Secured Credit Card or Unsecured Credit Card - Which is Right for Me?
"I'll just put it on my card." It's a phrase often heard coming from young people or big spenders who either do not understand the repercussions of "just putting it on a card" or have the money to back up their words. The most popular form of payment by consumers this day and age is the simple swiping of that little plastic card. In the past cards were used "only in emergencies" and were issued only to those who were responsible enough to use them. However, now it seems like anyone, despite their age, financial status or credit history can apply for not just one, but any type of credit card available.
If you are new to the world of credit cards there are probably lots of terms, numbers and jargon that are confusing for you. Which card is the best? You mean there's more to be had than just Visa or Mastercard? What is an APR? These are all things that might be running through you head. The best advice is to start with the basics. What type of card is right for you? Another baffling question for a new credit card user since you probably didn't realize that there are two types of cards available, secured and unsecured credit cards. And if you did know this little fact, you may not know what the differences are.
On the surface the difference between a secured and unsecured credit card is simple. One holds some type of security while the other does not. You might be thinking that a secured card would be the way to go because it sounds like it might be more secure for the consumer. However, the security is actually for the credit card company.
When using a secured card the consumer is required to deposit a certain amount of money into the company's bank via a savings account or CD. The available credit limit is then based on the amount deposited. These amounts vary depending on the creditor. After the consumer is issued a card, which works just like any other secured or unsecured card, the company uses the deposit as a security for payment on purchases made using the card.
Generally, secured cards are applied for when someone has a low credit score, has filed bankruptcy or does not have any credit history. Secured credit cards are easier to get approved for but also come with more strings attached such as higher interest rate, membership fees, and application fees.
If you don't fall into the category of having bad or no credit it would be in your best interest to start with an unsecured credit card. An unsecured card simply gives you spending power with no former deposits or collateral to back up your spending. The consumer simply charges the amount to the card with the intention of paying back the borrowed money each month. There are still fees for charges that are not paid on time or if the consumer goes over their credit limit.
Unsecured credit cards still require a check of your credit score and financial history; however the credit limit is not based on a certain amount that you deposit in a bank. These cards also come with lower interest rates and fewer fees. If you're new to the world of credit cards and have no negative credit history, applying for an unsecured card is the place to start.
Related Tags: credit card, credit, secured, secured credit card, unsecured credit card, card, unsecured
Jeremy Thompson is the author of UnsecuredCreditCardApplication.net your online resource to unsecured credit cards and unsecured credit card applications. Find lots of great credit card information on his site. Check it out at http://www.unsecuredcreditcardapplication.net
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- The Secrets to Getting Low Down Payment Car Insurance
Upon purchase of a new car, there is almost always a requirement to buy an auto insurance policy as - The Wisdom Behind Auto Insurance Comparison Quotes
No one in his right mind would not go for a good deal. In fact, everyone is out on their feet and ru - The Benefits of Auto Insurance Comparisons Florida
Insurance can be expensive. This is something everyone knows about especially in the sunny state of - Auto Insurance Florida: The No-Fault Policy
There are different kinds of car insurance offered by a wide range of providers today. Different sta - Finding the Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies
Everyone is asking and searching for the cheapest auto insurance companies available today. Consider - How do You Compare Private Health Insurance Cover in Australia?
Deciding what is the best and most affordable private health insurance cover can be easy if you take - How Payment Protection Insurance Was Mis-Sold
For over six years the issue of Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) and how it was mis-sold to custom - Finding Quotes For Auto Insurance Online
One of the many concerns when you are shopping for auto insurance is being able to get access to quo - How You Can Find the Best Auto Insurance Online
When it comes to renewing your car insurance you are going to quickly discover that there are a numb - Guidelines For Searching For Auto Insurance Online
The internet can be a great source of discounts and values related to auto insurance. However, many
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Trading Forex With Pivot Points
Forex Pivot Point Trading are used today by Forex Traders and are calculated on the previous days mo - Where To Search For Free Grants
Where do you look for free grants? The search must be thorough or it could be an exercise in futilit - The Connection Between High Blood Pressure and Salt
We are a society of Salt Addicts. It cannot be denied. When you look at the things we do and the pla - Tips For Avoiding HYIP Scams
Before knowing about HYIP Scams, refer to the functioning of HYIP or "High Yield Investment Programs - Getting Credit After Bankruptcy
Consumers do not have to live sans credit following a bankruptcy. By following certain steps consume - Tips For Choosing A Credit Card
Are you looking for that perfect credit card? If so, you may be confused about what exactly to look - Cheap Car Insurance For Teens Online
Many elements determine a car insurance policy. Car insurance companies look at the person's age, hi - What Exactly Is Free Grant Money?
You can apply for free grant money from various government agencies. But where exactly does this mon - Small Business Owners Marketing and Customer Service
Marketing can be time-consuming, but it doesn't have to be hugely expensive now, thanks to the Inter - Apply Online For A Credit Card - How To Choose A Card?
The best type of credit card for you will be dependant on how you intend to use the credit card. Are