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Indigo Mastercard: How to Build Credit Step by Step

This complete guide covers who qualifies and what strategies to use to grow your score with the Indigo Mastercard.

Indigo Credit Card
Source: Indigo Credit Card

The Indigo Mastercard is not designed for travel perks or elite rewards—it’s built for one job: giving people with low or no credit a way to build a positive history. If you’re looking for a second chance or your very first credit card, this guide will show you how to qualify, apply, and get the most benefit from this unique unsecured product.

🛂 Who Qualifies for the Indigo Mastercard?

The Indigo Mastercard is intentionally designed for applicants who wouldn’t normally be approved elsewhere. You may qualify even if:

  • Your credit score is under 600
  • You’ve had a bankruptcy in the past
  • You have minimal or no credit history
  • You don’t have a checking or savings account

While there’s no guaranteed approval, Indigo specializes in serving high-risk credit profiles. It does not require a security deposit, which makes it more accessible than secured cards.

You must:

  • Be at least 18 years old (19 in some states)
  • Be a U.S. resident with a valid Social Security Number
  • Have a verifiable income source

💡 Approval Tips and Common Mistakes

  • Don’t Apply If You Recently Defaulted: Wait until your last negative account is settled or at least a few months old.
  • Use a Real Email and Phone: You’ll need to verify these later for account access.
  • Include Accurate Income: You can report total household income—not just your own earnings.
  • Avoid Multiple Credit Card Applications: Spacing them out helps your odds and your credit report.
  • Check Your Credit Report First: Errors can hurt your chances—use AnnualCreditReport.com to check for free.

💳 How to Use the Indigo Card to Build Credit

  • Pay On Time, Every Time: On-time payments are 35% of your FICO score—missing even once can hurt your rebuilding efforts.
  • Keep Balances Low: Use less than 30% of your credit limit at any time to boost your score.
  • Don’t Max Out: If your credit line is $300, try to stay under $90 usage at all times.
  • Set Payment Alerts: Indigo’s portal allows email or text alerts to remind you of upcoming due dates.
  • Make Multiple Small Purchases: Use the card regularly (but responsibly) to keep it active and maintain consistent activity.
Indigo Credit Card
Source: Indigo Credit Card

🧠 Hidden Hacks Most Users Overlook

  • Use for a Recurring Bill: Set a small monthly subscription (like Netflix or Spotify) on autopay, then auto-pay the card to build history without effort.
  • Request a Credit Limit Increase (After 6 Months): There’s no guarantee, but you can call customer service to see if you’re eligible.
  • Monitor Credit Progress: Use Credit Karma or Experian’s app to watch your score improve month by month.
  • Consider Product Change Later: Once your score improves, you can ask Indigo about upgrading or look for better cards elsewhere.
  • Don’t Close the Card Immediately: Keep it open even if you move on—longer credit history boosts your score.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does Indigo require a security deposit?

No, it’s an unsecured card—no deposit is needed to open an account.

2. Will applying hurt my credit score?

The pre-qualification step doesn’t, but final application may include a hard pull that could lower your score slightly.

3. How much credit will I get?

Most initial credit limits range from $300 to $1,000 depending on your credit profile.

4. Can I increase my credit limit later?

Possibly. Some users report increases after 6–12 months of on-time payments.

5. Can I pay my bill online?

Yes. Indigo offers an online portal and mobile site for payments, tracking, and settings.

6. What if I miss a payment?

Missing a payment may impact your score. Late fees and interest may apply, so avoid it whenever possible.

7. Can I use it internationally?

Yes, it’s a Mastercard. But international fees may apply—check the terms if traveling.

8. How do I cancel the card?

You can cancel anytime by calling customer service, but be sure the balance is fully paid first.

9. Will I get notifications for due dates?

Yes, you can opt-in for email or text alerts through your online account dashboard.

10. How soon does my credit score improve?

If you pay on time and stay under your limit, some users report seeing progress in as little as 3 months.

✅ Final Thoughts: Is the Indigo Card Worth It Long-Term?

Indigo isn’t a luxury card—and it doesn’t pretend to be. It’s a simple, effective way to access credit when few other options exist. It won’t unlock VIP lounges or bonus miles, but it might help unlock a better credit score.

If used responsibly, the Indigo Mastercard can be your path out of credit denial and into a healthier financial future. The lack of a deposit, credit bureau reporting, and easy pre-qualification make it a strong contender for anyone starting fresh.

Think this card fits your needs? Apply today and take the first step in rebuilding your credit—on your own terms.

A credit card expert, she utilizes her expertise to create informative content on credit cards, empowering others with financial knowledge.