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First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard® Secured Credit Card
First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard® Secured Credit Card
- 25.24% variable based on the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 30.24% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard Secured Credit Card is a solid card to have if you’ve set your sights on credit building. With no upfront credit check or history required, there’s no need to worry about hurting your score before you even get started. Instead, you can jump right in – after submitting your $200 security deposit, of course.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Choose your own credit line - $200 to $2000 – based on your security deposit
- Build your credit score.¹ Reports to all 3 credit bureaus
- No minimum credit score required for approval!
- ¹ Cardholders who keep their balance low and pay their credit card bill on time every month typically do see an increase in their credit score.
- Regular Purchase APR: 25.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR: 30.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $29
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $30
- Minimum Deposit Required: $200
- You have little to no credit history and struggle to get approved for other credit cards
- You want to establish credit history or improve your credit score
- You can submit a minimum of $200 for the security deposit
- You want a secured card with an initial credit limit of up to $2,000
- You don’t intend to carry a balance from month-to-month
ISNA Visa® Signature Card
ISNA Visa® Signature Card
- 15.24% to 25.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 15.24% to 25.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 25.24% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
- 1.99% for 6 months from account opening date Intro Purchase APR
At a Glance
The ISNA Visa® Signature Card from Commerce Bank awards cardholder with 3% cash back on purchases at coffee shops, fast food restaurants, and through ridesharing services. Additionally, cardholders earn 2% cash back at other types of restaurants and gas stations. Cardholders earn 1% cash back on all other purchases, too. What’s more, this card offers new cardholders a reduced APR for six months on purchases and balance transfers. Furthermore, this card features no annual fee.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- No annual fee
- Earn 3% cash back on coffee shop, fast food, and ridesharing purchases
- Earn 2% cash back on gas and dining and 1% cash back on everything else
- Reduced introductory APR for 6 months on balance transfers and purchases
- Intro Purchase APR: 1.99% for 6 months from account opening date
- Regular Purchase APR: 15.24% to 25.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 1.99% for 6 months from account opening date
- Balance Transfer APR: 15.24% to 25.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 25.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Penalty APR: 27.24%
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 1% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars; 2% of the transaction amount in other currencies
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- You want to show your support for the Indiana State Nurses Association (ISNA)
- You don’t want to pay an annual fee to use your cards
- You spend considerably on fast food, coffee, and rideshare services and want to earn cash back on those purchases
- You want to earn 2% cash back on gas and restaurants and 1% on everything else
- You want to take advantage of a lower APR for 6 months on purchases and balance transfers
Cobblestone Rewards Visa Signature®
Cobblestone Rewards Visa Signature®
- 16.74% to 26.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 16.74% to 26.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 26.74% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- No annual fee
- 5X points on Cobblestone purchases
- 1X points on all other purchases
- 50% additional points with Cobblestone stays after spending $10,000 in a purchasing year
- Regular Purchase APR: 16.74% to 26.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 16.74% to 26.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 26.74% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each advance, whichever is greater
- Penalty APR: 28.74%
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 1% of each transaction in U.S. Dollars. 2% of each transaction made in currenciesother than U.S. Dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- N/A
PayPal Extras Mastercard®
PayPal Extras Mastercard®
- 16.74%, 20.74%, or 23.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 23.74% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- 3X points at gas stations and restaurants
- 2X points on purchases made through PayPal and eBay
- 1X point on all purchases wherever Mastercard is accepted
- Mastercard identity theft protectio
- Regular Purchase APR: 16.74%, 20.74%, or 23.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR: 23.74% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% 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: $29
- N/A
Nissan® Visa Signature®
Nissan® Visa Signature®
- 17.24% or 23.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 25.24% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- No annual fee
- Earn 5 points for every $1 spent at Nissan dealerships and on gas
- Earn 3 points for every $1 spent on dining and 1X points on everything else
- Get access to limited-time financing promotions
- Regular Purchase APR: 17.24% or 23.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR: 25.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 4% of the amount of each transaction, 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: $29
- N/A
Arvest Bank Visa® Classic Card
Arvest Bank Visa® Classic Card
- 19.4% variable based on the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 19.4% variable based on the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 19.4% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
- 0% for the first 12 months Intro Purchase APR
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- No annual fee
- 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
- 25-day grace period on purchases
- Enroll in Arvest Flex Rewards at no additional cost
- Intro Purchase APR: 0% for the first 12 months
- Regular Purchase APR: 19.4% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for the first 12 months
- Balance Transfer APR: 19.4% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 19.4% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $4 or 4% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 1% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: $20
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: $25
- N/A
Arvest Bank Visa® Gold Card
Arvest Bank Visa® Gold Card
- 15.4% variable based on the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 15.4% variable based on the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 15.4% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
- 0% for the first 12 months Intro Purchase APR
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- No annual fee
- 25-day grace period on purchases
- Enroll in Arvest Flex Rewards at no additional cost
- Intro Purchase APR: 0% for the first 12 months
- Regular Purchase APR: 15.4% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for the first 12 months
- Balance Transfer APR: 15.4% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 15.4% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $4 or 4% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 1% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: $20
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: $25
- N/A
INFINITI Visa® Card
INFINITI Visa® Card
- 17.24% or 23.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 25.24 % variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- No annual fee
- Earn 5 points for every $1 spent at INFINITY, Nisan, or gas stations
- Earn 3X points on dining and 1X points on everything else
- Periodic special financing offers
- Regular Purchase APR: 17.24% or 23.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR: 25.24 % variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 4% 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: $29
- N/A
SDCCU Share Secured Visa Classic
SDCCU Share Secured Visa Classic
- 15% Regular Purchase APR
- 15% Balance Transfer APR
- 15% Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The SDCCU Share Secured Visa Classic credit card can help you build or repair your credit. It offers a flat, fixed APR for all transactions. Cardholders must submit a security deposit that is equal to 120% of their approved credit limit.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- One low fixed APR for all transactions
- Build or repair your credit
- Security Deposit ensures you wo't spiral into debt
- Use your card just like a regular credit card
- Regular Purchase APR: 15%
- Balance Transfer APR: 15%
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $1 or 2% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 15%
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $1 or 2% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $20
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 2% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $10
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $20
- Minimum Deposit Required: See terms
- You have no credit or bad credit
- You don’t qualify for an unsecured card
- You deed to improve your credit report scores
- You want a single fixed-rate interest for all your transactions
- You prefer to build credit vs. using a prepaid card or debit card
- You have the funds to pay the required security deposit
BrightStar Credit Union Visa Platinum Secured
BrightStar Credit Union Visa Platinum Secured
- 14.99% to 18% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 14.99% to 18% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 14.99% to 18% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The BrightStar Credit Union Visa Platinum Secured features an APR range that mirrors that of some regular non-secured credit cards. New cardholders can benefit from a reduced introductory APR for six months on balance transfers – all for no annual fee.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- No annual fee
- Same APRs as a regular credit card
- Reduced introductory balance transfer APR for 6 months on balance transfers
- Cash advance APR equal to regular purchase APR
- Regular Purchase APR: 14.99% to 18% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 2.99% for 12 months on transfers made within 60 days from account opening date
- Balance Transfer APR: 14.99% to 18% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR: 14.99% to 18% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: $1 ATM Cash Advance Fee
- Foreign Transaction Fee: up to 1% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $25
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $25
- Minimum Deposit Required: $550
- You have no credit or poor credit but don’t want prepaid cards or debit cards
- You want to improve your credit report with a good payment history
- You don’t want to pay an annual fee
- You want a low APR for a secured card
- You want to transfer an existing balance and intend to pay it off in up to 6 months
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What Does It Mean to Have “No Credit History?”
When it comes to financial matters, having a credit history plays a crucial role in determining your creditworthiness and financial stability. Typically, “no credit history” refers to a situation where an individual has no previous credit accounts or borrowing history. This means that there are no records of loans, credit cards, or any other form of credit in their name.
But just because you don’t have a credit history does not mean you’ve never had credit. You can have experience with credit in the past, yet you still have no credit history, according to FICO or VantageScore.
No Credit vs. No Credit History
No credit means you have no recent credit history. Those without a credit history within the last seven to ten years will find themselves lumped into the same “no credit” category as those who are entirely new to credit. So, even if you have borrowed money in the past, you may have no score.
FICO, VantageScore, and Credit History
Different credit scoring models have different definitions of no credit history.
FICO requires the following to establish a credit history:
- One tradeline reported within the previous six months. A tradeline is also known as a credit account.
- A tradeline at least six months old.
- Proof that the account holder is alive.
On the other hand, VantageScore does not have strict requirements for establishing a credit history. The VantageScore model only needs one month of credit activity to generate a credit score, which makes the scoring system popular with those who want to judge an applicant’s recent credit activity.
Regardless, you might not have a credit score if you don’t satisfy the requirements above.
The absence of a credit history can make it difficult for individuals to access loans, rent an apartment, or even secure a job. Lenders, landlords, and employers often rely on credit history to assess an individual’s financial responsibility and trustworthiness.
Why Does Credit Matter?
Credit plays a significant role in our daily financial and personal lives. Individuals with excellent credit scores enjoy numerous benefits, including increased access to credit, higher credit limits, and lower interest rates. These advantages stem from the fact that they have demonstrated their financial responsibility and trustworthiness to lenders.
The importance of having a credit history cannot be overstated. Firstly, it allows lenders to assess your creditworthiness when you apply for a loan. A strong credit history showcases your ability to manage credit responsibly, positioning you as a lower-risk borrower. This can lead to more favorable loan terms, such as lower interest rates.
Moreover, credit history often factors into landlords’ decision-making process when considering rental applications. A solid credit history instills confidence in landlords regarding your ability to pay rent on time. Similarly, employers may review credit history to evaluate an individual’s financial stability and responsibility, particularly for roles that involve financial trust.
Impact of No Credit or Bad Credit
A poor or bad credit score can cause various troubles in your life:
Trouble Renting
Finding an apartment can be a struggle for those with bad credit. Landlords and rental agencies consider an applicant’s credit report and a bad score can indicate a potential risk of missing rent payments. This can lead to rejections when applying for accommodation.
Loss of Job Opportunities
Employers can access your credit report and see past marks on your file. These credit marks can put you at risk for employment, as employers might deem you untrustworthy if you are susceptible to financial manipulation.
Poor Credit Options
People with bad credit struggle to find good credit products at reasonable rates. This lack of options extends to other services and products, like insurance. Most apparent with auto insurance, as insurers believe those with lower credit scores are more likely to submit a claim.
Given the difficulties experienced by those with poor credit, imagine how difficult it is to have no credit.
How to Build a Credit History
Building a credit score requires time and patience. However, there are specific steps you can take right away to improve your score in as little as a few months.
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. |
Other Ways to Build Credit
Building Credit with Secured Credit Cards
One effective method of establishing credit is obtaining a secured credit card. Secured cards require a cash deposit as collateral, which serves as your credit limit. By using the card and making timely payments, you can demonstrate your ability to manage credit responsibly, which can help you build a positive credit history over time.
Becoming an Authorized User
Another way to establish credit is by becoming an authorized user on someone else’s credit card. This allows you to piggyback on their credit history, as the account activity will also be reported on your credit report. However, choosing a responsible and trustworthy individual is crucial, as any negative actions could also impact your credit.
Build Credit with Alternative Data
If you have been paying rent, utilities, or phone bills on time, you can use alternative credit data to build credit. Some credit reporting agencies consider these payments as part of your credit history.
An example of an alternative credit data tool is Experian Go. The Experian Go program is designed with the credit invisible in mind. Experian Go lets users build their credit history on their terms, using Experian’s industry-leading knowledge base and credit experts.
Enrolling services like this ensures that your positive payment history is reported to credit bureaus, helping you establish credit.
Tips for Building a Strong Credit History
To build a strong credit history, practicing responsible credit management is important. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:
- Pay your bills on time: Timely payments are crucial for establishing and maintaining a positive credit history. Consider setting up reminders or automatic payments to ensure you never miss a due date.
- Keep credit utilization low: Aim to keep your credit card balances below 30% of your credit limit. High credit utilization can negatively impact your credit score.
- Avoid opening too many accounts: While having a mix of credit accounts is important, opening too many accounts within a short period can raise concerns for lenders.
- Regularly check your credit report: Monitor your credit report for any errors or inaccuracies. If you notice any discrepancies, report them to the credit bureaus immediately.
Remember, building a strong credit history takes time and consistent effort. By following these tips, you can improve your creditworthiness and increase your chances of obtaining favorable credit terms in the future.
Conclusion
Establishing credit with no credit history may require some effort and patience, but it is a crucial step towards achieving financial stability. Following the strategies above, you can start building a strong credit history that will open doors to better loan terms, rental opportunities, and employment prospects. Remember to practice responsible credit management, regularly monitor your progress, and seek out available resources to support your journey toward establishing credit.
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Sub-Prime & Secured Credit Cards
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