Let me guess, you have bad credit and have tried numerous times to get a credit card, but are always declined. Unfortunately, credit card companies are now extremely choosy about who they will give credit to. I’m sure following each rejection you are told to apply for a secured credit card. However, a secured card is nothing more than a flashy name for a debit card. You will have to part with money before you can spend it!
The first option will always be to approach your own bank. You may of had a checking account with them for a number of years and therefore have built up some sort of a relationship. It will especially help if your salary is deposited directly into an account at your bank. You would hope that your own bank would be far more sympathetic to your plight!
What if you don’t hold a bank account or worse your credit history with your bank is poor? Your other option will be to seek a bad credit lender. Due to the current financial climate more of these types of lenders are beginning to surface. Often they will supply unsecured credit cards for people with bad credit.
Usually they will ask for some documentation from you to assess what your personal situation is like. You may be asked to provide your latest paychecks, bank statements and evidence of your other forms of credit. You can expect to be charged a slightly higher interest rate than someone with a good credit rating, but the difference should not be that noticeable.
Although these new lending companies will happily provide unsecured credit cards for people with bad credit, you should also be very aware of some unscrupulous lenders. There are organizations out there who will happily provide you with any form of finance, but will have outrageous terms and sky-high interest rates. The best piece of advice i can offer, always read the small print and know exactly what you’re getting into!
By: Sam Renstaff