Milestone Credit Card — Login, Payment & Reviews

Looking for a simple credit card that helps you build or rebuild your credit? The Milestone Credit Card is one option designed for just that. If you’ve struggled with credit issues, been denied by traditional card issuers, or simply want to establish a positive payment history, Milestone positions itself as an accessible path forward. But with high fees and limited benefits, is it really worth it? This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about the Milestone Credit Card — from logging into your account and making payments to understanding the true costs, reading real user reviews, and deciding whether this card deserves a spot in your wallet.

What You Need to Know: The Milestone Credit Card is an unsecured Mastercard issued by The Bank of Missouri and serviced by Concora Credit (formerly Genesis FS Card Services), specifically designed for individuals with fair, limited, or poor credit history. Unlike secured cards that require upfront deposits, Milestone offers immediate credit access with typical limits of $300-$1,000. The card reports monthly to all three major credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion — making it a potential tool for building credit through responsible use. However, this accessibility comes at a steep price: annual fees ranging from $35-$250 (depending on your credit profile), potential monthly fees after the first year, and one of the highest interest rates in the industry at 35.9% APR.​

This guide covers how the Milestone Credit Card works, step-by-step login and payment instructions, customer service contact information, honest reviews highlighting both advantages and significant drawbacks, and whether this card makes financial sense for your situation.

What Is the Milestone Credit Card?

The Milestone Credit Card is an unsecured Mastercard specifically targeted to consumers with less-than-perfect credit histories who need to establish or rebuild their creditworthiness. “Unsecured” means you don’t have to put down a cash security deposit to open the account — a significant advantage over secured credit cards that can require $200-$500 upfront.​

Issuing Bank and Servicer

The card is issued by The Bank of Missouri, an FDIC-insured financial institution based in St. Robert, Missouri. FDIC insurance protects depositors’ funds up to $250,000, providing legitimacy and regulatory oversight. While The Bank of Missouri is the legal issuer, the card is actually a white-label product developed and serviced by Concora Credit (formerly known as Genesis FS Card Services). Concora Credit specializes in creating financial products for consumers with adverse credit or limited credit history.​

Who Is It Designed For?

Milestone targets individuals who:​

• Have fair to poor credit scores (typically below 670)
• Have been rejected by traditional credit card issuers
• Are rebuilding credit after bankruptcy, foreclosure, or other credit challenges
• Have limited or no credit history
• Need access to credit but can’t afford or don’t want to lock up funds in a secured card deposit

Mastercard Network Acceptance

As a Mastercard-branded product, the Milestone card is accepted at millions of merchants worldwide wherever Mastercard is honored. This provides the convenience and flexibility of mainstream credit cards despite being designed for subprime borrowers.​

FAQ: What is the Milestone Credit Card used for?

The Milestone Credit Card serves two primary purposes: building or rebuilding credit through monthly reporting to credit bureaus, and providing access to revolving credit for everyday purchases and emergencies. By making consistent on-time payments and maintaining low credit utilization, cardholders can demonstrate financial responsibility and potentially improve their credit scores over 6-12 months of positive payment history. However, due to its high costs, financial experts generally recommend using this card primarily as a credit-building tool rather than for extensive everyday spending.​

Is the Milestone Credit Card Legit?

Given that Milestone targets consumers with challenged credit — a population often vulnerable to predatory financial products — legitimacy is a crucial question.

Yes, Milestone is a Legitimate Credit Card

The Milestone Credit Card is absolutely legitimate and backed by reputable financial institutions:​

FDIC-Insured Issuing Bank: The Bank of Missouri is a federally insured institution supervised by banking regulators. Your deposits with the bank are protected, and the institution operates under strict compliance requirements.​

Established Servicer: Concora Credit (Genesis FS Card Services) has been in the credit card servicing business for years, managing multiple card products for credit-challenged consumers.​

Mastercard Network: The card operates on the established Mastercard payment network, which has stringent requirements for participating issuers.​

Credit Bureau Reporting: Milestone legitimately reports account activity to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion monthly, which is verifiable through your credit reports.​

FAQ: Is Milestone a good credit card?

“Good” depends entirely on your situation and priorities. For credit building: Milestone can be effective if you have limited options and use it responsibly — paying on time every month and keeping balances low. For value: The card is objectively poor due to extremely high fees (annual fees of $35-$250, potential monthly fees of $12.50-$19.25 after year one, 35.9% APR, and various penalty fees). Most financial experts recommend exploring alternatives first, such as secured cards with lower fees or cards like Capital One Platinum that may have no annual fee. Milestone is best viewed as a last-resort credit builder when other options aren’t available, not as a long-term wallet staple.​

Concerns and Red Flags

While legitimate, Milestone has significant drawbacks that border on predatory:

• Extremely high fees that immediately reduce your available credit
• No grace period on cash advances with interest starting immediately​
• Monthly fees after the first year that can total $150-$231 annually on top of annual fees​
• Poor customer service reviews citing difficulty reaching representatives and resolving issues​
• Limited digital tools with no dedicated mobile app (you must use Bank of Missouri’s app)​

These factors make Milestone legitimate but expensive and potentially problematic for users who don’t carefully manage the account.

How to Apply for the Milestone Credit Card

Applying for the Milestone Credit Card is straightforward and designed for quick decisions.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Pre-Qualify Without Credit Impact

Visit milestonegoldcard.com/pre-qualify or milestonegoldcard.com:​

• Click “Apply Now” or “Pre-Qualify”
• Enter basic information: name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, income
• Submit the pre-qualification form

Pre-qualification uses a soft credit inquiry that does NOT impact your credit score. You’ll receive an instant indication of whether you’re likely to be approved and what terms (credit limit, annual fee) you might receive.​

Step 2: Complete Full Application

If you’re pre-qualified and satisfied with the terms, complete the full application:​

• Provide additional details about employment and income
• Review and accept the terms and conditions, including fee disclosures
• Consent to a hard credit inquiry (this WILL temporarily impact your credit score by a few points)

Step 3: Receive Decision

Most applicants receive an instant decision within seconds to minutes. If approved, you’ll see your credit limit and fee structure immediately.​

Step 4: Receive Your Card

Your physical Milestone Mastercard arrives by mail within 7-14 business days. The card will be inactive until you call to activate it.​

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Milestone Credit Card, you must:​

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a valid Social Security number
• Provide a U.S. physical address (no P.O. boxes for application)
• Have a U.S. IP address when applying (if applying online)
• Not have a previously charged-off Milestone account
• Meet minimum income and debt-to-income requirements
• Pass identity verification

What Credit Score Do You Need?

Milestone markets itself to consumers with fair to poor credit. Generally, you can qualify with credit scores as low as 300-580 (very poor) to 580-669 (fair). The lower your score, the higher your fees and the lower your initial credit limit.​

Credit Limit Overview

Initial credit limits typically range from $300 to $1,000, with $300-$700 being most common. Your specific limit depends on your creditworthiness, income, and debt levels. Importantly, your annual fee is charged immediately upon account opening and deducted from your credit limit. For example, if you receive a $300 credit limit and have a $75 annual fee, you’ll start with only $225 of available credit.​

Milestone Credit Card Login — Step-by-Step Guide

Managing your Milestone account online is essential for making payments, tracking your balance, and monitoring your credit-building progress.

Accessing Your Online Account

Website: www.mymilestonecard.com or milestone.myfinanceservice.com​

Step-by-Step Login Instructions:

1. Open your web browser and navigate to mymilestonecard.com​
2. Locate the “Login” button on the homepage (typically in the top right corner)
3. You’ll be directed to the login page
4. Enter your Username (created during registration)
5. Enter your Password
6. Click “Sign In” or “Login”

Once successfully logged in, you’ll access your account dashboard where you can:​

• View your current balance and available credit
• Check recent transactions and statement history
• Make one-time payments or set up autopay
• Update contact information and communication preferences
• Download statements and tax documents
• Contact customer support via secure messaging

First-Time Users: Account Registration

If you haven’t registered for online access yet, you must enroll before logging in:​

1. Go to mymilestonecard.com
2. Click “Register” or “Enroll Now”
3. Have your credit card handy and enter:
   • 16-digit account number
   • Date of birth
   • Last 4 digits of your Social Security number
4. Create a Username (typically 6-20 characters)
5. Create a secure Password following requirements (usually minimum 8 characters with uppercase, lowercase, and numbers)
6. Add your email address for account notifications
7. Complete any additional security questions
8. Click “Complete Registration”

You can now log in immediately with your new credentials.​

Troubleshooting Login Issues

Forgot Username:

1. Click “Forgot Username?” on the login page​
2. Enter your 16-digit credit card account number
3. Enter your date of birth
4. Enter your Social Security number
5. Follow the instructions to retrieve your username (sent to your registered email)

Forgot Password:

1. Click “Forgot Password?” on the login page​
2. Enter your username
3. Enter the last 4 digits of your credit card number
4. Enter your date of birth
5. Enter your Social Security number
6. Follow instructions to reset your password

Account Locked or Technical Errors:

If you experience repeated login failures or technical issues, contact Milestone technical support at 1-800-705-5144.​

Mobile Access

Milestone does NOT have a dedicated mobile app. However, you can:​

• Access mymilestonecard.com through your mobile browser
• Download The Bank of Missouri mobile app (available for iOS and Android), which provides access to Milestone accounts along with other Bank of Missouri products​

The mobile browser experience works adequately for checking balances and making payments, though it’s less convenient than a dedicated app.​

How to Make a Milestone Credit Card Payment

Timely payments are critical for avoiding fees and building positive credit history. Milestone offers multiple payment methods.

Payment Options Overview

Payment Method	Processing Time	Fees	Convenience
Online via MyMilestoneCard	1-2 business days	None	High (24/7 access)
Automatic Payment (AutoPay)	On due date	None	Highest (set and forget)
Phone Payment	Same day if before cutoff	May apply	Moderate
Mail (Check/Money Order)	5-7 business days	None	Low (slowest method)
MoneyGram	1-2 business days	MoneyGram fee applies	Moderate (in-person)

Method 1: Pay Online (Recommended)

Step-by-Step:

1. Log into your account at mymilestonecard.com​
2. Navigate to the “Payments” section or tab
3. Click “Make a Payment”
4. Choose payment amount:
   • Minimum payment (typically 1% of balance plus interest/fees)
   • Statement balance (avoids interest on purchases)
   • Other amount (custom payment)
5. Select payment source:
   • Bank account (enter routing and account numbers for ACH transfer)
   • Debit card (enter card details)
6. Choose payment date (today or future date)
7. Review payment details
8. Submit payment

Confirmation: You’ll receive an on-screen confirmation and an email confirmation to your registered address. Payments typically post within 1-2 business days.​

Method 2: Set Up AutoPay (Best for Avoiding Late Payments)

AutoPay automatically deducts your payment from your bank account on your due date each month:​

1. Log into mymilestonecard.com
2. Go to “Payments” section
3. Select “AutoPay” or “Set Up Automatic Payments”
4. Choose AutoPay option:
   • Minimum payment
   • Statement balance
   • Fixed amount
5. Enter bank account information
6. Confirm and activate AutoPay

Benefits: Never miss a payment, avoid late fees ($41 late payment fee), protect your credit score, and free up mental energy.​

Method 3: Pay By Phone

Call the Milestone payment and customer service number:

Main Payment Number: 1-866-453-2636​
Alternative Number: 1-800-305-0330​

Process:

1. Call the number
2. Follow automated prompts or say “Make a Payment”
3. Have ready:
   • Credit card number
   • Bank account and routing number (for ACH payment)
   • Or debit/credit card information
4. Confirm payment amount and date
5. Wait for confirmation number

Availability: 24/7 automated system; live representatives typically available Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Pacific Time.​

Method 4: Pay By Mail

Send check or money order to:​

Milestone Credit Card Payment Address:
Concora Credit
P.O. Box 84059
Columbus, GA 31908-4059

Important:

• Write your 16-digit credit card number on your check
• Allow 5-7 business days for mail delivery and processing
• Send payment at least 7-10 days before due date to avoid late fees
• Do NOT send cash

Method 5: Pay Via MoneyGram (In-Person Cash Payment)

For consumers who prefer or need to pay in cash:​

1. Visit a MoneyGram location (available at many grocery stores, pharmacies, and check-cashing stores)
2. Tell the agent you want to make a payment to a biller
3. Provide MoneyGram Receive Code: 4911​
4. Provide your Milestone credit card account number
5. Pay the agent your payment amount plus MoneyGram fees

Processing Time: 1-2 business days to post to your Milestone account.​

Payment Due Dates and Late Fees

• Minimum Payment: Typically 1% of your balance plus accrued interest and fees, or $25 (whichever is greater)​
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $41 if payment is not received by due date​
• Returned Payment Fee: Up to $41 if your payment fails due to insufficient funds​

Pro Tip: Always pay at least the minimum by the due date, but ideally pay your full statement balance to avoid the 35.9% interest rate on any carried balance.​

Milestone Credit Card Customer Service

When you need help with your account, understanding how to reach Milestone customer support is essential.

Primary Customer Service Contact

Phone Number: 1-800-305-0330​
Alternative Number: 1-866-453-2636 (Payment and customer service)​
Technical Support: 1-800-705-5144 (For online account access issues)​
Lost/Stolen Card: 1-800-304-3096 or 1-800-314-6340​

Customer Service Hours:

Monday – Friday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Pacific Time​
Automated phone system: 24/7/365

Mailing Addresses

General Correspondence:
Concora Credit
P.O. Box 4477
Beaverton, OR 97076-4477​

Payment Address:
Concora Credit
P.O. Box 84059
Columbus, GA 31908-4059​

Common Customer Service Requests

Reporting Lost or Stolen Card:

Call immediately at 1-800-304-3096 or 1-800-314-6340. A representative will:​

• Deactivate your compromised card
• Issue a replacement card (typically arrives within 7-10 business days)
• Review recent transactions for potential fraud
• Provide zero liability protection for unauthorized charges

Disputing a Charge:

1. Call customer service at 1-800-305-0330​
2. Provide transaction details: date, merchant, amount
3. Explain why the charge is incorrect or unauthorized
4. Request a dispute investigation
5. Follow up in writing if required

Updating Contact Information:

• Log into mymilestonecard.com and update address, phone, email through account settings​
• Or call customer service to make changes by phone​

Requesting Credit Limit Increase:

After 6-12 months of on-time payments, you can request a credit limit increase by calling customer service. Be prepared to provide updated income information.​

FAQ: How to cancel Milestone Credit Card

To close your Milestone Credit Card account:​​

1. Pay off your balance completely — ensure there are no pending transactions and your balance is $0
2. Call customer service at 1-800-305-0330 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM PT)​
3. Request account closure — politely inform the representative you wish to close your account
4. Decline retention offers — they may offer to waive fees or provide other incentives; decline if you’re certain about closing
5. Request written confirmation — ask for confirmation of account closure via email or mail
6. Verify on credit reports — check your credit reports 30-60 days later to ensure the account shows as “Closed by cardholder”
7. Destroy your card — cut through the chip and magnetic stripe to prevent misuse

Important: Closing a credit card can temporarily lower your credit score by reducing your available credit and average account age. Consider keeping the account open with no balance if you’ve already paid the annual fee for the year.​

Milestone Credit Card Reviews (Pros & Cons)

Understanding real user experiences and objective analysis helps you make an informed decision.

Pros: What Works Well

1. Reports to All Three Credit Bureaus

The primary benefit: Milestone reports monthly to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. On-time payments appear on all three reports, helping build positive payment history — the most important factor in credit scoring (35% of FICO score).​

2. No Security Deposit Required

Unlike secured cards that require $200-$500+ deposits, Milestone offers immediate credit access without tying up your funds. This makes it accessible for consumers who don’t have spare cash for deposits.​

3. Pre-Qualification Without Credit Score Impact

You can check if you’re likely to be approved and see potential terms without a hard inquiry affecting your credit score. This lets you shop around without multiple credit inquiries.​

4. Accessible Approval for Poor Credit

Milestone accepts applicants with credit scores as low as 300-580 (very poor). If you’ve been rejected elsewhere, you may qualify here.​

5. Quick Application and Approval Process

Instant decisions in most cases, with cards arriving within 7-14 days.​

Cons: Significant Drawbacks

1. Extremely High Annual Fees

This is the card’s biggest flaw. Annual fees range from $35 to $250 in the first year depending on your creditworthiness. The most common offers are:​

• $75 first year, $99 thereafter​
• $175 first year, $49 thereafter​​
• $250 first year for highest-risk applicants​

The annual fee is charged immediately upon account opening and deducted from your credit limit. With a $300 credit limit and $75 fee, you start with only $225 available credit.​

2. Monthly Maintenance Fees After Year One

Some Milestone accounts charge monthly fees starting in year two, ranging from $12.50 to $19.25 per month. This adds $150-$231 in annual fees on top of the reduced annual fee — making total annual costs $199-$280+ after the first year.​​

3. Punishing 35.9% APR

The fixed interest rate of 35.9% is among the highest in the industry. If you carry even a small balance, interest charges accumulate rapidly. A $500 balance would accrue approximately $179.50 in annual interest if left unpaid.​

4. Low Initial Credit Limits

Starting limits of $300-$700 are common. Combined with fees reducing available credit, this creates high credit utilization from day one — potentially hurting your credit score initially.​

5. No Rewards or Perks

Milestone offers zero cash back, points, miles, travel benefits, purchase protection, extended warranties, or any other value-added features. It’s purely a credit-building tool.​

6. Poor Customer Service Reputation

User reviews frequently cite difficulty reaching representatives, unhelpful responses, and inadequate support. The lack of a dedicated mobile app compounds frustration.​

7. High Cash Advance Costs

Cash advance fees are steep: either $5 or 8% of the amount (whichever is greater). Interest on cash advances can reach 25-29% APR and starts accruing immediately with no grace period. Cash advance limits are typically 50% of your credit limit.​

8. Overlimit Fees

If you opt in to overlimit coverage, you can be charged up to $41 if you exceed your limit, plus two additional $41 fees if you maintain an overlimit balance into subsequent billing cycles. Most modern cards have eliminated overlimit fees entirely.​

FAQ: What my cash advance limit on Milestone Credit Card?

Your cash advance limit is typically 50% of your total credit limit. For example, if you have a $700 credit limit, your cash advance limit would be approximately $350. However, using cash advances is extremely expensive: you’ll pay either $5 or 8% of the amount (whichever is greater) as an immediate fee, plus 25-29% APR that starts accruing instantly with no grace period. Given these punishing costs, cash advances should be avoided except in absolute emergencies, and even then, alternatives like personal loans or borrowing from friends/family are typically cheaper.​

Fees, Limits & Rates Explained

Understanding the complete cost structure helps you evaluate whether Milestone fits your budget.

Fee Structure Breakdown

Fee Type	Amount	When Charged
Annual Fee	$35-$250 (first year); $49-$99 thereafter	Immediately upon account opening, then annually
Monthly Maintenance Fee	$12.50-$19.25 (some accounts after year 1)	Monthly after first 12 months
Purchase APR	35.9% (fixed)	On carried balances
Cash Advance APR	25-29%+	Immediately on cash withdrawals
Cash Advance Fee	Greater of $5 or 8% of amount	Per transaction
Late Payment Fee	Up to $41	If payment not received by due date
Returned Payment Fee	Up to $41	If payment fails due to insufficient funds
Overlimit Fee	Up to $41 (if opted in)	Per occurrence, plus up to 2 additional fees
Foreign Transaction Fee	Varies (check your terms)	Per international transaction

Credit Limit Information

• Typical Range: $300-$1,000​
• Most Common: $300-$700​
• Guaranteed Offers: Some promotions advertise “guaranteed” $700-$1,000 limits, though terms still depend on credit approval​​

Tips to Avoid Interest and Penalties

1. Pay in Full Every Month

The only way to avoid the 35.9% APR is paying your entire statement balance before the due date. With such a high rate, carrying balances is financially destructive.​

2. Set Up AutoPay for at Least the Minimum

Even if you can’t pay in full, autopay ensures you never miss the minimum payment and incur a $41 late fee.​

3. Never Take Cash Advances

The immediate fees and higher interest make cash advances one of the most expensive borrowing options available.​

4. Monitor Your Balance to Stay Under the Limit

Avoiding overlimit fees saves you up to $123 in potential charges if you maintain an overlimit balance for multiple cycles.​

5. Pay on Time to Preserve Credit-Building Progress

Late payments are reported to credit bureaus after 30 days past due, severely damaging the credit score you’re trying to build.​

Building Credit with the Milestone Credit Card

Despite its costs, Milestone can effectively build credit if used strategically.

How Responsible Use Improves Credit Scores

Payment History (35% of FICO Score):

Making on-time payments every single month is the most powerful credit-building action. Milestone reports monthly to all three bureaus, so consistent payments create positive history across all reports.​

Timeline: Expect to see measurable credit score improvements within 6-12 months of perfect payment history.​

Credit Utilization (30% of FICO Score):

This ratio compares your credit card balances to your credit limits. Optimal utilization: below 30%; ideal: below 10%.​

Challenge with Milestone: The low credit limit ($300-$700) and immediate annual fee deduction make low utilization difficult. With a $300 limit and $75 fee, you have only $225 available. Spending just $68 puts you at 30% utilization relative to your actual available credit.​

Strategy: Use the card for small, recurring charges (like a $10 monthly subscription), then pay it off immediately to demonstrate activity while maintaining low utilization.​

Credit Mix (10% of FICO Score):

Having different types of credit (revolving credit cards, installment loans) benefits your score. Milestone adds a revolving account to your profile.​

Length of Credit History (15% of FICO Score):

Older accounts benefit your score. Keep your Milestone account open (even with minimal use) as long as annual fees remain reasonable.​

When to Upgrade to Better Cards

After 6-12 months of responsible Milestone usage, your credit score should improve enough to qualify for better cards with:​

• No or lower annual fees
• Rewards programs (1-5% cash back)
• Lower interest rates (15-25% APR)
• Higher credit limits
• Better customer service and digital tools

Target Score: Once your score reaches 630-650 (fair credit), explore cards like:

• Capital One QuicksilverOne (rewards card for fair credit)
• Discover it Secured (secured card with cash back that can graduate to unsecured)
• Credit One Bank cards (similar target market but some offer rewards)

At 670+ (good credit), you can qualify for premium cards with no fees and robust rewards.

How to Cancel Your Milestone Credit Card

If you’ve decided Milestone no longer serves your needs, proper cancellation protects your interests.

Step-by-Step Cancellation Process

Step 1: Pay Off Your Balance Completely

Before canceling, ensure your balance is exactly $0.00:​​

• Check for pending transactions that haven’t posted yet
• Verify all payments have cleared
• Confirm no recurring charges will post after cancellation

Step 2: Redeem Any Benefits (If Applicable)

While Milestone has no rewards to redeem, ensure you’ve received any statement credits or promotional benefits promised.

Step 3: Contact Customer Service

Call 1-800-305-0330 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM PT):​

• Inform the representative you wish to close your account
• Provide identification information for verification
• State your reason (optional but they’ll ask)

Step 4: Decline Retention Offers

The representative may offer to waive annual fees, increase your credit limit, or provide other incentives to keep the account open. Decline if you’re certain about closing.​

Step 5: Request Written Confirmation

Ask for confirmation of account closure in writing, either via email or postal mail. This protects you if disputes arise later.​

Step 6: Verify Closure on Credit Reports

30-60 days after closing, check your credit reports at annualcreditreport.com to confirm the account shows as “Closed by cardholder”.​​

Step 7: Destroy Your Physical Card

Cut through the chip, magnetic stripe, and account number to prevent misuse.​

Important Considerations Before Canceling

Credit Score Impact:

Closing a credit card can temporarily lower your score by:​

• Reducing your total available credit (increasing utilization ratio)
• Decreasing your average account age if it’s one of your older cards

Timing Strategy:

• If you’ve already paid this year’s annual fee, consider keeping the account open until just before the next fee is due
• If your credit limit is low and you have other cards, the impact may be minimal
• If this is your only credit card, wait until you have another card established before closing

Alternative to Canceling:

Some cardholders keep Milestone open but unused (with a $0 balance) to maintain the credit history and available credit. Just remember to make a small purchase every 6-12 months to prevent inactivity closure, then pay it off immediately.​

Alternatives to the Milestone Credit Card

Before committing to Milestone’s high fees, explore these potentially better options.

Comparison Table: Milestone vs. Alternatives

Card	Annual Fee	APR	Credit Limit	Rewards	Best For
Milestone Mastercard	$35-$250	35.9%	$300-$700	None	Last-resort credit building
Capital One Platinum	$0	30.49% (variable)	$300-$1,000+	None	Fair credit, no annual fee
Discover it Secured	$0	28.24% (variable)	$200+ (your deposit)	2% cash back (select categories), 1% all else	Security deposit required, but earns rewards
Credit One Bank Platinum Visa	$0-$99	23.99-29.99%	$300-$1,000	1% cash back (eligible purchases)	Similar to Milestone but with rewards
OpenSky Secured Visa	$35	21.39% (variable)	$200-$3,000 (your deposit)	None	No credit check, secured card

Detailed Alternative Recommendations

1. Capital One Platinum Card

Why it’s better: No annual fee saves you $35-$250 annually, lower APR (30.49% vs. 35.9%), and potential for credit limit increases within months of responsible use.​

Who should choose it: Anyone with fair credit (580-669) who wants to avoid annual fees.

2. Discover it Secured Card

Why it’s better: Despite requiring a security deposit ($200 minimum), you earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter) and 1% on all other purchases. Discover matches all cash back earned in your first year. The card can graduate to unsecured status with security deposit refund after 7-8 months of responsible use.​

Who should choose it: Consumers who can afford the security deposit and want to earn rewards while building credit.

3. Credit One Bank Cards

Why it’s similar but potentially better: Credit One targets the same subprime market but many of their cards offer 1% cash back on eligible purchases. Fees are comparable to Milestone.​

Who should choose it: If you’re choosing between subprime cards, at least earn some rewards.

4. OpenSky Secured Visa

Why it’s better: No credit check required (100% approval if you can afford the deposit), reasonable annual fee ($35), and lower APR (21.39%). You choose your credit limit based on your deposit ($200-$3,000).​

Who should choose it: Anyone who can afford a security deposit and wants guaranteed approval without credit checks.

When Milestone Makes Sense

Milestone may be your best option only if:​

• You cannot afford security deposits for secured cards
• You’ve been rejected by Capital One and other unsecured fair-credit cards
• You need immediate credit access and have no other options
• You’re committed to paying in full monthly to avoid interest

Even then, consider OpenSky Secured as a comparable alternative with lower costs.

FAQs — Milestone Credit Card

Expert Tips for Milestone Cardholders

Maximize credit-building benefits while minimizing costs with these strategic approaches.

1. Set Up AutoPay for at Least the Minimum Payment

The $41 late payment fee represents a significant percentage of your likely credit limit. AutoPay ensures you never miss a payment, protecting both your wallet and your credit score.​

2. Pay Your Full Balance Monthly to Avoid Interest

With a 35.9% APR, carrying even a $100 balance costs approximately $3/month in interest — $36 annually. On a $500 balance, you’d pay nearly $180 in annual interest. The card is useful only if you treat it like a charge card: pay in full every month.​

3. Use Under 30% of Your Available Credit

Credit utilization affects 30% of your credit score. Keep balances below 30% of your available credit, ideally below 10%. With a $300 limit and $75 fee deducted, you have $225 available — try to keep balances under $68 (30%) or $23 (10%).​

4. Make Small, Regular Purchases

Use the card for one small recurring charge monthly (like a $10 streaming subscription), then pay it off immediately. This demonstrates consistent activity without risking high balances or missed payments.​

5. Regularly Check Your Credit Score Progress

Monitor your credit score through free services like Credit Karma, Credit Sesame, or your bank’s credit score tool. Track improvements monthly to stay motivated and know when you’ve improved enough to qualify for better cards.​

6. Set Calendar Reminders for Annual Fee Dates

Mark your calendar 30 days before your annual fee is due. This gives you time to evaluate whether to keep the card or cancel before incurring another year’s fee.​

7. Request Credit Limit Increases After 6+ Months

Call customer service after 6-12 months of perfect payments and request a credit limit increase. Higher limits reduce your utilization ratio, helping your credit score.​

8. Plan Your Exit Strategy

Treat Milestone as a temporary stepping stone, not a permanent wallet staple. Once your credit score improves to 630-650 (typically after 6-12 months of responsible use), apply for better cards with no annual fees and rewards.​

Final Thoughts — Is the Milestone Credit Card Worth It?

The Milestone Credit Card occupies an uncomfortable space in the credit card market: legitimate but expensive, accessible but limiting, useful for credit building but punishing for virtually everything else.

When Milestone Makes Sense:

If you have very poor credit (below 580), have been rejected by every other credit card issuer, cannot afford security deposits for secured cards, and desperately need to rebuild your credit, Milestone can serve as a tool to achieve that goal — but only if you use it with extreme discipline. Pay in full every month, make on-time payments without exception, keep utilization low, and plan to graduate to a better card within 6-12 months.​

For Most People:

Milestone is not a good choice. The annual fees of $35-$250, potential monthly fees after year one, 35.9% APR, low credit limits, and complete absence of rewards make it one of the poorest-value credit cards available. Alternatives like Capital One Platinum (no annual fee), Discover it Secured (cash back rewards), or even OpenSky Secured (no credit check required) provide significantly better value for most credit-challenged consumers.​

The Bottom Line:

If Milestone is truly your only option, use it strategically and temporarily. But before applying, exhaust all alternatives: apply for Capital One cards, consider secured cards despite deposit requirements, or even work on improving your credit for 3-6 months through becoming an authorized user on someone else’s card or using credit-builder loans from your bank or credit union.

Credit building doesn’t have to be expensive. Milestone’s business model profits from consumers with limited options — don’t let desperation trap you in a high-fee relationship longer than absolutely necessary.

👉 Build Your Financial Foundation First

Before focusing solely on credit cards, ensure your overall financial health is strong. Use our free Emergency Fund Calculator to determine your ideal emergency savings target and create a safety net that protects you from relying on high-interest credit during unexpected challenges. A robust emergency fund (3-6 months of expenses) prevents you from accumulating credit card debt in the first place, making credit-building cards like Milestone truly optional rather than necessary.