Credit Cards For People With Bad Credit

By Joseph Kenny
When it comes to having bad credit ratings, or at least less than good credit ratings, it sure can make things a little tough financially to be able to do what you want. Many people today start getting into bad credit partly because of credit cards simply by taking full advantage of the "charge it" possibilities that a credit card gives you. A credit card - at least a certain kind, can actually help you to repair your credit - here's how.
While a credit card can actually help you to improve your credit ratings, you probably already know that you will not be able to get the best rates or features on a new credit card. The terms will generally be restrictive and your rates higher. It also means that any credit limits you get will be low - at least to start with, since the credit card company will consider you to be a higher risk than someone with good credit.
The first thing you need to do is to make sure that the credit card company you are applying to says that it reports to a major credit bureau. It may report to all three of the major ones (look for it) which are Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. If it does not report to at least one of these, look for another card. It cannot help you to repair your credit even if you do make every payment on time.
The next thing is the interest rate - you will want to get one that has a very low rate of interest - the lower the better. This interest rate is what you will be paying each month on whatever balance you leave on the credit card. Ideally, you will want to pay off the full amount each month. This will allow you to build your credit rating faster.
Check out the various fees that apply. You may actually be surprised to find out just how many there are - a fee for just about everything. The idea they want to convey is that while they are willing to take a risk by issuing you a credit card, you will pay for the pleasure of it. The good news, though, is that by handling your finances well with the new card, you will get offers for better cards with time. Because there are so many fees, you do not just want to accept any card - compare them to discover which one has the least amount of fees. The truth is that when your fees are applied at the start, that there will be little room left to charge much of anything else.
Most credit cards that are issued for those with bad credit do not include the usual introductory offers that a regular card may have. There will not be any rebates or rewards, either. A couple of these cards may offer balance transfers.
For your own information, be sure to see if there is a time period stated in the application, that tells you how often the credit card company will review your account. This is important because your opportunity to get a better card can only be offered at that time. At those reviews, the issuing company may elect to raise your credit limit, lessen your fees, or some other such option. Even though you will pay more at the start, getting your credit card for people with bad credit is good because soon your credit rating can be improved and offers will come that you will enjoy more.
Joe Kenny writes for the Credit Card Store, offering views on poor credit credit cards, visit his other comparison site today to compare credit cards and find yourself a better credit card deal.