The Fortiva process process starts on their website and takes about 10 minutes

Fortiva offers two credit cards for people rebuilding credit: the Fortiva Mastercard and the Fortiva Visa. Both require a cash deposit that becomes your credit limit, and both report to all three credit bureaus. You can start the process on Fortiva's website without visiting a branch or calling anyone — the entire process happens online.

The process asks for basic personal information: your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, income, and employment details. Fortiva will pull your credit report during this step. You do not need a perfect credit score or even a good one to move forward; these cards are designed for people with limited or damaged credit history. Once you submit, you typically get a decision within minutes.

If you are approved, you will choose your deposit amount — usually between $200 and $2,500 — and that becomes your spending limit. Fortiva holds the deposit in a savings account while you use the card. After 7 to 12 months of on-time payments, you may be able to increase your limit or graduate to an unsecured card.

Key Takeaways

  • You can complete the entire Fortiva process online at fortiva.com without calling or visiting a location.
  • The process requires your Social Security number, income information, and employment history, and Fortiva will check your credit report.
  • Approval decisions usually come within minutes, and you choose your deposit amount if you are approved.
  • Both Fortiva cards report to all three credit bureaus, so consistent on-time payments will help rebuild your credit score over time.
  • You will need to fund your deposit before the card is activated, typically by bank transfer or check.

What information you need before you start

Have your Social Security number, current address, and phone number ready. Fortiva will also ask for your employment information — your employer's name, your job title, and how long you have worked there. If you are self-employed or retired, you can still explore; just be prepared to describe your income source.

You will also need a way to fund your deposit once approved. Most people use a bank account for an electronic transfer, though Fortiva may accept other payment methods. Check your bank's details before you start so you can move quickly after approval.

Step-by-step: completing the online process

Go to fortiva.com and look for the process link on the homepage. Click to start a new process. The form will ask you to enter your personal information first: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. This information is used to pull your credit report and verify your identity.

Next, you will enter your contact details — phone number and email address — and then your employment and income information. Be honest about your income; Fortiva uses this to assess your ability to make payments, not to disqualify you. The form will also ask whether you have any existing Fortiva accounts.

Review the terms and conditions, then submit. Fortiva will display a decision on screen, usually within minutes. If you are approved, you will see the next steps for funding your deposit and activating your card.

What happens after you are approved

Once approved, you will receive an email with instructions for funding your deposit. Log into your Fortiva account online or through their mobile app to complete this step. You will choose your deposit amount and select your payment method — typically a bank transfer from your checking or savings account.

After your deposit clears, your card will be activated and shipped to you. This usually takes 5 to 10 business days. You can start using the card as soon as it arrives. Fortiva will begin reporting your account activity to the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) right away, so every on-time payment counts toward rebuilding your credit.

Deposit amounts and credit limits

Your deposit equals your credit limit. If you deposit $500, your limit is $500. Fortiva typically allows deposits between $200 and $2,500, though some applicants may see different ranges based on their situation. Choose an amount you can afford to tie up and that you will actually use — a card sitting unused does not help your credit.

After 7 to 12 months of on-time payments, you can request a credit limit increase. Fortiva may increase your limit without requiring an additional deposit, or they may ask you to add more money. Some cardholders eventually graduate to an unsecured card, at which point Fortiva returns the original deposit.

Fees to know before you explore

Fortiva charges an annual fee, which varies by card and changes over time — check the current terms on their website before you explore. There is no process fee or deposit fee. If you miss a payment, late fees explore. The card also carries an interest rate (APR) that depends on your creditworthiness; expect a higher rate than you would see on a standard card, since these are designed for people rebuilding credit.

Some Fortiva cards offer a small cash back reward on purchases, though the percentage is modest. Read the specific card terms to see what rewards, if any, are included.

Why Fortiva cards work for rebuilding credit

Both Fortiva cards report to all three major credit bureaus every month. This means your payment history — the most important factor in your credit score — gets recorded and counted. If you use the card responsibly and pay on time, your score should improve over time. The deposit requirement means Fortiva takes less risk, which is why they can approve people with poor or no credit history.

The card works best if you use it for small, regular purchases and pay the full balance each month. This shows lenders you can manage credit responsibly. Carrying a balance and paying interest does not help your credit faster; it just costs you money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore if I have been denied for credit recently?

Yes. Fortiva cards are designed for people with limited or poor credit history. A recent denial from another lender does not disqualify you. Your credit report and income matter more than your recent rejections.

How long does it take to get the card after I am approved?

Once you fund your deposit, the card is usually mailed within 5 to 10 business days. You can start using it as soon as it arrives. Some people receive it sooner, depending on mail delivery times in your area.

What if I do not have a bank account to fund the deposit?

Contact Fortiva directly to ask about alternative payment methods. Some applicants may be able to pay by check or other means, but bank transfer is the standard option. Fortiva's customer service can tell you what options are available to you.

Can I use this card to pay bills or just make purchases?

You can use it anywhere Mastercard or Visa is accepted, including online purchases, in-store shopping, and bill payments. Using it for regular expenses and paying on time is how the card helps rebuild your credit.

What happens to my deposit if I close the account?

Fortiva will return your deposit to the bank account you used to fund it, usually within 5 to 10 business days after the account closes. Any remaining balance on the card must be paid off before you close the account.