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.
Advertisement
Read this article to find out how you can raise your credit score with a secured card
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.
Credit card application: how is it evaluated?
Understanding how your credit card application is evaluated can help you make the best decisions for your financial future. This post will tell you how to do it.
One key benefit of using a secured card is that it can help raise your credit score
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.
You will be redirected to another website
By submitting this form, I agree that I am 18+ years old and I agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. I also provide my signature giving express consent to receive marketing communications via automated emails, SMS or MMS text messages and other forms of communication regarding financial products such as credit card and loans. Message frequency varies and represents our good faith effort to reach you regarding your inquiry. Message and data rates may apply. Text HELP for help or text STOP to cancel. I understand that my consent to receive communications is not a condition of purchase and I may revoke my consent at any time.
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?
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.
10 tips for a better financial life
Learning how to manage your finances will give you a lot of advantages in life. Put these tips into action, and you'll see the results.
Trending Topics
Is The News Stacker safe?
Welcome to The News Stacker! This post will show you all the reasons why this website is safe and why you can trust the content you find here.
Keep ReadingAvant Credit Card review: No Hidden Fees or Security Deposits
Looking for a great credit-building card? Check out this Avant Credit Card review and find out why it's one of the best options!
Keep ReadingIs Atlanta a LCOL city?
Southern hospitality is alive and well in Atlanta. But what about the cost of living? Is Atlanta an LCOL city? Let's take a closer look.
Keep ReadingYou may also like
ChatGPT – the A.I. chatbot that has gone viral
ChatGPT has been generating a lot of buzz, but what is this new A.I. chatbot? Read on to understand how it works and how you can use it.
Keep ReadingWhat is Discord? Is it a good social media platform?
Learn how Discord went on from a gaming communication’s platform to taking over all sorts of entertainment channels this year!
Keep ReadingWhat is the best type of loan for you?
If you are considering taking out a loan, it can be overwhelming to navigate the options. This blog post will show you the best type of loan.
Keep Reading