Credit Cards (US)

A secured credit card can help you raise your credit score

Using a secured credit card can help you raise your credit score. Read more to learn how they work, and discover the benefits of this type of financial product.

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Read this article to find out how you can raise your credit score with a secured card

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Learn how to use your secured credit card the right way. Source: Adobe Stock.

Did you know that having a good credit score is essential, not just for getting loans and mortgages but also for car insurance and even jobs? Using a secured credit card responsibly can raise your score!

A low credit score can mean you have to pay more for these things or might not be able to get them at all. Luckily, there are things you can do to help raise your credit score.

One of these things is getting a secured credit card. Let’s take a look at how this type of card can help give your credit rating a boost.

A secured credit card is a type of credit card where you have to put down money as your limit. For example, if you put down a $250 deposit, your credit limit will be $250. 

This deposit acts as collateral in case you default on your payments, which minimizes the risk for the lender.

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One key benefit of using a secured card is that it can help raise your credit score

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Secured cards are designed for people who are building their credit cards. Source: Freepik.

There are several reasons why having a good credit score is important. It can help you get approved for loans, qualify for lower interest rates, and even get a better cellphone plan. 

If your credit score is low, however, you may feel like you’re stuck in a financial rut. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to improve your credit score. One of the simplest is to use a secured credit card.

By making on-time payments and keeping your balance low, that activity will show up in a credit bureau. It shows lenders that you’re capable of managing credit responsibly. 

Additionally, having a secured card can help improve your “credit mix,” which is one of the factors that make up your score.

How can a Secure Credit Card raise your credit score?

By using a secured card, you are essentially making a deposit with the credit card issuer that will serve as collateral for your account.

The deposit you make secures the line of credit extended to you and helps to offset the risk for the issuer. This type of arrangement is beneficial for both parties involved.

The deposit amount will serve as your line of credit. So, if you deposit $400, your line of credit will be $400.

Once you have been approved for a secured card, you can use it just like any other credit card. 

By making regular payments on time, you’ll start to establish a positive payment history, which is one of the key factors that go into your credit score. 

Additionally, using a secured card responsibly can help to increase your credit limit and reduce your credit utilization ratio. Both of which can also have a positive impact on your score. 

Therefore, you should use your secured card wisely by keeping your balances low and only using it for regular expenses like groceries or gas.

If you make your payments on time and manage your account responsibly, your credit score will improve over time.

In fact, some secured cards even offer opportunities to transition to a traditional unsecured credit card after 12 months of good payment history.

What to consider when applying for a secured card?

smilling woman using secured credit card to improve credit score
Not every credit card is worth applying for: choose the best ones. Source: Freepik.

If you’re looking for a secure card, some things to consider are the size of the security deposit, annual fee, and APR. 

You’ll also want to make sure the card reports to credit bureaus. So that, no matter which bureau lenders pull from, it will show your information and help improve your credit score.

Also, your credit limit will be based on the amount of money you deposit into a savings account with the issuer.

So, if you’re hoping to raise your score by making large purchases, you may want to consider a different option. 

In addition, most secured cards require you to have a checking account with the issuer, so make sure you’re comfortable with that requirement before you apply.

Some secured credit cards offer rewards like cash back or points, which can also help offset the deposit cost.

It’s important to compare offers and find one that best suits your needs. Before you sign up, be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully.

Different cards offer different benefits, so it’s important to do your research before choosing one. 

Here are some of the best secured credit cards available today: 

  • Capital One® Secured Mastercard®: You can put up to $200 into the card, and there is no annual fee. The APR for this card is higher than average, but if you make your first five monthly payments on time, you will get a higher credit limit.
  • Discover it® Secured Credit Card: This card requires a refundable security deposit of at least $200, but there’s no annual fee. You may also be eligible for an introductory APR offer with this card. Make sure that there are merchants in your area that accept it.
  • Citi® Secured Mastercard®: This card requires a minimum $200 deposit (up to $2,500), has no annual fee, and offers an introductory APR on purchases for the first 7 months (after that, the APR will be 20.24% variable). 

Secured credit cards are one of the most helpful tools for people who are trying to rebuild their credit. 

Using a secured credit card can be a great way to build or rebuild your credit history – but it’s important to compare offers and find one that best fits your needs before applying. With responsible use, you can begin raising your score in no time!

There’s nothing better than getting on track with your financial life.

Knowing how to manage your finances gives everyone that peace of mind that no money can buy. If you want more tips on how to manage your finances, check out this next article on 10 tips for a better financial life.

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About the author  /  Vinicius Barbosa

Vinicius Barbosa is a writer of finance-related content on this portal. Graduated in Social Communication, he writes about everything that involves the world of finances, from credit card recommendations to investment tips, for readers who want to make better decisions when it comes time to spend their money or invest wisely.

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