Getting a Credit Card When You Have Bad Credit

November 27, 2008 – 3:57 pm

If you have bad credit, getting a credit card is difficult, but not always impossible. Once you get your finances under control, your goal is to build your way to a regular credit card issued by a bank. There are several ways to do this, from applying for a card from a small retailer or gasoline company to getting a secured credit card.

Is Having a Credit Card a Good Idea?

Before you try to get a new credit card, be honest about whether you will use it wisely. Credit cards can be dangerous to your financial well-being if you use them to buy things you cannot afford. If misusing credit cards is what caused your credit rating to sink in the first place, then perhaps it would be wise to steer clear of credit cards for the time being.

However, there are several very good reasons to have a credit card:

* For an emergency: A credit card can be a lifesaver if you have to pay for emergency expenses that go beyond your savings — for example, repairing a leaky roof or paying for a necessary medical procedure. Read the full post

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Credit Cards for No Credit History

November 24, 2008 – 11:23 am

You have turned 18 or maybe you have just walked onto the university campus when you are hit by a barrage of credit card company reps trying to butter you up for their credit card with some seriously sweet swag. While you may have a tough time turning away the free plastic cups, nifty key chains, or just the dozens of offers that flood your mailbox, using a credit card is a decision that can impact your finances until the day you die.

Let’s choose a right credit card!

There are literally hundreds of different cards that you can choose from. Some offer airline miles, while others may offer you points towards merchandise or free gasoline. One of my first credit cards was a Star Wars card which offered points towards Star Wars memorabilia and had a photo of Yoda on the card. Yes, this definitely was a card I applied for in college, and except for one major computer purchase, it has sat unused in my wallet for years.

Here are some tips towards choosing that first credit card:

1) Choose a card with a low interest rate. Read the full post

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