Surge Mastercard (issued by Celtic Bank)

The Surge Mastercard is an unsecured credit card issued by Celtic Bank and marketed and serviced by Continental Finance, designed for consumers with poor or limited credit who want access to a credit card without putting down a security deposit. Because it is unsecured, there is no deposit requirement, but the tradeoff is higher costs than you would typically find on mainstream credit cards.

The card is targeted at people who have had past financial difficulties, low credit scores, or limited credit history and are looking for a way to rebuild their credit profile. Celtic Bank reports account activity to the major credit bureaus, so responsible use including on-time payments and keeping the balance well below the credit limit can help improve your credit score over time.

As with other cards in this category, the Surge Mastercard carries significantly higher costs than cards available to consumers with established good credit. Annual fees apply, and the annual percentage rate is substantially above average. Some accounts may also be subject to a monthly maintenance fee after the first year. In some cases, fees charged at or shortly after account opening can significantly reduce the available credit from the stated limit.

Before applying for the Surge Mastercard, read all fee disclosures carefully, including the Schumer Box in the cardholder agreement. Calculate the total fees paid in the first year relative to the initial credit limit. Compare this against secured credit cards from credit unions and other issuers, which may offer a lower-cost credit-building path even though they require a cash deposit upfront.

If you open this account, pay the full balance each month to avoid interest at the elevated APR, and use the card sparingly until your credit profile improves enough to qualify for better terms.