Compare the best credit cards for people with bad credit at www.securedcreditcardlist.com. As we all know, responsible credit card use can lead to a lifetime of low-interest rate loan opportunities. Notwithstanding a less than perfect credit record or minimal income, credit card issuers often give consumers a second chance to repair their credit history through the use of a secured credit card or a pre-paid credit card. This is an opportunity that should not be taken lightly, particularly in light of the enduring credit crisis which has made it difficult for many working people with good credit records to receive new credit cards, auto loans and mortgages.
Secured credit cards issued by Bank of America, Capital One and New Millenium are specifically designed for applicants with imperfect credit histories. Some of the features offered by these credit card issuers include:
• Credit Lines available from $300 to $10,000
• Set your own credit limit
• Build or reestablish your credit
• Save with a low non-intro variable APR, currently 14.9%
• Exclusive savings on featured deals
• Know you are protected with $0 fraud liability if your card is ever lost or stolen
During continuing economic instability, uncertainty in the stock market, illiquidity in the credit markets and the softening real estate market, one thing remains constant – consumers with damaged credit records should be given an opportunity to re-build their credit. Responsibility, however, is essential. If you do not have sufficient funds to buy something now, you should consider saving until you can. Credit cards are most beneficial when you can afford to pay your balance in full every month. In these turbulent economic times, where credit is getting more difficult to come by, it is important to establish a strong credit profile by establishing credit early and maintaining a consistent payment history. Credit cards issued by Bank of America, Capital One and New Millenium are tailored for applicants with less than perfect credit.
http://www.articlesbase.com/credit-articles/apply-online-credit-cards-for-people-with-bad-credit-662952.html
http://www.articlesbase.com/credit-articles/apply-online-secured-credit-cards-for-consumers-with-imperfect-credit-661368.html
Getting approved for a credit card can be difficult without a positive credit history working in your favor. It’s a Catch-22: To obtain a credit card, you need a good credit history. But to have a good credit history, you need to establish good credit!
This no-win cycle can keep people with a non-existent, limited or negative credit history from getting approved for a credit card. But it doesn’t have to if you understand the type of credit cards available and how to build a good credit history.
When it comes to credit cards, the type of card you apply for will depend on your situation. If you’re a student, you’ll, naturally, sign up for a student card. But if you’re a non-student with a non-existent or bad credit history, a card that is secured or obtained with a co-signer may be your best option. With co-signed credit cards, the co-signer guarantees and is responsible for the debt. This means that the co-signing person is responsible for paying the full amount of the debt if the card holder doesn’t pay. In fact, when co-signed debt goes into default, three out of four times co-signers are normally asked to repay what is owed, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
Furthermore, the issuing bank can attempt to settle the debt without first trying to collect from the card holder. The bank can also use the same collection methods against the co-signing individual, including suing and garnishing wages. If the debt is not paid, it can leave a negative mark on the credit history of the co-signer, as well as the card holder.
Despite the risks, a co-signed credit card can be great tool for helping a friend or relative build their credit history so they can one day obtain a card on their own. Secured, co-signed and pre-paid credit cards offer viable options. But you should start building a strong credit history, so you can obtain a regular credit card on your own in the future.
First, you need to understand how credit card issuers determine credit worthiness. The approval criteria varies from among issuing banks, but generally relates to what’s often called the three C’s of credit: capacity, character and collateral. Capacity refers to your ability to pay based on your income and existing debt. Collateral refers to any assets you have that can secure payment, such as bank accounts or home ownership. Character refers to factors like your payment history, length of employment, etc.
To get a good idea about how your application will fare with credit card companies, check your credit history with one of the major credit reporting agencies: Experian (www.experian.com), Equifax (www.equifax.com) and TransUnion (www.tuc.com). These agencies access your payment information directly from the companies you have credit with, as well as from government agencies such as the legal court system.
Credit reporting agencies use the information in your credit history to determine your credit rating or credit score. Credit scores, also known as FICA or Beacon scores depending on the CRA, generally range from 350 to 850. Most banks will approve you for credit if your score is at least 620. If your rating is 720 or higher, banks will offer you their lowest interest rate.
Generally, y our credit score is determined by your payment history for the last two years. T echnically, CRAs calculate your score using a closely-guarded formula. TransUnion, for example, determines credit scores using a variety of factors, including: how you pay your accounts, how much you owe and how often you’ve applied for credit.
http://www.credit-cards-rates.co.cc/