Monday, January 7, 2008

Best Secured Credit Card Deal - Beware

By Michael Pitt

Why you should beware of a best secured credit card deal today? If you have been in the credit card market for quite a while and know how the credit industry has evolved and modified in many positive and negative ways, the answers are simple. When you do not have a clue of the ins and outs, it becomes unforgettable to many hard working consumers when they deploy their money and trust in such issuers.

First of all, you should always beware of advertised sites on the Internet claiming to have the greatest 0% APR credit request approval. The reason behind the why of such important fact is that many affiliate companies that promote fortune 500 credit issuers like VISA, Mastercard, Discover and AMEX may not have the best interest in you. While big companies like VISA, AMEX, Discover, and Mastercard are in the lookout to protect the consumer with their acceptance or even without the acceptance of your business and contract, many affiliate sites that promote this kind of credit cards do not have your best interest in mind unfortunately.

The reason to this whole dilemma is that I have seen a few websites promoting credit cards yesterday and today they are just disappeared without a single trace of what happened to the page that cannot be displayed. Does not happen for 1 or 2 days, but I have already seen a site that have gone into sink and definitely for me his is on the blacklist of affiliate trusted sites for my consumers.

So in a nutshell explanation requesting a best secured credit card deal out of the Internet today requires some diligence and some skills. You may get robbed or you might never received information from the credit card issuer. It will all depend on how the credit affiliate sites works and their reliability in such moment.

I am telling all my consumers to beware because of these possibilities. Many people get robbed on the Internet today just for the fun of it. Many are left without identities for placing orders and requesting credit and later know that they got scammed by a site that was just their to take their personal information.

Another big time fact is to beware again of the 0% APR for a lifetime once getting approval in affiliate sites. Fact is that you need to clearly see what the credit issuer notifies and confirms you with the offer, not with the affiliate site that works with the credit issuer. So in precise words, getting a best secured credit card deal today can be dangerous and cost effective, just remember who to trust this days.

Michael Pitt is a speaker, author and online counselor to major worldwide credit affiliate sites on the Internet today. His focus today is assisting the consumer to make the right choice when they search for a best secured credit card deal

Secured Credit Card Scams?

By Vishy Dadsetan

A page from ftc.gov site begins with the headline Secured Credit Card Marketing Scams and then it places a copy of an advertising sample that reads, “ANYONE CAN QUALIFY FOR A MAJOR CREDIT CARD! Separated? Divorced? Bankrupt? widowed? BAD CREDIT? NO CREDIT? NO PROBLEM!”

You notice that the ad is designed to appeal to a wide variety of clientele with one thing in common, which is a hardship has placed them in a vulnerable spot and they want to believe there is a way out.

Government sites are there to let everyone know that there is a solution but at the same time, you the customer, need to do your homework. So what is this homework?

First of course is keep a cool head, then get information and check the secure credit card offers with a bit of healthy skepticism.

Let’s start with what is a secured credit card?

Most credit cards are give you a line of credit based on your credit history. They do not ask you to place anything on the line except your good name and your signature.

But what if your good name is tarnished and your credit report shows it? Then cash is required. A secured credit card issuing company requires you to open, fund and maintain an account as security for your line of credit.

This required savings deposit could be as much as several thousand dollars. And your credit line, the amount you can use, could be as low as half of what you deposit.

Hopefully you get an interest on that deposit but when was the last time that the savings account deposit even came close to the charges on your credit card.

You may also have to pay application and processing fees to get started.

Does this mean to avoid a secured credit card at all costs? Not at all, it just means to watch out for scams. Don’t send money to an organization you know nothing about. Don’t call a 900 number for information. Read the fine print and above all, keep a cool head.

* DISCLAIMER: Vishy Dadsetan, MyPersonalFinance.com or My Favorite Shop, Inc. do not endorse any product or company. This article and website do not provide legal, insurance, or other professional services. If expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Although Vishy Dadsetan has made every effort to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information contained in this site, he assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or inconsistencies.

Vishy Dadsetan writes articles that can actually help your clients. Articles that make sense. Articles just like this one. For more information about secured credit cards and bad credit credit cards

Secured Credit Card

By Jeff Moynihan


No other industry has seen as much scams and fraudulent traits as in the credit card industry. This has given rise to secured credit cards which is normally tied up with a bank account of the card holder with a deposit amount. It is a redeeming solution for those who have very poor credit history or those who will not be able to show good credit history because they do not have one. The money deposited in the bank account is considered a safety measure against non-payment of bills. Usually the credit limit of secured cards will be equal to or less than the security deposit in the bank account. The bank account that is used for secured credit card must be an exclusive account which should not be used for any other purpose.

Since the credit card companies are at much lesser risk in the case of a secure credit card, one can get a secured credit card much more easily. Operational wise, secured credit card works the same way as the unsecured credit card. You need to pay your bills regularly ever month, pay your annual fee some times the fees is even more than the unsecured cards. The way business is run, buying and selling is conducted has changed so much that you cannot afford to be without a credit card. In a situation like this, one is forced to opt for secured credit card especially when they have been played by fate and left poor credit history.

In case you are using your secured credit to build a good credit history, be rigid on yourself on paying your monthly bills regularly. If you lapse again, you might be risking too much.

While applying for a secured credit card make a good study on the fees that are applicable and analyze various situation including what happens to your money in the bank if you credit card application is going to be denied. This is a point of concern because there are banks that would want retain the money for few financial cycles. Make sure that you do not lose anything when you are going to be prompt in paying your monthly bills. Also, check out for any additional expenses towards service charges.

You may have to forfeit your deposit in the bank if you happen to miss your payments anywhere between five to six months. On the other hand if you have been regular in making your payments you will start getting unsecured credit card offers within a period of time. The longest wait here would be most probably one year. However, beware of all marketing scams. Many a delighted card holders have been charged fees ranging between $25 to $50 for just getting the information on the banks that offer unsecured credit cards.

For more information on finding the very best Secured Credit Card, The article author Jeff M recommends that you visit the-credit-card-pros.com.

Secured Credit Card - How You Can Easily Rebuild Your Credit

By Conleth Onu

If you have bad credit, it is imperative that you take steps to repair your credit rating as soon as possible.

Although it seems like a difficult task, if you don't repair your credit, your credit rating will remain the same for up to seven years, causing you all sorts of inconveniences, and making it hard to get loan, mortgages, credit cards, or do things that require a good credit history.

Obtaining a secured credit card is an important step in credit repair. Generally, if you have a bad credit record, you will be turned down for any credit card application.

A secured credit card is a credit card marketed specifically to people with bad credit or no credit.

Generally, these cards work by requiring a cash deposit that is equal to your credit limit. In other words, if you make a deposit of $1500, you will be granted a credit limit of $1500.

That $1500 is used as security against default. So no withdrawals can be made from the security deposit while the secured credit account is open.

As you can see, this can be a good deal because it offers you the convenience of having a credit card while you work on building your credit.

A good credit record can make your life easier and more enjoyable. So make sure you make all your payments on time. And always stay within your credit limit.

By obtaining a secured credit card and using it responsibly, you will be able to improve your chances of obtaining unsecured credit cards and other lines of credit in the future.

Conleth C Onu is the owner of http://www.amazingcreditrepairtools.com This website is packed with articles on credit repair, ebooks and other quality resources that can help you get rid of bad credit..

Secured Credit Card or Unsecured Credit Card - Which is Right for Me?

By Jeremy Thompson

"I'll just put it on my credit card." It's a phrase often heard coming from young people or big spenders who either do not understand the repercussions of "just putting it on a credit card" or have the money to back up their words. The most popular form of payment by consumers this day and age is the simple swiping of that little plastic card. In the past credit cards were used "only in emergencies" and were issued only to those who were responsible enough to use them. However, now it seems like anyone, despite their age, financial status or credit history can apply for not just one, but any type of credit card available.

If you are new to the world of credit cards there are probably lots of terms, numbers and jargon that are confusing for you. Which credit card is the best? You mean there's more to be had than just Visa or Mastercard? What is an APR? These are all things that might be running through you head. The best advice is to start with the basics. What type of credit card is right for you? Another baffling question for a new credit card user since you probably didn't realize that there are two types of cards available, secured and unsecured credit cards. And if you did know this little fact, you may not know what the differences are.

On the surface the difference between a secured and unsecured credit card is simple. One holds some type of security while the other does not. You might be thinking that a secured credit card would be the way to go because it sounds like it might be more secure for the consumer. However, the security is actually for the credit card company.

When using a secured credit card the consumer is required to deposit a certain amount of money into the company's bank via a savings account or CD. The available credit limit is then based on the amount deposited. These amounts vary depending on the creditor. After the consumer is issued a credit card, which works just like any other secured or unsecured credit card, the company uses the deposit as a security for payment on purchases made using the card.

Generally, secured credit cards are applied for when someone has a low credit score, has filed bankruptcy or does not have any credit history. Secured credit cards are easier to get approved for but also come with more strings attached such as higher interest rate, membership fees, and application fees.

If you don't fall into the category of having bad or no credit it would be in your best interest to start with an unsecured credit card. An unsecured credit card simply gives you spending power with no former deposits or collateral to back up your spending. The consumer simply charges the amount to the credit card with the intention of paying back the borrowed money each month. There are still fees for charges that are not paid on time or if the consumer goes over their credit limit.

Unsecured credit cards still require a check of your credit score and financial history; however the credit limit is not based on a certain amount that you deposit in a bank. These credit cards also come with lower interest rates and fewer fees. If you're new to the world of credit cards and have no negative credit history, applying for an unsecured credit card is the place to start.

Jeremy Thompson is the author of UnsecuredCreditCardApplication.net your online resource to unsecured credit cards and unsecured credit card applications. Find lots of great credit card information on his site. Check it out at http://www.unsecuredcreditcardapplication.net

Secured Credit Card, One Way to Prevent You from Getting into Credit Card Problems

By J. Watananbe

Average American has about 10k credit card debt. He/she typically has that much credit card debt in addition to car loan, student loan and mortgage. Some argue that those who have huge amounts of credit card debts raise the average, but many (or most) of those who live in poverty probably do not have any credit card debt because they do not own any credit card. Also many people take home equity loans to consolidate their debts; it is true that they do not have any credit card debt or they only have small credit card debts, but it is true that they had huge credit card debts and home equity loans are no better than credit card debts.

Debt creates number of problems. Debt does not only create monetary problems, but it creates other problems as well. Debt is very stressful, and it sucks energy out. Stress can also make you physically sick over time. Of course, once you become sick, you can have many more problems. How can you avoid that? In the end, spend only what you have is the answer, but given how credit cards are often required in many circumstances, it is rather difficult to live without having any credit card. So, what's the answer? Secured credit card. Secured credit card does not make you debt free automatically, but it probably gives you more financial security than regular credit cards.

You have to make a deposit to make a secured credit card, and that deposit makes your credit line, so you never spend what you do not have. In case that you end up spending a lot and not being able to pay off the debt from your paychecks, you can just cancel the card and let your deposit pay off the debt for you. Therefore, there is zero risk of your getting into debt.

Also you need to save money to create a deposit to make a secured card, and the amount of money you can save is about the same amount of money that you should spend. Suppose that you manage to save $500 to make a secured credit card that has the credit line of $500. If you can save $500, then you can also pay off that much credit card debt pretty comfortably. Credit card companies do not really care if you can comfortably pay off your credit debt or not, and this is why they often give you large credit lines. Credit card companies generally benefit from this in the end, but this often does not work out for you because these credit lines are too large. You can never really get into that situation when you use a secured credit card.

Finally, any secured credit card does whatever you need to do. As you use the card and make regular payments, your FICO credit score improves (whether you like it or not, FICO credit score is probably the most important statistic today, and you really want to have a high FICO credit score; the higher, the better). No restaurant, retailer or website distinguishes between your secured credit card and other regular credit cards. It works.

I actually have a secured credit card now, and I wrote this to kind of remind myself the value of the secured credit card. I admit that I feel a bit wary, since my credit line isn't very large, but my financial status speaks for the value of the secured credit card. I do not have any debt, and I pay all credit card bills in full in one cycle. Not many people can do that comfortably. I am not a wealthy person, but how can I do that comfortably? It's partly because I use a secured credit card instead of one of those regular credit cards.

J. Watanabe is the owner of the finance discussion forum eFinancialDistrict, Finance and Accounting Forum. The forum is a part of a finance and accounting portal, and the portal has a discount finance and accounting book store.

Secured Credit Cards: How to Choose the Best Secured Credit Card

By R. Barnes

Choosing the best secured credit card for your situation is no simple task. There are literally hundreds of issuers offing secured credit cards. Before selecting a secured credit card you will need to remain mindful of the reason you are applying. Be sure to select the secured card that will best match your financial situation such as your income and your ability to repay.

A secure credit card works nearly the same way as an unsecured credit card. You are responsible for your line of credit and you make monthly payments on any balance you have acquired. Just like unsecured credit cards, your secured card may carry application fees, interest rates, finance charges, and annual fees in addition to any late fees and penalties you may incur. Your secured credit card will require you to deposit security funds into an account to be used as collateral for use of your card.

In most cases, secured credit cards carry higher interest rates and annual fees than unsecured credit cards. There are finance charges based upon a percentage of your current balance. As with unsecured credit cards, you'll want to choose a secured credit card with low interest rates, and low fees.

Most reputable secured credit card issuers will pay you interest on any security funds you have deposited. The interest rate you will earn on your security funds can range from 1 to 4 percent. You will want to consider the interest rate the issuer pays based on the amount of money you deposit. For example, if you deposit $100.00, the amount of interest the issuer pays may not be of great concern. If you deposit $1000.00 the interest rate the issuer pays may require careful consideration. Keep this in mind when making your choice.

One of the most important aspects to consider may be credit agency reporting. Does the secure credit card issuer you have selected report to a credit agency? You must remember the main reason for having a secured credit card is to establish or re-establish credit. Please select a secure credit card issuer that reports to the credit agencies. You want your account information to show up on your credit report as paid or paying as agreed each month. It is also important to select an issuer that does not report your account as secured.

When selecting a secured credit card it is important to be mindful of secured credit card scams. There are many unscrupulous individuals and companies that will take advantage of you and your financial situation. Some of the signs to watch for are 900 numbers and misleading information. Avoid the offers that read, "Bad Credit, No Credit, No Problem... Just call 900-555-5555." Chances are you will be charged unnecessary phone charges and could end up paying hundreds of dollars for useless information. You can also avoid being scammed by reading carefully. There are some companies that purposely leave out information about deposit amounts, application fees, and other processing fees so be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully when selecting a secured credit card.

R. L. Barnes, editor at FirstCredit.Net provides useful advice and assistance regarding credit and credit cards. For more information regarding secured credit cards and unsecured credit cards you may visit their website.