Self vs First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard Secured (2026)
Written by Harvey Brooks | Reviewed by the CreditDoc Editorial Team
First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard Secured
Summary
Self and First Progress Platinum Elite take different approaches to credit building. Self offers credit-builder loans starting at $25/month with a $9 setup fee, reporting to all 3 bureaus and returning your money after the loan term ends—ideal if you can wait 3-24 months. First Progress charges $29-$49 annual fees with no setup fee and faster approval via secured Mastercard deposit ($200-$2,000). Self has an F BBB rating while First Progress maintains A+ accreditation. For budget-conscious borrowers prioritizing long-term savings, Self wins; for those needing immediate card access, First Progress is superior.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | From $25.00/mo Best | From $Infinity/mo |
| Setup Fee | $9.00 | Free Best |
| BBB Rating | F | A+ Best |
| Money-Back Guarantee | No | No |
| Our Rating | | |
| Credit Monitoring | ||
| All 3 Bureaus | ||
| Goodwill Letters | ||
| Cease & Desist Letters | ||
| Debt Validation | ||
| Credit Education | ||
| ID Theft Protection | ||
| Score Tracking | ||
| Mobile App | ||
| Online Portal | ||
| Personal Advisor | ||
| AI-Powered |
Which One Is Right for You?
CreditDoc Diagnosis
Doctor's Verdict on Self
Choose Self if you want: People with no credit who need to build history from scratch. Anyone who wants to save money while building credit simultaneously. Top strength: No credit check — anyone can apply.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
Doctor's Verdict on First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard Secured
Choose First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard Secured if you want: Consumers who need guaranteed approval without any credit check. People rebuilding credit after bankruptcy who were denied by Discover and Capital One. Top strength: No credit check required — approval based on deposit and identity only.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
Doctor's Verdict on Self
Our pick: Self. Self offers better overall value with lower total costs ($9 one-time fee vs. annual fees), money returned at loan completion, and dramatically better credit-building results (49-point average increase in 3 months). Despite the F BBB rating, Self's transparent pricing and actual financial return make it the stronger choice for committed credit builders, though First Progress's A+ rating appeals to those prioritizing institutional credibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, Self or First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard Secured?
First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard Secured is cheaper at Free/mo compared to Self at $25.00/mo. However, First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard Secured has no setup fee, while Self charges a $9.00 setup fee.
Which has a better BBB rating, Self or First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard Secured?
Self has a F BBB rating, while First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard Secured has a A+ BBB rating (accredited). The BBB rating reflects how well a company responds to customer complaints and conducts business.
Do Self and First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard Secured offer money-back guarantees?
Self does not offer a money-back guarantee. First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard Secured does not offer a money-back guarantee.
Which company is better overall, Self or First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard Secured?
Based on our analysis, Self is the better overall choice. Self offers better overall value with lower total costs ($9 one-time fee vs. annual fees), money returned at loan completion, and dramatically better credit-building results (49-point average increase in 3 months). Despite the F BBB rating, Self's transparent pricing and actual financial return make it the stronger choice for committed credit builders, though First Progress's A+ rating appeals to those prioritizing institutional credibility.
Explore More Options
Affiliate Disclosure: CreditDoc may earn a commission when you click links to the services featured on this page. Our editorial team independently evaluates all services. Learn more.