Atlas Credit might be the answer if you are looking to build credit. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Atlas Credit Card, from how it works to real customer reviews.
What is Atlas Credit Card
Atlas Credit Card is a credit-building card made for people with little or no credit history. It's issued by Patriot Bank N.A. and Academy Bank N.A., with Atlas handling the service and support.
How It's Different
This card works differently from regular credit cards. Your spending limit connects to your bank account balance. You can only spend what's already in your account. This means almost everyone gets approved, like over 95% of people who apply.
What It Costs
Atlas charges $8.99 every four weeks. That's about $116 per year. You can pay $89 for the whole year upfront to save money. The good news? There's 0% interest on what you spend.
Is the Atlas Credit Card a Secured Credit Card?
Yes — the Atlas Credit Card is a secured credit card.
Even though it’s marketed as a “credit-building card” for people with little or no credit history, it requires a refundable security deposit, just like other secured cards. That deposit becomes your credit limit, and it’s how lenders reduce risk for borrowers with limited or bad credit.
So, in simple terms: If you have to put money down to open the account, it’s secured, and Atlas works exactly that way.
Is Atlas a Credit Card Company?
Atlas is a financial technology company (fintech), not a bank. They partner with real banks to offer their services.
Who Handles Your Money
Your card uses the Mastercard network. Partner banks include Patriot Bank N.A. and Academy Bank N.A. Your deposits go into accounts at Academy Bank or Veridian Credit Union. Both banks are FDIC-insured, so your money is protected.
How It's Set Up
Think of Atlas as the middleman. They run the app and customer service. The banks handle the money and legal stuff. You can use a virtual card right away for online shopping. The physical card arrives in 2-4 weeks (sometimes longer).
Is Atlas a Valid Credit Card?
Yes, because it works like a real card. Atlas gives you a Mastercard that works at stores and online. The card includes:
- Fraud protection
- Cell phone protection
- Rental car coverage
- Travel insurance
Important: You must link a checking account. Your spending limit depends on how much money is in that account.
The Autopay System
Payments come out of your bank account automatically. You can't miss payments, but you also can't control when you pay.
Is Atlas Credit Card Legit
Yes, Atlas is a real company with proper banking partners. They report to all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). You get a real Mastercard that works everywhere.
Being legit doesn't mean perfect. The Better Business Bureau got complaints starting in May 2023. Common problems include:
- Confusing billing
- Hard to reach customer service
- Accounts are getting frozen without warning
Atlas Credit and BBB Accreditation: What You Need to Know
If you checked Atlas Credit on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), you probably noticed their accreditation status.
But more importantly, you should teach readers how to check this themselves. BBB listings change over time, and people need a simple way to verify a lender or debt collector before they take action.
Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Go to BBB.org.
Step 2: Type “Atlas Credit” into the search bar (adding the city or state if needed).
Step 3: Pick the listing that matches their business name and location.
Step 4: At the top of the page, look for the badge that says either “BBB Accredited” or “Not BBB Accredited.”
Step 5: Check their rating (A+ to F).
Step 6: Scroll down and read the complaint history to see how they treat customers.
What Customers Say
Some people see their credit scores go up 20 to 70 points. Others have problems with frozen accounts and fraud issues. Results really depend on your situation.
Atlas Credit Card Reviews
The Good Reviews
Many customers on Trustpilot (over 20,000 reviews) share positive results:
- Credit scores went up 20-70 points
- Fast approval (usually instant)
- Easy-to-use app
- Cash back rewards at stores
People like the SmartPay feature that adjusts payments based on what's in your account.
The Not So Good Reviews
Several problems keep coming up:
Customer Service Issues
- No phone support (only email and chat)
- Slow response times
- Some issues take weeks to fix
Fraud Protection Problems
- Unauthorized charges or data breaches are hard to dispute
- Accounts frozen with little warning
- Legitimate transactions trigger freezes
Fee Confusion
- The $8.99 every 4 weeks confuses people
- Surprise annual charges appear
- Not always clear what you're paying for
Overall Rating
WalletHub gives it a medium rating. Good for building credit, but customer service needs work.
Understanding How Does Atlas Credit Work
Getting Started
- Download the Atlas app (iOS or Android)
- Sign up with your info
- Link your bank account
- Get approved (no credit check needed)
- Start using your card
Your Spending Limit
Your limit matches your bank account balance. Have $500 in checking? You can spend up to $500. Want a higher limit? Keep more money in your account or make a deposit to Atlas.
The SmartPay Feature
SmartPay pulls money from your checking account automatically to pay your balance. This happens regularly, not just once a month. Your balance stays low, and your payments are always on time.
Credit Reporting
Atlas reports to credit bureaus within one week. Then they report every month. This includes:
- Payment history
- How much you spend
- How long you've had the account
Rewards Program
You earn cash back on purchases:
- Gas, coffee, food delivery: up to 3% back
- Subscriptions: 5% back
- Partner stores (50,000+ merchants): up to 10% back
- "Lucky Swipe" feature: random 100% cash back
Your rewards depend on your tier (Gold, Blue, or Platinum). Higher tiers = better rewards.
How Much Does Atlas Let You Borrow
Atlas doesn't really lend you money. You spend your own money from your bank account. But it reports to credit bureaus like you're using credit.
Your Starting Limit
Your first limit matches what's in your checking account when you link it. Got $500? Your limit is around $500.
Increasing Your Limit
Two ways to get a higher limit:
- Keep more in checking: More money in your account = higher limit
- Make deposits: Add money to your Atlas account to increase the limit
What to Expect
Most people start with a few hundred dollars. Some reach several thousand. Atlas doesn't say what the maximum is.
Important to Know: You're not borrowing money like with a regular credit card. You're spending your own money while building credit history.
Atlas Credit Score Impact
How It Helps Your Score
Atlas can boost your credit score in several ways:
Payment History (35% of score)
- Reports on-time payments every month
- SmartPay prevents missed payments
- Builds positive payment record
Credit Utilization (30% of score)
- Keeping balance low helps your score
- Limit refreshes as you pay
- Better ratios = better score
Credit Mix (10% of score)
- Adds a credit card to your profile
- Helps if you only have loans
Account Age (15% of score)
- Gets better the longer you keep it open
Real Results
Based on company data, users see an average 50-point increase in the first year. Some people gain 70+ points. Others see smaller gains or no change.
When It Might Hurt Your Score
Your score can drop if:
- You close with a negative balance
- Autopay fails and you miss payments
- You don't pay the membership fee
Other Options to Consider
Secured Credit Cards
- Usually no annual fees
- Get your deposit back later
- Works like a real credit card
Credit Builder Loans
- Cost $50-100 total
- May build credit faster
- No ongoing fees
Conclusion
Who Should Use Atlas
Atlas works best if you:
- Have no credit history at all
- Keep getting denied for other cards
- Need to build credit fast
- Can afford the $89-116 yearly fee
Who Should Skip It
Look at other options if you:
- Have fair credit (580+) or higher
- Can get a regular secured card
- Want to avoid monthly fees
- Need good customer service
Atlas is legit and can help build credit. But it costs more than other options. You're paying for credit reporting with your own money.
If you have zero credit and can't get anything else, Atlas might help. But if you can qualify for a regular secured card, that's usually better.
Making Your Choice
Think about:
- How much you want to spend on fees
- How fast you need credit history
- What other cards you can get
- How important customer service is to you
Choose the option that fits your money situation and credit goals.