Mr Credit CardFit Mastercard has great reviews on their customer service, the ability to pay with a debit card and also for being helpful for those who purchase their credit protection program. In fact, they have got a 4.7 star rating from TrustPilot and 4.32 star rating from BBB. They do come with high fees (which we will go into detail in this review). In this review, we will look into greater detail about this card, provide customer reviews and also tell you if we recommend this card or not.
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Card Details Evaluation
| Annual Fee | Year 1 = $99 Year 2 = $125 |
| Activation Fee | $95 |
| Monthly Fee | None for first year, then $12.50month ($150 annually) |
| APR | 35.9% |
| Late Fee | Up to $41 |
| Cash Advance APR | 35.9% |
| Cash Advance Fee | $0 introductory fee for first year, then either the greater of $10 or 3% of cash advance |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 introductory fee for first year, then 3% |
High Fees
The fees the Fit Mastercard charges are high and have increased as of 4/30/2024.One-time Program Fee - Fit charges a one-time program fee of $95. It used to be $89 prior to 4/30/2024.
Annual Fee - During the first year, the annual fee is $99. From the second year onwards, it will increase to $125. Prior to 4/30/2024, the annual fee was fixed at $99 throughout the life of the card.
Monthly Fee - Fit Mastercard does not charge any monthly fee for the first year. From the second year onwards, a $12.50/month fee will be charged. This works out to $150 a year. This is an increase from $6.25/month prior to 4/25/2024.
Total Fee during 1st Year - The total fee that you will have to pay during the first year is $95 + $99 = $194.
Total Fee from Second Year Onwards - From the second year onwards, the total fee is $125 + $150 = $275.
Credit Limit of $400
The Fit Mastercard has a starting credit limit of $400. You will be considered for a credit limit increase if you keep the card for 13 months. Prior to 11/4/2024, the Fit Mastercard will double your credit limit from $400 to $800 if you pay your first 6 bills on time. However, they no longer have this automatic credit limit increase and it is quite a shame because it was one of the outstanding feature of this card.No Cash Advance or Foreign Transaction Fee During the first year
Fit Mastercard will waive the foreign cash advance and foreign transaction fees during the first year.Other Benefits: Free Vantage Score, Pay via Debit Card
Credit Protection Program
The Credit Protection program is a program that will protect you in the event of disability, job loss or hospitalization. The benefit covers your minimum payment from your balance but does not cover prior delinquent amount or late fees. It cost $1.78 per every $100 of balance you carry.Mastercard Zero Liability Protection
Cardholders will get the standard Mastercard Zero Liabiity protection in the event that you get unauthorized charges on your card.Free Vantage Score
Cardholders will get the latest Vantage credit score for free. However, you do have to sign up for e-statements to get this benefit.Pay via Debit Card
Fit Mastercard is one of the rare credit cards that allow you to use your Debit Card to pay your bills. However, you have to do so over the phone and this will set up back $10 for expedited payment if you speak to a customer service representative. You could set up your debit card as your default payment when using automated pay by phone service and avoid the $10 fee.Can have more than one Continental Finance Credit Card
Not many people know this. But you can have more than one Continental Finance credit card. But you have to be aware that you will need two separate logins for your mobile app and desktop account.Analysis
Very High Absolute Fees
The Fit Mastercard has high fees on an absolute basis. During the first year, you have to pay an annual fee of $99 and a one-time program fee of $95. This is a total of $194 that you have to pay from the get go. From the second year onwards, the annual fee is increased to $125 and you will have to pay a monthly fee of $12.50 which works out to $150 annually. The total fees from the second year onwards is $125 + $150 = $275. That is a very high fee indeed.High Total Fee to Credit Limit Ratio
The Total Fee to Credit Limit Ratio (TFCL) is also very high. When the credit limit is $400, the TFCL ratio is $194/$400 = 48.5%. That means you are paying nearly half of your credit limit in fees. However, from the second year onwards, the TFCL ratio is $275/$400 = 68.75%. If Fit Mastercard does not increase your credit limit after 13 months, you will be paying even more fees compared to your credit limit.A good TFCL ratio would be 15% and below.
Competition
| Card | Annual Fee | Upfront Fee | Monthly Fee | Starting Limit | TFCL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fit Mastercard | Year 1 = $99 Year 2 onwards = $125 | $95 | $0 1st Year Then $12.50/month | $400 | Year 1 = 48.5% 68.75% |
| Surge Mastercard $500 | $125 | N.A. | $12.50/month | $500 | Year 1 = 25% Year 2 = 27.5% |
| Reflex Mastercard $500 | $125 | N.A. | $12.50/month | $500 | Year 1 = 25% Year 2 = 27.5% |
| Revvi Visa | $75 1st Year Then $48 | $95 | Year 1 = $0 Then $8.25/month | $300 | Year 1 = 56.67% 49% |
| First Access Visa | $75 1st Year Then $48 | $95 | Year 1 = $0 Then $8.25/month | $300 | Year 1 = 56.67% 49% |
| First Digital Mastercard | $75 1st Year Then $48 | $95 | Year 1 = $0 Then $8.25/month | $300 | Year 1 = 56.67% 49% |
| Total Visa | $75 1st Year Then $48 | $95 | Year 1 = $0 Then $8.25/month | $300 | Year 1 = 56.67% 49% |
As you can see from the table above, many of Fit's competitors and peers also have very high TFCL ratios. For example, Total Visa has a TFCL ratio of 56.67% during the first year and 49% from the second year onwards. These numbers are even worse than Fit. You would notice in the table above that there are 2 other cards issued by Continental Finance, Reflex and Surge Mastercard. Both these card could offer credit limits of $300, $500, $750 and $1,000. In the table above, I have listed the $500 limit version because it is closes to the $400 starting limit that Fit Mastercard has. Like Fit, both Reflex and Surge will double your limit after 6 months if you pay on time. Both the Reflex and Surge have lower TFCL ratios from the second year onwards because they have slightly higher limits. But nevertheless, all the cards in the above table have high fees and high TFCL ratios.
Fortunately, there are subrpime credit cards that have much lower fees and TFCL ratios (which we will highlight below).
Competitors with lower fees and TFCL ratios
| Card | Annual Fee | Starting Limit | TFCL (assuming $500 limit) | Arro Mastercard | $36 | $500 - $2,500 | $36/$500 = 7.2% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upgrade Select Visa | $39 | $500 - $2,000 | $39/$500 = 7.8% |
| Credit One Visa | Year 1 = $75, Then $99 $300 - $1,500 | $99/$500 = 19.8% | |
| Mission Lane | $59 | $300 - $1,500 | $59/$500 = 11.8% |
The table above shows other subrpime credit cards which only charge an annual fee (ie no monthly fee from second year onwards or no one-time program fee). One thing you will notice is that the annual fees are considerably lower then Fit Mastercard and the other cards that charge both annual and monthly fees. As a result, their TFCL ratios are significantly lower. Let's look at a couple of examples.
The Arro Mastercard charges a monthly fee of $3/month ($36 annually). This is much lower than the $194 (1st year) and $275 (from Year 2 onwards) total fees that you have to pay for Fit. Arro does not perform any credit checks but requires you to link your bank account to them. Approval will be based on your bank account balance and cash flow. For those of you who have FICO scores in the 500s, this is a great alternative.
Another card with low fees is the Upgrade Select Card, which has a $36 annual fee and and credit limits ranging from $500 to $2,500. You would a FICO score of at least 580 to be approved for this card.
As you can see, there are lower fee alternatives to Fit.
Our Take: Fees Too High
Based on our evaluation and review of the Fit Mastercard, we give it a 2.5 stars rating out of 5. Previously, we had given it a 3.5 stars rating. But because the Fit credit card no longer automatically doubles your $400 limit after 6 months of timely payment, we have to downgrade our ratings because the fees you have to pay are really high for the credit limit you get. Though their customer services is highly rated and they allow you to pay via debit card, we cannot over the high fees and hence cannot give it a higher rating. Hence, we do not recommend the Fit Mastercard as your first choice unsecured credit card. They are other unsecured credit cards that are designed for people with bad credit that have much lower fees and even higher starting credit limits (see our suggestions below).
Alternatives to Fit
Reflex or Surge Mastercard - Both the Reflex Mastercard and the Surge Mastercard are also from Continental Finance and have better terms than the Fit Mastercard. Both cards allow you to go through a pre-approval process (unlike Fit) and you can be offer either of 4 versions with different credit limits ($300, $500, $750 or $1,000). If you get pre-approved for the $750 or the $1,000 credit limit version, these are much better than Fit because the annual fee is only $125 and there is no monthly fee or processing fee.
Arro Mastercard - The Arro Mastercard is a rare unsecured credit card that does not perform any credit checks. Instead, they rely on other factors like income to approve you. You are required to link your bank account to them via PLAID and Arro will approve you based on your bank account balance and cash flow. Hence, if you have an income and positive cash flow, you can get approved even if your credit score is in the 500 area. There is a monthly fee of $3/month (so much lower than Fit Mastercard) and the APR is only 16% (one of the lowest). You may start off with a $50-$200 starting credit limit but it will quickly rise the more you use the card. the maximum credit limit is $2,500.
Upgrade Select Visa - The Upgrade Select Card is another lower fee alternative to the Fit Mastercard. The annual fee is only $36 (much lower than Fit) and the credit limit ranges from $500 to $2,500. You would need a a FICO score of at least 580 to get approved for this card.
Sezzle - Instead of Fit, you might want to consider a Buy Now Pay Later app like Sezzle. There is no hard inquiry, no fees and the APR is 0%. When you make a purchase with Sezzle, you can pay-in-4 at 0% interest rate and they report to all three major credit bureaus. For those looking for an unsecured credit line with no hard inquiry, Sezzle is a good alternative to subprime credit cards.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I apply with a co-applicant or as a joint account?
Can I apply with a co-applicant or as a joint account?
When will I receive my new Fit credit card?
When will I receive my new Fit credit card?
How long does it take Fit Mastercard to approve my application?
How long does it take Fit Mastercard to approve my application?
Can I manage my Fit card account online?
Can I manage my Fit card account online?
Can I get a cash advance with a Fit credit card?
Can I get a cash advance with a Fit credit card?
What is the minimum payment each month for the Fit card?
What is the minimum payment each month for the Fit card?
Customer Reviews
The customer service is great. But the fees are really high. After the first year, you have to pay a $12.50 monthly fee. On hindsight, I wished I had not signed up and gotten a lower fee card instead. I will be cancelling my card soon.
Love this card so it helps build my credit . The reps are always very helpful and they will stay with you on the line until the issue is resolved.
I always pay over the phone even though there is a fee because the agents are always helpful and make sure the transactions go through.
I am working to rebuild my credit and Fit Mastercard has approved me and given me the opportunity to do so.
After I was approved, I read the terms and conditions again and found out how insane the fees were. First you pay a $95 processing fee. After you activate the card, they bill you the $99 annual fee. So $400 limit becomes $301. Then from the second year onwards, the annual fee increases to $125 and they tag on a $12.50 monthly fee. I have cancelled before I activated the card. Let's see how things go.
it was quick and easy to make my payment over the phone using my debit card. payments come out right away and credit is good to go back on the card same day. love it
They doubled my credit limit in 6 months as promised as I made all my payments on time.
I felt mislead about the disclosures about card activation. They wrote that once you receive the card and paid the $95 processing fee, you will have access to your approved credit line. This is especially so if you pay by debit card. If you pay by check, it will take a few days. Fair and square. However, after I paid the processing fee with my debit card, I was not allowed to activate the card and was told to wait 24-48 hours before I can 'activate my card. This was not what we were told and I think they can be much clearer about this.
I paid the processing fee earlier today and it just turns out that I also got the card in the mail today. So I tried to activate it but it said I could not. So I called customer service and was told that I had to wait 24-48 hour before I could activate it and it was best to wait 48 hours. I told that I used my debit card and they specifically said in the envelop that "once your processing fee is paid, your account will be ready for use with a $400 credit limit." I feel that the information given is misleading.
My card was flagged for fraud when I was on vacation in another state. I called customer service to verify that it was me and the rep was kind and understanding and I very happy with the interaction. The Fit Mastercard has great customer service reps.
What I like: Their customer service. Very prompt and polite. But I hate their payment holds. I made two payments on two consecutive days. Payments still haven't posted to my account, but they have cleared my bank. 7 days ago!!
There is always no hold time for support and a real person picks up right away. They’ve always been able to answer my questions.
I always call customer service to pay my bill using my debit card on file because it is so easy. I always elect to pay a fee to make my payment immediately into my account so that the app or call into robo pay isn't doubled up and the payment is reflected in my credit limit immediately.
I got suckered into this scam of a company because of a massive drop in my credit score. I paid the $95 "processing fee" after a couple of days I had still not received my card. So I called them and was told that I would have to wait another 10 days or so because I used my checking account to pay the fee rather than my debit or credit card. I tried using my debit card first but for some reason was declined. This is absolutely absurd.
I paid the $95 fee to activate the card and the website said that if you pay with either a debit or credit card you will get instant access to the card. But that is not true as I have not received my card and I keep getting transferred around when I call the 1-800 number.
I am currently experiencing hardship and the customer rep that I spoke to was really helpful and set up a payment plan for me and also gave me further instructions on how to keep my card and credit in good standing. Thanks Fit so much for the tremendous help.
Got approved for my Fit card and paid the $95 processing fee 2 days later. I got the card 2 days later (total of 4 days) and proceeded to activate it. However, it was unsuccessful and after another week and countless calls, Fit still could not activate my card. Finally a customer rep told me my card was active. But then I took it to CVS and it was declined. I could not even upload it into my digital wallet. This card is simply BS.
Just wanted to let everyone know that it took 2 days to activate the card after paying the $95 processing fee. After I activated it, my $400 limit became $301 because they immediately charged the $99 annual fee. So right from the get go, you end up paying $194 in fees upfront before you even use the card.
I had past due balances and the customer service rep was really helpful in explaining my account information and in helping me get back on track. She also provided more information about disaster assistance options for me. Thanks Fit Mastercard.
Customer Service Information
Phone
Automated Account Information1-866-449-4514
(Available 24 hours a day/7 days a week)
Customer Service
1-866-449-4514
(Customer Care Specialists are available 7 a.m.–10 p.m. Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Sat/EASTERN TIMES)
Payments
1-800-518-6142
(7 a.m.–10 p.m. Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Sat/EASTERN TIMES)
Lost/Stolen Card
1-800-556-5678
P.O. Box 3220
Buffalo, NY 14240-3220
Payments on Account
Reflex Card
P.O. Box 6812
Carol Stream, IL 60197-6812
How to apply?
