A Closer Look at the FIT Mastercard®

A Closer Look at the FIT Mastercard®: Is It Worth It for Rebuilding Credit?

When you’re trying to bounce back from bad credit, the options can feel pretty limited — especially if you can’t afford a security deposit. That’s where the FIT Mastercard® comes in. It’s one of the few unsecured cards built specifically for people who are rebuilding their financial lives.

But before you apply, it’s important to understand what you’re getting into, and how to use this card strategically to get the most benefit — without paying more than you have to.

✅ Who Gets Approved for the FIT Mastercard®?

The FIT Mastercard® is designed for people with poor credit — typically FICO scores below 580 — and it doesn’t require perfect history to get approved.

Here’s what helps your chances:

• Having a steady source of income
• No recent bankruptcies (last 6–12 months)
• A valid checking account
• Not already maxed out on other subprime credit cards

💡 Good to know: Pre-qualification involves only a soft credit pull, so checking if you qualify won’t hurt your score.

📝 How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

1. Visit the FIT Mastercard® website Click “Pre-Qualify Now” to get started.
2. Fill out the short application You’ll need your full name, address, SSN, and income info.
3. Get an instant decision Most applicants get an answer in less than 60 seconds.
4. Pay the initial fees If approved, you’ll be asked to pay a $95 one-time processing fee + $99 annual fee.
5. Receive and activate your card Your starting limit will be $400 — but fees will reduce your usable credit at first.

📈 Tips to Use the FIT Mastercard® the Smart Way

Want to make this card work for you — instead of against you? Follow these pro tips:

• Never carry a balance The 35.9% APR is brutal. Pay your balance in full each month.
• Keep utilization under 10% Don’t use more than $30–$40 at a time. This keeps your credit score climbing.
• Set up autopay One late payment could tank your score and trigger extra fees.
• Ask for a credit limit increase after 6–8 months of on-time payments.
• Use it only for essentials, like gas or a recurring bill — not large purchases.

🧠 Hidden Fees & “Gotchas” to Be Aware Of

While the FIT Mastercard® markets itself as “no deposit required,” there’s a tradeoff in fees:

• 💸 $95 processing fee (one-time, upfront)
• 💸 $99 annual fee (charged immediately)
• 💸 $10/month maintenance fee after the first year ($120/year)
• 💸 35.9% APR — one of the highest on the market

➡️ Effective cost in the first year? Around $314, even if you never carry a balance.

Pro tip: If you can afford a deposit, a secured card might cost less overall.

🔁 What Are Better Alternatives If You Qualify?

If you’ve got $200 or more available, here are some cards that offer better long-term value:

Card	Deposit Required	Annual Fee	APR	Ideal For
OpenSky® Secured Visa®	✅ $200	$35	25.64%	No credit check
Capital One Platinum Secured	✅ $49–$200	$0	30.49%	Lower fees + upgrade path
Chime Credit Builder Visa®	✅ Flexible	$0	0% (no interest)	Requires Chime account

🔄 Many of these cards also offer automatic graduation to unsecured cards — which the FIT Mastercard® does not.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does the FIT Mastercard® do a hard pull?

✅ No, not during pre-qualification. But if you accept the offer and proceed, a hard inquiry will be made.

2. Can I increase my credit limit later?

🔄 Yes, but it’s not guaranteed. Some users report offers after 6+ months of on-time payments.

3. Will this card help me build credit fast?

📈 Yes — if used responsibly. Payments are reported to all 3 bureaus monthly.

4. Can I upgrade to a better card later?

🚫 No upgrade path is currently offered. You’ll likely need to apply for a new card once your score improves.

5. What’s the average credit limit after fees?

💳 Your initial limit is $400, but after fees, your available credit is closer to $200–$250.

6. Does it work with digital wallets (Apple Pay, etc.)?

📱 Yes, but availability may vary based on your issuer’s backend tech.

✅ Final Take: Is the FIT Mastercard® Worth It?

If you’re broke and need to start rebuilding credit ASAP — and can’t afford a secured card deposit — the FIT Mastercard® can absolutely serve its purpose.

But it’s a means to an end, not a forever card. Between the high fees and sky-high APR, you’ll want to:

• Use it only for credit-building
• Pay it off in full every single month
• Switch to a lower-fee card as soon as your score improves

👉 Check if you pre-qualify now — there’s no impact to your credit score.

It takes 60 seconds and could be your first step toward better credit in 2025.

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