You’ve seen the ads for a credit card that promises a fresh start — no security deposit, a Mastercard logo, and the chance to rebuild your credit. But when the annual fee alone can top $100 before you’ve spent a dime, it’s worth asking: is the Revel credit card a real opportunity or just another expensive plastic? Here’s what the fine print and independent reviews actually say.
Annual fee range: $75 – $125 ·
Monthly maintenance fee range: $0 – $10 ·
Issuing bank: The Bank of Missouri ·
Card network: Mastercard ·
Typical starting credit limit: $300 – $750 ·
Annual percentage rate (APR): 29.99% variable
Quick snapshot
- Real Mastercard issued by The Bank of Missouri (NerdWallet)
- Annual fee: $75 – $125 first year, then $99 – $125 (NerdWallet)
- APR fixed at 35.90% per official terms (Continental Finance PDF)
- No rewards program (NerdWallet)
- Exact minimum credit score for approval — not publicly disclosed
- Whether the card offers automatic credit limit increases beyond the initial double
- Full fee schedule for foreign transactions and cash advances (not in provided disclosures)
- As of Jan. 2024, NerdWallet reported APR “approaching 30%” — now fixed at 35.90%
- Continental Finance terms PDF (undated) confirms 35.90% APR and state-specific disclosures
- Cardholders may see a credit limit double after six on-time payments (NerdWallet)
- Continental Credit Protection, an optional debt-cancellation add‑on, costs $0.99 per $100 balance monthly (NerdWallet)
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Card network | Mastercard |
| Issuer | The Bank of Missouri |
| Servicer | Continental Finance Company |
| Annual fee (first year) | $75 – $125 |
| Annual fee (after first year) | $99 – $125 |
| Monthly maintenance fee | $0 – $10 (waived first 12 months) |
| APR (ongoing) | 35.90% fixed |
| Starting credit limit | $300 – $1,000 |
| Credit reporting | Reports to all three major bureaus |
Is Revel a real credit card?
Yes, the Revel card is a real Mastercard issued by The Bank of Missouri.
The Revel Mastercard is a genuine unsecured credit card. NerdWallet (independent card-review site) confirms it is issued by The Bank of Missouri and serviced by Continental Finance Company. It runs on the Mastercard network, so it works anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
It is a subprime or credit-building card, not a premium rewards card.
Unlike travel or cash-back cards, the Revel card offers no rewards, no points, and no sign-up bonus. It is designed for consumers with limited, fair, or bad credit who want to build or rebuild their credit history. The Continental Finance website (card servicer) lists it among products for “less than perfect credit.”
A subprime card like Revel can help you build credit — but only if the fees don’t eat up your available credit before you can use it. With a $300 limit and a $125 annual fee, you start with just $175 of usable credit.
How much does a Revel card cost?
Revel’s fee structure is layered. Here is a breakdown of the known costs.
- Annual fee: $75 – $125 in the first 12 months, then $99 – $125 annually (NerdWallet).
- Monthly maintenance fee: Waived for the first year, then $0 – $10 per month — up to $120 yearly (NerdWallet).
- APR: Fixed at 35.90% according to the Continental Finance official terms PDF (primary issuer disclosure). Experian (credit bureau and card listing) also reports the same rate.
- Additional card fee: $30 per authorized user.
- Premium card fee: $9.95 one-time if you want a different colored “premium” card.
- Late payment fee: Up to $41.
How these costs add up: NerdWallet estimates that a cardholder who avoids the premium card fee and doesn’t add authorized users could still pay up to $245 in fees per year before any interest (NerdWallet).
If you carry the typical $500 balance for six months at 35.90% APR, you’ll pay roughly $90 in interest alone — on top of $200+ in annual fees. That’s nearly 60% of your credit limit gone to costs.
What is the starting limit for Revel credit card?
Most users report initial credit limits between $300 and $750.
The official Revel prequalification page (issuer’s site) states the limit ranges from $300 to $1,000. NerdWallet reports the same range. The exact amount depends on your credit history and income; most users quoted in online reviews land between $300 and $750.
Limits are based on credit history and income.
Because Revel is a subprime card, applicants with very low credit scores or thin files tend to receive the lowest limits. The issuer does not publicly state a minimum credit score, but typical approval candidates have FICO scores below 600.
The card does offer a potential path to a higher limit: NerdWallet notes that cardholders may qualify for a credit limit double after making the first six monthly minimum payments on time. No security deposit is required.
What bank owns Revel credit cards?
The Bank of Missouri is the issuer.
According to NerdWallet (independent card research), the Revel Mastercard is issued by The Bank of Missouri, a state-chartered bank based in Perryville, Missouri. This bank also issues other Continental Finance cards, such as the Surge Platinum Mastercard and the Reflex Platinum Mastercard.
Serviced by Continental Finance Company (CFC).
Day-to-day account management — billing, customer service, and online access — is handled by Continental Finance Company. They operate the login portal at yourcreditcardinfo.com and the CFC Mobile Access app (Apple App Store).
What are the disadvantages of the Revel credit card?
High annual and monthly fees relative to card limit.
- Annual fee can exceed $100, which is steep for a card with a typical $500 limit.
- Monthly maintenance fee adds up to $120 per year after the first year.
- Combined, you could pay over $245/year in fees before you spend a penny.
No rewards or cashback program.
NerdWallet confirms the Revel card offers no rewards, points, or miles. You get nothing back on your spending.
High APR (35.90%).
The ongoing fixed APR of 35.90% is among the highest in the consumer credit market. Carrying a balance becomes very expensive quickly.
Low starting credit limits.
Limits as low as $300 leave little room for utilization — and high fees can consume a large portion of that limit.
Limited customer service options.
Customer service is available by phone at (866) 903-8372 Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 8 PM ET. There is no 24/7 support and no live chat option (Continental Finance website).
Revel’s fees are not refundable (NerdWallet). Even if you close the account shortly after opening, you won’t get the annual fee back.
Is the Revel credit card worth it?
Revel’s main advantage is that it reports to all three credit bureaus (Experian, credit bureau listing), which can help build credit history for someone who has none or needs to rebuild. It is also unsecured, so no security deposit is needed.
But the costs are high. NerdWallet describes the card as having “costly fees and high interest rates” and says it “won’t inspire much merrymaking.” For many consumers, a secured credit card — where the deposit acts as your credit limit — may offer lower fees and similar credit-building benefits.
Eight facts in a table: one pattern — every cost component is at the high end of the subprime market.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Annual fee (first year) | $75 – $125 |
| Annual fee (subsequent) | $99 – $125 |
| Monthly maintenance | $0 – $10 (waived first 12 months) |
| APR | 35.90% fixed |
| Intro APR | None |
| Balance transfer APR | None |
| Credit limit | $300 – $1,000 |
| Credit bureau reporting | Equifax, Experian, TransUnion |
| Security deposit required | No (unsecured) |
| Rewards | None |
| Authorized user fee | $30 per user |
| Premium card fee | $9.95 one-time |
Upsides
- Reports to all three credit bureaus
- Unsecured — no deposit needed
- Potential limit increase after six on-time payments
- Mastercard widely accepted
Downsides
- High annual fee that can exceed $125
- Monthly maintenance fee after first year
- No rewards or cashback
- Very high APR (35.90%)
- Low starting credit limits ($300 – $750 typical)
- Limited customer service hours
- Fees not refundable
Confirmed facts vs. what’s unclear
What we know for sure
- Issuer: The Bank of Missouri (NerdWallet)
- Annual fee: $75 – $125 first year (Experian)
- APR: 35.90% fixed (Continental Finance terms PDF)
- No rewards (NerdWallet)
- Reports to all three bureaus (Experian)
- Monthly maintenance fee: $0 – $10 after first year (NerdWallet)
- Credit limit: $300 – $1,000 (Revel prequalification page)
What remains unclear
- Exact minimum credit score required for approval
- Whether the card offers a formal credit limit increase program beyond the first double
- Full foreign transaction fee and cash advance fee (not disclosed in available sources)
- Penalty APR terms (if any) beyond the fixed 35.90%
What users and reviewers say
“With its high fees and interest rates, the Revel™ Mastercard® won’t inspire much merrymaking.”
— NerdWallet (editorial review)
“This is expensive, even for a card for poor credit.”
— NerdWallet (editorial review)
“Revel Mastercard is a decent card for rebuilding credit.”
— Experian (credit bureau listing)
“It is nice that you do not need any security deposit.”
— Experian (editorial review)
Summary
The Revel credit card is a real Mastercard that can help you build credit, but it comes with a heavy price tag. For someone with poor credit who has no other option and can pay the balance in full each month, the trade-off — fees for a chance to improve your credit score — might be worth it. But for most applicants, a secured card with lower fees offers a cheaper path to the same goal. For anyone in the U.S. trying to rebuild credit, the choice is clear: compare total costs before you apply, or risk paying more to get less.
For a similar unsecured option designed for rebuilding credit, consider the Mission Lane credit card, which also reports to all three credit bureaus.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Revel credit card a prepaid card?
No. It is a real unsecured credit card issued by The Bank of Missouri. You are given a credit limit and you must make monthly payments. It is not a prepaid card.
Does the Revel card offer any rewards?
No. The Revel card has no rewards, cashback, or points program. NerdWallet confirms there are no earnings on purchases.
Can I use my Revel card for international purchases?
Because the card is a Mastercard, it can be used internationally where Mastercard is accepted. However, foreign transaction fees have not been disclosed in the official terms.
How do I apply for a Revel credit card?
You can apply through the Revel prequalification page. The application checks your credit with a soft pull first; if you prequalify, a hard pull may follow.
What credit score is needed for the Revel card?
The issuer does not publish a minimum score. Based on the card’s target audience, applicants with FICO scores below 600 are typical.
Is the Revel card better than a secured card?
It depends on your situation. Revel’s fees can be higher than many secured cards, but you don’t need a security deposit. If you have the cash to put down, a secured card with a lower annual fee may be a more affordable choice.
How do I log in to my Revel card account?
Go to yourcreditcardinfo.com or use the CFC Mobile Access app available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.