Monday, September 13, 2010

Best Credit Card for Bad Credit

For starters, if you already have bad credit then it's fairly safe to say you know what type of things can have a negative influence on your personal credit report. But, just in case you are not aware of what thing effect your credit score, here are a few tips:
  • Avoid filling out credit applications for credit cards you do not NEED.
  • DO NOT shop banks for a loan, each time you apply, your credit gets dinged.
  • Do NOT fill out store credit card applications for a free gift, or to save 10% on a $100 purchase.
  • Avoid having too many credit cards with open balances.
  • If possible, avoid bankruptcy, foreclosures, or a short sale.
  • If medical bills are an issue - see what state assistance may be available.
  • If bill payments are more than you can afford, make arrangements for payments less than the minimum instead of paying nothing at all.
  • Do not be late on your credit card payments.

And here are a few tips on what you should do to improve your bad credit:

  • Have only one or two credit cards.
  • Use credit card only for emergencies.
  • Pay off credit card monthly.
  • ALWAYS make more than the minimum payment.
  • Unless is pays off in the long run, avoid balance transfers.

Now, if you are aware of how to avoid having further bad credit issues and ways to improve your credit score. And, are looking for the best credit card for bad credit then you should look at getting either a secured credit card or a pre-paid credit card. With these cards you may expect:

Secured Credit Cards -

  • A required deposit
  • Higher interest rates
  • Application fees
  • Annual Fees
  • Over the limit fees

Pre-paid Credit Cards -

  • Pre-payment of funds
  • Fraud or loss protection may not apply
  • No credit checks
  • No age limits
  • No debt
  • No interest rate
  • Credit card fees - enrollment fees, maintenance fees, and non-use fees
  • Required minimum balance

The good news is, once you have re-established good credit by showing that you are a responsible credit card holder you will be in a better position to get much better offers from low interest credit card companies. There is no simple quick solution to bad credit issues - it takes time and patience to rebuild your credit. What may take you a very short period of time to destory may take years to fix. Just be patient and diligent in your goals to improve your credit and eventually you will get there.

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