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Understanding First Savings Bank’s Credit Cards: Are They Budget-Friendly?



Understanding First Savings Bank’s Credit Cards: Are They Budget-Friendly? (February 2026 Update)

First Savings Bank (now part of First Merchants following their early 2026 merger) isn't a name that dominates headlines like Chase or Capital One. But through its credit card division—primarily the HUE Mastercard (rebranded from the First Savings Credit Card)—it offers accessible unsecured options for people with fair, limited, or rebuilding credit.

The main product is the HUE Mastercard (sometimes still referenced as First Savings Credit Card in older materials). It's issued by First Savings Bank (South Dakota charter) under Mastercard licensing.

Key Features of the HUE/First Savings Credit Card

  • No annual fee emphasized on the official site (firstsavingscc.com), though some user reports and review sites note possible variant fees of $49–$75 depending on the specific offer or credit profile—always check your mailed offer or approval terms.
  • No security deposit required — it's unsecured, so no tying up cash like with secured cards.
  • No penalty APR — Late payments don't trigger a sky-high default rate (a relief compared to many subprime cards).
  • Reports positive activity to all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion).
  • Automatic credit line reviews — Potential increases reviewed in as little as 6 months with responsible use.
  • Standard variable APR around 17.15% (per Mastercard issuer details; confirm current rate as it can vary).
  • Contactless payments, fraud protection, zero liability for unauthorized charges, and a refreshed mobile app for account management.
  • No rewards program (no cash back, points, or intro 0% APR offers).

It's marketed as a straightforward tool for credit building: pay on time, build history, avoid surprises.

Are They Budget-Friendly?

Short answer: Yes, if you pay in full each month and value easy access with no recurring fees. Mildly budget-unfriendly (or worse) if you carry a balance or face unexpected hurdles.

Pros for budget-conscious users

  • Zero (or very low) annual fee means no automatic yearly cost draining your wallet.
  • No deposit lowers the entry barrier—no need to lock away $200–$500 like with secured alternatives.
  • No penalty APR protects against rate spikes after one mistake.
  • Credit-building perks (bureau reporting + auto reviews) help improve your score without extra fees.
  • Simple structure—no rewards to chase or categories to activate.

If you use it like a debit card (charge only what you can pay off monthly), it's one of the lower-cost ways to maintain credit access or rebuild.

Cons and potential budget pitfalls

  • Regular APR (~17%+ variable) — Carrying even a small balance gets pricey quickly in today's environment. Not ideal for revolving debt.
  • Mixed-to-negative customer feedback — Sites like WalletHub (average ~2.4/5), Trustpilot, and BBB show complaints about:
    • Limited hardship support (e.g., job loss or payment issues leading to frustration instead of relief).
    • Late fees, payment processing quirks, or perceived aggressive collections.
    • Some users call variants "predatory" due to fees on low-limit accounts. Positive notes praise easy approval, the app, and actual credit improvement for responsible users.
  • No perks — Zero intro APR, no balance transfers, no cash back. Better everyday value exists elsewhere once your credit improves.
  • Not the cheapest rebuilding option — Secured cards (e.g., Discover it Secured) often graduate quickly, add rewards, and have stronger long-term value.

Who Should Consider the HUE/First Savings Card?

  • Folks with fair/poor credit denied by big banks but needing an unsecured card.
  • Budget-focused people who pay balances in full and want no-fee credit building.
  • Anyone avoiding secured cards' deposit requirement.

Skip it if you anticipate carrying debt, need strong customer support, or qualify for prime cards with rewards/0% intro offers.

Better Budget-Friendly Alternatives (2026 Edition)

  • Secured options like Discover it Secured — $0 fee, cash back potential, fast graduation to unsecured.
  • No-fee rebuilding cards like Capital One Platinum — Similar profile, often better APR trajectory.
  • Rewards-focused (with good credit): Wells Fargo Active Cash (2% cash back, $0 fee) or similar flat-rate standouts.

Bottom line (February 2026): The HUE/First Savings Mastercard is reasonably budget-friendly for disciplined users who pay in full and prioritize simplicity + no fees. It's not a "steal" for everyone—high interest and spotty support can hurt if things go wrong. Always review your specific terms at firstsavingscc.com, compare approval odds, and read the latest cardholder agreement.

Have you used this card or are you considering it for a specific credit situation? Drop a comment—I'd love to hear real experiences!

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