Credit Cards When You Have Bad Credit

Credit Cards When You Have Bad Credit

by Ajeet Khurana

Have you made mistakes in the past that have led you to have poor rating? If this is the case you may not think that you can get another credit card, but the fact of the matter is that you can but it just may not be one that you would pick if you had your choice.
If you do it correctly, you can actually use charge cards to help improve your score again. It may be a long process but it will be worth it. Every month your score will be in good standing which will move you a little bit closer to having good borrowing limit once more, or perhaps for the first time in your life.

Opening A Credit Account With Poor Credit

There are currently a lot of programs out there that are just for those that have poor score. In most cases you'll find that you can receive a charge card but you cannot get one that has a huge limit.

You shouldn't worry about the limit too much but you should instead think about making regular payments. You may start out with an amount that is as low as $100 but don't let that borrow you. Instead, buy small items such as a few groceries and then pay them off repeatedly.

If you do this over and over again for about six months you'll generally find that the company will extend your borrowing limit while your rating is rising at the same time.

If you really have poor score you may find that the only way to have another debt card is to accept a secured offer. What this means is that you will actually be putting your own money into your account.

This seems silly to a lot of people but this shows creditors that you have the ability to charge, pay on the balance, and charge again always keeping it to a minimum. If you are able to do this for even six months you will find that you get more offers for low balance.

The idea behind the secured credit card is to show that you are capable of paying off your outstanding, so don't dismiss this idea as it really can help you get your foot into the door with creditors again.

Another way that you will be able to establish some borrowing facilities again is if someone is on the credit account with you. Many card companies today don't allow this anymore, but if it were an option you would want to look into your options and see if you can't get your name out there on some plastic money.

If you are successful in doing this, make sure that you pay off your outstanding regularly because if you don't you can also cause the other person on the account to see a decline in their score, and you don't want to be responsible for that.

As you can see there are still options out there for you even if you have a bad rating. In some cases you will be able to seek balance transfer cards that will not allow you to charge anything further but will allow you to open a new account and give you the chance to keep it in good standing.

Balance transfer opportunities are also a good idea because you can lower your interest rate and actually start paying off your debt instead of just the interest.

Credit Cards for Bad Credit

Credit Cards for Bad Credit

by Noreen Ruth

We're living in a world where we want immediate gratification for our efforts. In fact, we feel that we deserve life's rewards even if we haven't done anything to merit them. This is why so many people find themselves in a bad credit situation. They have taken a system that was meant to make our lives easier and turned it into a way of life. Easy credit approval, ever increasing credit limits and the implication that you are owed a line of credit can get you into big trouble.

If you are being rejected by lenders due to a bad credit record, you need to do the necessary things to make it right and turn that bad credit into a good credit record. The first step is to establish a new credit account. Over time and with responsible behavior you can improve your credit score and ultimately your ability to get the credit you need.

It would appear that this would be an easy process when you consider all the offers that show up in our mail. Even those that claim to be pre-approved credit cards for bad credit require more than just filling out a form. Know what you are getting yourself into and you will be on your way to repairing your credit.

Credit Cards to Repair Bad Credit ARE Different!

* There is usually an annual membership fee ranging from $25 - $100.
* The Annual Percent Rate (APR) is higher than a standard credit card.
* A security deposit may be required to establish a line of credit, if your credit record is extensively damaged.
* Charges for cash advances, late payments and over-limit fees will be higher than a standard card.

Making the Right Choice
If you need credit quickly, the fastest and easiest card to get is a secured credit card. With this type of credit, you will be putting up a security deposit to cover the loan. The lending companies are much more willing to approve a secured credit card because their risk is minimal with your own money backing the loan. The obvious downside is that your own funds will be tied up but in return your will be moving toward repairing your bad credit record.

A more desirable option would be to secure a standard unsecured credit card. A security deposit is not required but the credit limit will be low. Over time the limit will be increased as you show your credit worthiness and you will eventually be offered lower interest rate cards.

If it Sounds too Good to Be True . . .
One word of caution about offers that promise to get you a credit card regardless of your past history or your current financial situation. These promotions often require a processing fee before they will approve you for a card. The catch is that the once you pay the fee the company vanishes - with your money. The worst case scenario would be that they will take your personal identification information and use it to steal your identity.

Caution is advised when dealing with a company that:

" Guarantees your approval without a credit check or regardless of your credit history
" Has an international address or phone number
" Asks for money upfront " Requires that you wire money business or individual
" Has a recorded message at the posted phone number directing you to call a difference number

Tips to insure a legitimate company:

" Deal with brick and mortar stores in your area
" Check out the company with the Better Business Bureau
" Call and verify that your agent is actually affiliated with the company

Beware the Cost of Borrowing
When dealing with a bad credit record, the cost of borrowing will be very high. Whenever possible, it is best to purchase with cash; but for emergencies or life's essentials having credit available is a blessing.

Purchasing for today with the idea of paying it off in the future is a dangerous slippery slope into possible debt problems. Always pay off your credit card balance each month.

Be Optimistic
Be patient, persistent, and optimistic about the efforts you are making to improve your credit report. As you establish a history of on-time payments, your credit report will reflect a better standing and you will qualify for credit cards at lower annual percentage rates.

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