
For U.S. residents with a damaged credit history, the First Digital NextGen Mastercard is an unsecured credit card designed to provide the opportunity to start that process. It offers a path to obtaining a revolving credit line that reports to all three major credit bureaus, which is the most essential part of any credit reconstruction strategy.
This guide is more than a review; it’s an action plan for how to acquire and use this card effectively to achieve your goal of a better credit score. While this card has significant costs, a disciplined and methodical approach can help you use it as a temporary tool to build a positive payment history and move on to better financial products.
The Functional NextGen Mastercard Benefits That Support Your Plan
- 1% Cash Back That Works for You: The First Digital NextGen Mastercard® sets itself apart by offering 1% cash back on every purchase you make. While the rate may be lower than premium rewards cards, the significance lies in the fact that most credit-building products don’t offer any rewards at all.
- Unsecured Credit Line: Unlike secured cards that require a deposit of several hundred dollars, this card provides an unsecured credit line from the start. That means you can move forward with your credit-building plan without having to lock away savings as collateral, giving you more financial flexibility.
- Tri-Bureau Reporting: Every on-time payment you make is reported to all three major credit bureaus—Equifax®, Experian®, and TransUnion®. This comprehensive reporting maximizes the visibility of your positive credit behavior, ensuring that your progress is fully reflected in your credit profile.
- A Fixed Credit Limit: With an initial $700 credit limit, the card provides a clear and predictable boundary for your spending. This structure not only helps you manage your purchases responsibly but also supports maintaining a low credit utilization ratio, which plays a critical role in improving your overall credit score.
- Pathway to Credit Growth: Responsible use over time may make you eligible for credit limit increases, giving you more purchasing power while further supporting a stronger utilization ratio.
- Fast and Easy Application: The online application process is straightforward, with quick decisions that allow you to know your status almost immediately.
- Nationwide Mastercard® Acceptance: As a Mastercard, the card can be used at millions of locations across the U.S. and online, giving you flexibility in how and where you spend.
- Fraud Protection and Security: Advanced security features help safeguard your account against unauthorized transactions, giving you peace of mind with every purchase.
- Online and Mobile Account Management: Stay in control of your finances with convenient online tools and mobile access, making it easy to track balances, monitor transactions, and schedule payments.
- Credit-Building Opportunity: With regular, on-time payments, you not only build a stronger credit history but also demonstrate financial responsibility that can help you qualify for better credit products in the future.
Who Can Enact This Plan?
This plan is designed for a U.S. resident who:
- Is at least 18 years of age and has a valid SSN.
- Has a poor or limited credit history and has been denied for lower-cost credit cards.
- Has a stable income and an active checking account.
- Can afford the upfront $95 Program Fee and the subsequent annual and monthly fees.
- Is disciplined enough to follow the strict usage plan outlined above.
How to Apply for the First Digital NextGen Mastercard

- Visit the official site and start your application
Head to the First Digital website and begin their secure online application. It’s quick and easy to fill out with a response in as little as 60 seconds. - Complete the online form
Provide your personal information, including name, address, contact details, Social Security Number, income, and employment. A checking account is required to apply. - Review the terms, rates, and fees
Before submitting, carefully read the program’s terms—including fees and limitations—to fully understand the cost structure involved. - Submit and get a decision
Once submitted, you’ll often receive an approval decision within minutes. - Pay the program fee
If approved, you’ll need to pay a one-time Program Fee to activate your account and receive the card. - Receive your card by mail
Your card is typically mailed within 3–7 business days, though it can take up to 14 days due to delivery times. - Activate your card and set up account access
After receiving your card, activate it via phone or online. Download the mobile app for convenient account management and to monitor your VantageScore®+.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Plan
- What is the most important part of this 12-month plan?
The single most important action is to pay your statement balance in full and on time every single month without fail. This builds the positive payment history that is the entire purpose of having the card, and it allows you to avoid the extremely high interest rate. - Why is it important to only make small purchases?
Making small purchases keeps your statement balance low. A low balance relative to your credit limit results in a low credit utilization ratio, which is the second most important factor in your credit score. Aim to keep your reported balance below 30% (and ideally below 10%) of your $700 limit. - What is the “exit strategy” after 12-18 months?
The exit strategy is to use your improved credit score to apply for and get approved for a traditional credit card with a $0 annual fee and a lower interest rate. Once you have that new, better card, you can consider closing your First Digital account to stop paying the high annual and monthly fees. - What if I am denied when I apply?
While the card has high approval odds, denials can happen. If you are denied, you will receive a letter in the mail explaining the reasons. You can use this information to address any issues on your credit report before considering other options, like a secured credit card.