If you have bad credit, you may think getting a credit card is impossible. But there are a few options available to you. Keep reading to learn how to find a credit card if you have bad credit and what you can do to increase your credit score.
Finding a Credit Card for Bad Credit
If you are looking for a credit card and have bad credit, there are still options available to you. Many credit card issuers offer cards specifically designed for people with poor or no credit history. If you need to find a credit card for bad credit, you could try applying for a secured credit card., A secured credit card requires you to put down a security deposit. This deposit will usually be equal to your credit limit.
Another option is to apply for a card for those with bad credit. These cards typically have higher interest rates and lower limits, but they can help you rebuild your credit history. Another way to find a credit card if you have bad credit is to look for a co-signer. A co-signer is someone who agrees to be responsible for your debt if you do not pay it. Lastly, you can try applying for a prepaid debit card.
A prepaid debit card is similar to a regular debit card, but it is funded with money that you load onto the card yourself. This can be helpful if you are trying to build or rebuild your credit history. Be sure to look at the terms and conditions of each card before applying, as some cards may be better suited for your needs than others.
Making On-Time Payments
Making on-time payments every month is one of the most important things you can do to improve your credit score. Late or missed payments can stay on your credit report for up to seven years and impact your ability to get approved for future loans or credit cards. Set up autopay through your bank or credit card company to make on-time payments. This will ensure that your monthly payments are automatically deducted from your account. Alternatively, make a note of when your payment is due and mark it in your calendar, so you don’t forget.
If you cannot make a payment due to unforeseen circumstances, reach out to your creditor as soon as possible. If you habitually miss payments, you may risk having your account closed and being reported to the credit bureaus.
Keeping Credit Utilization Low
Your credit utilization is one of the most important factors in determining your credit score. Credit utilization is the percentage of your available credit that you are using. So, if you have a credit card with a $1,000 limit and a balance of $500, you are using 50% of your available credit. Using 50% of available credit is not a good thing, and it will lower your credit score. Ideally, you should keep your credit utilization below 30%.
Keeping your credit utilization below 30% means never having a balance that exceeds 30% of your available credit. You can achieve this by paying your bills on time and keeping your credit card balances low. If you have a high credit utilization, you can improve your credit score by paying down your balances. You can also try to get a higher credit limit on your credit cards to give you more room to use your credit without damaging your score.
If you are having trouble keeping your credit utilization low, you can consider using a credit counseling service. This will help you get your finances under control and improve your credit score.
