Tag Archives: credit cards
The Truth About Credit Cards For People With Bad Credit (Page 1 of 2)
When it comes to credit cards for people with bad credit, there are dozens to choose from. However, that doesn’t mean they are all good credit cards to have. While some bad credit credit cards really do work towards improving a person’s credit, others do nothing but fleece the pockets of those who need a second chance.
Here are seven things to look for when dealing with credit cards for people with bad credit.
1. Fees, Fees and More Fees
It is true that credit cards for people with bad credit almost always have an annual fee attached to them. That being said, a few of the questionable bad credit credit cards charge much more than just an annual fee.
One of the popular credit cards for people with bad credit advertises a $48 annual fee. Not bad, right? It wouldn’t be — if that’s where the fees ended. Unfortunately, this card also charges a processing fee of $29, a one-time program fee of $95 and a participation fee of $6 each month.
That’s a whopping total of $178 being charged to your card before you even get it in your hands. Considering most applicants only qualify for a credit limit of $250, that leaves you with an available credit line of just $72. Not exactly the credit card you were hoping for, is it?
Do yourself a favor… When dealing with credit cards for people with bad credit, make sure you understand all of the fees involved and don’t just judge a card by the annual fee or the interest rate.
2. The Facts About Secured Credit Cards
When looking for credit cards for people with bad credit, there are two categories of cards you will be looking at. These categories are called secured credit cards and unsecured credit cards.
With a secured credit card, you have to secure your line of credit with a savings account. Sometimes your credit limit will be equal to your savings account and sometimes it can be more. It really depends on the specific credit card and your personal situation.
Now understand that when you place a deposit for a secured credit card, it goes into a savings account. This is much different from a prepaid credit card. A prepaid credit card will require a deposit as well, but it works more like an ATM card than a credit card and it doesn’t get reported to the credit agencies.
Because people looking for credit cards for people with bad credit usually want to improve their credit rating, it’s important that you find a true secured card and not a prepaid card. Otherwise, you’re not doing your credit rating any good.
3. Cash Up Front Is a Con
We’ve discussed that credit cards for people with bad credit often charge fees. This doesn’t, however, mean that it is acceptable for them to ask you to pay for these fees up front before they issue you a card.
If a credit card company wants you to send them money before they send you a credit card, run in the other direction. Nine times out of ten, it’s a scam. You’ll never get the card and you’ll be out your hard-earned money.
Credit Card Leaders: Visa and American Express
When it came to getting a credit card, millions of consumers all over the world chose Visa cards, which allows them to manage their finances in a better way, while enabling them to choose a system of payment for their purchases, either in increments over time or at the end of each month. Visa cardholders are offered the opportunity to pay for their purchases in the manner and at the time that work best for them.
Getting a Visa card can only be possible after you have contacted one of the banks that issue Visa cards. The good news is that the Visa cards are so widely spread all over the world that chances are youll find such an organization quite close to you.
The types of cards offered by Visa through its issuing members are credit cards, debit cards and prepaid cards.
With a Visa debit card, the customer can have access to his/her money regardless of their location as long as they see a Visa symbol. The money is deducted from their balance, with no interest. There are many advantages to using a card, such as saving the trip to the bank or the need to queue up for a cash dispenser, or being safer than carrying money. When you lose money, its gone forever. However, if you should happen to lose your Visa card, it can be stopped as soon as it has been declared lost or stolen, and be replaced afterwards.
The are several types of Visa debit cards, including Visa Electron, most popular in Central and Eastern Europe, Africa and the Middle East and ideal for a wide range of customers as it has in-built security features; Visa Classic, designed for those who use their cards everywhere, be it the real world, the Internet or by telephone; Visa Gold, whose most important benefit is that your card or cash, or both of them, can be replaced, should it be lost or stolen; and Visa Platinum, designed for high-spenders who can enjoy its top-level services.
Visa prepaid cards allow consumers to control spending, as well as to send money home, pay for their trips, teach their children money management, or even give it as a gift.
With Visa credit cards customers are offered a whole new world of possibilities, being exceptionally reliable and convenient.
Another company best known for its businesses with credit cards, charge cards and travelers cheques is American Express, or Amex.
American Express issues a great variety of credit cards, each with specific benefits, so as to please and meet the needs of all their customers. Consumers can choose from the American Express Card, America Express Gold Card, Rewards Plus Gold Card, Platinum Card, Blue form American Express, and so forth. The remarkable benefits of the American Express credit cards include personal service and attention at an exceptional level, use membership points for traveling, shopping and entertainment, access to entertainment events, special travel privileges, and many more.
The American Express Gift Cards have special offers from participating merchants and retailers all over the nation. The American Express Gift Cards can be purchased for any occasion, and in an easy manner, as they are available online.