How To Increase Your Credit Score With Credit Cards

Because bad credit credit cards include various fees and higher interest rates, some people are hesitant to open a bad credit credit card account. However, there are certain advantages to using these sorts of credit cards.

For starters, if you have no credit history, bad credit credit cards are easier to qualify for. Similarly, these credit cards are perfect for raising a low credit score.

Disadvantages of Having a Low Credit Score
There are no advantages to having a low credit score. Because many large purchases such as homes and cars are financed, maintaining a good credit history is essential for getting the best rates. Credit scores are a big deal to lenders. Before issuing a line of credit, potential lenders carefully assess a borrower's income and credit to judge their creditworthiness. Having a low credit score closes the door on many financing opportunities.

Reasons to Maintain a Good Credit History
If you have a good credit history, your credit options are numerous. Because interest rates greatly affect monthly payments, obtaining a low rate on a home loan or auto loan may actually decrease your payments by a few hundred dollars. In this case, having good credit increases your purchasing power, allowing buyers to afford more for their money.

Having good credit also makes obtaining a loan approval much easier. Many people apply for credit with prime lenders. However, these lenders favor borrowers with a good credit history. This consists of making regular payments, keeping low debts, etc. If a credit report does not meet a prime lender's criteria, these applicants must seek alternative lenders.

Benefits of a Bad Credit Credit Card
Before applying for a home or auto loan, individuals with bad credit should strongly consider boosting their credit rating first. With a car loan, bad credit persons may obtain rates as high as 20%. To improve the odds of obtaining a lower rate, apply for a credit card designed for people with poor credit.

Credit cards are often the first step for a consumer to build their credit score. When you make regular payments with a small credit limit, lenders will be more willing to lend you larger amounts. Before you jump out and open an account, make sure you don't have too many credit lines open or otherwise hurt your credit.

Pick A Good Card
Credit card companies offer several different types of credit cards for consumers. You can find student programs that require no co-signer or income. This is a great offer for your first card, but these cards also have higher rates.

You can also find cards with cash back rewards or other incentives. The trade-off are higher rates though. However, you can find no frill cards with low interest rates if you plan to carry a balance. Whichever credit card program you choose, make sure it fits with your financial goals.

Start Small
When you are building your credit score, you want to start small. Open one account and use it at least once a month to make a purchase. This can be a regular purchase that you have cash to pay for. The point is to use your credit and then repay it. Every time you make a payment, it will show up on your credit report.

Lenders will also look at how often you make payments. So using your card once a year and paying off the entire balance that month won't do you much good. Your credit report covers three years' worth of payment history, and lenders want to see your payment pattern.

Don't max out your card either. Only use a small portion of your credit to show lenders that you don't get yourself into financial binds.

Maintain Your Credit
Regular payments are only one part of your credit score. You also want to keep your credit in good order. If you have dozens of accounts open, close the ones you don't use. The less open credit you have, the more you will be eligible for, a bonus when buying a home or car.

Also be sure to take advantage of your annual free credit report. Look over it to make sure that your credit history is correct. If you find any discrepancies, resolve them with your lender.

Bad credit credit cards are very useful, and can help you boost your FICO score by several points. The key to a higher credit rating involves using the credit card responsibly. With this said, avoid acquiring too much debt, pay bills on time, and never skip a payment.