| |
| |
|
Kellys Credit Information |
|
|
|
Dont Fall For A Scheme When Trying To Rebuild Your Credit History
For people with a spotty credit history or bad credit, getting approved for a standard credit card can be difficult, if not impossible. There are a number of credit card options that are aimed specifically at people who have bad credit and are trying to rebuild or repair it. There are also, unfortunately, a lot of schemes to take advantage of the desperation to get a credit card when no one else will issue one. How do you tell which options are valid ones and which are just taking advantage of a bad situation? Let's take a look at some the things that you should be wary of below. Catalog Clubs Disguised As 'Credit Cards' For People With Bad Credit. Some supposed credit cards offer to help people rebuild a bad credit history by making purchases from their catalogs. Products in the catalogs are often overpriced, and you can't use the 'credit card' anywhere else. While they will make reports to credit card companies with your balance and payment history, which will help to repair bad credit, it can be a very expensive way to acquire goods and clear up your credit history. Prepaid 'Credit Cards' To Help People Repair Bad Credit. Technically, prepaid credit cards are not credit cards, though they may bear a Visa or MasterCard logo. They're more like a debit card, without a bank account. The purchaser 'loads' the card with a deposit, usually with a minimum of $20 and a maximum of $500 to $5000. When you use the credit card to make a purchase, the amount of the purchase is deducted from your balance. When the balance reaches $0, you can't use the card until it is reloaded. Generally, you can reload the card at any time, though there is usually an upper limit to the amount of cash that the card can carry at any one time. Secured Credit Card - The Best Option For People With Bad Credit. A secured credit card is one of the best options for people who've failed to get the approval for a standard credit card. Your approval for credit is contingent upon a deposit in the credit card company's bank. Your initial credit limit is usually the amount of your deposit. As you make payments on time, the credit card company may increase your credit limit to 150% or 200% of your security deposit. Unlike a prepaid card, where you are actually spending your own money when you make a purchase, with a secured credit card you are buying on credit and reestablishing your credit history. The security deposit is only touched if you default on payments. Be sure to check around for the best interest rates, as they can vary widely. You will be faced with many options as you are trying to rebuild your credit history, and unfortunately, many people have found ways to take advantage of those people who are tying to turn over a new credit "leaf." Don't let that happen to you! Thoroughly research each of your options before making a decision. What Are The Benefits Of Gas Station and Department Store Credit Cards? If you are trying to rebuild your credit, gas station and department store credit cards just may be the answer that you're looking for. Why? Unlike bank issued credit cards, these types of cards are generally easier to get, so even if your credit report isn't spotless, you may be approved for one of them. But it's important to remember to use them for the purpose of rebuilding your credit report, or you could quickly find yourself in debt again. (After all, those department stores filled with everything imaginable are pretty tempting, aren't they?) After you've been approved for a card, you should make every effort to pay off the balance in full each and every month. Because they typically have higher interest rates, letting a balance accumulate can cost you a lot of money! Obviously, you should pay on time, and never, ever allow a payment to be late. If you think that you've waited too long on a department store credit card, simply go to the store and pay your bill in the customer service department. Another thing to remember is that just because these cards are easier to get, that doesn't mean that you should have tons of them! When a potential lender looks on your credit report and sees a lot of credit already extended-even if it's just one of these cards-they will likely pass on your request. Once you have used the cards to build a good credit history, you'll have to decide whether or not to keep them. After all, the interest rates are significantly higher than bank issued credit cards, and if your credit rating is good enough to get one, you might be better off canceling them and using a master card or visa instead. Here are some things to consider when applying for one of these cards: Most people think of gas station credit cards as only good for purchasing gas, but in fact, you'll reap other benefits as well. For example, what would happen if your car broke down, but you didn't have the cash to get it fixed? If you had a gas station credit card, you could simply charge the amount of the repair to your card! In addition, when traveling you could use the card to eat out (most gas stations in remote areas have restaurants), or simply use it to buy snacks, suntan lotion or whatever else you need. Finally, you may be able to get discounts on travel, hotels or rental cars, and car insurance when using your gas station credit card. The key is to shop around for just the right card that will offer you the most benefits. A department store credit card can offer great benefits as well. Just imagine everything that a department store offers; appliances, rugs, furniture, clothes, jewelry, tool and cosmetics, to name just a few. But remember not to get too carried away-after all the point is to build your credit, not go further in debt, remember? Again the bad thing about these types of credit cards is that the interest rate you pay will be higher than a bank issued card. But if you watch your charges, and then pay them off every month, this shouldn't be an issue. Michael Contaro For More Articles by Michael Contaro visit http://www.atozonline.com
MORE RESOURCES:
Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
I've Heard About FACTA; What Does It mean? What FACTA means is that if you, as an individual, lose the information on anyone you have ever hired; or, for any business in the United States of America that collects any personal information on people, if the information should be lost due to not destroying the information properly, then two things can happen. First, there are federal fines of up to $2,500. Searching For A Low Interest Credit Card? These days, people need to very carefully consider what type of credit card they will carry in their wallets. There are so many options out there, and each individual has different needs. Bad Credit Credit Cards Chances are you've gotten your share of offers like this in the mail Bad Credit Credit Card, Bad Credit Visa Cards and Credit Cards for People With Bad Credit. Re-establish your credit with a bad credit credit card, credit cards for people with bad credit or pre-approved Visa cards regardless of your bad credit history, some with low introductory rates and other perks. What Should I Do If I've Become a Victim of Identity Theft? Identity thieves take advantage of everyday opportunities to discover your personal information and use it to commit fraud or other crimes. The good news is a victim of identity theft has more options today than ever before. How To Boost Your Credit Score Years ago your credit score was a big secret, known only to a select few such as your mortgage and credit card companies. In 2000, Fair, Isaac Co. 10 Ways To Protect Your Financial Identity Being Used For Someone Else's Shopping Spree Someone impersonating you could be spending your hard-earned money.Impossible! Not really, check, loan, and identity fraud are a real problem. Update Your Computer System With Bad Credit Computer Financing The moment I placed myself in front of the computer screen a whole new world beckoned me to join it. And years of strolling have proved incompetent to get me acquainted with the full panorama of computers. The Art of Stoozing to Make Money from Credit Cards Make Money from StoozingStoozing, this is a sophisticated method of making money from credit cards that offer 0% introductory periods, the method requires cast iron discipline in never spending on the cards.But, I hear you all ask - what is stoozing and can I do it?Stoozing, in the simplest terms is borrowing money from credit cards that offer a 0% introductory deals and saving that money in a savings account for the duration of the offer on the credit card. Compare Credit Card Offers and Reward Yourself Here's a simple system on how to pay zero interest and get tons of free stuff. Almost everyone uses credit cards. Credit Report Hassles There is no end to the amount of pain that your credit report can cause you. If you have a bad credit history this is something that can follow you around and wreak havoc on your life without you even knowing it. Your Credit Card May Be Costing More Than You Think! Do you know what your credit card is truly costing you? Many people assume that they do, but aren't familiar with the hidden fees that many credit card companies are charging. In fact, if you don't keep close tabs on your credit card, you may end up paying hundreds of extra dollars per year-without ever really knowing it!And if you're trying to budget your money, those hidden fees can add up!Let's take a look at some of the most common credit card fees, and then talk about how you can avoid them. Identity Theft - Dont Think You Are Immune As identity theft becomes more prevalent, the need to regularly check your credit report is very easy to see and understand. Two big headlines in the news recently point to how closely tied your credit report and identity theft are. What Can Happen to You as a Victim of Identity Theft, Facts & Figure Is identity theft really that serious? Thousands of people every year are victims of this terrible crime. Thieves use your personal information to commit fraud or other crimes in your name and can cause significant credit damage. Credit cards If gold medals were awarded for marketing consistency, the credit card industry would be the Sarah Hughes of the business world. Major players Visa and MasterCard, who have maintained their steady rates of spending and commitment to their positioning platforms for years, will stick to their established routines this year. Practical Suggestions for Protecting Yourself From Identity Theft It's no surprise that thousands of Americans are victimized by identity theft each year. Last year more than 9,000,000 people were victims of identity theft amounting to some $45 billion dollars. Some Truth About Credit Credit is currently and has been historically an integral component of our economy. Credit contribute a person's net worth, and financial power. Good Credit Is a Necessity for Everyday Living Most of us want a good credit report to obtain vehicle financing, credit cards for emergencies and luxuries, and to finance a home mortgage. However, beyond these consumer loans, a great credit report makes your life easier. Recognizing the Signs that You Might Need Credit Counseling Most families in America today have a credit card; some have two or more. The type of credit card you own, gold, platinum, ext, is almost a status symbol in society. Credit Report - Look Out for Your Debit Report, Too Most consumers are aware that there are companies that keep track of their personal financial transactions - installment loans, mortgages, credit card accounts, bankruptcies and judgements. These items are assembled by the three main credit bureaus into a credit report, which is available upon request by lenders, employers and anyone else with whom a consumer might do business. Which Credit Card? Bewildered by the sheer variety of debit cards and credit cards? Here is a breakdown of some of the main types of debit and credit cards available:Debit cardYou can use a debit card to buy goods and services. A debit card is very much like a cheque, unlike a credit card, you pay for goods straight away and the money comes out of your account quickly.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2006 |
