The Surge Mastercard is an unsecured credit-building card from Celtic Bank, serviced by Continental Finance, aimed at applicants whose credit history includes real challenges — including past charge-offs that many issuers automatically decline.
No deposit, but not free
Skipping the security deposit a secured card requires means Surge instead prices its risk into fees: a $75-$125 fee in year one (taken directly from the credit line at opening), $99-$125 per year after, and up to a $10 monthly maintenance fee starting in year two (waived for the first 12 months). The 35.90% purchase APR applies regardless of which starting limit ($300 to $1,000) you're approved for (all verified August 2026).
Using it as a bridge, not a daily driver
With no rewards program and a high cost structure, the Surge card makes the most sense as a temporary credit-building step — used for small recurring purchases, paid in full every month, until your credit profile qualifies for a lower-cost unsecured or secured card.
Our methodology
Every figure above is attributed to Continental Finance/Celtic Bank's own published disclosures, verified August 2026. ClearValue Lending is not a card issuer; we score and compare publicly available terms. Confirm current terms at mysurgecard.com before applying. See our full review methodology.