Founders FCU Essential Mastercard®

Founders FCU Essential Mastercard® Review

This is a card issued by Founders Federal Credit Union. If you're wondering whether Founders FCU Essential Mastercard is the right card for you, read on.

Key Takeaways

• Competitive APRs. Founders FCU Essential Mastercard® has a variable purchase APR that ranges from 12.75% up to 17.90%.
• No annual fee*. This is a great option for people looking for a low-maintenance card. It gives you the benefits of a credit card, but you don't have to pay an annual fee for the privilege.
• Multiple credit card benefits. Includes generous credit card perks, such as access to a concierge, emergency support, identity theft protection, travel accident insurance, travel assistance, and fraud protection.

Pros & Cons of Founders FCU Essential Mastercard

The Good	The Bad
Potentially lower than average purchase APRs. Has an introductory APR rate on balance transfers of 5%. No balance transfer fee. No annual fee. Multiple credit card perks. Access to a concierge. Identity Theft Protection. Travel accident and travel assistance insurance. Founders FCU Essential Mastercard® reports to multiple credit bureaus.	Does not offer a signup bonus. Does not offer rewards or cash back. You don't earn rewards on every purchase.

Founders FCU Essential Mastercard FAQ

Does Founders FCU Essential Mastercard have a cash back or rewards program?

No, it does not offer a rewards program.

What are the Founders FCU Essential Mastercard benefits?

It provides the following benefits:

• Emergency Support
• Travel Accident Insurance
• Travel Assistance
• Reports to major credit bureaus

What are the relevant APRs for Founders FCU Essential Mastercard?

According to the Federal Reserve Board, the average regular APR is 15% for all credit cards and 17% for accounts that carry a balance. This card has lower than average regular APRs.

Founders FCU Essential Mastercard® has a variable purchase APR that ranges from 12.75% up to 17.90%. The card has a variable balance transfer APR that ranges from 12.75% up to 17.90%. It also has a variable cash advance APR that ranges from 12.75% up to 17.90%. Note that late payments are subject to an APR of 17.90% if you are late or miss your payments. Typically, the penalty APR applies for a minimum of six months but can go on indefinitely.

What are the fees for Founders FCU Essential Mastercard?

The following fees apply:

Founders FCU Essential Mastercard Fees

Fees	Amount
Annual Fee	$0
Overlimit Fee	$
Initial Program Fee	$
Foreign Transaction Fee	%
Returned Payment Fee	Starting at $ up to $35
Late Payment Fee	Starting at up to $35

This card does not charge an annual fee, which makes it a smart choice for consumers looking for a low-cost card.

Does Founders FCU Essential Mastercard® report your account activity to credit bureaus?

Yes, Founders FCU Essential 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 Founders FCU Essential Mastercard

• Visit the Founders FCU Essential 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.