Bad Credit? Can't Get a Credit Card? Yes You Can!
By: Kevin Funnell | Posted: 20th May 2006
Most people don't give much thought to the importance of credit until they need it. When they go to apply for a credit card they discover that their bad credit keeps them from getting a card, or a card at a decent rate. Most people want to pay their bills, and remain in good credit standing. Nobody wants to be seen as a deadbeat to the credit card companies, but because of a couple of tight financial situations in the past they cannot get approval for a credit card. There is a way around this problem.
There are a few companies out there that understand your situation, and want to help you to obtain a better credit rating. These companies offer secured credit cards. A secured credit card is a card that you make a deposit to which determines your credit limit. You can use your card just like any credit card, but your purchases are limited to your deposited amount, (similar to a debit card). Before applying for a secured credit card you must make sure that the card reports to the major credit reporting agencies. If they do not report then that card is nothing better than a glorified debit card. In extremely simplified terms when a secured card sends reports to the major credit reporting agencies they are showing that you are paying off your debits, (since they're prepaid), and you are less of a credit risk. After time you become more appealing to other credit card companies and you will more readily be accepted for traditional credit cards.
Improving your credit is not a quick and easy task. There are many other things that factor into your credit score, but this is one action that you can take on your own. A secured credit card may not fix severely damaged credit, but for many people it's a step in the right direction.
*Before applying for any credit card be sure to read, and understand the 'terms and conditions' of the card.
Please visit PlasticMine.com for a selection of secured credit cards.
About the Author
Kevin is the webmaster of
PlasticMine.com. Plasticmine is an easy-to-use website designed to give you apples to apples information so you can make a quick, informed decision on the credit card that is right for you.
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Tags: credit card companies, credit rating, credit score, financial situations, credit reporting agencies, step in the right direction, credit risk, debit card, bad credit, major credit reporting agencies, decent rate, improving your credit, secured credit card, secured card, secured credit cards, debits