If there has been any lesson that has been almost universally learned in the past few years it is that very few people are immune to financial problems.
Even people who had always had stellar credit in the past have seen their credit scores plummet due to unforeseen circumstances such as job losses or the loss of value on homes, stocks and retirement accounts a few years ago or even now.
Even so, life goes on and emergencies and life essentials come up. Do you have no credit or poor credit? Wouldn’t it be nice to have a credit card on hand for those ?just in case? moments of life? But if you have bad credit how can you get a credit card? Everyone knows that they will check your credit report right?
Well as luck would have it, If you are you a person with no credit or poor credit there are ways to secure a good credit card even if you have suffered from bad credit in the past. And that is really the way it should be. After all, anyone can have financial problems and so many people have suffered financial difficulties that accommodations need to be made to assist the large segment of the population that has had these problems in the past.
However, it is not as easy, nor should it be as easy, for someone with bad credit to get a credit card as for someone with excellent credit to get a credit card. Not as easy but it can be done. Whenever you apply for a credit card the financial institution will pull a credit report to determine if you are credit worthy or not.
If you have bad credit from some problems in the past you look as if you are not creditworthy at all, at least on paper. And if the financial institution decides to issue you a credit card they will be taking a bigger risk.
Therefore you may have further qualifications that you will have to meet it is just not an instant approval.
Apply For Credit Card With Bad Credit
You may be able to get a card with a higher rate of interest.
The financial institutions will charge a higher amount in order to offset the risk that they are taking. Credit cards that are issued to people with bad credit typically charge a higher rate of interest. Your first priority needs to be to do whatever you can to increase your credit score and getting a credit card when you have bad credit may be a great first step that you can take for your goal of a higher credit score. There really is no better way to increase your credit score and establish credit than to get some credit and make regular payments.
However, you may not be able to get a credit card through the usual applications. If you are denied a credit card outright because of your past bad credit then you may want to consider getting a secured credit card. A secured credit card is an excellent way to rebuild your credit because you will be making regular credit card payments just like any other credit card and you will be able to use your secured credit card just like any other credit card. The difference is that you will need to put down a secured deposit.
This is a deposit that you make at the financial institution, usually the same amount as your line of credit. You place a deposit with the financial institution and it gives them the security to take you on as a risk. Basically, it is a great way to rebuild credit after some problems and it is a win/win for both you, the customer and the financial institution
Unsecured Credit Card For Bad Credit Offer
You may be able to get an unsecured card. There are a few different ways. Have you considered a co-signer? That is one way that you can get a credit card. You may also have an advantage in getting a card if you go to your own bank. If the bank can see your history and they know you they may be more willing to take the chance.
You may still be required to pay a higher interest rate but as your credit improves you should be able to get that rate lowered. With your own bank you may also be able to structure a plan where they debit your account every month. However, you need to be careful to make sure that you will be getting credit for the payments made or else you will not get the acknowledgment you need to improve your credit score.
If you do decide to apply for an unsecured credit card offer when you have bad credit you need to verify all of the details. There are cards out there with outrageous interest rates along with requiring money upfront. Make sure that the total cost, of the interest rate plus all upfront charges is something you can live with.
If it is too high, you could very easily find yourself in trouble again because the costs are so high. You need to protect your own finances. The financial institutions are just out there to make money, they have found a market by offering credit cards to people with bad credit so make sure that you read the fine print. Know exactly what you are signing up for.
Getting a credit card with past bad credit may be difficult. You may need to check out many different options. The important thing is to check out every option very carefully and make sure it will work for you and your own situation.
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