Horizon Gold Card Review 2021 Updates: Is the Card Worthwhile?
Have you ever been denied a credit card due to a bad credit score or no credit history? Well, Horizon Gold might be a good option for you.
Building and maintaining good credit is extremely important, and one of the most used methods of building credit is through the use of credit cards.
Many people with bad credit may find themselves wanting to build up their credit score but can’t get approved for a new credit card. Well, this is where the Horizon Gold credit card may help.
What is Horizon Gold Card?
The Horizon Gold Card is a pared down card offer available for use exclusively with Horizon Outlet, an online marketplace with a variety of products for purchase.
Approval does not require a credit check or an employment check, which means that it is a great option for someone who has not qualified for a standard credit card offer due to poor credit or poor financial habits.
Although its use is limited to purchases made directly with Horizon, the spending limit for this card is $500 – which is generous for many secured card offers.
However, this is an unsecured card, and not a credit card, which can have drawbacks depending on your financial goals.
Horizon Gold Key Features
- $500 credit limit
- Unsecured
- No credit check
- Credit bureau reporting
- Fast online application
- No employment requirements
- Benefits like My Privacy Protection, My Universal RX, My Legal Assistance, and roadside assistance
Rates & Fees of Horizon Gold
There are some hefty fees to consider when applying for Horizon Gold, including:
Annual Fee
The biggest drawback to Horizon Gold is its annual fee. You’ll pay almost $300 per year ($24.95 per month) for the card. That’s comparable to (or higher than) some of the premium cards.
Again, this is where secured cards may be better. You’ll have to pay you’re a down payment to get a credit line, but there’s typically no annual fee.
Credit Limit
You’ll receive a $500 credit limit with this card, which is competitive compared to some secured cards, but definitely not all.
APR
The biggest benefit of this card is that you don’t have any APR or interest to worry about as it’s 0 percent.
The minimum monthly payment is 10 percent of the account balance, or $25—whichever is greater. If your balance is less than $25, you’ll be required to pay your entire balance.
But, as long as you pay your credit card in full each month, you won’t have to worry about APR with other credit cards.
Late Payment Fee
Horizon Gold has a $20 late payment fee, which is lower than most credit cards out there (generally $37), but is still high, so make sure you’re paying off your balance on time every month.
Additional Fees
Horizon Gold also has a few fees that most credit cards don’t. Since it is more like a store card, your orders need processing and handling. Therefore, you’ll be charged $2.50 for delivery signature verification and $2 for residential delivery.
Activation Fee
There is a $5 account validation fee charged when you first open your Horizon Gold account.
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Horizon Gold Card Benefits
While it’s not a traditional credit card, your spending and payment history with the Horizon Gold is reported directly to the credit bureaus each month, which is critical for those who are establishing or building their credit.
The online application is quick and easy since there is no credit check, and once you pay your monthly subscription of $24.95, you gain access to perks and benefits that include My Privacy Protection, My Universal RX, My Roadside Protection, and My Legal Assistance.
These enhanced benefits, when broken down, include:
My Privacy Protection
Access to unlimited privacy protection when using your Horizon Gold card with the online portal from Horizon Outlet. In addition, you will receive expedited fraud resolution services with regard to unauthorized use of information.
If you believe your account was fraudulently charged for the application and processing fee, Horizon will make every effort to aid in a resolution.
My Universal RX
Unlimited access to participating local pharmacies – members receive up to 40% off on all covered prescription medications.
My Roadside Protection
Cardholders will enjoy up to 3 service calls or towing requests per 12 months, up to 15 miles and not to exceed the operator cost of $50, for free. Additional mileage and associated towing costs are the responsibility of the cardholder.
No more than 1 towing or service call is covered within a 30 day period. Service calls include fluid delivery (up to 2 gallons of fuel, which you must re-pay at the current local pump price), lock-out service, and flat tire change service (with a spare tire that you provide).
My Legal Assistance
Enjoy toll-free and Internet access to legal resources; your plan entitles you to one free 30-minute consultation with a legal professional in your area, specializing in an area of law of your interest. This does not cover criminal defense cases.
How to Apply for the Horizon Gold
To apply for the card, you must be at least 18 years old and have an active US checking or savings bank account.
- Click Apply now.
- Complete the application with your personal and financial details
- Fill in your debit or credit card information, then click Activate my card now
How its Been Compared
Horizon Gold Credit Card gives cardholders an unsecured $500 line of credit, which is more generous than most cards for people with bad credit.
Although it has a smaller initial line of credit, the Fingerhut Credit Account issued by WebBank has virtually no fees.
If you can afford a security deposit, Discover it® Secured is probably the best deal overall, though, because you can use it wherever Discover is accepted and earn cash back on purchases.
Take a look at how these three cards compare with each other below.
| Card | Annual Fee | Intro Bonus | Credit Needed | Key features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horizon Gold Credit Card | $24.95 | None | Poor | Unsecured $500 line of credit |
| Fingerhut Credit Account issued by WebBank | N/A | None | Poor | Reports to credit bureaus |
| Discover it® Secured | See Terms | Discover automatically matches all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. | No Credit History2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases every quarter, automatically. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. |
Is the Horizon Gold Card Worthwhile?
If you have bad credit, you may jump at the chance to get approved for a card like the Horizon Gold Card with no background check.
It could also be ideal for someone who wants to rebuild credit but doesn’t have the $200 to $500 upfront to put down to get a secured card.
The disclosure says that they will report card payments to at least one credit bureau.
On-time payments reported to the credit bureaus could help you build credit.
With that said, there are many undesirable card fees.
Likely the best course of action (if you decide to go with the card) is to buy only small quantities of merchandise from the outlet website and pay off the balance on time each month.
After building credit, consider closing the account and moving to another more affordable card.
FAQs
1. How do I cancel my Horizon Gold Card?
Request your cancellation within 30 days of your billing date at 1-800-251-6144.
2. Can I use the card to make a cash withdrawal or to pay at a groceries store?
No. The card only works for purchases made at the Horizon online store.
3. Can I avoid paying the high monthly fee?
Call 1-800-251-6144 and ask to be enrolled in the basic starter plan which costs $6.95 per month instead of $24.95.
Horizon Gold Credit Card is an ideal card for dedicated bargain shoppers who have bad credit and rely on online purchases. It’s easy to be approved, and the merchandise offered through Horizon Outlet is reasonably priced.
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