These credit card issuing companies are currently providing surprising options for people with all types of credit scores (even bad credit:)
How To Get a Credit Card With Bad Credit
1. Look for cards that are specifically designed for people with bad credit. These cards may have higher interest rates and fees, but they can be a good option if you need a credit card and can’t qualify for a traditional card.
2. Try to get a secured credit card. With a secured card, you put down a deposit that serves as your credit line. This can be a good option if you have bad credit but can’t qualify for an unsecured card.
3. Look for cards with no credit history requirements. Some cards don’t require a credit history, so you may be able to get one even if you have bad credit.
4. Apply for a co-signed credit card. If you have someone with good credit who is willing to sign for you, you may be able to get a credit card. Just keep in mind that the other person is responsible for your debt if you can’t pay.
5. Try a prepaid credit card. With a prepaid card, you load money onto the card and then use it like a regular credit card. This can be a good option if you want to avoid getting into debt but still need a credit card for things like renting a car or booking hotel rooms.
If you have bad credit, it may be difficult to get a traditional credit card. However, there are some options available if you’re willing to pay higher interest rates and fees. You can also try a prepaid credit card if you want to avoid getting into debt.
Why Some Credit Card Companies Deny You
Getting a credit card can be a hassle especially since all the card issuing companies have their own criteria for determining the risk of someone applying for a credit card.
For those people with lower credit scores, there are card options available that can help improve your credit score and ability to get more credit in the future. Your credit score is not always the number one contributor to getting rejected for credit. There are other reasons for denial that millions of people in the UK experience. Below are some other reasons you maybe considered a higher risk to credit card companies.
Reasons You May Get Denied
Remember all Card Issuers Have Different Criteria For Assessing Risk
No Credit History
If you have never had a credit card or taken out a loan, you will have no credit history. This can be one of the biggest reasons for being declined for a credit card.
Bad Credit History
Unfortunately, if you have made some poor financial choices in the past, this will show up on your credit report and may cause issuers to decline your application.
High Debt-to-Income Ratio
This basically means that you are using too much of your income to pay off debts. Credit card companies use this as an indicator of whether or not you will be able to make your payments on time and in full.
Too Many Inquiries on Your Credit Report
Every time you apply for a credit card, loan, or any type of financing, an inquiry is made on your report. This can lower your score and make you look like a higher risk to issuers.
Late Payments
As you can imagine, paying your bills late will have a negative impact on your credit score. This is one of the first things that issuers look at when considering your application.
Bankruptcy
This is obviously a major issue that will result in an automatic decline for most people.
Going Over Your Credit Limit
If you have a history of maxing out your credit cards, this will be seen as a red flag to issuers.
County Country Judgement
A CCJ is legal judgement made against you for your failure to pay a debt. This is a legal issue that may result in a decline based on the issuers criteria. A “CCJ” will appear on your credit file for six years after the legal decision.
Too Many Credit Cards
Although having multiple credit cards can help your credit score, having too many can actually have the opposite effect. This is because it looks like you are relying on credit to make ends meet.
Individual Voluntary Arrangement
An IVA is an agreement between you and your creditors. You will make regular payments to an insolvency agent who will then distribute funds to your creditors. The amount may be a full or partial payment of th debt depending on what you negotiated. This is another legal issue that can result in a decline based on issuer criteria.
What Are the Available Types of Credit Cards
There are many various sorts of credit cards available, each with its own set of perks and privileges. Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular types of credit cards:
Cash Back Credit Cards
There are several cash back cards available, each offering different kinds of bonuses in the form of cash back on your purchases. Some cash back cards give additional rewards for specific types of spending, such as gasoline or groceries.
Travel Rewards Credit Cards
There are several different types of credit card available for purchase. These cards give points or miles that can be used to pay for flights, hotels, and rental cars. Some travel rewards cards provide added benefits on specific categories of spending, such as restaurants or entertainment.
Balance Transfer Credit Cards
0% APR balance transfers are available on these cards for a limited time, usually 12-18 months. If you have an existing credit card debt with a higher APR, you might be able to save money by using one of these cards to transfer the balance.
Student Credit Cards
These cards are exclusively for college students and provide benefits such as cash back on textbooks, food, and other essential costs.
Business Credit Cards
There are several business-related reward and perk cards. These cards, for example, provide cash back on business-related costs or discounts on office supplies.
Secured Credit Cards
Secured credit cards are different from traditional bank plastic. These cards need a security deposit, which is generally equal to your credit limit. This deposit serves as collateral in the case that you default on your payments. Secured credit cards can help you establish or repair your credit history.
Prepaid Debit Cards
Prepaid cards, unlike their official credit card counterparts, are not intended to be used like actual credit cards. The money is loaded onto the card in advance and can then be spent on goods or cashed out. Prepaid cards may assist you stay within your budget while avoiding debt.
Charge Cards
Charge cards are similar to credit cards in that they must be paid off in full each month, but they have higher credit limits and don’t charge interest. Annual fees may be incurred with charge cards, which typically have larger credit limits and no interest charges.
Store Cards
These cards are designed for specific merchants and can only be used at those places, but they frequently come with bonuses such as discounts or points.
Gas Cards
Fuel cards, for example, provide incentives in the form of points on gasoline purchases, as well as other expenditures. If you use your vehicle often, they might be a wonderful method to save money.
Conclusion
So if you are considering a credit card you may want to decide what your reasons for getting a card are and then see what matches up best with those reasons and your current credit score. Luckily in the UK, each issuer has their own criteria for evaluating risk so if you are denied by one company you may still get approved with another.