is that worth it will it help establish my credit or what
2007-03-26 09:08:48 · 10 answers · asked by malandrina 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Credit
If that card is an unsecured card with $200 in fees - run
It would be much better to get a secured card with that money then to throw the money away on fees.
Check into secured cards with your bank or credit union
One other place you might check about a secured card is Bank of America.
The bank/credit union and BofA secured cards will grow with you and will eventually unsecure. How long it takes to unsecure depends on how well you keep the account in good shape.
2007-03-26 09:16:01 · answer #1 · answered by echo 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Echo. Depending on who you go with, secured cards can actually work in your favor. Ok, you may have to put up a deposit to secure the same amount in a line of credit, that can be the price you pay for not having excellent credit. At least with a secured card, you can determine the credit line. Let's say that you deposit $1000. Consequently you would get a credit line of a $1000. If you make small purchases and pay it off on time, after a year you get that $1000 back, with possible interest. And if you added to the security deposit ever so often, once it became unsecured, you would have a card with a credit line higher than any card you would've applied for outright. Wells Fargo and BOA (Bank of America) both have secured cards that are actually just as good if not better than Orchard Bank or Capital One's unsecured cards.
Another thing would be to stay away from unsecured cards that have a lot of fees. Processing fees, membership fees, participation fees are some of the common fees that credit card companies slap on the card before you get just to get in your pocket well before you get a chance to use it.
Once you're able to establish credit with a major credit card, you can also go for what's called "instant credit" where they determine whether you're approved by swiping a major credit card. Some retail credit cards use this method.
2007-03-26 16:48:32 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If its a secured credit card that want you to pay 200 upfront..then its a good way to start building your credit. If its not a secured credit card, I am not sure, it might not be a legit offer. Bank of America offer secured credit cards. You deposit, lets say 200 in your account, and you can only use up to that much as your limit. Increase your deposit every couple of months and your credit limit will go up. If you stay perfect with payments for a year or so, the card will become unsecured and the amount of deposit you have will be your available line of credit. Plus, you'll get interest on all that deposit that have been sitting in your account for a year.
2007-03-26 16:14:27 · answer #3 · answered by Irvin 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They will probably credit the 200 after so many months (read the contract) of paying your monthly payments. Its a good way to re-establish credit, if you don't go crazy. Make small purchases and pay on time. Wait till you pay it all before using it again. after 3 or 6 months they may raise the credit line. you do pay interest, so be very carefull with those things, they can help, but they can also hurt.
2007-03-26 16:15:22 · answer #4 · answered by Skuya!!! 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not worth it...
Orchard Bank and capital one offers credit cards for people with bad credit or no credit or you can get a secured card... With a secured card you put up your own money (into a savings account) and that amount (or part of it) is the credit line for your card. Put in $1000 and you could have up to a $1000 credit line.
Try a department store, a gas company or some other smaller credit card. It will help you in your daily finances, and it will also help rebuild that credit. If you can handle a Macy's or a Texaco card, major card companies will be impressed.
http://www.orchardbank.com/
http://www.capitalone.com/
2007-03-26 16:12:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is well worth the money to help establish your credit history. They also will return the deposit after one year if you make on time monthly payments and keep your credit card account in good standing.
2007-03-26 18:12:17 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes - its worth it. Do what you can to get a good reputation established and then dump the secured credit card. You may also want to try a gas station card - they tend to be easier to get because of the lower limits.
Pay as yo go and don't build up a running balance.
2007-03-26 16:16:14 · answer #7 · answered by sdmike 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Please tell me you're not serious. NO!
Rob a bank before you sign up for one of those cards.
You prepay your $200, then you have a $200 balance. Think about it...they're charging you interest to use YOUR OWN MONEY. At least a traditional card only charges you because you've used THEIR money.
Open a checking account and deposit $200, then you can use your debit card and pay NO interest..and still have $200 to work with.
2007-03-26 16:14:00 · answer #8 · answered by pancakes & hyrup 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes, like a secured card it will help u and some turn into a credit card if u are paying your bills on time
2007-03-26 16:34:59 · answer #9 · answered by shorty21 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used Orchard bank when I was in the same boat. I think that my cost was $59.
2007-03-26 16:16:50 · answer #10 · answered by colorado.dreamer 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋