Bad Credit Blues
Bad Credit need not deter you from obtaining a Credit Card for your financial needs. People are often under the misconception that people with Bad Credit record will never be given a Credit Card by a Major Credit Card Issuer. No wonder, people throw generous glances of pity on the person whose Credit Report shows several defaults and errors! This is a myth that people have nurtured over the years and here we are dispelling this myth with facts and figures related to the status of people with Bad Credit History.
A Bad Credit History does not entail financial doom for anybody; it is a transitory phase which you can overcome with deft handling of finances. If you are one of those unlucky chaps with muddled Credit History, then also, you will be definitely eligible for a Credit Card. The only difference is that you might have to face excruciating procedures, suffocating terms and appallingly unbearable fees. The path is rather thorny and full of hurdles; and the issuers try their level best to be as defensive as possible while issuing Credit Cards for people with Bad Credit.
Don’t let this scenario dampen your spirit and squelch your desire to become a proud owner of the Credit Card of a major brand. There is no decree as such that people with poor credit should be forbidden from enjoying the fruits of financial assistance from Credit Cards and Debit Cards however erroneous their Credit Report might be. Bylaw, you are eligible for a Credit Card so go and grab the right Credit Card for you.
Credit Cards for people with Poor Credit
Several types of Credit Cards focus extensively on the market generated by the people with bad credit. Keep your eyes and ears open for various types of Credit Cards, terms and offers related to them in the market. Do a thorough ground work before filling out the application for a particular Credit Card. Unsecured Credit Cards, Secured Credit Cards, and Prepaid Cards are some of the major types of Credit Cards available for people with poor credit. Let’s see what each credit card signifies in brief:
Secured Credit Cards: For obtaining this Credit Card, you need to make an initial deposit of money as security. The more money you deposit in the bank the more credit limit you can enjoy with your Credit Card. In case you fail to pay back the debt, this money will be utilized by the bank to make up for the loss.
Unsecured Credit Cards: If you also plan to rebuild your credit along with obtaining financial assistance from a Credit Card then, Unsecured Credit Cards are the one for you. These cards come with special demands and fees which might not be easy on your wallet like application fees, processing fees, annual fees, monthly processing fees etc. Unless, you maintain a punctual regime of making payments on time you will not be able to survive the onslaught of these fees.
Prepaid Credit Cards: True to their name, these cards require that you make some payment initially and you are allowed to spend only the amount you have deposited and not a penny more. The best thing about these cards is that you need not own a bank account to be able to apply for these cards and they function like a traditional Debit Card in general. As these cards carry all the amenities of a regular Credit Card, it is highly beneficial to apply for one; they will also help you organize your finances and thus lessen your expenditure.
Facts & Facets of Credit Cards
Non-major Issuers: Accept the fact that you are no more an apple of the eye for card issuers and lenders, so do with whatever means you have. Come out of the myth that you cannot survive without your dream card like Visa or MasterCard; what you need is some plastic that can help you deal with the day-to-day financial requirements. Apply for the card offered by a smaller issuer, they will be less stringent with their terms and will readily approve you for a Credit Card.
Current Issuer: Don’t be in a rush to acquire a Credit Card from a new Issuer or Bank. Approach the bank or the Issuer with whom you have been dealing with till now. In all probability, they are aware of your credibility and financial status they might not think twice before issuing a Credit Card for you. Only, when things don’t work out with the current issuer, think of going for a new issuer.
Co-Signer: You can even think of roping in a person with good credit history as your co-signer. Mind you, this is an extremely risky proposition as your every false step in finance will adversely affect your co-signer’s record as well for no fault of his.
Specialized Companies: There are takers for every kind of stuff in this world; the same holds good for the Credit Cards as well. Some Credit Card Companies specialize in dealing with the people with the poor credit history. They even offer cards with low APR; it is these companies you should think of once your credit score swindles.
Reason for Denial: People with poor credit are usually awarded a Credit Card with lesser Credit Limit. Try out all the options of Secured and Unsecured Credit Cards; you should be able to bag at least one of them. Be persistent in following up with the Credit Card Issuer once you have submitted your application. Finally, if the company denies you a Credit Card ask them to explain the reasons, as they are bound to do so.
0% APR Credit Cards
Have you ever dreamed of a Credit Card with a no interest rate? 0% Interest Credit Cards will make all your no-interest dreams come true! The word 0% Interest Rate itself is music to our ears owing to the huge interest rates that are crumpling our wallets and making our savings dwindles year after year. Many people end up in debt due to the exorbitant interest rates levied by the Banks and the Credit Card Issuers. For such people, 0% Interest Cards provides the required relief and hence, they are considered to be a boon as well. Several Credit Companies offer 0% Interest Rates as a promotional means to attract the customers and they are often successful with their tactics.
With 0% interest Credit Cards, you can make any number of purchases and even then, not pay a single penny in the form of interest. Usually, the life span of this fascinating offer is short-lived; at the most 6 months to one year and this period is known as Introductory Period. Once the Introductory Period is over, you will be asked to pay an APR that is prevalent in the current market. When you have a balance to pay on high interest Credit Cards, the best thing to do would be to shift the balance to a 0% APR Credit Card and pay off the owed amount before the termination of the Introductory Offer. Choose a 0% APR Credit Card that carries no annual percentage and offers the facility of online access to the account information as well. Acquaint yourself with the member benefits and rewards thoroughly and then fill out the application form for a 0% APR Credit Card.
Features of 0% Interest Credit Cards: Usually, the Interest Rate for your Credit Card will be based both on your previous Credit Record and your Financial Status; Credit Card Issuers consider several factors before assigning an Interest Rate for your Credit Card. If the company is unsure of your financial viability then it might make you pay higher interest rates. In a way, a 0% Interest Credit Card is nothing but a line of credit sans interest and these Credit Cards are being offered to people with a better or less-than perfect credit.
Various types of 0% Interest Credit Cards are available in the market to cater to the varying needs of their customers. Some 0% Interest Credit Cards allows you to enjoy the interest rate of 0% both on Purchases and Balance Transfers as well. Whereas, some other 0% Interest Credit Cards will not charge you any fees for Balance Transfers, it depends on the type of card you have chosen. Each type of 0% Interest Credit Card is unique, find out everything about their features, terms and conditions and then compare the cards before making final decision. Numerous Credit Card Companies offer a chance to apply for their 0% Interest Credit Cards by browsing through their card types and features online. Browse Today for the Best 0% Interest Credit Card Online!
Low Interest Credit Cards
Eligibility: Lucky are those who are blessed with good Credit Record! They need not worry about getting loans and Credit Cards as Lenders and Issuers love them dearly and are always ready to give them loans even when not asked for it. Some poor souls who are less lucky and have Bad Credit History suffer in the hands of lenders, face their wrath and desperately roam around to bag a single Credit Card to bail out their life from the daily exigencies.
When you are surrounded by a multitude of Credit Card Offers like Rewards Credit Cards, Business Credit Cards, Balance Transfer Credit Cards etc it will be difficult for you to choose. In the first glance, all the Credit Cards look the same. Don’t be taken in by their names or what they suggest to you. Find out what features and what all benefits do they carry with them.
A Low Interest Credit Card is one such Credit Card that is usually offered to people with strong Credit alone. It is highly difficult for people with Poor Credit History to obtain Low Interest Credit Cards; whether you writhe in pain or chase the Card Issuers diligently, a Low Interest Credit Card might remain as sour grapes for you. Unless and until you repair your Credit Record you won’t be eligible for a Low Interest Credit Card.
Benefits: By obtaining a Low Interest Rate Credit Card, you can reap several benefits like 0% Introductory APR or receive some rewards for signing up. Each Credit Card carries a combination of perks with it; depending on the card you have chosen, you will receive perks from them. Before choosing a Credit Card, think of your needs and usage. Opt for Travel Rewards in case you travel often or choose money back policy if you are fond of shopping. Your requirement, usage and fiscal status will determine which Credit Card is right for you. If you are a shopping freak or somebody who always maintain some balance in the account then, this is the appropriate Credit Card for you. You can save money on interest in the long run.
With a Credit Card that offers 0% Introductory Offer, you need not pay any interest till a stipulated period of time. This offer is highly beneficial to you because you can save lot of money on interest. Don’t be tempted to opt for a card just by looking at 0% offer alone. Well, 0% Interest Rate is just a bait to pull you to the card. There will always be a catch lurking in one of its corners. There are many things you should consider like what would be the Interest Rate once the Introductory Period is over etc. Some Cards hike their interest rates in an atrocious manner as soon as the Introductory Offer is over. That means, you will end up paying all the saved money once the offer period is over. So, beware of such catches while choosing a Credit Card.
Some Credit Cards offer Fixed Low Interest Rates even after the completion of the promotional period. These cards will best suit your wallet than any other Credit Card in the market. You will pay a Fixed Interest Rate irrespective of the time and thus will save a lot. Choosing a Low Interest Credit Card doesn’t mean that you should forego the benefits of fee waiver, rewards and bonus points. Look for a Credit Card that will help you save money and will allow you enjoy the rewards as well.
Apply: Applying for a Low Interest Credit Card is fast and easy; you can either submit the application form online or visit the concerned company personally. Most of the Credit Card Issuers facilitate online booking for these Credit Cards; some Issuers also reward their customers especially if they opt for online booking. First, call the customer desk number and ask for the types of Credit Cards available and the offers that come with them. With some Issuers, you have the benefit of negotiating for better features when you call or visit them personally.
Fine print says much about a Credit Card than any other statement issued by the Credit Card Company. Read and understand the fine print first and then proceed towards filling up the application form. Think clearly and save wisely with Low Interest Credit Cards!
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