Fingerhut Credit Account Review

If your credit history is brief, but your Fingerhut shopping need is pressing, you may be a good match for the Fingerhut Credit Account. You won’t need a stellar credit score to qualify for this card, so it’s an option if you want to build your credit history, too. But only if you’re a Fingerhut regular, because you can’t use this card anywhere else. If that’s you, this card can help you stock up on Fingerhut merchandise, and get you on your way to a better credit score—and to better credit cards.

Pros Explained

• Easy qualification: The Fingerhut Credit Card has the lowest recommended credit score of any store card in our database. That may make it easier to qualify for than other credit cards.  
• Can help build credit: The Fingerhut Credit Card reports your payments to all three credit bureaus, which can help you build your credit score over time. 
• No annual fee or security deposit: Most other cards aimed at credit builders require either an annual fee or a security deposit. This is one of the few cards you can qualify for with poor credit and not have to pay either.
• Opportunity to increase credit line quickly: After you make three on-time payments, the company may bump up your credit limit.

Cons Explained

• No rewards or discounts: While many store credit cards offer the ability to earn coupons or discounts on future purchases with every dollar you spend, this credit card doesn’t offer any such program.
• Limited utility as a credit card: Another downside of this card is the fact that it’s only a store credit card—it’s not a traditional credit card co-branded with Visa or Mastercard. This means you can only use your Fingerhut Credit Card for Fingerhut purchases. 

How to Get the Most Out of This Card

Since the Fingerhut Credit Card comes with a high interest rate, your best bet is to use it for small purchases you can pay off before interest begins to accrue, or shortly thereafter. After a few months of regular use—and regular, on-time payments—your credit score will begin to tick up and you can begin to search for a traditional credit card with better terms. 

If you have poor credit and need a card that you can use at places besides Fingerhut, you may want to consider a secured credit card. With a secured credit card, you have to pay a deposit before you can use the card, but it may be much more widely accepted than this card and may even let you earn rewards.

Customer Experience

Fingerhut provides online account access via its website, and WebBank, the card’s issuer, has an 800 customer service number, but that’s about it.

Security Features

WebBank offers basic security features for its credit cards including account monitoring, online encryption, and a secure messaging portal.

Fingerhut Credit Card Fees

The fees for this card are in line with similar cards. However, you should beware of the high APR charged on purchases if you plan to carry a balance.