If you have a low credit score or do not have established credits, relying on a subprime credit issuer may help you get credit card approval. One company to consider is Continental Finance. It offers a handful of cards that can be used by poor creditors.
For more information about Continental Finance credit cards, compare the advantages and disadvantages of each card before determining whether the card is appropriate.
What is continental finance?
Continental Finance is a credit card company specializing in providing cards for consumers with low credit scores or no credit at all. The subprime credit issuer provides financial products that are accessible to underserved consumers and helps restructure or establish credits.
“Continental Finance is usually aimed at individuals who face challenges when acquiring traditional credit cards due to past financial problems,” says Baruch Silvermann, founder of Smart Investor. “They are focused on providing a path to responsible credit usage and helping customers improve their creditworthiness over time.”
Consumer underwriting, marketing and service platforms are designed to provide a variety of services to consumers if other financial institutions do not respond to them. The company claims it has managed more than 2.6 million credit cards since its inception in 2005, boasting an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Continental Finance Credit Card
Continental Finance offers several unsecured credit cards to limited credit or bad people, usually those with a FICO score of 300-669.
Each Continental Finance credit card is reported monthly to three major credit bureaus. Additionally, when you use MasterCard Zero Liability Protection, you are not responsible for fraudulent card fees. Additionally, sign up for e-statements to earn a free monthly credit score.
Still, the Continental Finance card has its drawbacks.
Split continental financial cards
| Credit Card | Issuing Bank | Annual fees | Initial credit limit | Other fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
ceruleanmastercard®* |
Bank of Missouri | Annual fee of $125 | Initial credit limits from $300 to $1,000 | There is no monthly fee |
|
Fit Mastercard® |
Bank of Missouri | Annual fee of $99 | Initial credit limit of $400 | One-time $89 fee $6.25 Monthly maintenance fee – or $75 per year – 12 months later |
|
ReflexMasterCard®* |
Bank of Missouri | The first year was between $75 and $125, then between $99 and $125 a year. | Initial credit limits from $300 to $1,000 | Monthly fee up to $12.50 after 12 months |
|
RevelMasterCard®* |
Bank of Missouri | First year between $75 and $125, then between $99 and $125 a year | Initial credit limits from $300 to $1,000 | Monthly fee up to $12.50 after 12 months |
|
Surge®PlatinumMasterCard®* |
Celtic Bank | First year between $75 and $125, then between $99 and $125 a year | Initial credit limits from $300 to $1,000 | Monthly fee up to $12.50 after 12 months |
|
Vervemastercard®* |
Celtic Bank | The first year is between $75 and $175, and then between $49 and $175 each year. | Initial credit limits from $300 to $1,000 | Monthly fee up to $12.50 after 12 months |
|
Today Card®MasterCard®* |
Bank of Missouri | – | – | – |
|
MatrixMasterCard®* |
Bank of Missouri | – | – | – |
|
Build MasterCard®* |
Bank of Missouri | – | Initial credit limit of $500 | – |
Please note that credit card information displayed in the table, including interest rates, annual fees and other terms may not be entirely up to date or accurate. This is because Continental Finance usually provides access to certain fees and fees for a particular card only after an individual has applied for and approved a credit card. Therefore, we recommend that you directly check with the issuer for the latest and accurate credit card terms before making any financial decisions.
Benefits of Continental Finance Credit Cards
Using each of these cards, the main benefits are summarised in accessing credits and building credits.
“You can access your credits, but you’ll probably have lower credit limits. You can build your credit by using your card responsibly,” explains Rothman. “Continental Finance pledges to double the credit limit after making the first six monthly payments on time. Plus, these are unsecured credit cards, so there is no need to lower your security deposit.”
Silverman also points out that these cards boast a higher approval rate than many people expect, and provide account management tools that provide a convenient way for users to track their progress.
“The long-term advantage of these cards is the opportunity to improve their credit scores, which ultimately gives cardholders access to better financial opportunities in the future,” Silverman says.
The disadvantages of continental financial credit cards
Even with potential benefits, we cannot ignore the drawbacks, namely high fees.
“Annual and monthly fees are important, especially for products that do not offer credit card compensation,” adds Rothman. “Also, these cards have relatively low credit limits, so purchasing power is limited.”
Furthermore, many APRs on these cards were up to 35.90% as of April 2025, and up to 29.99% as of November 2023. This has increased nearly 6% in under two years.
Although it is designed for people with limited credit, there is still a risk of falling into a debt cycle at these high interest rates, especially if you don’t manage your spending responsibly.
– Baruch Silvermann, founder of Smart Investor
Do I need to get my card from Continental Finance?
Credit card options are restricted when building or rebuilding credits. Continental Finance offers options. That being said, don’t jump to the first card offer for bad credit.
Carefully evaluate measures to quickly repay your credit card balance and avoid high profits. We will also consider whether any possible credit score improvements justify the fees for the attached items. This is important for continental financial cards.
“It’s also important to understand the applicable conditions, such as credit restrictions and potential penalties for late payments,” advises Silverman.
Continental Finance Credit Cards
These cards are far from the only option if you have low or no credit.
“There are plenty of better credit cards for those looking to build or rebuild their credit,” Rothman says. “It would be better to place a $200 deposit on your annual secured credit card and regain $200 once you upgrade or close your card.
Rothman recommends the following options:
Conclusion
Continental Finance has several credit build cards that can look attractive if you have limited credit or have no credit. However, they are not worth considering your only choice, and the fees and high interest rates charged coupled with lack of compensation can make these cards less attractive.
Find a variety of options to see if you qualify for a secure credit card or other credit product that doesn’t require you to pay an annual or monthly fee.
*Information regarding Cerulean MasterCard®, FitMasterCard®, ReflexMasterCard®, Surge®PlatinumMasterCard®, VerveMasterCard®, Today®MasterCard®, MatrixMasterCard®, and BuildMasterCard® were collected independently by bankrates. Card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.
