Indigo Card: Eligibility Criteria

The Indigo Card is a popular credit card known for its stellar rewards programs and premium benefits. However, due to the valuable perks it offers, the qualification criteria for the Indigo Card can be stringent, especially for the higher card tiers like Gold and Platinum. This guide will explore the key requirements you need to meet to successfully apply for and maintain an Indigo Card.

Overview of the Indigo Card Program

The Indigo Card is issued by Indigo Financial, one of the largest credit card companies in the country. They offer three tiers of the Indigo Card:

• Regular Indigo Card – The basic card with standard benefits
• Indigo Gold Card – The mid-level card with enhanced rewards and benefits
• Indigo Platinum Card – The premium card with the best rewards and luxury perks

The higher the card tier, the more exclusive it is. The Platinum card in particular offers high-end benefits like airport lounge access, luxury hotel privileges, and exclusive events and experiences.

All Indigo Cards provide:

• Competitive rewards on purchases
• Zero fraud liability protection
• 24/7 customer service

The key advantages that make the Indigo Card so popular are:

• Lucrative Rewards – Cardholders earn generous points on purchases that can be redeemed for cashback, gift cards, travel, and more.
• Travel Benefits – Cards come with complimentary travel insurance, airport lounge access (Platinum only), and global entry/TSA precheck fee credits.
• Premium Perks – Higher tiers offer benefits like hotel elite status, dining credits, and exclusive event invitations.
• Excellent Service – Indigo Financial is known for superior customer service and white glove treatment for its premium cardholders.

However, the valuable perks, rewards, and prestige associated with the Indigo Card come with strict qualification criteria. Let’s explore the key requirements.

Eligibility Requirements for the Indigo Card

To qualify for approval for any Indigo Card product, you must meet requirements related to:

• Age
• Income
• Credit history
• Existing accounts

Each factor is important in determining your eligibility, especially for the premium Gold and Platinum cards.

Age Requirements

To apply for an Indigo Card, you must be at least 18 years old. For the Platinum card, the minimum age is 21.

You will need to provide identifying documents like a driver’s license or passport during the application process to verify your age. Having a document that confirms your date of birth is essential.

Income Requirements

To qualify for an Indigo Card, you need a minimum personal gross annual income:

• Regular Card: $20,000
• Gold Card: $75,000
• Platinum Card: $100,000

These minimums are for individual applicants only. If you’re applying with a joint applicant, your combined income will be considered.

To document your income, you’ll need to provide materials like:

• Recent W2 tax forms
• Recent pay stub showing year-to-date earnings
• Previous year’s tax return
• Proof of assets if self-employed

If you are self-employed, ensure your income documentation clearly shows your earnings over time, not just temporary funds in your account.

Credit Score Requirements

The Indigo Card requires good to excellent credit for approval. The minimum credit scores for each tier are:

• Regular Card: 670
• Gold Card: 720
• Platinum Card: 750+

Your credit score is a number calculated based on your credit history factors like:

• Payment history
• Credit utilization
• Credit age and mix
• Hard inquiries

Ensuring you meet the minimum score requirements for the card tier you want is important. If your score is under the threshold, take time to build your credit before applying.

Requirements for Existing Accounts

To qualify for the Indigo Card, you typically need at least 3-5 years of credit history with existing accounts. This demonstrates you have experience managing credit responsibly over time.

Indigo also prefers to see active accounts rather than closed ones, as this illustrates current creditworthiness. Having major negative marks like collections or charge-offs within the last few years can also disqualify you.

Ideally, aim to have open accounts in good standing that show a strong record of on-time payments and low balances. Avoid closing your oldest accounts if possible, as this can reduce your credit history length.

The Application Process

Applying for an Indigo Card involves gathering documents, submitting your application, and waiting for a decision. Here is an overview of the process:

How to Apply for an Indigo Card

You can apply for an Indigo Card in two ways:

• Online application – Fill out the secure application form on the Indigo Financial website. This allows you to easily submit documents.
• Paper application – Print out and mail in a physical application form. Can take longer to process.

Whichever method you choose, prepare these essential documents:

• Identification (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
• Income verification
• Current bank account statements
• Optional: Documents to support income if self-employed

The application fee is:

• Regular Card: $95
• Gold Card: $125
• Platinum Card: $450

This fee covers the credit check and verification process. It is not refundable if you are denied the card.

Application Review Process

Once you submit your Indigo Card application package, here is the general review process:

• Up to 10 days for decision – Indigo will review your application and decide within 5-10 business days.
• Notification by email/mail – You’ll be notified of the decision by email or physical mail.
• Check status online – You can also check your application status on the Indigo website.

During the review, Indigo will:

• Run a credit check to verify your creditworthiness
• Confirm your details and eligibility
• Evaluate your income and employment
• Assess your credit history and existing accounts

Verification or clarification may be needed if any documentation is unclear.

After Approval: Next Steps

If approved, here’s what to expect next:

• Card delivery in 5-7 days – Your new Indigo Card will ship quickly. Activate it upon receipt.
• Welcome package – You’ll receive a welcome kit with your card details and benefits guide.
• Cardmember account setup – Activate your online account to manage your new card.
• Make your first purchase! – Be sure to make an initial purchase within 60 days to keep your account active.

Maintaining Your Indigo Card Account

Once you qualify and get approved for an Indigo Card, maintaining your account in good standing is important. Here are some key factors:

Paying the Annual Fee

Indigo Cards have annual fees ranging from:

• Regular Card: $95
• Gold Card: $195
• Platinum Card: $595

This fee will be billed each year on your cardmember anniversary date. You may be eligible for a fee waiver if you spend over a certain amount annually.

Meeting Account Usage Requirements

To keep your card active, you must:

• Have at least 1 purchase transaction every 90 days
• Maintain a balance over $0
• Avoid dormancy or your card may be closed

Regular card usage shows that you actively value your Indigo Card benefits.

Requesting Credit Limit Increases

As a cardholder in good standing, you can request a higher credit limit after making on-time payments for 6 months to 1 year. This can help:

• Keep credit utilization low
• Qualify for higher card tiers
• Show improved credit management

Issuers review income, credit score, and account history when evaluating increase requests.

Maintaining Your Account Information

To manage your account properly over time:

• Keep your contact information like phone, email, and address updated
• Report lost/stolen cards immediately to prevent fraudulent charges
• Request replacements for damaged cards to avoid disruptions

Proper account maintenance and communication will ensure excellent long-term experiences with Indigo Financial.

Improving Your Chances of Approval

If you don’t qualify for an Indigo Card initially, there are steps you can take to improve your approval odds on applications down the road:

Build your credit history – Having 3-5 years of accounts with perfect payment history can significantly raise your score over time. Avoid late payments!

Lower credit utilization – Keep balances low compared to your credit limits. Ideal utilization is below 30%.

Manage credit inquiries – Too many hard inquiries from applications can negatively impact your eligibility. Wait between applications and consider pre-qualification checks instead of hard inquiries.

Provide all documentation – Fully complete applications and submit all required income/identity documents to show your best profile. Follow up quickly if additional verification is needed.

Start with a secured card – Consider getting a secured credit card and using it responsibly for 6-12 months. This can demonstrate you can handle credit and graduate to an unsecured card.

The keys are building a strong credit profile over time, managing your current credit wisely, and demonstrating your qualifications. This will significantly improve your chances of Indigo Card approval.

Reasons for Denial and Next Steps

If your Indigo Card application is denied, understand why this decision was made so you can take steps to improve your chances for future approvals. Here are some top reasons for denial:

Poor credit history – Issues like late payments, high balances, collections, or bankruptcies can disqualify you. Focus on improving your credit health before reapplying.

Insufficient income – All income documentation should show you meet the minimums for the card tier you want. Boost your income if needed and maintain stability.

Limited credit history – Try getting a secured card and responsibly building your history for at least 1-2 years before reapplying.

Too many inquiries or new accounts – Space out card applications over time and minimize hard credit checks.

Unverifiable information – Double-check applications for accuracy and provide legitimate documents to validate your details.

If denied, you can call Indigo’s reconsideration line to discuss your application, provide clarification if needed, and appeal the decision. However, you may need to improve your qualifications before getting approved.

Alternatives like secured cards can help build your profile. Getting a credit consultation can also guide you in improving your chances for future approvals.

Summary

The bottom line is the Indigo Card has strict requirements due to its lucrative rewards and benefits. By understanding the qualification criteria, meticulously meeting the requirements, and building your credit profile over time, your approval odds will significantly improve. With persistence and responsible credit management, you can qualify for this exceptional card and reap its generous rewards and perks for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions