A credit card is one of the best tools for improving your credit score. It will increase the number of open accounts you have and expand your overall credit limit. If you pay off your balance every month, you should start seeing a gradual increase in your credit score.
Capital One Secured Mastercard
The Capital One Secured Mastercard is intended for people with low credit scores or limited credit history. Secured cards require a security deposit, which is used as collateral and will be refunded to you if you choose to close your account. The minimum deposit for the Capital One card is $49, which will give you a credit line of $200. If you pay a higher security deposit, you can increase your credit line.
You can also access a higher credit line if you make your first five payments on time, which is a great way to keep yourself accountable for paying your bill each month. Capital One allows you to choose your monthly due date, so you can pay at the most convenient time. You can set up Autopay as well.
The card has no annual fee and a variable APR of $24.99.
You can fill out an application on Capital One’s website. If you’re approved, you’ll have access to your credit line as soon as you pay the security deposit.
Wells Fargo Secured Credit Card
While many secured credit cards offer smaller credit lines to help you establish your credit, the Wells Fargo Secured Credit Card offers a much more extensive limit. You can put down a deposit of up to $10,000 for a credit limit that’s well beyond the norm. This secured credit card works with you, so you can open an account with a security deposit of just $300 and get started today.
Your deposit acts as your credit line. Whatever you deposit you can use on purchases, which offers you the flexibility to set your own limits.
There’s a small annual fee of $25, but you’ll have access to everything you need to rebuild your credit. Wells Fargo offers access to your FICO credit score, credit education and helpful tools, and an online platform that will show your progress over time. All card activity is shared with the major credit bureaus, so you’ll be rebuilding your credit history with every on-time payment.
Indigo Platinum Mastercard
The Indigo Platinum Mastercard is one of the best options for people with bankruptcies on their record as it doesn’t disqualify you for having previous bankruptcies, which can stay on your credit report for up to 10 years. Indigo also offers a pre-qualification questionnaire, so you can find out whether you’re likely to be approved before undergoing a credit check.
Your credit limit will depend on the results of your credit check. Indigo offers a fixed APR of 23.90 percent, and annual fees can range from $0 to $99. After completing the pre-qualification questionnaire, which only takes a few minutes, you can apply for the card on their website.
Credit One Bank Visa Credit Card
The Credit One Bank Visa Credit Card is an unsecured card with one percent cash back rewards. Like the Indigo card, it offers pre-qualification, so you’ll know whether you’re likely to be approved without having to lower your credit score with a credit check. The annual fee ranges from $0 to $99 and is billed to your account when you open it. Also, the APR ranges from 19.99 percent to 25.99 percent.
The Credit One card is ideal for rebuilding credit because it offers free access to your Experian credit report, which provides a breakdown of the key factors that strengthen or weaken your credit score. Credit One also allows you to choose your monthly payment date, so you can choose a due date that’s easy to remember. You can receive email or text alerts of your payment date, too.
Total Visa Unsecured Credit Card
The Total Visa Unsecured Credit Card is a great option for people who are just starting to build their credit score or are rebuilding after financial troubles. The initial credit limit is $300, so you won’t risk overspending. Because the credit limit is low, you’re likely to be approved even if your credit score is low or you have a limited credit history. The online application for the Total Visa card only takes a few minutes, and you’ll find out if you were approved immediately.
Total charges an annual fee of $75, and the unsecured card has an APR of 29.99.
After six months, you can request an increase to your credit limit. Then, Total will conduct automatic reviews of your account to determine whether your credit line can increase. However, many people choose to switch to a new card after using the Total Visa for several months to rebuild their credit.
Not all credit cards are ideal for people who need to rebuild their credit. Almost all cards require a credit check, which appears on your credit report and lowers your score. Therefore, you should only apply for a card that you expect will approve you and will be beneficial for your credit. It’s important to research your options before making a decision, so you find the best card for your financial situation.