Surge Card By Celtic Bank Review – Taking Terrible Credit Card To A New Level

I’m not sure why, but some of our most popular posts are reviews of terrible credit cards (like the Verve credit card or First Premier Bank Card). I like to think that the majority of views are people with bad credit searching for information before accepting a pre-approval offer. So without further ado, I bring you the Celtic Bank Surge Card.

surge card review

Despite the sweet card design and tagline “Give Your Credit A Surge”, this card isn’t as great as it first looks. The card is issued by Celtic Bank, but it’s serviced by Continenal Financial. If that isn’t already ringing alarm bells, it should. They’re also responsible for the awful Verve card. Let’s look at some of the highlights of this card:

  • APR of 29.99%
  • Annual fee of $125 the first year, $96 thereafter
  • Monthly maintenance fee of $10 per month (billed annually and waived first year)
  • Additional card fee of $30
  • Credit limit of $500 (reduced to $375 after the annual fee is billed)
  • Card is either unsecured, secured or partially secured and as far as I’m aware does not graduate

Personally I’m not a big fan of paying $216 in fees in the second year for no benefits, but each to their own I guess. I thought it would be interesting to see if Surge is the worst card out there, so compared it to the Verve & First Premier.

SurgeVerveFirst Premier
Annual Fee 1st Yr$125.00$185.00$150.00
Annual Fee Yr 2+$216.00$156.00$120.00
APR29.99%29.99%36.00%

I really guess it depends, if you’re going to carry a balance then First Premier will be the worst. If you’re going to hold the card for more than one year then Surge is the “winner”, if you’re going for just one year then Verve is the worst card for you.

In all seriousness, I really dislike credit card issuers that prey on people with bad credit. There are plenty of better options out there for you if you’re struggling to rebuild your credit:

If I convince just one person to not sign up for this card, I’ll be a happy man and this whole blog will be worth it from my point of view. Do you know of any cards that are worse than this? If so, let me know in the comments.

Thanks to unfortunate reader Dan who received a pre-approved mailer for this card and bringing it to my attention.

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PETER MARTINEZ
PETER MARTINEZ (@guest_656737)
October 13, 2018 17:02

****DO NOT APPLY FOR A SURGE CREDIT CARD!!!**** Worst credit card ever, I’m sorry that I ever applied. They give you a $500 credit limit but charge a $99 annual Fee plus $10 every month so you’re paying $220 in fees a year, half of your credit limit. I also have been with them for a year and a half and will not give me a credit increase even though I have never been late with a payment and pay the whole amount. I’m going also going to close it after my next payment, I rather my score go down then keep this card any longer!

peanutlee33
peanutlee33 (@guest_497078)
October 19, 2017 20:19

Surge is a JOKE. Outside the $375 available ‘balance’ on a $500 limit (per the ludicrous $125 prepayment b.s.) you are required to register your banking info with the site? WTF? Sorry Chuck, but that is direct invasion of my privacy. None of their business. They’re a credit card issuer NOT a collection agency. For real. Legit card companies DO NOT REQUIRE private banking info, precisely why they bill you direct, and you post payments on-time. RED FLAG. Pity out to those who fell into this and got ripped.

Cadence
Cadence (@guest_474127)
September 9, 2017 12:43

I have this card, it’s activated and all. After reading these reviews I no longer want it. Do I have to pay the fees whether I’ve used it or not, before I trash it???

Casey Lavergne
Casey Lavergne (@guest_470559)
September 2, 2017 20:29

I have charge off and medical bills only on my name.. how or where can I get and actual credit card to help rebuild my credit???

Asia
Asia (@guest_292674)
September 7, 2016 18:47

Yep this card is crazy. Not to mention it has a monthly maintenance fee of $10. LOL. Would never accept this offer.

Ricardo Perez
Ricardo Perez (@guest_290558)
September 1, 2016 11:17

the surge MasterCard is the worst card I ever had. It charge too much interest . I’m going to cancel it.

disappointed individual
disappointed individual (@guest_290221)
August 31, 2016 15:47

Wednesday August 31, 2016 I got a preapproved offer for the Surge credit card but nafter reading others reviews about this card why I AM nNOT going to even bother about getting it I will tear up thier application and discard it and put in trash espeically since other pople is saying that it is the most terible offer out there for a credit card THANKS FOR THE INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS CARD

Amber
Amber (@guest_275542)
July 13, 2016 09:15

It says its $96 after the first year not $216

Cherie Reed-Cochran
Cherie Reed-Cochran (@guest_306044)
October 13, 2016 00:53

There’s a $10/month fee just for having the card, which is in addition to the $96 annual fee. So after the first year it’s $216/year without even using the card.

Janeil S
Janeil S (@guest_266906)
June 11, 2016 03:24

I just got a offer for this card and I accepted it.. But as soon as it comes I’m gonna cancel it.. Thanks for the heads up

Gizzy
Gizzy (@guest_261634)
May 23, 2016 14:31

Got a hard inquiry on my credit report from
Creditor Contact Details
CELTIC/CONT
121 CONTINENTAL DR 108
Newark , DE 19713
(866) 449-4514

Never heard of them, never applied, so I called them. Seems like they are a card to rebuild credit (a secure card) I never applied for it and when I disputed it they said it will take a month or more to remove it from my credit report. Meanwhile it knocked points off my credit score! From other reviews, I found out they often put an inquiry in without authorization! And if you don’t open an account the inquiry stays on your report for 2 years. Stay away from them!