What the Indigo Card process process looks like

The Indigo Card process takes about 10 minutes and happens entirely online. You visit the Indigo Card website, enter your name, address, Social Security number, and income information, and receive a decision within seconds to a few minutes. If approved, you'll fund a deposit account (the amount becomes your credit limit), and your card arrives in the mail within 5 to 7 business days.

The card itself is a Mastercard issued by WebBank, a Utah-based bank. Unlike some secured cards that require you to visit a branch or mail in documents, Indigo handles everything through its website. You don't need to have a checking account with any bank, and you don't need to be a U.S. citizen — a valid Social Security number is the main requirement.

Key Takeaways

  • The Indigo Card process is online-only and takes 10 minutes, with approval decisions arriving within minutes.
  • You must deposit between $250 and $2,500 into a deposit account; this amount becomes your credit limit.
  • The card charges an annual fee of $95 and a monthly maintenance fee of $3.50, which are deducted from your deposit account.
  • Indigo reports to all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), so on-time payments help rebuild credit history.
  • After 7 months of on-time payments, you may be offered the option to graduate to an unsecured card without returning your deposit.

What you need before you start

Have your Social Security number, a valid government-issued ID, and your current address ready. You'll also need to decide how much you can deposit — the minimum is $250 and the maximum is $2,500. This deposit sits in a deposit account and serves as collateral; it becomes your credit limit. For example, if you deposit $500, your credit limit is $500.

You don't need an existing credit history, a bank account, or a high income to be considered. Indigo looks at your Social Security number to check for fraud and verify your identity, but the company does not require a minimum income or credit score. However, if you have a history of fraud or identity theft, you will likely be denied.

The deposit and fees you'll pay

Your deposit is not a fee — it's money held in an account that you can reclaim. However, Indigo charges two separate fees that come out of your deposit account each month. The annual fee is $95 (charged once per year), and the monthly maintenance fee is $3.50. These fees reduce the balance in your deposit account but do not reduce your credit limit.

For example, if you deposit $500, your credit limit stays at $500. But after one year, the $95 annual fee and 12 months of $3.50 maintenance fees ($42) will have reduced your deposit account balance to $363. You can add more money to your deposit account at any time to cover these fees or increase your credit limit further.

There is no interest rate on the deposit account itself. You only pay interest on balances you carry on the card — the APR varies by applicant but typically ranges from 19.99% to 24.99%. If you pay your full statement balance each month, you pay no interest.

How the process decision works

Indigo uses a soft pull of your credit report to verify your identity and check for fraud, but this does not lower your credit score. The company is looking for signs of identity theft or fraud rather than evaluating your creditworthiness the way a traditional lender does. Most people who explore are approved within minutes.

If you are denied, Indigo will tell you the reason — usually fraud concerns, an existing account in your name that you don't recognize, or a mismatch between the information you provided and what's on file with the credit bureaus. You can contact Indigo's customer service to dispute the decision or clarify information, but there is no formal appeal process.

After approval: funding and receiving your card

Once approved, you'll be directed to fund your deposit account. Indigo accepts bank transfers (ACH) and debit card payments. Bank transfers typically take 1 to 3 business days to clear; debit card payments are usually when ready. You must fund your account before your card is ordered.

After your deposit clears, Indigo mails your physical card. Standard delivery takes 5 to 7 business days. You can use the card as soon as it arrives — there's no set up call required, though you can set up it online if you prefer. Your credit limit is available to use when ready.

Building credit history with the Indigo Card

Indigo reports your payment history to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion every month. This means on-time payments help rebuild your credit score, and late payments will hurt it. The card is designed for people rebuilding credit after a poor history or starting from scratch.

After 7 months of on-time payments, Indigo may offer you the option to graduate to an unsecured Mastercard. If you accept, your deposit is returned to you and your credit limit is based on your payment history and creditworthiness rather than collateral. This is not automatic — Indigo reviews your account and makes the offer if it sees consistent, responsible use.

Comparing Indigo to other secured cards

The Indigo Card's main drawback is its fees. The $95 annual fee plus $42 in yearly maintenance fees ($3.50 × 12 months) total $137 per year. Other secured cards like the Capital One Secured Mastercard charge no annual fee and no monthly maintenance fee, though they may have a higher APR. The Discover it Secured card also has no annual fee and offers cash back on purchases, which Indigo does not.

Indigo's advantage is speed and simplicity. The entire process is online, approval is nearly when ready, and there's no credit check that affects your score. If you need a card quickly and don't mind paying for convenience, Indigo is straightforward. If you want to minimize fees, other secured cards may be a better fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my deposit to pay my credit card bill?

No. Your deposit sits in a separate deposit account and serves as collateral. You pay your credit card bill from your bank account or through Indigo's payment portal, just like any other credit card. The deposit account and the credit card account are separate.

What happens if I miss a payment?

A late payment will be reported to the credit bureaus and will lower your credit score. Indigo charges a late fee (typically $25 to $35 depending on your state) and your APR may increase. Missing payments also makes it less likely that Indigo will offer you an unsecured card later.

Can I increase my credit limit without adding more money?

No. Your credit limit is always equal to your deposit amount. To raise your limit, you must add more money to your deposit account. You can do this online at any time, and the increase is usually available within 1 to 3 business days.

Is there a way to get the card without paying the monthly maintenance fee?

No. The $3.50 monthly maintenance fee is a fixed part of the Indigo Card's terms. If you want a secured card without monthly fees, the Capital One Secured Mastercard or Discover it Secured card are alternatives to consider.

What if I want to close my account?

You can close your Indigo account at any time by contacting customer service. Once closed, your deposit is returned to you within 5 to 7 business days, minus any unpaid balance or outstanding fees. Closing the account will not hurt your credit score, but it does remove the account from your credit history over time, which may slightly lower your score in the short term.