Secured credit card deals are great
for repairing bad credit history and also for those who do not wish
to take on the worry of debt. The secured credit card is like any other
card, except that it requires operating a savings account with a minimum
balance. These cards also attract a lot of associated and extra fees,
charges and payments.
NO CREDIT, NO WORRY
The best thing about secured credit cards
is that the user will not incur debt due to overuse of credit cards.
The bank account stands as a guarantee of payment, and must contain
enough money to fund the expenses. This means the consumer is well aware
of the limitations and can not overspend like in the case of unsecured
credit cards.
REPAIR BAD DEBT OR CREDIT HISTORY
One way of regaining control of bad credit
history is to take a secured credit card and use it judiciously. The
card issuer must report to the credit bureaus. The bank balance stands
as collateral so it is easy to procure a secured credit card. The only
hitch here is the large number of fees and charges that get levied on
a hapless customer who is trying to repair a bad credit history. Taken
separately, the charges are small. When added up, they come to quite
a lot. And the credit limit on the amount that can be spent is lower
too. Subtract the monthly overall charges from this and the amount becomes
even less.
If you do not wish to take a secured card,
try going for a joint unsecured card by asking a friend or relative.
You can pay regularly and on time, and in the worst case scenario, the
joint partner can bail you out.
QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE TAKING A SECURED
CREDIT CARD
- Fees and charges: Most secured
credit cards charge an annual fee, apart from other fees. These can
be quite heavy and eat up all the credit limit aviailable.
- the credit limit: Find out how
much credit can be utilized, minus the fees.
- Related services fee: Find out
if there are any associated services for which you would be required
to pay. Ask if you can opt out of them.
Upgradation to secured cards: Find
out if you will get an unsecured card on satisfactory repayments on
the secured one.