purchase after making 12 on-time monthly payments. |
| Credit limitSee terms | Credit limitStarting at $300 | Credit limit$500-$10,000 |
| Annual fee$39 | Annual fee$0-$95 first year, $0-$99 each additional year | Annual fee$0 |
| Other things to knowAccount reviewed for possible credit limit increase after 6 months of on-time paymentsAutomatic cash back redemption availableNo foreign transaction fees | Other things to knowIncludes free access to your Experian credit score and $0 fraud liabilityPre-qualify and see what kind of fee you’re offered before you apply$19 annual fee for authorized users | Other things to knowNo fees of any kindIssuer considers alternative credit data (like income and bill payment history) when evaluating applications, not just credit scoreIncludes money-management tools and free credit reporting |
Reflex Mastercard Reviews
The reviews for the Reflex Mastercard® are mixed, with some reviewers saying the card helped them rebuild their credit and others claiming the high fees made the card difficult to use.
One WalletHub reviewer said the card isn’t worth it once you factor in the monthly interest and fees.
This card is designed to keep you in debt forever. After monthly fees and interest, you’re literally paying pennies Into the account. Pay t off as fast as you can, close and never look back lol
Utotomi
Not a bad card but I’ve been having this card for a yr. Started at 750 cl and still have the same cl. I do carry a balance but I always pay more than minimum payment and have never missed a payment. lam starting to wonder if it’s worth having because of the 99.00 annual fee
Tamika
My only issue with this card is that I had the card for over 2 years with only one increase to my credit limit. I paid on time and made sure I paid off my limits as quick as possible and only one increase of $200 in over 2 years.
Vincent
Alternatives to the Reflex Credit Card
If you have bad credit, the good news is there are a number of credit cards aimed at people in the same boat. If you’re put off by the Reflex card’s high fees, here are three other cards to consider.
1. Discover it Secured Credit Card
The Discover it Secured credit card requires an up-front security deposit of $200, but it has no annual fee and gives you access to your FICO score for free.
One of the main perks of this card is its rewards program. It’s unusual to find a secured credit card that offers rewards, but the Discover it Secured card will give you 2% cash back on a maximum of $1,000 in total purchases for fuel and dining every quarter plus 1% cash back on other purchases year-round.
2. Credit One Bank Platinum Visa with Cash Back Rewards Card
It’s rare to find a credit card aimed at those with low credit that also offers rewards. If you qualify, you can earn 1% cash back on qualified purchases with the Credit One Bank Platinum Visa with Cash Back Rewards card.
The Credit One Bank Platinum Visa is also an unsecured card, so you don’t have to worry about putting down a deposit. The annual fee ranges between $0 and $99, but you can avoid this if your credit score is high enough.
3. Capital One Secured Mastercard
The Capital One Secured Mastercard is another secured card that doesn’t charge an annual fee. You also have the option to deposit $49, $99, or $200 to get started.
Capital One will also give you a higher credit limit as long as you make five months of on-time payments. This can help boost your credit utilization, which is the ratio of how much available credit you have compared to how much you’re currently using.
Reflex Mastercard FAQs
Is the Reflex Mastercard legit?
It’s a real credit card, but it’s a costly one with limited benefits, even for those with bad credit.
Better options exist.What is the annual fee for the Reflex Mastercard?
The annual fee is $75 to $99. However, the card charges other fees, such as a monthly maintenance fee after the first year.
How do I qualify for the Reflex Mastercard?
The issuer says all credit types are welcome to apply. A checking account is required.
Who is the Reflex Mastercard for?
It is a card aimed at people with bad credit.
What is the interest rate on the Reflex Mastercard?
The APR is 25.90% – 29.90% Variable APR.
Are there rewards on the Reflex Mastercard Credit Card?
No. Its biggest benefits are monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus and free access to your Vantage 3.0 score from TransUnion when you sign up for e-statements.
Is the Reflex credit card a Visa or a Mastercard?
It is a Mastercard.
How Long Does It Take to Approve My Application?
Some applicants will hear back instantly after submitting the online application. In other cases, it can take longer, with some decisions requiring up to 30 days.
When Will I Get My Card?
According to Continental Finance Company, you’ll receive your card in the mail within three business days after being approved.
How Do I Activate My Card?
For security reasons, you can only activate your Reflex Mastercard® by phone. The toll-free activation number is located on a sticker on the back of the card.
Can I Manage My Account Online?
Yes, you can access your account and make payments both online and with the card’s mobile app. However, you can only get access to these features if you sign up for online banking.
What Is My Initial Credit Limit?
To start, you’ll receive a credit limit of $500. However, you can request an account review and credit limit increase after six months of responsible card use.
Does Continental Finance Company Report to the Credit Bureaus?
Continental Finance reports to all three major credit bureaus, so you can rest easy knowing you’re getting credit for your positive payment history.
What Credit Score Is Needed for a Reflex Credit Card?
The Reflex Mastercard® doesn’t list a minimum credit score requirement on its website. However, several online reviewers say they were approved despite having credit scores under 500.
For example, this reviewer had a score of 490.
I didn’t think I’d get approved for any credit cards. Every app I sent in was “Sorry, declinad” Until I got sent this card offer in the mail! Now I have a brand new credit card! Yay! This is probably one of the easiest cards to get out there.
Sad Tennis Ball
Another reviewer had a score of 495.
I got the offer in the mail and the terms look like it is the same as what everyone else got.
$500 limit
AF: $125 first year, then $96
MF: $10 per month from second year.
I gave this a skip. I already have a Capital One secured, Opensky secured and more recently a F Ingerhut Frashstart (which has bean upgraded to a regular account). So no reason to pay all these fees just to get an unsecured mastercard
water1007
What Is the Reflex Mastercard® APR?
The Reflex Mastercard® APR is a variable rate that ranges between 25.90% and 29.99% depending on your creditworthiness.
Does the Reflex Mastercard® Offer an Introductory APR for Balance Transfers?
The Reflex Mastercard® does not offer an introductory APR for balance transfers.
Does the Reflex Mastercard® Offer an Introductory APR for New Purchases?
The Reflex Mastercard® does not offer an introductory APR for new purchases.
Reflex Mastercard Customer Service
For assistance with an account, cardholders may call 866-449-4514 or write to Reflex Card, P.O. Box 3220, Buffalo, NY 14240-3220.
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