An unsecured bad credit credit card is a valuable tool in improving your credit score.
If your credit score falls below a 630, and you need a credit card there are some unsecured credit cards you can qualify for. Although an unsecured bad credit credit card comes with a higher rate and fees then a regular credit card. You can use it to improve credit score.
How to use a bad credit credit card to improve your credit
These cards are just for people with bad credit. If your credit score is above a 650, you should look into applying for a Fair / good credit credit card. But the closer you are to a 630 credit score, the harder it will be for you to get approved.
First you need to find the right card for you.
- look at your credit score and review the bad credit credit cards found on this page
- all the credit cards on our site will report to at least 1 credit reporting agency. Most will report to all 3. If you use another site, make sure that the credit card issuer will report to at least 1 credit reporting agency.
- Compare interest rate, and fees
- Review the credit cards eligibility requirements paying close attention to the credit score.
Once you find the bad credit credit card you want. You will need to practice good spending habits.
However if the main purpose is to improve the card holder’s credit standing, there are specific steps that must be followed.
First, the card holder must keep in mind that the unsecured bad credit card will only be used temporarily and must be utilized only for the purpose of improving credit score.
Therefore it is vital that the card holder find a good issuer that imposes reasonable rates, fees and terms.
An important feature that a card holder must look from a bad credit credit card issuer is credit reporting provision. Find an issuer that reports to major credit bureaus regularly.
Secondly, cardholders must use no more than 30% of their credit limit.
By keeping credit usage at a minimal level, a card holder can significantly boost his/her credit score since credit utilization makes up 30% of the total credit score. Doing so is also an effective way to reduce the risk of debt build-up.
Thirdly, the card holder must pay monthly charges in full.
By keeping your purchases at a minimum, paying in full shouldn’t be a problem. Full and prompt submission of payment is crucial in rebuilding bad credit since 35% of your credit score is based on payment history.
Last but not the least, as important as every step mentioned, the card holder must check his/her monthly statement of account to verify if all charges are correct.
Although these are computer generated documents, there might be instances when errors may occur.
Unauthorized charges may also be included in your account if someone has been using your identity without your consent. Monitoring your account will give you the opportunity to dispute incorrect charges and prevent these from damaging your personal credit.
Depending on how bad the damage has been done to your credit, it usually takes 6 months to a year before the person can effectively improve his credit score through an unsecured bad credit credit card. Once the credit score has been fixed, the card holder can finally convert the unsecured bad credit credit card to regular credit card to enjoy lower rate and better privileges.
