Who Qualifies for the FIT Mastercard®?
The FIT Mastercard® is marketed primarily to individuals with bad credit (FICO 300–579) or no credit history. While approval is not guaranteed, it’s significantly more accessible than traditional cards.
To increase your approval odds:
- No recent bankruptcies (last 6 months)
- Must be 18+ with valid SSN
- US address and phone number
- Proof of stable income (may be requested)
While there’s no hard minimum score, users report being approved with scores as low as 520, especially when their recent credit activity is clean.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for the FIT Mastercard® takes just a few minutes online. Here’s the process:
- Visit the Official FIT Mastercard® Site
- Use the prequalification tool to check eligibility with no credit impact.
- Submit Personal Details
- Full legal name, SSN, date of birth, and residential address.
- Enter Financial Information
- Annual income and employment status. Self-employed and gig workers are accepted.
- Review Terms
- Understand the one-time $95 fee, $99 annual fee, and 35.9% APR.
- Accept and Wait
- Instant decisions in most cases. Card arrives in 7–10 business days if approved.
⚠️ Pro Tip: Use the card within 7 days of activation to avoid inactivity flags.
Hidden Fees to Watch Out For
While the FIT Mastercard® markets itself as “helpful for building credit,” it comes with hefty fees that many users overlook:
- $95 Processing Fee (one-time, due before card use)
- $99 Annual Fee (billed immediately)
- $10 Monthly Maintenance Fee (starting month 13 = $120/year)
- 35.9% APR (one of the highest in the industry)
- Late Payment Fee: Up to $41
- Returned Payment Fee: Up to $41
- No Rewards or Cash Back
🔍 These charges drastically reduce your available credit right from the start. If your limit is $400, your usable credit on day one is closer to $206.
5 Insider Hacks to Use FIT Mastercard® Wisely
- Never Carry a Balance
- With a 35.9% APR, even a small balance can rack up interest quickly.
- Pay Twice a Month
- Keep your credit utilization under 10% by making two small payments before the due date.
- Auto-Pay Setup
- Avoid late fees and potential credit damage.
- Use Only for Small Bills
- Subscriptions like Netflix or Spotify keep usage consistent and predictable.
- Upgrade or Cancel After 12 Months
- Transition to a card with no annual fee or better rewards once your score improves.
Best Alternatives to Consider
| Credit Card | Type | Fees | APR | Security Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discover it® Secured | Secured | $0 annual fee | 27.74% | $200 min |
| Capital One Platinum | Unsecured | $0 annual fee | 30.49% | None |
| OpenSky® Visa | Secured | $35 annual fee | 25.64% | $200 min |
💡 Why it matters: All three report to major bureaus and cost significantly less over time. Plus, Discover even offers cashback rewards, rare for credit-rebuilding cards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I get the FIT Mastercard® with no credit history?
Yes. Many applicants with no prior credit have been approved. It’s one of the few unsecured cards in that category.
2. Does pre-qualification guarantee approval?
No, but it’s a soft pull and improves chances. Final approval may require income verification.
3. How fast does it help build credit?
Most users report score increases in 60 to 90 days with on-time payments and low utilization.
4. Can I increase my credit limit?
Yes, but only after 6 months of on-time payments. Increases are not automatic.
5. Is there a mobile app?
Yes. The Continental Finance mobile app allows real-time balance checks, payments, and alerts.
6. Will closing the card hurt my score?
Possibly. If it’s your only account or oldest account, it can lower your average age of credit and increase utilization temporarily.
Final Verdict: Should You Get the FIT Mastercard®?
The FIT Mastercard® can work as a short-term tool to build credit, especially for users who can’t afford a deposit for secured cards. However, it’s not ideal for long-term use due to:
- High APR and ongoing fees
- No rewards or perks
- Limited credit growth potential
For many users, a secured card with refundable deposit offers more value with fewer long-term costs.
