What First Bank Credit Cards Offer

First Bank offers several credit card products, each designed for different spending patterns and credit histories. The cards vary in rewards structure, annual fees, and the credit score range they typically target. Before you consider one, you should understand what each card does, what it costs, and whether the rewards or features match how you actually spend money.

First Bank's credit card lineup includes options for people rebuilding credit, everyday spenders who want cash back, and those who travel frequently. The specific cards available depend on your state, since First Bank operates as a regional bank with branches primarily in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. You can review the full current lineup on First Bank's website or by calling their customer service line to confirm which products are available to you.

Key Takeaways

  • First Bank credit cards come in multiple versions targeting different credit profiles, from rebuilding cards to rewards cards, so you need to match the card to your actual credit history and spending.
  • Annual fees, if charged, vary by card type and should be weighed against the rewards or benefits you will actually use in a year.
  • The credit score you need to be considered for a card depends on which First Bank card you are looking at — some target people with limited or damaged credit history.
  • First Bank is a regional bank, so availability of specific cards may depend on your state; checking their website or calling directly confirms what you can open.

Understanding First Bank's Card Types and Features

First Bank typically offers a cash back card, a card designed for people rebuilding credit, and sometimes a travel or rewards variant. A cash back card returns a percentage of what you spend back to you as statement credits or direct deposits — commonly 1% to 2% on most purchases, with higher rates (2% to 5%) on specific categories like groceries or gas. These cards usually require good credit and come with an annual fee that ranges from zero to around $95, depending on the rewards tier.

A rebuilding or secured card requires a cash deposit that becomes your credit limit — you might deposit $500 and receive a $500 limit. These cards charge an annual fee (often $25 to $35) and report your payment history to the three major credit bureaus, which helps you build a credit score over time. The interest rate on these cards is higher than on rewards cards because the risk to the bank is greater. After 12 to 24 months of on-time payments, you may be able to graduate to an unsecured card or have your deposit returned.

Check First Bank's website or visit a branch to see which specific cards are currently available in your state and what the current terms are, since product offerings and rates change periodically.

How Interest Rates and Fees Work

Every First Bank credit card has an Annual Percentage Rate (APR) — the yearly cost of borrowing if you carry a balance. The APR you receive depends on your credit score, income, and debt history. A person with excellent credit might receive an APR of 15% to 18%, while someone rebuilding credit might see 24% to 29%. This rate applies to any balance you do not pay off in full each month.

Beyond the APR, watch for these common fees: an annual fee (charged once per year), a late payment fee (charged if your payment arrives after the due date), a cash advance fee (a percentage of the amount if you withdraw cash), and a foreign transaction fee (charged on purchases made outside the United States). Some First Bank cards waive the annual fee for the first year or waive it entirely if you meet spending requirements. Read the card's terms document — called the Schumer Box or pricing summary — before you open the account so you know exactly what you will owe.

Comparing First Bank Cards to Other Options

First Bank cards compete with cards from national banks (Chase, Bank of America, Capital One) and online-only banks (Discover, American Express). A national bank card often has more generous rewards (2% to 5% cash back) and lower annual fees because they have more customers spreading costs. An online-only card may have no annual fee and competitive rewards but offers no branch support if you need help in person.

First Bank's advantage is local branch access — you can walk in and speak to someone about your account. The trade-off is that their rewards rates and fee structures may not be as competitive as a large national bank's. If you live in a First Bank state and value in-person service, a First Bank card may be worth comparing. If you are willing to manage your account online or by phone, you might find better rewards or lower fees elsewhere.

Use a credit card comparison tool to line up the specific First Bank card you are considering against 3 to 5 competitors in the same category (cash back, rebuilding, travel). Compare the APR range, annual fee, rewards rate, and any sign-up bonuses. The card that looks best on paper is the one you will actually use and pay off on time.

Steps to Open a First Bank Credit Card

Opening a First Bank credit card begins with choosing which card matches your situation. Visit firstbank.com or call their customer service number to see which cards are available in your state. Read the terms and conditions for the card you are interested in — this document explains the APR range, fees, rewards structure, and how the card reports to credit bureaus.

You can open the account online, by phone, or in person at a First Bank branch. You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, income, employment status, and current address. First Bank will pull your credit report (called a hard inquiry) to decide whether to approve you and what APR to offer. This inquiry may lower your credit score by a few points for a few months.

If you are approved, your card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You set up it by calling the number on the back or using the First Bank app, then you can begin using it when ready. If you opened a secured card, you will need to make your cash deposit before the account is active.

Building Credit with a First Bank Card

A credit card is a tool for building credit history if you use it responsibly. Every month, First Bank reports your payment status to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — the three credit bureaus. If you pay on time, your credit score rises. If you miss a payment, your score drops and stays damaged for seven years.

To build credit effectively, charge a small recurring expense (like a streaming service) to the card each month, then pay the full balance before the due date. This shows lenders you can borrow and repay reliably. Avoid carrying a balance to save on interest — the interest you pay does not help your credit score, it only costs you money. Keep your credit utilization (the percentage of your limit you use) below 30%; if your limit is $500, try not to carry more than $150 in charges at any time.

After 12 to 24 months of on-time payments, your credit score should improve enough to may have access to for better cards with lower APRs and higher rewards. At that point, you can close the First Bank card or keep it open to maintain a longer average account age, which also helps your credit score.

What Happens If You Miss a Payment

If your payment is late by 30 days or more, First Bank reports it to the credit bureaus and your score drops when ready. A late payment stays on your credit report for seven years. You will also owe a late fee (typically $25 to $35 for the first late payment, higher for subsequent ones) and your APR may increase to a penalty rate, sometimes 29% or higher.

If you realize you cannot make a payment, contact First Bank before the due date. Some cardholders can negotiate a payment plan or a temporary hardship arrangement. Calling ahead is always better than missing the payment, because it shows good faith and may prevent the late fee or credit damage.

If you fall behind by 120 days or more, First Bank may close your account and send it to a collection agency. At that point, the debt appears on your credit report as a charge-off and becomes much harder to resolve. Staying current is far easier than recovering from a collection account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a First Bank checking account to open a credit card?

No. You can open a First Bank credit card without having a checking or savings account with them. However, having a First Bank account may make the process process faster and could may have access to you for a higher credit limit or lower APR.

What credit score do I need for a First Bank credit card?

It depends on the card. Cash back and rewards cards typically require a credit score of 670 or higher. Rebuilding or secured cards have no credit score requirement because the deposit secures the line. Check the specific card's terms to see the credit range First Bank targets.

Can I increase my credit limit after I open the card?

Yes. After 6 to 12 months of on-time payments, you can request a credit limit increase by calling First Bank or using their app. They may grant it without a hard inquiry, or they may pull your credit again. A higher limit can help your credit score by lowering your utilization ratio.

What is the difference between a secured card and a regular credit card?

A secured card requires a cash deposit that matches your credit limit; a regular card does not. Secured cards are for people rebuilding credit and charge higher APRs. Once you build credit, you graduate to a regular card and your deposit is returned.

How long does it take to receive my First Bank credit card after approval?

Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You can set up the card as soon as it arrives by calling the number on the back or using the First Bank mobile app. Some First Bank branches may issue a card in person on the day you open the account.