What the Indigo Mastercard is and who it's for
The Indigo Mastercard is a credit card issued by Mastercard and WebBank that's designed for people rebuilding credit or starting from scratch. Unlike a secured card that requires a cash deposit, the Indigo card is unsecured — you don't put money down upfront. It reports to all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), so responsible use can help raise your credit score over time.
The card comes with an annual fee and a higher interest rate than cards for people with established credit. You'll also see a cash advance fee and a late payment fee if you miss a due date. The tradeoff is that you can start building a payment history without having to lock up your own cash as collateral.
This card makes sense if you've had credit problems in the past, have no credit history yet, or are recovering from a period without credit activity. It's less useful if you already have access to cards with lower fees or rates, or if you can't afford the annual fee.
Key Takeaways
- The Indigo Mastercard requires no cash deposit and reports to all three credit bureaus, making it a tool for building credit history rather than a secured card.
- You'll pay an annual fee and a higher interest rate than standard credit cards, so carrying a balance costs more money.
- The card issuer reviews your credit report and income, but approval is possible even with past credit problems or no credit history.
- Your credit limit typically starts low (often $500 to $2,500), and you can request an increase after six months of on-time payments.
- Using the card responsibly — paying your full balance on time each month — is the fastest way to improve your credit score.
How to request the Indigo Mastercard
You can request the Indigo Mastercard online through the Mastercard website or through the issuer's portal. The process takes about 10 minutes and asks for basic information: your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and annual income. You'll also need to provide employment information or confirm that you're not currently employed.
The issuer will pull your credit report from at least one of the three bureaus. This is a hard inquiry, which means it shows up on your credit report and can lower your score by a few points temporarily. Unlike pre-approval offers, a hard inquiry means the issuer is making a real decision about whether to issue you a card.
You'll get a decision within minutes to a few days. If approved, your card ships within 7 to 10 business days. If denied, you'll receive a letter explaining the reason — usually related to credit history, income, or existing debt levels. You can request reconsideration by phone if you believe information on your report is wrong.
What happens after approval
Once your card arrives, you'll set up online access through the issuer's website or mobile app. Your starting credit limit depends on your credit profile and income, but typically ranges from $500 to $2,500. This is not negotiable at the time of approval — the issuer sets it based on their risk assessment.
You can request a credit limit increase after six months of on-time payments. Some issuers do this automatically; others require you to call or request it online. Each request triggers a soft inquiry (which doesn't affect your score) or sometimes a hard inquiry, depending on the issuer's policy.
Your first statement arrives 20 to 30 days after your first purchase. The due date is typically 21 to 25 days after the statement closes. If you pay your full balance by the due date, you pay no interest. If you carry a balance, interest accrues daily at the card's annual percentage rate (APR), which is typically in the 24% to 36% range depending on your creditworthiness.
Fees you'll pay
The Indigo Mastercard charges an annual fee, typically $95, due on your first statement and every 12 months after that. This fee is non-refundable even if you close the account within the first year. Some cardholders offset this by earning rewards on purchases, though the rewards rate is modest (usually 1% cash back or similar).
Beyond the annual fee, you'll encounter other charges if you use certain features. A cash advance (withdrawing money from an ATM using your credit card) costs a percentage of the amount withdrawn, usually 3% to 5%, plus interest that starts accruing when ready. A late payment fee applies if your payment arrives after the due date, typically $25 to $40 depending on how late it is.
If you exceed your credit limit, you may face an over-limit fee, though many issuers now decline transactions that would push you over rather than charging a fee. Always check your cardholder agreement for the exact fees and rates that explore to your account.
How using this card affects your credit score
Your credit score is built from five main factors: payment history (35%), amounts owed (30%), length of credit history (15%), credit mix (10%), and new credit inquiries (10%). The Indigo card helps and hurts different parts of this mix.
On-time payments are the single biggest factor in your score. Making your payment by the due date every month — even if it's just the minimum — shows lenders you can be trusted. After six months of on-time payments, you'll likely see your score rise. After 12 months, the improvement is usually more noticeable.
The amounts owed factor works against you if you carry a high balance relative to your credit limit. If your limit is $1,000 and you carry a $900 balance, that 90% utilization hurts your score. Keeping your balance below 30% of your limit — ideally below 10% — helps your score. The best approach is to use the card for small purchases and pay the full balance each month.
Comparing the Indigo Mastercard to other rebuilding options
A secured credit card requires you to deposit cash (usually $200 to $2,500) that becomes your credit limit. You don't lose the money, but it's locked up. Secured cards often have lower annual fees and interest rates than unsecured cards like the Indigo. The downside is that your cash is tied up, and you have to graduate to an unsecured card eventually.
A credit-builder loan works differently: you borrow a small amount (usually $500 to $1,000) from a credit union or online lender, and the money sits in a savings account while you make monthly payments. Once you've paid it off, you get the money back. These loans cost less in fees and interest but don't give you a card to use for everyday purchases.
A becoming an authorized user on someone else's credit card can help if that person has good credit and a long payment history. Their account reports to your credit file, which can boost your score without you having to open your own account. This works only if the primary cardholder pays on time and keeps balances low.
The Indigo card is best if you want a card you can use when ready for purchases, don't have cash to deposit, and are willing to pay the annual fee for the convenience. It's less ideal if you have access to a secured card with lower fees or if you can't afford to pay the balance in full most months.
Common mistakes to avoid
The biggest mistake is carrying a balance and paying interest. The Indigo card's interest rate is high, so paying interest costs you real money without building credit any faster. Using the card for a small purchase each month and paying it off in full is the cheapest way to build history.
Another mistake is missing a payment or paying late. A single late payment can erase months of on-time history and lower your score significantly. Set up automatic payments for at least the minimum due, or set a phone reminder a few days before the due date.
Don't close the account after your credit improves. The length of your credit history matters, and closing an old account shortens that history. Once you've built better credit and moved to a card with lower fees, keep the Indigo card open and use it occasionally to keep the account active.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the Indigo Mastercard if I have bad credit or no credit history?
Yes. The Indigo card is designed for people in both situations. The issuer will review your credit report and income, but approval is possible even with past late payments, collections, or no credit file at all. Each process is reviewed individually, so denial is possible but not automatic.
What's the difference between the Indigo card and a secured card?
A secured card requires you to deposit cash upfront that becomes your credit limit. The Indigo is unsecured, meaning no deposit is required. Secured cards usually have lower fees and rates, but your money is locked up. The Indigo costs more but gives you when ready access to a card without tying up cash.
How long does it take to build credit with this card?
You'll see small improvements within three to six months of on-time payments. Larger improvements typically take 12 months or more. The speed depends on your starting credit score, how much you use the card, and whether you carry a balance. Paying in full each month speeds up improvement.
Can I increase my credit limit?
Yes, usually after six months of on-time payments. Some issuers increase your limit automatically; others require you to request it. Each request may trigger a credit inquiry. Requesting an increase every 6 to 12 months is normal, but too many requests in a short time can hurt your score.
What happens if I can't pay my bill?
Contact the issuer when ready and explain your situation. Many issuers offer hardship programs that can lower your interest rate or pause payments temporarily. Missing a payment will damage your credit score and trigger late fees, so reaching out before the due date is important.