Key Highlights
- Regular APR = 0%
- Annual Fee = $0
- Membership Fee = $14.77/month which include benefits like Roadside and Legal Assistance, Pharmacy RX Plans
- Starting Credit Limit of $750 - which has a track record of increasing up to $3,000
- No Credit Check, No Employment Check - all you need is a valid debit card
- Easy and Quick Application and Fast Guaranteed Approval
What is the Merit Platinum Card and Who is it for?
Aside from being a merchandise credit card, Merit Platinum also has a couple of interesting features like Roadside Assistance, Universal RX and Credit Mornitoring that will interest many.
Card Can Be Used At Horizon Outlet
Buying and Paying with Merit Platinum
Card Details
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Regular Membership Plan | $14.77/month |
| Starter Membership Plan | $6/month |
| Regular APR | 0% |
| Minimum Payment | $25 or 10% of Balance |
| late Fee | $20 |
| Outlet Store Delivery Signature Verification | $3.50 |
| Outlet Store Residential Delivery | $2.00 |
Annual Fee : $0
Monthly MembershipFee : $14.77
Interest Rate (Regular APR) : 0%
Minimum Payment : $25 or 10% of balance.
Late Fee : $20
Outlet Store Delivery Signature Verification: $3.50
Outlet Store Residential Delivery : $2.00
Membership Plan Benefits
- Free roadside assistance - Benefit coverage begins following a 5-day waiting period from date of enrollment or reinstatement. You are allowed up to 3 service calls or towing requests up to 15 miles not to exceed the operator cost of $50.00. You have to pay for any additional mileage and associated towing costs at the time of service. In addition there is a limit to 1 service call per month.
- My Universal RX - You can receive up to 40% discount on prescription drugs.
- My Legal Assistance - Free 30 minute consultation with legal professional in your area (it does not include criminal defense).
- Credit-Hawk Free Credit Report - You can get a free credit report (called Credit-Hawk) with this program (and you can access it any time).
Comparables and Comparison With Other Cards
| Card | Details |
|---|---|
| Merit Platinum | Monthly Fee=$14.77 Upfront Fee=N.A. APR=0% No Credit Check Starting Limit=$750 |
| Net First Platinum | Monthly Fee=$14.77 Upfront Fee=N.A. APR=0% No Credit Check Starting Limit=$750 |
| Freedom Gold Card | Monthly Fee=$14.77 Upfront Fee=N.A. APR=0% No Credit Check Starting Limit=$750 |
| Principal Platinum Card | Monthly Fee=$14.77 Upfront Fee=N.A. APR=0% No Credit Check Starting Limit=$750 |
| Unique Platinum | Monthly Fee=$19.95 Upfront Fee=N.A. APR=0% No Credit Check Starting Limit=$1,000 |
| Opensky Secured Visa | Monthly Fee=$0 Upfront Fee=N.A. APR=See Website* No Credit Checks Reports to 3 Major Bureaus Starting Limit=$200-$2,000 |
We mentioned right at the beginning of the review that Merit Platinum is issued by Horizon Gold and since Horizon Gold has a few other cards, they are all similar with the same fees and rates. If you look at the comparison table above you can compare and see that the Merit Platinum has the same features and fees as the Net First Platinum and the Freedom Gold Card (two other cards issued by Horizon Gold). Their closest competitors is Unique Card Services, who also has their line up of catalog cards. In the table above, we used Unique Platinum Card as an example. The main differences are the monthly fee and the fact that Unique Platinum gives a higher limit ($1,000 vs $750).
The Merit Platinum also competes with other online store cards like Fingerhut. Online store cards like Fingerhut do not charge any annual fee or membership fees. But, although it is very easy to get the Fingerhut credit account, your credit report will experience a hard pull during the application process whereas Merit Platinum does not perform any credit checks or employment checks.
What We Like About Merit Platinum - No Credit and Employment Checks
- 7-Day Free Trial - Merit Platinum will give you a free 7-day trial before charging you the monthly membership fee. You can cancel anytime before 7 days.
- Unsecured $750 Credit Limit - The $750 starting credit line is quite generous
- 0% APR On Purchases - Merit Platinum is a "buy now pay later online store" credit card and hence, your APR is 0%. That means that you do not accrue an interest charges even if you do not pay in full for your purchases immediately. However, as mentioned earlier, you will have to pay a minimum payment that is the greater of either 10% of the purchase price or $25. If you buy something that is $25 or less, then you have to pay in full.
- No Credit, No Employment Check- Guaranteed Approval - When you apply for the Merit Platinum, you will not experience a hard pull on your credit report. That is because they do not check your credit report or employment. You will definitely be approved for the card as long as you have either a debit card or checking account to pay for your monthly membership fee.
What We Do Not Like About Merit Platinum - Can Only Be Used at TheHorizonOutlet.com
- Can Only Be Used At thehorizonoutlet.com - You can only use this card at Horizon's online store www.thehorizonoutlet.com. This is not a regular Visa or Mastercard so you cannot use this card anywhere else.
- Membership Fee - As mentioned earlier, you do have to pay a $14.77 a month membership.
Our Take: Merit Platinum Is For Those Who Have Been Denied Every Card
Though they do charge a monthly memberhsip fee, you may find that these fees are worth it because of the benefits like Roadside Assistance and Universal RX. Furthermore, there are no credit or employment checks so you will definitely be approved as long as you have a debit card to pay your monthly membership fees.
If you value these benefits and the ability to shop at their online store thehorizonoutlet.com, then you should definitely consider getting the Merit Platinum Card.
Application Page
On the next page, you will have to fill in your name, address, phone number, monthly pay, how often you are paid, your next pay date, your credit score range and whether you receive direct deposit. Once you submit this information, you will get the offer and confirmation. You will be instantly approved (within 60 seconds) once you submit your online application.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When can I get a credit line increase?
When can I get a credit line increase?
You can be eligible for a credit line increase after three months. You should be on time in your monthly membership fee payment.
When will I get my card after I get approved?
When will I get my card after I get approved?
Normally within 7 business days.
What is the minimum payment?
What is the minimum payment?
You either have to pay $25 a month or 10% of the balance.
Customer Service Information
P.O. Box 1275
Indiana, PA 15701
Customer Advocacy
1-800-837-49975 days a week from 8:30 a.m. until 9:00 p.m
Cancel Membership
1-800-251-6144Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST (excluding holidays)
Or online at www.memberbenefitaccess.com.
