The Indigo Platinum Mastercard is a credit-building card aimed at people with poor or fair credit. In simple terms, it’s an unsecured card (no deposit required) that reports your activity to all three major credit bureaus. The idea is that by using it responsibly — making purchases and paying on time — you can improve your credit score. However, Indigo comes with some hefty fees and few perks.
Below we’ll break down everything you need to know: who this card is best for, how to apply, how to log in and manage your account, payment methods, the mobile app, customer support, credit limits, rewards (or lack thereof), common user complaints, and whether it’s truly a good choice for building credit.
Overview of the Indigo Credit Card
The Indigo Platinum Mastercard is designed for “less-than-perfect” credit. It is issued by Celtic Bank (a Utah-chartered bank) and serviced by Concora Credit. In practice, that means Celtic/Concora handle the underwriting and day-to-day management. Key features of the card include:
- Unsecured card (no deposit required). Unlike secured cards (which require a refundable cash deposit), the Indigo card is completely unsecured, so you don’t need to tie up money up front.
- Credit bureau reporting. Indigo reports your payment history to all three bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion). This is a must for building credit; on-time payments help your score over time.
- High annual and monthly fees. The costs are steep: currently the annual fee is $175 in year 1 (then $49 in later years) and there is a $12.50 monthly maintenance fee after the first year. (Some versions of the card have slightly lower fees, but all come with fees.) These fees make Indigo an expensive card to own.
- High interest rate (APR). The regular APR can be as high as about 35.9%. (In other words, if you don’t pay your balance in full each month, interest charges add up quickly.)
- Low credit limit. Typical initial credit lines start around $700. That means you have only $525 of spending power at first (after the $175 annual fee is deducted from your $700 limit). Some Indigo versions have $500 or $300 limits, but the common one is $700.
- No rewards or bonuses. The Indigo card does not earn cash back, points, or miles. There is no sign-up bonus. It really is a no-frills credit-builder.
- Target user. Indigo is aimed at people with poor credit scores. It’s known as a last-resort or “subprime” card. If you have a limited credit history or low FICO (say, under 630), Indigo will likely approve you when many others won’t. In fact, the card explicitly markets itself as “for less-than-perfect credit”.
- Customer satisfaction. Various reviews describe Indigo as expensive and unfriendly to low-balance users. For example, WalletHub warns it’s “an expensive credit card for people with bad credit” and Bankrate calls it a “simple credit-building card with few features” and “potentially high costs”.
In short, the Indigo card can help if you must build credit and qualify for nothing better. It is unsecured and reports to the bureaus (so it will add positive credit history), but it charges substantial fees and offers no perks. Many credit experts suggest exploring secured cards or other options first, since those can build credit at lower cost. But if you decide Indigo is your best shot, read on to learn how to apply and use it effectively.
How to Apply for the Indigo Credit Card
Applying for the Indigo Platinum Mastercard is done online. Here’s what you need to know:
- Go to the official application site. Use the Indigo card website (e.g. IndigoCard.com) or an approved link to start your application. Concora/Celtic Bank does not offer a separate pre-qualification tool on their site, so you’ll simply fill out the full application. (WalletHub notes: “Concora does not offer pre-approval through its website, so anyone interested in applying… will have to do so without pre-approval”.)
- Invitation codes. If you received a mailed or emailed “invitation code” or promo number, there will usually be a field to enter it during application. According to Indigo’s FAQs, you can enter your invitation number on the Indigo application page (along with your ZIP code). Having an invite may suggest you have a good chance of approval, but it is not a guarantee.
- Required information. The application will ask for typical credit card info: name, address, Social Security number, income, etc. When you submit, Indigo will perform a credit check. Note that it generally is a hard pull, meaning it can affect your credit slightly (though some sources suggest they only report it if approved). The main point is: you apply, and you’ll quickly get a decision (often instantly or within days).
- What if denied. If you’re not approved, Indigo’s site indicates they won’t leave a hard inquiry on your report in that case. In other words, a denial typically does not hurt your credit score. This is an advantage over many cards: you can apply without fearing a lasting hit if denied.
- Tips. Double-check all info and be honest on your application. Because approval standards are fairly lenient for Indigo, approval is likely if you’ve had any financial issues. However, it’s wise to only apply if you are truly planning to use it — you’ll pay an annual fee either way once approved.
Once you submit the application and it’s approved, your new Indigo card will arrive by mail. Then you’ll want to set up online access to manage it (next section).
Login Steps and Account Access Guide
After activation, you’ll need to log in to manage your Indigo account. This involves registering and then signing in. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
2. Register for online access. On the login page, click “Register Your Account” (or similar). You will be prompted to verify your identity. According to an expert FAQ, you’ll need to enter personal details such as your last name, date of birth, ZIP code, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to confirm you are the cardholder.
3. Create login credentials. Once verified, choose a username and password for your Indigo online account. (Note: no spaces are allowed in the username/password.) These will be the credentials you use moving forward.
4. Log in to your account. Return to the login page (myfinanceservice.com) and enter the username and password you just created. Click “Log In” (or “Sign In”). If all is correct, you’ll see your account dashboard.
5. What’s in the account. Once logged in, you’ll see your Indigo account details. You can view your available credit balance, recent transactions, and statements. You can also make payments, set up autopay, and change account settings (address, phone, login info). If you ever forget your login, use the “Forgot Username/Password?” link on the portal and follow the prompts (you’ll need your card details and SSN to reset).
For quick reference, the main login link is often found on the Indigo website or through concoracredit resources. The wallet answers site summarizes: “You can log in to your Indigo card account by going to the login page on the Genesis Financial Solutions website and entering your username and password.”. (Genesis Financial Solutions is the bank-owned processor behind the portal.)
Key things to remember: Use a strong password and keep your login information secure. Once logged in, you can do everything from checking your balance to paying your bill. If you have trouble, the “Forgot Password” link or contacting customer service (see next section) are your options.
Payment Options (Online, Phone, Auto-Pay)
Paying your Indigo credit card bill can be done in several ways: online through your account, by phone, by mail, or setting up autopay. Here’s how each works:
- Online payments: The easiest way is to log into your Indigo account (using the steps above) and use the Bill Pay or Make a Payment function. Most portals let you schedule a one-time payment by linking a bank account or debit card. According to user guides, you simply log in, select “Make a Payment,” choose your payment source (checking account or debit card), and enter the amount and date. Payments made before the cutoff (usually 5pm ET on a business day) typically post within 1–2 days.
- AutoPay: You can set up recurring automatic payments through your online dashboard. Once logged in, choose an option like “Autopay” or “Recurring Payments,” and link your bank account. You decide whether to pay the minimum due, statement balance, or another fixed amount each month. AutoPay ensures you never miss a payment and helps avoid late fees.
- By phone: You can also pay by calling Indigo’s customer service. The card’s support lines accept payments (usually via an automated system). For example, WalletHub notes that you can pay by calling 1‑866‑946‑9545 and following the prompts to enter your card and bank info. (Some sources also list 1‑800‑353‑5920 as a service number.) When calling, be ready to give your full card number and bank account number. Note that phone payments may incur a small fee unless you use the automated system.
- By mail: If you prefer traditional mail, send a check or money order (no cash) made out to “Concora Credit” (the card servicer) with your Indigo account number on it. The payment address is: Concora Credit, P.O. Box 4477, Beaverton, OR 97076-4477. Mail payments take several days to process, so send them well before the due date. (Concora advises allowing enough transit time to avoid lateness.)
- Bill Pay Services: You can also pay via your bank’s online bill pay if you add Concora/Indigo as a payee with the above address and account number. Just be sure to use your Indigo account number as the memo, and allow extra time for processing.
In summary, you have multiple payment choices:
- Online (log in and pay immediately) – fastest for most people.
- Phone (call the service number) – handy if you’re on the go.
- AutoPay (set it and forget it) – best for never missing a payment.
- Mail (traditional) – slower, but an option if needed.
Keeping up with payments is crucial. Because Indigo reports to the credit bureaus, a late or missed payment can hurt your score. Setting up autopay or always paying online ahead of the due date is highly recommended.
Indigo Credit Card Mobile App Features
Yes, there is a mobile app for the Indigo Credit Card (developed by the card’s issuer/servicer). You can download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play – just search for “Indigo Credit Card” or “Celtic Bank/Concora” – and log in with your usual Indigo username and password. Once logged in on the app, you’ll have on-the-go access to many of the same features as the web portal. Key app functions include:
- View account details. You can see your current balance, available credit, and recent transactions right on the home screen.
- Pay your bill. Make payments directly in the app. It will let you choose your payment method (linked bank account or debit card) and schedule one-time or recurring payments.
- Check statements and history. Download or view monthly statements and search your transaction history in the app.
- Track spending. Some apps offer charts or summaries of your spending categories, which can help you monitor how you use the card.
- Activate your card. If you receive a replacement or new card, you can typically activate it in the app by entering the card details.
- Account management. Update personal info (address, phone, email) and change your password or security questions within the app.
- Alerts and notifications. Enable push notifications or email alerts for due dates, payment receipts, or suspicious activity.
According to one Indigo cardholder FAQ, you install the app from the iOS or Android store, then log in just as you would on the website. The Indigo app essentially wraps the online account in a mobile-friendly interface. For example, an Indigo card moderator lists the app’s capabilities as managing your account, seeing transactions, paying bills, viewing balances/statements, and even activating the card.
So if you prefer using a smartphone, the Indigo app gives you quick access to your account 24/7. (Some customer complaint sites previously noted “no mobile app” as a gripe, but in fact the issuer’s app does exist for on-the-go account management.)
Customer Service and Support
If you need help with your Indigo card, you can reach out in a few ways:
- Phone Support: Indigo/Concora provides toll-free customer service numbers. Business Insider’s review mentions 1-800-353-5920 as the Indigo Card’s customer service number (operated by Concora). Other sources list 1-866-946-9545 for payments and support. In practice, calling either number will connect you to the Indigo card servicer. Agents can answer questions about your account, take phone payments, or help resolve issues. (According to one source, support hours are typically daytime ET, seven days a week, though always check the latest hours.)
- Online Help: The Indigo/Celtic Bank website has a FAQ section covering common questions (payment addresses, fees, etc.). The login portal may also have help links or chat options (though chat is not common for subprime cards).
- Mail: If you need to send documents or correspondence, use the mailing address: Concora Credit, P.O. Box 4477, Beaverton, OR 97076-4477. This address is also where you send payments if mailing them.
- Text / Alerts: If you gave a mobile number, the issuer may send text alerts for due payments or fraud. (Check your account settings on the app/portal to see if texting is available.)
- Social Media / Online: Indigo/Concora doesn’t have a big social media support presence, and it’s safer to use official channels. Avoid unofficial help in forums.
Some users find Concora’s customer service frustrating. Reported issues include slow responses and account closures after fees. While you shouldn’t have to deal with debt collectors on a current account, note that some complaints mention collections agencies appearing for unpaid bills. If you have problems, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or Better Business Bureau for resolution assistance.
Overall, the key support contacts are the phone numbers above and the online portal. Always have your card number ready when calling.
Credit Limit and Rewards (if any)
Credit Limit: The standard Indigo card starts with about a $700 credit limit. This is the maximum you can owe at any time. After you pay the first-year annual fee ($175), your actual available credit is roughly $525 (i.e. $700 limit minus $175 fee). That is a relatively low limit compared to many cards, so it requires careful management to keep your utilization low.
Over time, if you make all payments on time, Concora may review your account for an automatic limit increase (you cannot request it). According to askmrcreditcard.com, Indigo also used to offer a $500-limit version and even a higher $700 version, but $700 is the main current offering. Your exact limit depends on your credit profile and income; most applicants start around $500–$700.
Rewards: The Indigo Platinum Mastercard does not offer any rewards. There is no cash back, points, or miles program tied to this card. In fact, having rewards would be uncommon for a subprime card. To be clear: the Indigo card by itself earns nothing extra. Any purchase you make earns 0% back. Business Insider explicitly states it “does not earn any rewards” and has no bonus offers.
However, be aware that Concora (the servicer) does issue a related product called the Indigo Cash Back Rewards Card. That is a different card: it starts with a $300 limit and gives 1.5% cash back on all purchases. But that is not the same as the standard Indigo Platinum Mastercard we’re describing. If you want cash back, you’d have to apply specifically for that Cash Back card. The card we’re discussing (the Indigo Platinum) has no cash back or rewards at all.
In short, credit limit: about $700 initially. Cash back/rewards: none. Keep in mind that because there are no rewards, the only benefit you get from using Indigo is the credit-building effect of on-time payments.
Common Complaints and Cardholder Reviews
Customer feedback on the Indigo card is generally mixed to negative. Here are the most common themes from reviews:
- High fees. Nearly every review mentions the steep annual and monthly fees. Many cardholders feel these fees outweigh any benefit. Even NerdWallet warns the fees are a “big red flag”. Bankrate and Business Insider repeatedly note the high cost. If you carry a balance or make just minimum payments, those fees accumulate.
- High interest rate. Users complain about the very high APR (up to 35.9%). Bankrate points out that carrying a balance is expensive. If you ever miss a payment, the 35.9% rate plus a $41 late fee (reported by Bankrate) can quickly lead to a large balance.
- Low credit limit. A $700 limit (or less) feels stingy to many. With the fees eating into that limit, people say it’s easy to max out the card. A low limit can hurt your credit utilization ratio if you use a lot of it.
- No rewards or perks. Some reviewers simply note there is nothing to “reward” you for using this card. It’s very basic – just a means to build credit. Cards with similar credit-building purposes often offer at least some cash back, making Indigo feel outdated.
- Customer service issues. Complaints include long hold times on the phone, agents who aren’t very helpful, and troubles resolving disputes. A few consumers report that on-time payments were incorrectly reported as late or that accounts were closed unexpectedly. (For example, one Reddit user said their new account was shut down after two months, despite paying the annual fee on time.) These accounts are anecdotal, but they highlight why customer support is frequently mentioned in complaints.
- Application and shipping delays. Some users say their card took weeks to arrive, or that they were charged fees even before they received the card. One BBB complaint (on a related Destiny card) noted a card activation delay while still charging the fee, though Indy’s customer service eventually credited it back.
- Ratings: Numeric ratings are low. WalletHub’s card review page gives Indigo only a 1.8/5 editor’s score (user score 3.4/5). Business Insider’s rating is 1.3/5. Sitejabber reviews (on Indigo’s site) average around 1.3 out of 5 stars, indicating general dissatisfaction. In short, many users say it feels expensive, and better options exist.
- Comparisons. Many reviewers compare Indigo unfavorably to secured cards that have no annual fee. If you’ve built up some savings, they suggest, putting it into a $200 deposit secured card could be cheaper and just as effective at building credit.
Overall, user reviews and expert analyses agree: Indigo will build credit if used properly, but it does so at a cost. Complaints mostly center on “expensive and minimal” features. If you do decide to use Indigo, the key is to pay off the balance in full each month and never miss a payment, so you avoid interest and show strong credit habits. Otherwise the fees make it a poor value.
Is the Indigo Credit Card Good for Building Credit?
Putting it all together, is Indigo a good card for building credit? The short answer is: It can help build credit, but it’s not the most attractive way to do so.
Why it can help: The Indigo card will report your on-time payments to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Making regular, full payments on time is the most important factor in your credit score. So in that sense, Indigo does exactly what you want from a credit-builder. There are no hidden tricks – just charge normal expenses you can afford, pay the bill in full each month, and watch your payment history grow. As NerdWallet explains, the fact that it reports to all three bureaus is ideal for someone building credit.
Why it’s costly: Where Indigo falls short is cost. The high annual fee and monthly fees mean you are paying the bank to give you this card. If you pay in full and avoid interest, you still spent $175 (first year) or $199 each year thereafter for the privilege of having a $700 card. Over multiple years, that adds up. Other credit-builder cards (often secured cards) require a deposit instead of fees, and you get that deposit back eventually. For example, NerdWallet suggests a $200 secured card with no annual fee; you could build credit and eventually get your deposit back. With Indigo, there’s no deposit to recover – the fees are gone forever.
Who it’s best for: If you have very poor credit and no cash to make a deposit, Indigo might be one of the few cards you can get without a security deposit. In that case, the only question is whether the fees are worth it. If you absolutely have no other option to get a card, then yes – the Indigo will do the job if used responsibly. But if you can qualify for at least a secured card, or if you can save up for a deposit, those routes usually cost you less in fees and may have extra perks (like cash back or a path to upgrade).
Expert conclusion: Credit experts generally say Indigo should be a “last resort” for credit building. It builds credit but at a high cost. If you already have other credit (even limited), try something like a secured card or a “starter” credit card first. If Indigo is the only card you qualify for, use it very carefully: pay on time, pay in full, and keep balances low. In that strict use, it will help your credit score gradually.
In summary, the Indigo card can help you rebuild credit (it reports all payments), but it is not generous or cheap. Weigh the benefits of the credit history you gain against the fees you pay. For many people with marginal credit, the consensus is that there are better alternatives – but if none are available, Indigo will get the job done as long as you avoid pitfalls (high utilization and missed payments).
