April 11, 2024
A secured credit card is like any other credit card except you need to provide a cash deposit upfront. Learn how a secured credit card works.
A credit card is one of the easiest and fastest ways to build or rebuild your credit. The problem is, it can be very difficult to be approved for a credit card if you have no credit or poor credit. That’s where a secured credit card comes in. When you’re unable to get approved for a traditional credit card, a secured credit card is a worthwhile option. Here is what you need to know about how secured credit cards work and whether a secured credit card would work for you.
A secured credit card is a credit card that is backed – or secured – by a cash deposit. The deposit protects the credit card issuer. If you fail to make your payment, the issuer can take money from your deposit to cover your payment. The cash deposit for a secured credit card is usually equal to your credit limit. If your cash deposit is $300, your credit limit will be $300. However, it’s important to know that your deposit does not cover your payments. If you charge $50, you will owe $50 plus any fees on your next credit card statement.
A secured card usually comes with a higher interest rate than a traditional credit card. And there may be additional fees. In every other way, you can use a secured credit card just like you would use a traditional credit card. You can make purchases within your credit limit, and as you repay the outstanding balance, you free up the ability to make purchases again.
One real advantage of a secured credit card is that it can help you prove to a lender and the credit bureaus that you're a responsible borrower. Keep your account in good standing by regularly making your payments by your due date, and in most cases it will take about a year to see improvements in your credit score. At that time, you can speak to your lender or another credit card provider about applying for a traditional (unsecured) credit card. If your balance is paid in full when you close your secured credit card account, you will get your cash deposit back.
A secured card usually comes with a higher interest rate than a traditional credit card. And there may be additional fees. In every other way, you can use a secured credit card just as you would use a traditional credit card. You can make purchases within your credit limit, and as you repay the outstanding balance, you free up the ability to make purchases again.
One real advantage of a secured credit card is that it can help you prove to a lender and the credit bureaus that you're a responsible borrower. Keep your account in good standing by regularly making your payments by your due date, and in most cases, it will take about a year to see improvements in your credit score.
At that time, you can speak to your lender or another credit card provider about applying for a traditional (unsecured) credit card. If your balance is paid in full when you close your secured credit card account, you will get your cash deposit back.
Since your purchases are reported to the credit bureaus – Equifax and TransUnion – a secured credit card is a useful tool for creating a good credit history. If you have no credit history or a poor credit history, here are five tips for using a secured credit card.
A prepaid credit card is also an option for people who need a credit card, but have no credit history or a poor credit history. Both a secured card and a prepaid credit card require you to provide money before you use the card.
The difference is, with a secured credit card, your cash deposit is used as collateral, but not for purchases. When you load cash onto a prepaid credit card, that amount (and only that amount) will be available to pay for purchases.
For example, if you load $300 on a prepaid credit card and use the card to make a $50 purchase, the amount on your prepaid card drops to $250. Also, purchases made on a prepaid credit card are not reported to the credit bureaus, so your payment history on these cards won’t affect your credit score.
Secured credit cards are a great option for someone looking to repair a bad credit history or for people who have had to file a consumer proposal or bankruptcy and are looking to rebuild their credit.
Eventually, everyone wants to switch to a traditional unsecured credit card at some point, though.
You should be able to demonstrate that you can be trusted to use credit responsibly before switching. That means making payments on time and in full and not using more than about 30% of your credit limit at once.
Generally, you should use a secured credit card between six and 12 months before switching to an unsecured one.
It’s never too late to reach out for help with debt. If you’re having trouble keeping up with credit card payments or you’re regularly missing payments altogether, a Licensed Insolvency Trustee can help you explore your options for debt relief. They can not only help you lower your monthly payments, but also stop debt collectors from calling and lower how much you have to pay back overall.
If you’re having trouble keeping up with bill payments or you’re regularly missing bill payments altogether, a Licensed Insolvency Trustee can help you explore your options for debt relief. Book a free consultation today.
April 11, 2024
A secured credit card is like any other credit card except you need to provide a cash deposit upfront. Learn how a secured credit card works.
