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Merrick Bank Secured Credit Card
Merrick Bank Secured Credit Card
- 22.70% Variable Regular Purchase APR
- 27.70% Variable Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The Merrick Bank Secured Credit Card is an effective tool for boosting your credit score. The card features a very competitive APR on purchases, a modest annual fee of $36, and the chance at credit limit increases – without the need for any additional cash deposits.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Choose your own credit line based on how much money you want to put down as a security deposit
- Initial deposits can be from $200 to $3,000. You can increase your credit line at any time by adding additional money to your security deposit, up to $3,000
- After 9 months, we review your account for a credit line increase. No additional deposit required!
- Secured Credit Cards are great for people looking to build or rebuild credit and are available to people with all kinds of credit backgrounds
- Unlike a debit card or a pre-paid card, it helps build your credit history. We report your payment history to all three major credit-reporting agencies
- Get your FICO® Credit Score for free each month
- Fraud coverage if your card is lost or stolen. Access your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get help staying on track with available Auto Pay and account alerts
- Card issued by Merrick Bank, Member FDIC
- Regular Purchase APR: 22.70% Variable
- Cash Advance APR: 27.70% Variable
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 4% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $36 for first year. Billed $3 per month thereafter
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 2% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Minimum Deposit Required: $200
- You're looking to establish credit for the first time
- You have credit problems and need to bounce back with a secured card
- You want the chance of additional credit lines with an extra deposit
Fortiva® Mastercard® Credit Card
Fortiva® Mastercard® Credit Card
- *See Terms Regular Purchase APR
- *See Terms Balance Transfer APR
- *See Terms Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The Fortiva® Mastercard® Credit Card fees and APR are very high, but for those who cannot afford the upfront cost of a security deposit, this card can serve as a short-term solution for beginning the journey of rebuilding credit.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Free VantageScore 3.0 (provided by Equifax)
- Reports to all three major credit bureaus
- Mobile app available in Apple Store and Google Play
- $0 fraud liability
- Must receive mail offer in order to apply
- Regular Purchase APR: *See Terms
- Balance Transfer APR: *See Terms
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: 3% of the amount of each transfer after the first year
- Cash Advance APR: *See Terms
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $49 to $175 the first year; up to $49 thereafter
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars.
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- You have been denied for secured cards from both major and local card issuers
- You have less than $100 disposable income
- You cannot spare cash to use as a secured card security deposit
- You will pay your balance in full every month
- You're looking for a short-term credit card to use to increase your overall credit limit
NerdUp by NerdWallet Credit Card
NerdUp by NerdWallet Credit Card
- 0% Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The NerdUp by NerdWallet is a secured charge card designed to help build credit. The card earns 1% cash back on purchases, features a fairly low security deposit requirement, but doesn't provide any route for graduation to unsecured credit.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Build your credit with no credit check or interest charges
- Earn 1% cash back on purchases
- Use rewards to increase your deposit or offset your card bill
- $0 annual fee
- Cash Advance APR: 0%
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: $3 per ATM withdrawal
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: $5
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: $5
- Minimum Deposit Required: $100
- You are new to credit and want an easy way to begin building credit
- You want automatic repayments to help avoid missed payments
- You want basic cash back rewards without an annual fee
BankAmericard® Credit Card for Students
BankAmericard® Credit Card for Students
- 16.24% to 26.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 16.24% to 26.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 19.24% to 29.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
- 0% for 21 months from account opening date Intro Purchase APR
At a Glance
The BankAmericard® Credit Card for Students is a no-frills card for college students with little to no credit history who are looking to build and monitor the health of their credit.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Introductory 0% purchase APR for 18 months
- Introductory 0% APR for 18 months on balance transfers made within 60 days of account opening
- No fee on balance transfers made within 60 days of account opening
- Access to credit and budgeting education and free monthly FICO Score reports
- No annual fee
- Intro Purchase APR: 0% for 21 months from account opening date
- Regular Purchase APR: 16.24% to 26.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 21 months from account opening date
- Balance Transfer APR: 16.24% to 26.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 19.24% to 29.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $29
- You're a student just starting out building your credit history
- You're looking for a great introductory APR offer on purchases and balance transfers
- You want a credit card with no annual fees
- You want the ability to monitor your credit score monthly
Avant Credit Card
Avant Credit Card
- 35.99% Regular Purchase APR
- 35.99% Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The Avant Credit Card is a beginner-friendly credit-building tool that intentionally omits the bells and whistles. Perfect for someone looking to get their first credit card but is equally adept at rebuilding a dinged credit score.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- No deposit required
- Reports to all three major credit bureaus
- No penalty APR
- No hidden fees
- Late Fee up to $39
- We may periodically review your account for credit line increases
- Fast and easy application process
- Help strengthen your credit history with responsible use
- Zero fraud liability for unauthorized charges
- Conveniently pay your card through our online portal, 24/7
- Get Mastercard® ID Theft Protection by Mastercard
- Disclosure: If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than $1.00. Cash Advance Fee 3%, Min: $10
- Checking your eligibility does not affect your credit score
- Avant branded credit products are issued by WebBank, member FDIC
- See the Provider's terms for more information
- Regular Purchase APR: 35.99%
- Cash Advance APR: 35.99%
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of the cash advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $0 to $59
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $39
- You are looking to build credit for the first time
- You do't require more than a $1,000 credit limit
- You will pay off your card balance in full each month
- You want to check for pre-qualification prior to applying
Applied Bank® Unsecured Classic Visa® Card
Applied Bank® Unsecured Classic Visa® Card
- 29.99% Regular Purchase APR
- 29.99% Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The Applied Bank® Unsecured Classic Visa® Card is a credit card designed to help you build your credit score. The card from Applied Bank does not require good credit for approval and offers the perks and protections of a true Visa credit card.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Get pre-qualified in less than a minute
- A $300 unsecured credit line which can be used at grocery stores, gas stations, discount stores, ATMs and online
- A real Visa® credit card with automatic reporting to all three national credit bureaus
- No penalty rate. Your rate wo't go up even if you are late
- Access additional credit with on-time payments and responsible usage
- A true unsecured EMV enabled (chip) Visa Credit card
- Does not require perfect credit for approval
- Fixed APR and manageable monthly payments
- Regular Purchase APR: 29.99%
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99%
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: See website for details*
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $38
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $38
- You're looking to build your credit
- You want a card that regularly reports to all three major credit bureaus
- You don’t want to pay a security deposit for a secured card
Surge® Platinum Mastercard®
Surge® Platinum Mastercard®
- 29.99% (Variable) Regular Purchase APR
- See Terms* Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The Surge Mastercard® can be an ideal pre-qualification option if you need to repair or continue building your less-than-perfect credit score. Though it bears annual and maintenance fees, it does, however, provide attractive perks for qualified cardholders – including the potential for a double credit limit increase in as little as six months.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Up to $1,000 credit limit doubles up to $2,000! (Simply make your first 6 monthly minimum payments on time)
- All credit types welcome to apply!
- Monthly Credit Score – Sign up for electronic statements, and get your Vantage 3.0 Score Credit Score From Experian
- Initial Credit Limit of $300 – $1,000 (subject to available credit)
- Monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus
- See if you’re Pre-Qualified without impacting your credit score
- Fast and easy application process; results in seconds
- Online account access 24/7
- Checking Account Required
- Regular Purchase APR: 29.99% (Variable)
- Cash Advance APR: See Terms*
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: See Terms*
- Annual Fee: See Terms*
- Foreign Transaction Fee: See Terms*
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- You have fair or poor credit and need to build or repair your credit ratings
- You prefer a pre-qualification card that will immediately inform you whether you would be approved prior to applying
- You want to double your credit line by up to $1,000 by making your first six monthly minimum payments on time
- You don’t want a secured credit card or can’t afford a security deposit
- You want a card that reports activity to the three major credit bureaus
- You want the security of an optional credit protection program
FIT™ Platinum Mastercard®
FIT™ Platinum Mastercard®
- 29.99% Regular Purchase APR
- See Terms* Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The FIT™ Platinum Mastercard® is an unsecured credit card that offers the chance of a credit line increase in just six months. The card starts with a $400 unsecured credit line – but offers the chance at a double your credit limit increase in as few as six months.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- $400 credit limit doubles to $800! (Simply make your first 6 monthly minimum payments on time)
- All credit types welcome to apply
- Monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus
- Initial Credit Limit of $400.00 (Subject to available credit)
- Fast and easy application process; results in seconds
- Use your card at locations everywhere Mastercard® is accepted
- Free access to your Vantage 3.0 score from Experian (When you sign up for e-statements)
- Checking Account Required
- Regular Purchase APR: 29.99%
- Cash Advance APR: See Terms*
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: See Terms
- Annual Fee: See Terms
- Foreign Transaction Fee: See Terms
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- You have no credit (or bad credit) and want to build up a positive credit history
- You don’t have the funds for a security deposit on a secured card
- You want to double your credit line with six minimum payments on-time
- You want monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus
Cleo Credit Builder Card
Cleo Credit Builder Card
At a Glance
The Cleo Credit Builder Card, issued by WebBank, is designed to get your credit where it needs to be. Easy and convenient signup for the secured charge card takes just three minutes through the Cleo App. No hassles or hoops to jump through to get started. Stay focused on boosting your credit score without the worry of credit checks and no interest on purchases.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Put cash into your security deposit, which acts as, and increases, your credit line
- Account status is reported to 3 credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion)
- Cleo Credit Builder Card helps you build up your score over time
- No interest rates or fees
- Must have a Cleo Builder Subscription plan to apply for the Cleo Credit Builder Card
- Minimum Deposit Required: $1
- You want to build or establish credit without the fees of traditional credit cards
- You don’t mind paying a subscription to shape a better-looking credit score
- You would like a realistic line of credit to fit your lifestyle needs via a secured deposit
- You seek the convenience of an AI budgeting assistant in combination with credit building
First Digital Mastercard®
First Digital Mastercard®
- 35.99%* Regular Purchase APR
- 35.99%* Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The First Digital Mastercard® is a sleek and simple card designed for rebuilding credit. With its chrome-like appearance and full Mastercard features, you’d never guess it was available for anything less than perfect credit. Yet that’s exactly what Synovus Bank (the credit card issuer) offers with this card: a speedy approval process for a $300 credit limit, to help you take your credit to the next level.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Earn 1% cash back rewards on payments made to your First Digital Credit Card • Checking Account Required • $300 credit limit (subject to available credit) • Build up your credit history with a card that reports to all three major credit bureaus every month. • Perfect credit not required for approval; we may approve you when others won’t. • *See Rates, Fees, Costs & Limitations for complete offer details • See Cash Back Rewards Programs Terms & Conditions for details
- Regular Purchase APR: 35.99%*
- Cash Advance APR: 35.99%*
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10, or 3% of the amount of the Cash Advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $75 1st year, $48 after*
- Foreign Transaction Fee: See Terms*
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41*
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41*
- You have struggled to qualify for other lines of credit
- You need a credit-building card with quick and easy approval
- You don’t need to transfer or otherwise carry a balance
- You want the full benefits of a Mastercard
You've viewed 5 of 70 credit cards
What Is a Poor Credit Score?
A bad credit score is a score that falls below what credit reporting bureaus deem to be average, or “fair.” Bad scores indicate that a person is at a higher risk of missing payments, making late payments, or defaulting on their loans.
To put it bluntly, a bad or poor credit score tells a bank or lender that an individual is less creditworthy than someone with a higher score. Fortunately, credit scores are not set in stone. Instead, they are easily changeable through proactive measures and following financial best practices.
Credit Score Range
Before fixing a damaged credit score, it is crucial to understand what a credit score is, and what is considered good, bad, or ugly by different credit reporting bureaus. The two main credit scoring models that banks use to gauge creditworthiness are FICO and VantageScore.
FICO is the oldest of the credit scoring systems, and as such, is the most popular among banks. A FICO score ranges from 300 to 850, with ratings ranging from Very Poor (bad) to Exceptional VantageScore is a newer scoring model created by the three leading credit agencies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Like FICO, VantageScore ranges from 300 to 850, but places more scoring weight on newer credit histories than FICO.
FICO Scoring Factor | % of Score |
Payment history/ late payments | 35% |
Total amount owed on credit accounts | 30% |
Average length of credit history | 15% |
Types of credit accounts | 10% |
New credit applications (hard inquiries) | 10% |
How Poor Credit Can Hurt You Financially
What impact can a bad credit score have on your financial life? Or even your everyday life, for that matter? Understanding how a bad credit score can impact your life negatively is essential in building a better financial future. Understanding how a bad credit score can impact your life negatively is essential in building a better financial future.
Here are the biggest impacts of bad credit on your life:
Tougher odds of receiving new credit offers | Higher loan terms |
Difficulty finding apartments to rent | Loss of certain job opprotunities |
First and foremost, bad credit can make getting approved for loans, credit cards, and even rental properties challenging. Lenders and landlords typically rely on your credit score to determine your level of risk as a borrower or tenant. With a low credit score, your lender or landlord may deny your applications outright, feeling you are a potential risk.
A bad credit score can also result in higher interest rates for loans and credit cards. This negative impact means you will pay more over time, potentially adding up to thousands of dollars in extra fees and interest charges.
Bad credit can also impact your ability to secure specific jobs or obtain security clearances. Employers and government agencies may check your credit report as part of the hiring or clearance process.
How to Improve a Poor Credit Score
Bad credit has serious ramifications in everyday life. Fortunately, there is something you can do – here are some of our top tips for improving your credit score:
① Check your credit score | The first thing you should do is check your credit score to see where you stand. You might already know your credit score is bad, but how far down on the scale, does it go? Knowing how fast you can improve your credit from “bad” to “fair” is crucial to making a financial plan of attack. |
② Get a credit card for subprime credit | Part of boosting your credit score is increasing your use of credit. For those with bad credit, this may seem counter-intuitive. Fortunately, there are many unsecured credit cards for poor credit and secured cards that can help you repair your credit score. |
③ Pay on time each month | As seen in the scoring models, payment history is the biggest factor in your credit score. Because payment history is so important, paying your credit card bill on time each month is essential to boosting sub-prime credit. Missed payments stay on a credit report for seven years. |
④ Keep your credit use low | Credit utilization is as important as paying on time. Credit utilization shows lenders how you use your credit. Those who keep their credit use below 30% can expect their score to improve, while those who use less than 10% can expect a much faster score rise. |
Editorial Disclosure – The opinions expressed on BestCards.com's reviews, articles, and all other content on or relating to the website are solely those of the content’s author(s). These opinions do not reflect those of any card issuer or financial institution, and editorial content on our site has not been reviewed or approved by these entities unless noted otherwise. Further, BestCards.com lists credit card offers that are frequently updated with information believed to be accurate to the best of our team's knowledge. However, please review the information provided directly by the credit card issuer or related financial institution for full details.