Tuesday, January 06, 2009

Subprime Credit Cards

By Dan Moskel

Sub prime credit cards have been created specifically for individuals with a damaged credit history. For most these cards offer a second chance with credit.

They can be used to improve a low credit score. This is because it can create a positive payment history and improve your ratio of available credit to debt.

These two factors are heavily weighted on your credit score. Improving them you can achieve a high score even with negative items on your report.

These cards do report monthly to all three major bureaus. Your APR will by approximately 19% and you will have some fees. Unfortunately this is the cost of your prior mistakes with credit, however this can be the last time you have to pay extra for your damaged credit.

Most of these cards come with a $300 credit limit. However some cards such as the Tribute MasterCard will also approve individuals for a $70 credit limit and many will offer periodic limit increases.

These cards will help your score more that a secured credit card. This is because a secured card is reported to the bureaus as a secured account and will not impact your score as much as an unsecured account.

You should still try to remove derogatory items from your credit report. However you should know that once a derogatory item ages for four years then it will have much less weight on your score.

To get the most benefit from your card on your credit we suggest you keep the balance at roughly 20%. This will show the bureau that you do in fact use your credit and that you are using it responsibly.

These cards were designed for those with; collections, judgments, repossessions, bankruptcies, and charge offs on their credit report. Every card does have different approval requirements but will give you an instant decision when you apply.

In sum we do suggest a sub prime credit card for individuals with a damaged credit history. It can be used to help you build positive credit and rebuild your score.

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