The Cerulean Credit Card will help you build up your poor credit score. Depending on your credit score, may not require a security deposit for approval.
You may not qualify for an unsecured version of Cerulean MasterCard, there is a tendency you qualify for a secured Cerulean Card. This version of the card required a security deposit. Either one is a passable way to build credit, but there are more affordable options out there.
I want you to note this, however, you can only apply for the Cerulean Credit Card if you have received a pre-qualified offer in the mail. If you have not, you will have to find another credit card. And there are plenty of better-secured card options anyhow.
The Continental Finance Cerulean Discover credit card is issued by the same folks who brought you The Matrix Credit Card. Now, on credit card comparison sites, you will find that the name for both of these cards can vary. Sometimes Hybrid and Discover are in the name, sometimes they aren’t.
I have also noticed that some card comparison sites suggest these cards are for those with average credit, which is not appropriate. These cards are for folks with bad credit as mentioned above. If you have average credit, set your sights much higher than this.
Who Should Apply for the Cerulean Credit Card?
Who should apply for this credit card? How do you know if the Cerulean MasterCard is right for you? If you have bad credit and you are looking to rebuild, then the Cerulean card might be worth a second look.
Why Should you Apply for Cerulean Credit Card?
You are familiar with who should apply for the credit card, which is great. Now, why should you apply is another important question to answer.
When you have a bad credit score, it can be difficult to find a credit card issuer willing to give you a chance. This is because credit card companies assess an individual’s likelihood of future default based on the person’s past credit use.
Therefore, if you are committed to repairing your credit score, however, using a credit card responsibly can be a great tool for raising your score. While you are unlikely to qualify for the cards with the best terms and conditions, cards like the Cerulean MasterCard can be a good stepping stone on your way to better credit.
Because Continental Finance reports to all three major credit bureaus, you can use the card to repair your payment history. You do this by making small purchases and then paying them off every month.
By doing this every month over several months, you will see your credit score start to rise. This can help you qualify for better offers down the road.
In addition to that, you should keep in mind that it is always a good idea to shop around for a credit card that offers the best terms for your goals. If you sign up for a card with high fees, it could be more trouble than it’s worth.
When you apply for the Cerulean Credit Card, you will automatically be considered for an unsecured card first. If you qualify, you will get the card with no money down. If you don’t qualify, you will receive the secured version of the card instead.
In this case, you will have to put down a refundable security deposit equal to your credit limit. If you later cancel the card, the card issuer will refund your deposit as long as your account is in good standing
Important Key Note on Cerulean MasterCard
Here are the highlights of the Cerulean Credit Card. This will guide you on what you about to from the credit card.
====> The annual Fee is $99, this is a bit high.
====> The APR is 23.85% or 25.90%
====> This credit card does not offer a Sign-Up Bonus
Cerulean Credit Card Fees
This part of the article will run through some fees attached to this credit card. This will cut up with you unaware
====> $30 additional card fee (if applicable)
====> Cash advance fee of $5 or 5%, whichever is greater (waived for the first 12 months)
====> 3% foreign transaction fee (waived for the first 12 months)
====> Up to $39 late payment fee
====> Up to $39 returned payment fee
The Pros and Cons of the Cerulean Mastercard
Unlike most credit cards, the Cerulean MasterCard is not very forthcoming online about its terms and conditions. While one part of its website instructs users to enter part of their social security number and card number to locate the cardholder agreement. Another part of the website navigates directly to a card-member agreement showing a 25.90% interest rate.
In that case, this makes it hard to know exactly what kind of terms and conditions the card actually offers. It also makes it tough to compare the Cerulean Credit Card to other credit cards on the market.
However, it is possible to gather some important details about the card based on info posted on the Continental Finance website. Here is a quick rundown of what you need to know before you accept an offer.
Pros of Cerulean MasterCard
====> Reports to all three credit bureaus: Continental Finance states that it reports cardholder activity to all three credit bureaus. This can help individuals with bad credit boost their scores by making regular on-time payments every month.
====> No maintenance fee is required: While the Cerulean card comes with an annual fee of $99, it does not appear to charge a monthly maintenance fee.
====> Possibility of an increased credit limit after six months: The Cerulean website says cardholders may be eligible for a credit limit increase after six months.
According to the cardmember agreement available online, however, the card has a maximum credit limit of $2000.
====> Initial credit limit of $750: Cardholders get a $750 credit limit to start. While you will not be able to make big purchases, this credit limit is higher than many other cards geared toward those with bad credit.
====> Widely accepted: The Cerulean is a Mastercard, which means it is widely accepted throughout the United States and around the world.
====> Free online account access: Get free online access to your account 24/7.
Cons of Cerulean Credit MasterCard
We have just concluded the pros of this credit card, it will not complete without running through the cons of the same credit card. This part of the article will take care of that.
====> Annual fee: The Cerulean Mastercard comes with a $99 annual fee, which we consider too high
====> Fee for additional cards: If you want to get an additional card for an authorized user, Continental Finance will charge you $30, it is also considered high
====> High late and returned payment fees: Continental Finance charges up to $40 for every late or returned payment.
====> Invitation-only: Because the card is only available to those who receive a pre-selected offer, you can only apply if you get an offer in the mail.
====> No rewards: The Cerulean Mastercard doesn’t offer any kind of rewards program, including sign-up reward, it not too good about the credit card.
Benefits of using Cerulean Credit Card
====> Your application may be approved with no security deposit as it is an unsecured credit card
====> The initial credit limit between $400 and $750, which very good as it is not too much
====> This credit card issuer reports payments to three credit bureaus
====> This credit card is open to people with poor credit score
====> No monthly maintenance fees
Cerulean Mastercard Application Process
Assuming you have received an invitation offer, applying for the Cerulean Mastercard is easy. You only need to follow simple steps as explained in the article.
Step 1 ====> You need to visit the Cerulean Credit Card official website.
Step 2 ====> On the site, you will be giving a place to enter your invitation number. You’ll also need to enter your social security number to access the application.
Step 3 ====> After confirmation, fill the application form. Continental Finance states that applicants will need to provide the following personal information
Step 4 ====> After you might have completed the application form, locate and click on the submit button. Your last step is to wait for Continental Finance to review it and make a decision.
In some cases, you might receive an instant decision online, but Continental Finance says it can take up to 30 days to hear back in some cases.
Cerulean MasterCard FAQs
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions and answers about the Cerulean Credit Card. You can find even more info on Continental Finance’s FAQ page.
What Are the Cerulean Mastercard Fees?
Unfortunately, the Cerulean Mastercard does come with some pretty significant fees. Here are the lists of some of the fees attached to the credit card.
====> Returned payment fee – Up to $40
====> Late payment fee – Up to $40
====> Authorized user fee – $30
====> Annual fee – $99
Does the Cerulean Credit Card Offer an Introductory APR for Balance Transfers?
No no no no, the Cerulean Mastercard does not offer an introductory APR for balance transfers. Furthermore, nothing in the cardmember agreement mentions balance transfers, which could mean the card doesn’t allow them.
The cardmember agreement also states the card has a maximum credit limit of $2,000, which could make it impractical to transfer a balance from another card.
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How do I Request a Cerulean Credit Card credit Limit Increase?
After a few months of on-time payments, you can reach out to the card issuer and request a credit limit increase.
Only do this, if you feel confident you will be approved, as a hard inquiry on your credit report can drop your credit score by a few points
What Credit Score Is Needed for a Cerulean Credit Card?
Continental Finance doesn’t specify what kind of credit score is needed to apply for the card. However, the card is only available to those who are pre-selected to apply.
If you received an invitation offer in the mail, it is probably safe to assume Continental Finance has determined your score is high enough to meet their threshold.
Conclusion
If you are trying to repair bad credit or you are new to the world of credit and need to establish a payment history, the Cerulean Credit Card might be a decent choice.