Bank of the West Secured MasterCard Review

Bank of the West Secured MasterCard is a secured credit card credit card issued by Bank of the West. If you're wondering whether Bank of the West Secured MasterCard is the right card for you, read on. This is everything you need to know to make a good choice.

• High APRs. This is not a great card for people who carry a balance. It has a variable purchase APR of 21.99%
• 4% Balance transfer fee. Bank of the West Secured MasterCard charges a fee of up to 4% on balance transfers. For example, a balance of $1,000 could cost up to $40 in transfer fees. The minimum fee is $10.
• Charges foreign transaction fees. Avoid using this card when traveling abroad because it charges a commission of 3% every time you make a transaction outside the U.S.
• Secured card. This card requires a refundable deposit before you qualify for a line of credit. These cards are often used to improve the credit of people with poor credit or little credit history.
• Poor credit accepted. This card will consider people who have bad credit. Even if you have poor credit, you may still qualify.

The Good	The Bad
Identity Theft Protection. Considers applicants with fair or poor credit. Bank of the West Secured MasterCard reports to multiple credit bureaus.	Higher than average purchase APRs. Charges an annual fee of $25 Does not offer a signup bonus. Does not offer rewards or cash back. Charges a foreign transaction fee of 3%. You don't earn rewards on every purchase. Charges a 4% balance transfer fee. Does not include many credit card benefits.

Is there a Bank of the West Secured MasterCard cash back or rewards program?

No, Bank of the West Secured MasterCard does not offer a rewards program.

What are the Bank of the West Secured MasterCard benefits?

Bank of the West Secured MasterCard provides the following benefits:

• Zero fraud liability
• Reports to major credit bureaus

What are the relevant APRs for Bank of the West Secured MasterCard?

According to the Federal Reserve Board, the average interest rate is 15% for all credit cards and 17% for accounts that carry a balance. Bank of the West Secured MasterCard has higher than average purchase APRs.

Bank of the West Secured MasterCard has a variable purchase APR of 21.99%. The card has a variable balance transfer APR of 21.99% . It also has a variable cash advance APR of 24.99% .

The good news is this card does not charge a penalty APR if you are late on a payment.

What are the fees for Bank of the West Secured MasterCard?

The following fees apply to Bank of the West Secured MasterCard:

Bank of the West Secured MasterCard Fees

Fees	Amount
Annual Fee	$25
Foreign Transaction Fee	3%
Returned Payment Fee	up to $38
Late Payment Fee	up to $38

Does Bank of the West Secured MasterCard report your account activity to credit bureaus?

Yes, Bank of the West Secured MasterCard reports your account activity to the following credit reporting agencies:

• Equifax
• Experian
• Transunion

Making regular on-time payments to a creditor that reports to one or more credit bureaus will demonstrate your financial responsibility and may help improve your credit.

How to apply for Bank of the West Secured MasterCard

• Visit the Bank of the West Secured MasterCard website.
• Fill in the application form. You will typically need to provide general financial information, such as your Social Security Number, address, and annual income.
• Check the information is accurate and submit your application.

If your credit score is preventing you from qualifying for this credit card, check out our guide for the best credit cards for bad credit.