Month: January 2011

If you’re one of the consumers wondering whether or not you can really get credit cards with bad credit, you’re not alone. Millions of people have had credit problems and the fact of the matter is that the people with credit blemishes outnumber those with perfect credit scores. The trick is in finding the credit cards that will treat you with the respect you deserve. Here are three things to look for.

1. The Fees

If you’ve got a tarnished credit history, it’s not the end of the world. It is possible to get credit cards with bad credit. The problem is that there are good, bad and downright ugly credit card companies out there and you’ve got to learn how to tell one from the other.

When looking at a bad credit credit card, you need to look at the fees and charges before you look at anything else. Some credit card companies are honest and ethical. Others are not and they will nickel and dime you to death if you let them.

Some credit card companies charge those with credit challenges a modest annual fee ($60 or less) while others charge annual fees in addition to ridiculous processing fees, application fees and enrollment fees. Before you know it, you’ve paid $250 in fees for a credit card with a $300 credit limit. Your fees have almost maxed out your credit limit and the card isn’t even in your wallet yet!

If you want to make sure you’re getting a good credit card, make sure the fees are reasonable — no matter how bad your credit is.

2. The Terms

I’ve seen credit card offers for people with bad credit with interest rates as low as 9.99 percent. The problem is, these fees aren’t fixed rates. It’s a “teaser” rate that jumps up to 20 or 30 percent when the “intro period” is over. Oftentimes people who need credit cards with bad credit care apt to jump at this type of deal. That’s a big mistake.

If you don’t want to find yourself paying two or three times as much interest as you intended to, make sure the credit card you’re applying for has a fixed rate — not an intro rate. If you have damaged credit, you’re going to have to pay a higher rate. If a rate sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

3. The Type of Card

Now this should go without saying, but it’s probably a good idea to mention it anyway — a prepaid credit card is not really a credit card. It’s a gift card with a credit card logo on it.

If you want a credit card to rebuild your credit rating, a prepaid credit card isn’t going to do it. They don’t report your account activity to the credit bureaus and it’s not going to do your credit any good. You need either a traditional unsecured credit card or a secured card — not a prepaid card.

So if your question is whether or not you qualify for a credit card, the answer is most likely yes. The real question is, which of the credit cards should you go for and which should you avoid? These three tips will help you find the available credit cards with bad credit while avoiding the common pitfalls of this segment of the credit card industry

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/finance-articles/can-you-really-get-credit-cards-with-bad-credit-293251.html

About the Author

For more tips on bad credit credit cards, saving money and avoiding getting taken, check out the bad credit credit card section at CreditCardTipsEtc.com, a website that specializes in providing credit card tips, advice and resources.

Regardless of whether you have bad credit or not, getting a credit card is still possible. A person with bad credit may apply for a secured credit card and be approved. Secured credit cards involve using collateral as a basis for non-payment. This option should be used with extreme care.

What can be used for collateral?

A person who has bad credit can use his or her home as a guarantee. Based on the value of the home, a bad credit, credit card may be issued. If you default on the payment terms the bank issuing the card has the right to take the home used for collateral.

Some financial companies charge an annual fee and higher interest rates to those who have bad credit. Variable rate credit cards are also available. Many disclosures must be submitted to qualify for this type of credit card. The interest rate will vary on this as the market fluctuates but this may get you “in the door”.

What are other options to find a credit card with bad credit?

Using the internet to find and compare the fees for cards issued to people with bad credit. There are many sites available to financial institutions willing to work with low credit score individuals. With this option, applications can be submitted online.

A debit card that can be used with a credit card option is also a good choice. When using a card of this nature, the funds are taken out directly from your bank account with no interest accumulated. The card must have a Mastercard or Visa logo imprinted on it.

Unsecured credit cards are also available but will be difficult to be approved for as the bank has no encouragement to issue a card to a high risk individual. If approval is received for this type, the interest rates will be extremely high.

Secured credit cards are given to those who have credit but bad experience or to persons who have no credit. The credit line is usually low with both types.

Improving bad credit rating to obtain a credit card

Obtaining a copy of your credit report is an important step in getting a credit card with bad credit. Occasionally items that should not be on the report will be found and removed. Also if any suspicious activity is seen on a credit report it may be disputed and removed by contacting the appropriate authorities and the lending institution. The removal of items will also increase the credit rating leading to higher chances of being approved by financial lending institution for a card.

More methods are also available but always take caution when apply for and selecting a provider to prevent fees from being taken out of your bank account.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/credit-articles/getting-credit-cards-with-bad-credit-1052026.html

About the Author

The author runs several finance related websites, including sites that specialize in bad credit credit cards. Visit their website for a wide selection of credit cards for bad credit.

Copyright (c) 2009 Liz Roberts

The demand for bad credit credit cards is fast on the rise. As more and more people struggle with bad credit, many are ever more determined to bounce back and regain a good credit standing. By applying for a secured credit card, anyone now have the chance to work on credit improvement more easily. How do you know if you need to get a credit card for bad credit? Below are situations to ponder.

You have a low credit score.

A low credit score may be an indication of some problems in your finances. It is recommended to start improving your bad credit while it is still easily repairable. You don’t have to wait for the worse to come before taking action.

Order a copy of your credit report so you can check the status of each of your accounts. You need to find out the reason behind your low rating. Is it because of frequently late payments? Or do you have outstanding balances in your credit cards? Do you often reach your maximum credit limit or exceed your limit? These are possible reasons of a low credit score.

Another possibility is that there are unauthorized transactions in your account, which you may not even be aware of. Understanding the reason behind your credit score is the key to finding the perfect solution to your problem.

You have negative remarks in your public record.

If you have a record of bankruptcy in your credit report, then you really need to start rebuilding your credit history. You can expect that it will not be easy to get approval from creditors. However, get a bad credit credit card is a first step towards credit rehabilitation. Once you have your bad credit credit card, use it very carefully and see to it that you will not be making the same mistakes that you did in the past. Take your payment obligations seriously and be more cautious in managing your finances.

You need to apply for new credit.

If you want to get a reward credit card but are hindered because of poor rating, you can work for improvement first by getting a credit card for bad credit. It may only take 6 months to boost your score and afterwards, you can upgrade to a non-secured credit card or apply for the rewards credit card you like.

Improving your score is also recommended if you have plans to apply for a loan. Aside from getting your loan application approved quickly, you will be in a much better position to negotiate with lenders if you can present a good credit history. Remember that the best loan deals are often reserved only for borrowers with impressive rating.

A secured card or a bad credit card is a great tool to help you boost your score. As long as you stay within your credit limit and you submit your payments religiously, it should not be very difficult for you to see progress in your rating. Being able to boost your credit score by even just a few points can make a big difference in your rates and fees.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/finance-articles/signs-that-you-need-a-credit-card-for-bad-credit-1542996.html

About the Author

New Horizon Business Services, Inc NHBS, Inc has been providing consumers and business owners with financing since 1989. Join our mailing list for Free Tips on Rebuilding and Repairing Credit. Click here for the list of bad credit personal loans that suit your needs.

Copyright (c) 2010 Liz Roberts

Planning to apply for a bad credit credit card? Finding the right one with reasonable fees and conditions is possible if you will just do an extensive research. Comparing all your options is also recommended. Below are some helpful tips on how you can shop around for a credit card for bad credit that can surely help you repair and improve your bad credit history.

The Hunt for the Right Bad Credit Credit Card

Search the web and you can find a lot of credit card offers for people with poor credit scores. However, most of these cards come with high interest, high fees, and high deposits. Although Issuers of sub-prime cards understandably charge higher rates and fees than standard cards, you should not settle with a credit card that will put you at greater risk of having bad credit. It is a relief to know that the New Credit Card Law imposes a restriction on bad credit credit card fees. For instance, upfront fees cannot exceed more than 25% of the card holder’s credit limit. Look out for credit cards for bad credit that do not require you to pay annual fees. Before signing up, see to it that the Issuer won’t be making up for this loss by charging higher interest. By shopping around, you can find cards for bad credit that do not carry expensive rates or fees.

Choose a Card that Matches Your Personal Needs

You can use a comparison tool from a reliable credit card review website to match different credit card offers in the market. Match up the interest rates, fees, credit limit, etc. Aside from the costs, you should carefully consider the terms and conditions.

Which of these credit cards is the most suitable one for your type of needs? Remember that your primarily goal must be to use your credit card to rebuild your credit history and improve your credit score. Will your chosen Issuer report every payment you will make to the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)? Does the Card offer an instant upgrade after you have shown consistent payment for a certain time period?

How much security deposit are you willing to submit? The required amount of security deposit can range anywhere from $300 to $500 or higher, depending on the issuer. You should prepare to submit a much higher deposit if you are in need of a higher credit line.

If you are on a limited budget, it is a good idea to start with a lower credit line. Thus, you won’t have to make a large deposit and you can put exercise more control over your spending. Remember, qualifying for a standard credit card that requires only good or excellent credit rating is still the best way to enjoy a low interest rate, lower fees, higher credit limit plus the opportunity to earn rewards and special privileges.

Once you have your credit card for bad credit, make sure that you only use it for important purchases and always pay your bills on time. Avoid applying for more than one credit card so you can maintain your focus on improving your credit rating. More importantly, avoid the high interest rates by paying off your full balance on or before your due date.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/finance-articles/how-to-get-the-best-credit-card-for-bad-credit-2485370.html

About the Author

Since 1989, New Horizon Business Services, Inc NHBS, Inc has been providing consumers and business owners with financing. Join our mailing list for Free Tips on Rebuilding and Repairing Credit. Click here for the list of bad credit credit cards that suit your needs.

Both secured and unsecured credit cards for bad credit clients are really attainable but, because of the liability of default, the tenures are totally different. The glad report is that those who make routine installments to their bad credit status card will begin to solve credit reports and fix bad credit. This could imply that prevailing financial items will become attainable in the near future.

Choosing a credit card for bad credit

The excellent credit card proffers are only attainable when security is pledged. This is because people who have defraud on their credit tenure or announced credit card bankruptcy represents too big a risk to money providers. Chances involve the new millennium bank secured platinum card, first premier platinum master card, applied bank secured visa.

Unsecured credit cards for bad credit will firstly proffer a lower credit level than a secured alternative. If sanctioned, a credit level of at least two hundred and fifty dollars will be proffered to clients. This sum will be reevaluated every six months so it could be hiked.

There is a yearly charge of forty eight dollars, an account set up fee of twenty nine dollars, a program charge of ninety five dollars and a monthly servicing charge of seven dollars. It is likely to utilize up to ten percent of any attainable credit level to enjoy advance money, even though this may hike one two months installments have been made.

A credit evaluation will be carried out to establish eligibility which may imply that it isn´t appropriate for those who have announced credit card bankruptcy. Nevertheless, it could be one of the excellent credit cards for bad credit proffers for those who have other previous repayment indiscretions.

MasterCard for bad credit

This is one of the excellent cards because no credit evaluation is imperative, nor are there any particular earning requirements. Routine installments will be reported to credit evaluation agencies so your bad credit rating will begin to eventually improve.

It proffers clients a credit level of up to five thousand dollars and a comfortable rate of interest of just nine points nine nine percent APR. It is vital to notify that the first credit limit will be equal to the primary deposit.

Secured credit cards for bad credit

Clients could be proffered a credit limit up to ten thousand dollars. No credit evaluation is imperative which signifies that it is one of various viable credit cards for bad credit. The main advantages contain up to one lakh dollars of travel accident insurance, extended warranty on purchases and the provision of auto rental insurance.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/business-ideas-articles/credit-cards-for-bad-credit-help-to-fix-credit-reports-3225444.html

About the Author

Spencer Scott is author of No Credit Check Credit Cards.