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Before you start comparing cards, it’s a good idea to . By knowing where you stand, you can get a better grasp of your options and what to look for when looking at credit cards designed specifically for people who have bad credit. You might even find out that your credit score is actually “fair,” which opens up more credit card opportunities for you. Do you want an unsecured or secured card
Next, determine whether you want an unsecured or a secured card. don’t require a security deposit, but they may be harder to qualify for and may include higher interest rates. On the other hand, require a security deposit, but they typically tend to be easier to qualify for and charge fewer fees since you’re putting down collateral. Plus, the security deposit is usually refundable. Minimal fees
One of the other big things to consider is fees. Often, credit cards for bad credit charge higher fees and more of them. You want to read the fine print to make sure you’re aware of these fees and how much you’ll owe once you have the card and are using it, particularly if you’re going to carry a balance. can make sense if you have no other options, but you should avoid it if you can. In addition to annual fees, some credit cards also come with other charges, such as application fees, activation and processing fees, and monthly maintenance or membership charges. Unfortunately, these fees are common among unsecured credit cards for bad credit. Avoid them if you can. Before deciding on a card, be sure to read its terms and conditions so that you’re aware of all the fees you may face. Fair interest rates
The APR you’ll be charged will depend on your creditworthiness, which indicates to the card issuer the amount of risk it is taking by extending you credit. Generally speaking, the lower your credit score, the higher your APR will be, so a higher-than-average APR is somewhat of a given for people with bad credit. But some credit cards for poor credit charge APRs that are truly dizzying, at around 30 percent. The is hovering above 17 percent, so the closer you can get to that, the better. Remember, because of the , you won’t accrue any interest if you pay your bill in full every month, making your APR irrelevant. But if there’s a chance you might carry a balance, you need to prioritize a low interest rate. A good credit limit
Securing a high credit limit can be tough if you have bad credit, but you want to aim as high as you can (as long as you won’t be tempted to overspend). Here’s why: your credit limit affects your , which is a significant factor in your credit score. Credit utilization is the amount you owe as a percentage of your . So if you have a $200 credit limit and a $100 balance on the card, your credit utilization is 50 percent. A typical recommendation is that you keep your credit utilization below 30 percent. But in general, the lower that percentage, the better for your credit score. A path to better credit
Finally, when applying for your credit card, think ahead. Many cards for bad credit offer after you use the card responsibly for several months. An increased credit line can mean a boost for your credit score. Also, consider the potential for a future upgrade. Most credit card issuers allow eligible customers to upon request. Choosing a card issuer that might be able to offer an upgrade as you work to improve your credit is important. Lastly, make sure the card you’re considering reports credit activity to . Cards with incomplete credit reporting can be problematic because you won’t necessarily know from which bureau a future lender might be pulling your credit report. For example, if a lender pulls reports from TransUnion, but your credit card reports only to Equifax and Experian, then the lender may not be able to see your credit activity. The bottom line
Credit cards for people with bad credit have more pitfalls than most cards, but a credit card can be a saving grace if you’re looking to rebuild your credit score. The come with minimal fees, a fair APR, and credit-building opportunities like credit line increases and reporting to all three credit bureaus. SHARE: This article was generated using automation technology and thoroughly edited and fact-checked by an editor on our editorial staff. Mariah Ackary is a personal finance editor who joined the Bankrate team in 2019, excited by the opportunity to help people make good financial decisions. Send your questions to Related Articles