What Total Visa Cards Offer
Total Visa is a line of credit cards issued by Totality Financial, designed primarily for people rebuilding credit or establishing a credit history. The cards function as standard Visa products — you can use them anywhere Visa is accepted — but they come with features and terms that differ from mainstream cards.
Total Visa cards require a cash deposit that becomes your credit limit. You deposit money, that deposit sits in a reserve account, and you receive a card with a matching limit. The card reports to the three major credit bureaus, so responsible use builds your credit file. Interest rates are higher than cards for people with established credit, and annual fees explore.
The main appeal is access: Total Visa cards are designed for people who cannot get approved for unsecured cards elsewhere. They are not a loan product — you are not borrowing the deposit. You are using your own money as collateral while you build a payment history.
Key Takeaways
- Total Visa cards require a cash deposit ranging from $300 to $2,500, which becomes your credit limit and stays in a reserve account.
- Annual percentage rates (APRs) typically run between 18% and 24%, significantly higher than cards for people with good credit.
- Annual fees range from $35 to $99 depending on the specific card tier, and these are charged even if you never use the card.
- The card reports monthly to all three credit bureaus, so on-time payments and low balances help build credit over time.
- After 12 to 24 months of responsible use, you may be able to graduate to an unsecured card or recover your deposit.
Deposit Requirements and Card Limits
Total Visa cards come in several tiers, each with a different minimum deposit. The entry-level card typically requires a $300 deposit, which becomes your credit limit. Mid-tier cards start at $500 or $750, and premium tiers may require $1,500 to $2,500.
Your deposit sits in a reserve account held by the issuing bank. You cannot touch this money while the account is open — it is not available for withdrawal like a savings account. The deposit protects the card issuer if you stop paying. Once you close the account or graduate to an unsecured card, the bank returns the deposit to you, usually within 30 days.
You can request a credit limit increase after six months of on-time payments. If approved, you add more money to your deposit, and your limit rises by that amount. This is not automatic — you must ask, and the issuer will review your payment history before deciding.
Interest Rates, Fees, and Costs
Total Visa cards carry APRs between 18% and 24%, depending on the card tier and current market rates. This is substantially higher than the national average for standard credit cards, which hovers around 21% for people with fair credit. The higher rate reflects the issuer's view of the risk involved in lending to people rebuilding credit.
Annual fees range from $35 to $99. Some cards charge a single annual fee; others charge it monthly ($3 to $8 per month). A few Total Visa products charge both an annual fee and a monthly maintenance fee. These fees are charged whether you use the card or not, so factor them into your decision about which tier to choose.
Some cards also charge a one-time processing fee ($25 to $50) when you open the account. Read the terms carefully before you deposit money — this fee comes out of your deposit or is charged separately, depending on the card.
How Credit Reporting Works
Total Visa cards report to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion every month. This is the primary reason people open these cards — the monthly reporting builds a credit history that lenders can see. Each on-time payment adds a positive mark to your credit file. Late payments, missed payments, and high balances all report as negative marks.
Your credit utilization ratio — the percentage of your limit you are using — affects your credit score. If your limit is $500 and you carry a $450 balance, your utilization is 90%, which hurts your score. Keeping your balance below 30% of your limit (so $150 or less on a $500 card) helps your score climb faster.
The card does not report to alternative credit bureaus like Clarity Services or LexisNexis, so it will not help if you are trying to build credit for rental applications or utility accounts that check those bureaus instead.
Graduation and Path to Unsecured Credit
After 12 to 24 months of on-time payments, you may be offered a chance to graduate to an unsecured card. This means the card issuer removes the deposit requirement and converts your account to a standard credit card. You get your deposit back, and the card continues to report to the bureaus.
Graduation is not may provide. The issuer reviews your payment history, credit score, and account activity. If you have missed payments, carried high balances, or had late fees, you may not be offered graduation. Some cardholders never graduate and eventually close the account to recover their deposit.
You can also request your deposit back at any time by closing the account. When you do, the card issuer stops reporting to the bureaus, so the account will no longer help your credit. If you are still rebuilding, closing the account may hurt your score temporarily because it reduces the total credit available to you.
Comparing Total Visa to Other Secured Cards
Total Visa is one of several secured card options. Other issuers like Capital One, Discover, and Chime also offer secured cards with similar structures — you deposit money, receive a card with a matching limit, and build credit through monthly reporting.
Capital One Secured Mastercard has no annual fee, which is a significant advantage over most Total Visa tiers. Discover Secured Card also charges no annual fee and offers 2% cash back on purchases, though it requires a higher minimum deposit ($200). Chime Secured Visa has no annual fee and no interest charges if you pay your full balance each month.
Total Visa cards do charge annual fees, which makes them more expensive than some competitors. However, Total Visa may be easier to open if you have very limited credit history or a recent bankruptcy. Compare the specific card tiers available to you against competitors before deciding — the lowest-cost option is not always the easiest to open.
Common Issues and What to Watch For
Some cardholders report that Total Visa customer service is difficult to reach and slow to respond. If you have a billing dispute or need to report fraud, expect longer wait times than you would with larger issuers. Keep records of all transactions and statements in case you need to dispute a charge.
Annual fees are charged automatically, and some cardholders miss the charge because they do not use the card regularly. Set a calendar reminder for your annual fee date so you know when to expect it. If you do not plan to use the card, close it before the fee is charged rather than paying for a card you do not need.
The deposit is not FDIC-insured in the way a savings account is, though it is held in a reserve account at a bank. If the card issuer fails, your deposit may be at risk. This is rare but worth understanding before you commit a large deposit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Total Visa card right away after opening the account?
Most Total Visa cards are active within one to three business days of approval. You can use the card as soon as you receive it in the mail, which typically takes five to seven business days. Some issuers offer temporary digital card numbers you can use when ready for online purchases while you wait for the physical card.
What happens if I miss a payment on my Total Visa card?
A missed payment is reported to the credit bureaus and damages your credit score. Late fees ($25 to $35) are charged to your account. If you miss a payment by 30 days or more, the card issuer may freeze your account or close it. Your deposit remains in the reserve account but is not returned until you settle the debt.
Can I increase my credit limit without adding more money?
No. Total Visa cards are secured products, so your limit is tied directly to your deposit. To increase your limit, you must deposit additional money. After 12 to 24 months of on-time payments, you may be offered graduation to an unsecured card, which allows a limit increase without a deposit.
Does closing my Total Visa card hurt my credit score?
Closing the account stops the monthly reporting to the bureaus, which can lower your score temporarily because it reduces your total available credit. However, if you are paying annual fees on a card you do not use, closing it may be the right choice financially. The score impact is usually temporary and recovers within a few months.
How long does it take to get my deposit back after I close the account?
Most card issuers return your deposit within 30 days of closing the account. Some take longer if there are pending transactions or disputes. Contact the issuer to confirm the timeline and ask for a tracking number so you know when to expect the money.