The Cerulean Mastercard is an unsecured credit card for bad credit that charges a $99 annual fee and a 25.90% variable APR, according to the card’s June 2026 cardholder agreement, making it one of the lower-APR options among no-deposit credit-builder cards.
Issued by The Bank of Missouri and serviced by Continental Finance, the Cerulean card targets consumers with no credit history to fair credit (FICO 0-669) who want to avoid a security deposit. Approved cardholders start with a credit limit between $300 and $1,000, and the account reports monthly to Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax.
Key Details at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Issuer | The Bank of Missouri, serviced by Continental Finance |
| Annual Fee | $99 (some older offers range $75–$125 by creditworthiness) |
| APR | 25.90% variable (current cardholder agreement); older sources cite up to 35.99% |
| Starting Credit Limit | $300 to $1,000 |
| Credit Limit Increase | Can double after 6 consecutive on-time payments |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 3% of each transaction |
| Rewards | None |
Applicants can check their approval odds through the official Cerulean card prequalification page, which uses a soft credit pull that doesn’t affect your credit score.
Why the APR Actually Matters Here
Most cards in this category (Milestone, Reflex, Fit, Surge) carry a fixed APR in the mid-30s. Cerulean’s current cardholder agreement lists 25.90% variable instead, a real gap if a balance ever carries over month to month. According to Firstcard’s June 2026 breakdown, that lower rate is Cerulean’s clearest advantage over its Continental Finance siblings.
The tradeoff is the credit limit ceiling. Cardrates notes that Cerulean’s sister card, the Surge Mastercard, can grow up to $4,000 with responsible use, while Cerulean’s limit increases are less clearly documented and generally stay closer to the $300-$1,000 starting range doubled once.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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Cons
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Who Should Get This Card
The Cerulean Mastercard fits some financial situations better than others.
| Profile | Fit |
|---|---|
| Might occasionally carry a balance | Good fit: lower APR than most peers |
| No cash for a security deposit | Good fit: unsecured approval |
| Wants the highest possible credit limit growth | Compare the Surge Mastercard instead |
| Can afford a refundable deposit | Poor fit: a secured card will usually cost less |
If Cerulean’s fees give you pause, our Reflex Mastercard review and Fit Mastercard review cover two other Continental Finance cards with different fee and limit tradeoffs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Cerulean Mastercard a legitimate credit card?
Yes. Cerulean is issued by The Bank of Missouri, an FDIC-insured bank, and serviced by Continental Finance. It reports account activity to Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax every month.
Does the Cerulean Mastercard require a security deposit?
No. Cerulean is an unsecured credit card, meaning approved applicants don’t need to put down any cash deposit to open the account.
What is the APR on the Cerulean Mastercard?
The current cardholder agreement lists a 25.90% variable APR, though the exact rate depends on the Prime Rate and your specific offer. Some older offers cited APRs up to 35.99%.
Can my Cerulean credit limit increase?
Yes. Cardholders who make six consecutive on-time monthly payments can qualify to have their credit limit doubled.
Can I check if I qualify without hurting my credit score?
Yes. Cerulean’s prequalification process uses a soft credit pull, which doesn’t affect your credit score. A hard inquiry only occurs if you proceed with the full application.
Disclaimer: We are not financial advisors. This review is for informational purposes only and reflects publicly available terms as of 2026. Card terms, fees, and APRs can change. Always confirm current details directly with the issuer before applying.