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Secured credit cards work essentially the same way that unsecured credit cards work, as far as using them to pay for items. The difference is in the way your account works, which is vastly different from the way a regular credit card account works.
Secured credit cards are intended for individuals who do not qualify for unsecured credit cards. Either they have no credit built up or their credit has been damaged. These cards are secured because the card holder is required to put up a cash deposit in order to qualify for the card. The credit amount is usually equal to the deposit, which is usually somewhere between $300 and $500.
One of the advantages to using secured credit cards is that by paying your credit card bills on time, this practice can lead to obtaining an unsecured credit card. In fact, this is one of the questions consumers should ask the issuer before accepting this type of credit card. Not all issuers will convert the account to an unsecured one; however, many of them will after a period of time, usually about a year. In this way, secured credit cards can help you to rebuild your credit.
Another thing to ask the issuer about secured credit cards is whether they report to all three credit bureaus. Since most people who obtain these types of credit cards are interested in rebuilding their credit, it is to their advantage that the issuer report the account to all of the credit bureaus. If they do not, you may want to look for another offer.
As with other types of credit cards, there are good and bad secured credit cards. Some of them demand exorbitant fees, so that by the time you are issued the card, much of your deposit has been eaten up by fees. This is not the case with all of them, so be sure and read the fine print so that you will understand just how your deposit will be used and how much in fees you will have to pay. While all secured cards have an annual fee, not all of them have an application fee.
For those who have damaged credit, this can be a relatively painless way to repair your credit. Not only can this type of card lead to a regular credit card, but it can improve your overall credit score as well.
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What credit cards rebuild credit?
There are two* types of credit cards, secured and unsecured. Usually the best credit cards for rebuilding credit are secured credit cards. They work just like an unsecured card, but you need to post a security deposit against a secured card in addition to any annual/monthly fees. One secured card that stands out is the Capital One Secured Card, since the annual fee is reasonable and the security deposit can be as low as $49 for a limit of $200 (terms may change, this statement is as of this writing).Most secured credit cards require a deposit that will match your credit limit. Noted cards that give a limit equal to the deposit include the Platinum Zero Card from Applied Bank and Open Sky Secured Card.* in reality, there are three different types. Along with the two types mentioned, there are partially secured cards. These cards may not necessarily require a security deposit equal to the limit. However, these are usually classed amongst fully secured cards since a deposit is still necessary.
How a Secured Credit Card Works?
Many people with poor credit wonder how they can ever begin to rebuild their credit. After all, it's hard to get approved for loans or credit cards with a poor credit score. A secured credit card is one way of rebuilding a poor credit score. A secured credit card is not the same thing as the regular credit cards that you get advertisements for in the mail. They are "secured" because you have to support the credit card with funds. For instance, if someone has a secured credit card with a $500 credit limit, they must pay $500 to the credit card company in order to access the funds on their credit card. In that way, it is somewhat like a prepaid debit card. However, the deposit is held as long as you use the card. Your deposit is returned to you when you close the card. Typically, secured credit cards start out with low credit limits. You can get a higher credit limit in a few different ways. Regularly paying off the card or making consistent, on-time payments may qualify you for a credit limit raise. Some companies require you to add to your initial deposit to get a higher credit limit. Secured credit cards can help consumers build their credit scores with all three credit bureaus. The entire credit limit is reported to the credit bureaus, and every payment that a consumer makes on a secured credit card is reported to the bureaus. As the on-time payments build up, the credit scores will begin getting higher. To get the most out of secured credit cards, consumers should use it monthly for a few small expenses. Pay it off every month to avoid interest charges; secured credit cards are known for having high interest rates. Most secured credit cards have a number of fees associated with them. Many cards charge an application fee, although it is possible to search around and find a card that doesn't have an application fee. Every secured card has an annual fee, due to the added work of holding a deposit and giving credit to a credit-poor consumer. Some banks do take advantage of consumers who need secured credit cards; some charge so many fees that the majority of the card's credit limit is used up before the consumer can even use it. To avoid this, consumers should look for cards that do not have an application fee, monthly maintenance fees, or fees for paying online. When used correctly, secured credit cards are a safe way for consumers to start rebuilding their credit scores. They can help people rebuild their credit without paying high interest rates on a large balance every month.
Where can I size up secured credit card charges?
Your best bet to compare credit cards is to look at each credit card separately from there related companies.However, there are some third party companies (such as kanetix) that will do the work for you.
Where can one find out exactly how credit cards work?
One can find our more information about how credit cards work by visiting your local bank or credit card issuer and asking for information pamphlets about credit and credit cards.
Do credit cards work if they get wet?
Yes
Where can I get instant credit cards for bad credit?
It may be possible to get a credit card with bad credit, but the terms will be unfavorable. You should work at rehabilitating your credit rating before applying for credit cards.
Are prepaid credit cards as safe as regular credit cards?
Prepaid creidt cards are safer than regular credit cards. They work much like a debit card so that when the money is exhausted on the card, the card will be rejected.
What happens to credit cards in a bankruptcy when there is a zero balance?
it does not work
Can I use prepaid credit cards just like traditional credit cards?
Prepaid credit cards work exactly like the traditional unsecured credit cards. Make sure that you know what your credit limit is. Your credit limit will be what you send into them. You can use them just like a credit or debit card to get hotel rooms, gas, or whatever else you may need.
Can i buy wow using a prepaid credit card. If yes Can i Buy it online Using a PrePaid Credit Card?
Yes.Pre-paid Credit/Debit cards work just like regular cards.
How do gas cards work are they considered cash or credit?
Give it to the cashier as a ATM.
Will you need playstation network cards to get games for the psp go?
yes ,you have to have it or credit card. The Credit card is better because network cards are only sold in denominations but work well when you can not use a credit card
