FIT Mastercard Apply: What You Should Know Before You Apply

Understanding the FIT Mastercard

The FIT Platinum Mastercard is an unsecured credit card issued by The Bank of Missouri and managed by Continental Finance. It’s designed for individuals with limited credit history, poor credit scores, or those seeking to rebuild credit. Because it does not require a security deposit, it appeals to people who want access to plastic credit without upfront collateral.

This card is often marketed as a “second-chance” option: a way to regain financial footing, demonstrate reliability, and build credit history via timely payments and responsible use.

Key Features & Credit-Rebuilding Mechanics

One of the primary draws of the FIT card is the initial credit limit of around $400, even for those with subprime credit profiles.  As an unsecured card, you don’t need to lock up a deposit — which eases entry for those with limited funds.

The card reports account activity monthly to all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion).  That makes it a potentially useful credit-building tool — as long as you pay on time and keep utilization low.

Also, the card offers standard protections like zero-liability for unauthorized charges (through the Mastercard network) — meaning you’re not held responsible for fraud (assuming compliance with guidelines).  The card works anywhere Mastercard is accepted, and comes with online/mobile account management.

Fees, Costs & Interest Rates — The Hidden Tradeoffs

The convenience and credit-building promise come with major tradeoffs. First, there is a one-time processing fee required upon approval before you get access to the credit line.

Then there is an annual fee — typically $99 the first year, and rising to $125 or more in subsequent years.  In addition, after the first year some versions impose a monthly maintenance fee (e.g., about $12.50/month) — which adds meaningful recurring cost.

The card’s APR is steep — around 35.90% (fixed).  This means carrying a balance will be very expensive. If you carry debt from month to month, interest charges can quickly negate any potential benefit of building credit.

Given the fees and rates, your actual available credit is effectively lower than $400 after fees.  For many users, that significantly reduces the real utility of the card.

Who the FIT Mastercard Might Actually Help — and Who Should Avoid It

Who it might help

• Individuals with poor or very limited credit history who can’t qualify for standard unsecured or secured cards. Since approval standards are lenient and no deposit is required, FIT offers access to credit when few others will.
• People who need a card immediately but lack funds for a security deposit. The unsecured nature makes FIT appealing to those with cash constraints.
• Those committed to using the card very responsibly — minimal spending, full monthly payment,纪律 and low utilization — to rebuild credit over time via regular reported payment history.

Who should avoid it

• People uncomfortable with high fees and interest rates. For many, the annual + monthly + processing fees can outweigh potential credit-building benefits.
• Those who might carry balances — due to the high APR, carrying debt makes FIT very costly.
• Applicants who have even modest savings — they may be better served with a secured card (deposit-backed) or other credit-builder cards with lower or no fees.
• Individuals seeking rewards, travel perks, or benefits — FIT offers virtually no rewards or perks beyond basic credit access.

Best Practices If You Apply: How to Use FIT Wisely

If you choose to apply for FIT, treat it strictly as a transitional credit-building tool, not a long-term credit solution.

• Use only small amounts, ideally essential expenses or tiny recurring purchases — so utilization remains low relative to limit.
• Pay off the balance and any fees in full and on time each month. With the high APR, carrying balances is a fast path to financial drag.
• Monitor credit reports to verify payments are being reported properly. Over time, this builds positive payment history with the credit bureaus.
• Reassess after 6–12 months. If your credit improves, transition to a standard unsecured or secured credit card with fewer fees and better terms.

Conclusion: Is it Worth Applying for FIT Mastercard?

The FIT Platinum Mastercard can indeed be a lifeline for individuals locked out of mainstream credit — offering unsecured access, monthly reporting, and a path toward rebuilding credit. For those with few alternatives, it may be a pragmatic, albeit costly, stepping stone.

However, the high processing fee, meaningful annual and monthly fees, and steep APR make it an expensive option — especially if misused. For many people, a secured credit card or low-fee credit-builder alternative may offer similar benefits at far lower cost.

In short: if you have limited options and approach FIT with discipline, it may serve as a temporary bridge to better credit. If better alternatives are available, those alternatives often provide greater long-term value.