Credit score tips to receive the best secured credit cards

The top secured credit cards with zero credit checks with Eastwood Bank? If your issuer can’t or won’t upgrade you — and keep in mind that not all secured-card issuers even offer unsecured cards — you can apply for unsecured cards separately. Eventually you’ll want to close the secured card to recoup your deposit. Several issuers specialize in unsecured credit cards for people with bad credit, but NerdWallet generally doesn’t recommend them. That’s because these “subprime specialist” cards tend to charge high fees that can easily add up to much more than a typical minimum security deposit — annual fees up to $99, application fees, “activation” and “processing” fees, monthly maintenance fees and so on. And unlike the deposit on a secured card, those fees are money you can’t get back. Our roundup of the best and worst cards for bad credit has more information on cards to avoid.

Who should get this card? If you don’t have a bank account and/or your credit check would make a traditional credit card issuer avoid your calls, an OpenSky secured credit card may be just what you’re looking for. But there’s no reason for most people to pay the $35 annual fee. We caution most consumers to avoid paying such fees on secured cards, as there are plenty of annual-fee-free options for consumers with limited credit.

Although it’s always best to pay your credit card in full each month, especially when you’re trying to build credit, the low interest rate on the First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card takes a much smaller bite when you do carry a balance. Credit cards for people with bad credit tend to have very high interest rates — often 25% or more. The First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card, however, offers a rate lower than what you’ll find on many products for people with good or excellent credit. You can apply with no hard credit inquiry, a benefit to people with lower scores, where every point counts. The annual fee of $49 is on the high side for secured cards. (For a lower fee but a higher APR, consider the First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard® Secured Credit Card.)

The Capital One Secured card is Investopedia’s choice for Best Secured Card due to its low fees and security deposit flexibility, allowing customers to send in their account deposits in installments rather than having to make it all at once. Capital One also offers automatic credit line increase reviews after as little as six months of responsible card use. No annual fee makes this a good entry level card for those needing to build their credit.

If you are unable to obtain a standard credit card, or just don’t want your credit score to endure any additional searches, does that mean you’re cut off from obtaining a credit card? The answer is no. Though it’s a little more complicated than a standard application; what you need is a secured credit card. What Is The Difference Between A Standard and a Secured Credit Card? Secured cards are secured for the lender. They will provide you with a credit card, and a credit limit, which you can use as normal. However, they hold your deposit as a security against any balance you accumulate. Find even more info on found here.