Rebuilding credit in 2026 can feel complicated — most banks reject applicants with scores under 600, and secured cards require upfront deposits you might not have. That’s where the FIT Mastercard® comes in.
Issued by Continental Finance Company (CFC) and backed by Mastercard, FIT is one of the few unsecured cards designed specifically for bad-credit borrowers who want to rebuild their credit score through consistent reporting and responsible use.
💡 How the FIT Mastercard Works
The FIT Mastercard operates like a standard credit card — except it’s designed for people rebuilding their credit.
You’re approved for an initial $400 unsecured credit limit, which can double to $800 after six months of on-time payments. The card reports monthly to all three major credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion — so your progress shows up everywhere that matters.
Unlike secured cards, FIT doesn’t require a deposit. However, it does have setup and maintenance fees, which are common among cards for subprime credit users.
💳 Key FIT Mastercard Details (2026)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Issuer | Continental Finance Company (CFC) |
| Network | Mastercard |
| Credit Needed | Poor / Limited (scores 580 and below accepted) |
| Credit Limit | $400 (up to $800 after 6 months) |
| APR | 29.99% variable |
| Program Fee | $89 (one-time) |
| Annual Fee | $99 (billed at activation) |
| Monthly Fee (Year 2+) | Up to $10/month ($120/year) |
| Reports To | Experian, Equifax, TransUnion |
| Rewards | None (credit-building focus) |
| Mobile App | Yes — Continental Finance App (iOS & Android) |
💬 Quick tip: If you pay your balance in full each month, you’ll never pay interest — even with a high APR.
🧾 Eligibility & Approval Requirements
The FIT Mastercard is meant for users who have:
- Bad or no credit history
- Low income or inconsistent income
- Previous charge-offs or late payments
- Limited access to traditional banks
Because it’s an unsecured card, you don’t need a deposit, but Continental Finance evaluates:
- Income and ability to pay
- Credit bureau data (soft pull for pre-qualification)
- Recent credit activity
- Public record information (like bankruptcies)
🧠 Pro Tip: Even if you’ve been denied for Capital One, Discover, or Mission Lane, you may still qualify for FIT — as its underwriting model focuses on recovery potential, not just credit score.
🪜 How to Apply for the FIT Mastercard (Step-by-Step)
- Go to the official FIT Mastercard site (fitcardinfo.com).
- Click “Pre-Qualify Now” — this is a soft inquiry, so no credit score impact.
- Review your offer — if you qualify, you’ll see your potential credit line and APR.
- Submit your full application (this step triggers a hard pull).
- Pay the one-time $89 program fee to activate your account.
- Receive your card in 7–10 business days and start using it immediately.
- Make your first payment early to begin positive reporting.
💬 Insider note: FIT Mastercard approvals are often near-instant if you meet basic income and residency requirements.
🧠 Credit-Building Strategies for FIT Cardholders
If your goal is to raise your credit score fast, these strategies can make a huge difference:
1. Keep Your Utilization Under 30%
With a $400 limit, spend no more than $120 per month and pay it off in full. This shows credit discipline and helps boost your FICO score.
2. Always Pay Early
Even one missed payment can set back months of progress. Paying early ensures your payment posts before the statement closes.
3. Use for Small Recurring Bills
Set the FIT card for one manageable expense (like a streaming subscription or phone bill). Pay it off monthly — this builds consistent payment history with minimal effort.
4. Check Your Credit Reports Monthly
Use free tools like Credit Karma or Experian.com to monitor progress. Your FIT card activity should appear within 30–45 days.
5. Request a Limit Increase After 6 Months
Once eligible, your line can automatically double to $800 — increasing your credit limit and lowering your utilization ratio.
💰 Fee Breakdown (What to Expect)
| Fee Type | Cost | When Charged |
|---|---|---|
| Program Fee | $89 | One-time (before card activation) |
| Annual Fee | $99 | Immediately upon opening |
| Monthly Maintenance Fee | $0 first year, up to $10/month thereafter | Year 2+ |
| Late Payment Fee | Up to $41 | Per missed payment |
| Returned Payment Fee | Up to $41 | If payment bounces |
💬 Pro Tip: Even with these fees, FIT is often cheaper long-term than secured cards that require large deposits ($200–$500 locked away).
🔒 Hidden Benefits You Might Miss
- 🧾 Monthly reporting to all 3 credit bureaus — not all subprime cards do this reliably.
- 💳 Unsecured credit — no cash deposit required.
- 🔐 Zero liability for unauthorized transactions under Mastercard policy.
- 📱 Mobile app access for payments, statements, and balance alerts.
- 💡 Automatic credit limit review after 6 months of responsible use.
🧩 Little-known feature: Continental Finance often pre-approves FIT users for upgraded cards (like Reflex or Surge Mastercard) after 9–12 months of on-time payments.
⚖️ FIT Mastercard vs. Competing Rebuilder Cards
| Card | Deposit Required | Annual Fee | Credit Reporting | Credit Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIT Mastercard® | ❌ No | $99 | ✅ 3 bureaus | After 6 months |
| Milestone Gold Mastercard® | ❌ No | $75–$99 | ✅ 3 bureaus | After 12 months |
| Indigo Platinum Mastercard® | ❌ No | $75–$99 | ✅ 3 bureaus | After 12 months |
| Capital One Secured Platinum® | ✅ Yes ($49–$200) | $0 | ✅ 3 bureaus | After 6 months |
👉 Verdict: FIT costs a bit more upfront but gives faster access, no deposit, and consistent bureau reporting — perfect for aggressive credit rebuilders.
❓ Extended FAQ: FIT Mastercard 2026
1. Does applying for the FIT Mastercard hurt my credit score?
Only the final application triggers a hard inquiry. The pre-qualification step is a soft pull with no score impact.
2. How long until I see my score improve?
Most users see results within 3–6 months, provided payments are on time and balances stay under 30%.
3. Can I upgrade to another card later?
Yes. FIT users in good standing often receive pre-approval for higher-tier Continental Finance cards like Reflex or Surge Mastercard.
4. What happens if I miss a payment?
A late fee (up to $41) applies, and it may be reported to the bureaus, hurting your credit. Setting AutoPay prevents this.
5. Can I use the FIT card internationally?
Yes — as a Mastercard, it’s accepted worldwide, though foreign transaction fees may apply.
6. Is FIT better than a secured card?
If you can’t afford a deposit, yes. FIT provides immediate access to unsecured credit and builds history the same way secured cards do.
🧩 Expert Verdict: A Genuine Second-Chance Credit Card
The FIT Mastercard® isn’t glamorous — but it’s real, effective, and transparent for users rebuilding from low credit scores. It’s an excellent starter option if you want:
- A true unsecured credit line
- Full credit bureau reporting
- A clear path to limit increases
- No need for a security deposit
Yes, there are fees — but they’re predictable and far outweighed by the credit-building potential. Use it carefully, keep balances low, and in less than a year, you can transition to a better, low-APR rewards card.
👉 Check if you pre-qualify for the FIT Mastercard now — it won’t affect your credit score.
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