What the Indigo Card payment process looks like
The Indigo Card is a secured credit card issued by Indigo Credit, and you make payments the same way you would with any other credit card — by sending money to the card issuer before your statement due date. You can pay online through your account, by phone, by mail, or through automatic transfers from your bank. The payment goes toward your statement balance, which includes purchases, fees, and any interest charges from the previous month.
Because the Indigo Card requires a cash deposit as collateral (your credit limit equals your deposit amount), the payment mechanics are straightforward: you owe what you charged, plus interest if you carry a balance, and you send that money back to Indigo Credit by the due date listed on your statement. Missing a payment or paying late will be reported to the three major credit bureaus and will damage your credit score.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay your Indigo Card balance online, by phone, by mail, or through automatic bank transfers, and the due date appears on your monthly statement.
- Indigo Card charges an annual fee (the amount varies by card version) and interest on any balance you carry month to month.
- Payments are reported to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, so on-time payments build your credit history while late payments damage it.
- Your credit limit is equal to your cash deposit, so you cannot charge more than the amount you deposited upfront.
Payment methods and where to send money
Indigo Credit offers four ways to make a payment. The fastest and most common is online through your account portal on the Indigo Credit website — you log in, enter the amount you want to pay, and the money typically posts within one business day. You can also set up automatic payments so a fixed amount or your full statement balance transfers from your bank account on a date you choose each month.
If you prefer to pay by phone, you can call Indigo Credit's customer service line (the number is on the back of your card and on your statement) and provide your payment information over the phone. Payments by mail take longer — you write a check or money order, include your account number, and mail it to the address listed on your statement. Mail payments typically take five to seven business days to post, so send them well before your due date to avoid a late payment.
Understanding your statement and what you owe
Your monthly statement shows your statement balance, which is the total amount you owe. This includes all purchases made during the billing cycle, any fees (such as the annual card fee or a late fee if you missed a previous payment), and interest charges if you carried a balance from the previous month. The statement also lists your minimum payment — the smallest amount Indigo Credit requires you to pay by the due date.
Paying only the minimum keeps your account in good standing and prevents a late payment report, but it does not pay off your balance. Any amount you do not pay will carry over to the next month and accrue interest at your card's annual percentage rate (APR). The Indigo Card APR varies based on creditworthiness and market conditions, so check your statement or account portal for your specific rate. Paying your full statement balance each month avoids interest charges entirely.
Fees that affect your payment amount
The Indigo Card charges an annual fee that appears on your statement once per year, usually in the month you opened the account. This fee is separate from your purchase balance and must be paid as part of your statement balance. The annual fee amount depends on which Indigo Card product you hold — different versions carry different fees, so check your cardholder agreement or account portal for your specific amount.
If you pay late, Indigo Credit charges a late fee on top of your regular balance. A payment is considered late if it arrives after your statement due date. Late fees are added to your next statement, so they increase the amount you owe going forward. Additionally, a late payment is reported to the credit bureaus and can lower your credit score. Paying at least the minimum payment by the due date avoids both the late fee and the credit damage.
How late payments and missed payments are handled
If your payment does not arrive by the due date, Indigo Credit reports the late payment to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion within 30 days. A single late payment can lower your credit score by 50 to 100 points or more, depending on your current score and credit history. The late payment stays on your credit report for seven years, even after you pay the balance.
If you miss a payment by 30 days or more, Indigo Credit may freeze your account and prevent you from making new charges. You will still owe the balance plus any late fees and interest. If the account remains unpaid for 120 days or longer, Indigo Credit may close the account and refer it to a collection agency. At that point, the debt collector can pursue you for the full amount owed, and the collection account will appear on your credit report for seven years.
Automatic payments and payment scheduling
Setting up automatic payments is the easiest way to may support you never miss a due date. Through your Indigo Credit account portal, you can authorize the card issuer to withdraw money from your bank account on a date you choose each month. You can set it to pay your full statement balance, your minimum payment, or a fixed dollar amount. Most people choose to pay the full balance automatically to avoid interest charges and late fees.
If you set up automatic payments, make sure your bank account has enough money on the payment date. If the automatic payment fails due to insufficient funds, Indigo Credit will typically attempt to process it again, but a failed payment may still be reported as late. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account portal, though you remain responsible for paying any balance that is not automatically withdrawn.
What happens to your deposit when you pay
Your cash deposit is held as collateral and does not go toward your monthly payments. When you make a payment, the money comes from your bank account or other payment method — it does not come from your deposit. Your deposit stays in a separate account held by Indigo Credit and remains there as long as your account is open.
If you close your Indigo Card account in good standing (meaning you have paid your balance in full and have no outstanding fees), Indigo Credit will return your deposit to you, usually within 5 to 10 business days. If you close the account with an unpaid balance, Indigo Credit may use your deposit to cover what you owe before returning any remainder. Some cardholders graduate to an unsecured card after building credit with the Indigo Card; if that happens, you can request your deposit back once you are approved for the unsecured product.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum payment on an Indigo Card?
The minimum payment is listed on your monthly statement and is typically 1 to 3 percent of your statement balance, plus any fees and interest. Paying the minimum keeps your account current, but you will pay interest on the remaining balance. Paying your full statement balance avoids interest charges.
Can I pay my Indigo Card with a debit card or another credit card?
No. Indigo Credit accepts payments only from bank accounts (via automatic transfer or phone), checks or money orders sent by mail, or online transfers from your bank account. You cannot pay with another credit card or debit card directly through Indigo Credit.
How long does it take for an online payment to post?
Online payments typically post within one business day. If you pay close to your due date, the payment may not post in time to avoid a late fee, so plan ahead. Automatic payments are scheduled in advance, so they post on the date you set.
What happens if I pay more than my statement balance?
Any amount you pay above your statement balance becomes a credit on your account. You can use that credit toward future purchases, or you can request that Indigo Credit return the overpayment to your bank account. Contact customer service to request a refund of overpayments.
Does paying my Indigo Card on time help my credit score?
Yes. On-time payments are reported to the credit bureaus and make up 35 percent of your credit score calculation. Consistent on-time payments over months and years build a positive credit history and raise your score. Late payments have the opposite effect and can significantly damage your score.