Best Rated Credit Cards for Bad Credit in 2022

Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit - PinterestHaving bad credit can make it challenging to get approved for a new credit card. Luckily there are credit cards specifically designed for consumers looking to rebuild their credit and improve their financial situation.

These credit cards allow you to apply despite having a low credit score. Continue reading this guide to learn more about the best-rated credit cards for bad credit in 2022.

People Searching for Credit Card Bad Credit Are Looking For THIS Guide

Several things can cause bad credit history. The most common causes include late payments or high credit utilization. Maintain consistency in the repayment of your bills, credit cards, and loans when trying to improve your bad credit history. Keep reading if you want to:

Learn how to find the best credit cards you can get right now—even with bad credit.
Learn how to end bad credit through credit cards
Learn how to win a perfect credit scor

Who Has Bad Credit? Here Are Bad Credit Examples.

According to Experian, a bad credit score is 579 or lower on the FICO scale. Poor credit scores can make it difficult for financial institutions and credit unions to offer you competitive interest rates on loans, mortgages, and credit cards.

You can order free annual reports from each of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and Transunion. Some bad credit examples include:

Mortgage foreclosure

If you default on your mortgage and your house is foreclosed on, this will severely hurt your credit score.

Defaulting on loans, mortgages, and credit cards
Too many late payments
Filing for bankruptcy
Mortgage foreclosure
Repossession of a financed property like a car, furniture, etc.

Ratings on Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit

Understanding which credit card company is most likely to accept your bad credit history is essential when searching for your next card. Applying for cards you know you won’t get approved for causes unnecessary credit inquiries.

Some credit card companies offer cards tailored explicitly for borrowers with certain types of bad credit. It’s also essential to understand the benefits each card may offer, such as rewards points or no annual fees.

Best After Bankruptcy Credit Cards

You are less likely to qualify for credit cards or loans after bankruptcy because it significantly damages your credit scores. However, there are credit cards designed to help you gain credit after bankruptcy. In contrast to using prepaid and debit cards, credit cards allow you to establish a positive credit history again after bankruptcy. Among the best after bankruptcy credit cards are:

Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
OpenSky® Secured Credit Visa® Card

Best Unsecured Credit Cards with Bad Credit

An unsecured credit card lets you borrow money against the credit limit provided by the issuer. Credit cards of this type can help you improve your credit score and effectively rebuild your bad credit history. Some of the best unsecured credit cards for bad credit include:

Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa®
Total VISA® Credit Card
Milestone® Mastercard®
Indigo® Mastercard®

Best Guaranteed Approval Credit Cards

Certainty of approval is the unique feature that attracts people towards credit cards. This benefit allows you to access a credit line without any pre-qualification. This makes it an excellent card for rebuilding your bad credit track record. The best-guaranteed approval credit cards include:

First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
First National Bank of Omaha Secured Visa® Card
OakStone Platinum Secured Mastercard®
OneUnited Bank Unity Secured Credit Card

Best Bad Credit No Annual Fee Credit Cards

Many credit card providers require an annual payment to continue using their cards. Fortunately, that isn’t the case for all credit cards. Here are the best credit cards for those with bad credit that also offer no annual fee:

Discover it® Secured Credit Card
BankAmericard® Secured Credit Card
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best Bad Credit Rewards Credit Cards

Some credit cards offer a wide range of benefits and rewards programs. These include air miles, cash back, and rewards points. Some cards also offer bonus purchase periods and online shopping portals. Here are the best rewards credit cards for people with bad credit:

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit

Six Ways to End Bad Credit Through Credit Cards

There are several ways you can work towards fixing your bad credit by utilizing credit cards responsibly. By demonstrating that you can handle debt appropriately and make on-time payments, your credit score will begin to improve. Here are our best tips to consider:

1. Learn Your Credit Limits

Maxing out your credit cards is an indication of debt trouble. If you don’t know your credit card limits, contact the credit card issuer and inquire further. Learning this information will help keep your debt utilization under control and avoid future penalties.

2. Set Up a Budget

Be aware of how much you can spend to pay off all debts and bills before any additional charges are accrued. Creating a monthly budget and understanding all of your expenses is an excellent habit to form. Try only to charge the amount you know you’ll be able to commit to paying off at the end of your billing cycle, or ideally even before.

3. Set a Reminder for Bill Payment

To keep track of due dates and the number of bills, you can set up a reminder on your phone or calendar. Keeping track of due dates and bills will ensure you avoid late fees. Late payments are one of the most common reasons for poor credit scores.

Bill pay reminders

Set up bill pay reminders or automatic payments so that late payments don’t damage your credit score.

4. Keep Credit Card Bills Under Control

You should avoid carrying a balance on your cards to rebuild a better credit score. Consider making multiple payments throughout the month, so it doesn’t feel like a lot all at once. If you can’t afford to repay in full, do not continue charging more to your card.

5. Avoid Too Many Hard Inquiries on Your Credit Report

When you apply for a new credit card or loan, the issuing bank will conduct a hard inquiry to review your credit score and credit history. They will also use it to determine interest rates. Too many hard inquiries on your credit can negatively impact your credit score. This is why you should try to limit hard inquiries when possible.

6. Limit Your Credit Utilization

Credit utilization ratio (CUR) measures how much debt you have in relation to your total available credit. It is the result of dividing your credit balances by your credit limits, usually expressed as a percentage. A CUR under 20-30% (ideally under 10%) will help increase your FICO score, while a CUR above 30% brings down your score.

Twelve Ways to Win a Perfect Credit Score

It will be easier for you to find competitive interest rates on loans, mortgages, and credit cards if you have a stellar credit score. Here are twelve tips to help you get closer to a perfect score:

1. Pay Down High-Balance Credit Cards

Consider paying off high-balance credit cards first if you want to boost your credit score quickly. Each credit card is assigned a credit utilization ratio, and carrying high balances can lower your credit score. As a result of paying off a few high-balance credit cards, you’ll see your utilization ratio on each card drop, thereby improving your credit score.

Bad credit credit card payment

Paying down high balances and keeping them low by paying your card off multiple times per month can boost your credit score by lowering your credit utilization.

2. Make Multiple Payments Monthly

Another excellent way to boost your credit score is to pay your bills on time. You reduce your credit balance before the statement closing date by paying more frequently throughout the month. Your credit utilization ratio will then fall due to lower balances, which will positively affect your credit score.

3. Set up Automatic Bill Payments

Automatically paying your credit cards and loan accounts can significantly improve your credit score. Even a single late or missed payment can adversely affect your credit rating. By setting up automatic creditor payments, you will not forget to make payments on time. This is especially helpful to prevent late fees, penalties, and interest rate increases.

4. Transfer Balances to a Card With a Lower Interest Rate

Consider transferring your balances from high-interest credit cards to a card with a lower interest rate. To qualify for a balance transfer credit card, you must have decent credit.

Usually, this type of credit card typically offers a special introductory offer of 0% APR on balance transfers for the first few months. Before committing to a balance transfer, make sure you’ll be able to pay off the balance before the introductory period ends. If you can’t handle an additional credit responsibly, avoid this credit hack.

5. Pay Down High-Interest Balances First

Paying off high-interest balances first will allow you to save money that you can use to pay down debt faster. Essentially, you work your way from the credit cards with the highest interest rates down to the lowest, hence the term “debt avalanche.”

6. Delete Collections From Your Credit Report

A missed payment can lead to your account being negatively reported to the credit bureaus. If you have a collection account on your report, it can lower your credit score. Depending on the circumstances, you can have the collections account removed from your report.

If it has been misreported, you can dispute it with any of the three credit bureaus. If the collection account is legitimate, automatic removal may take up to seven years after the first delinquency date. As an alternative, you can negotiate with your lender a “pay for delete” agreement to stop reporting the collection to the credit bureaus.

7. Increase Your Credit Limit

You can improve your credit score by increasing your credit limit, which will improve your utilization ratio. You can request a credit limit increase after showing the lender you are a responsible cardholder for several months. The usage ratio of your debt, which accounts for about 35% of your FICO score, will significantly improve if the debt-to-credit ratio is below 30%, which will result in a boost in your credit score.

8. Negotiate Lower Interest Rates With Your Credit Card Issuer
Credit card interest rate negotiation on the phone

Your credit card lender may be willing to negotiate a lower interest rate if you ask for it.

Are you aware that you can negotiate a lower interest rate with your credit card issuer? The only step you need to take is to contact your card issuer to request that your interest rate be lowered. Let them know that you have been a faithful customer by paying your bills on time, and let them know why you want the interest rate decreased. Lowered interest rates can significantly reduce the amount you pay in interest, which allows you to repay your debts faster.

9. Pay Off Low-Balance Accounts

The number of your accounts with balances significantly affects your overall credit utilization ratio. The fewer accounts you have with balances, the better your credit utilization ratio. Pay off low-balance accounts as quickly as possible to improve your credit score.

10. Dispute Inaccurate Information on Your Credit Report

A credit score can be lowered by erroneous information such as unauthorized credit inquiries and wrongful collections accounts. Get a free copy of your annual credit report from any of the three credit bureaus and check it for errors. Any incorrect information can then be disputed by following instructions on their website.

11. Consider Piggybacking on Someone With a Good Credit
Piggy bank

Piggybacking on someone’s credit can help you build credit history.

Consider piggybacking on the good credit of a family member or friend if you have a poor credit rating. Piggybacking refers to using another’s good credit score to help you build your credit score. You can either get a co-signer, become an authorized user, or open a joint account together. Before applying for a loan or credit card, be sure to discuss it with your co-signer first.

12. Get a Secured Credit Card

You can build your credit history using a secured credit card since it requires a security deposit. If you fail to repay your debts, your deposit can be used as collateral to secure the bank’s funds.

Essential Credit Cards for Bad Credit

Securing a credit card for bad credit is one of the most important things for you to do to build your credit score. You can find many options available to choose from that are essential for you. The following credit cards should come in first place:

1. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

Capital One is one of the major card issuers offering a secured personal credit card to customers with poor credit history. The Capital One Platinum Secured card has no annual or hidden fees, requires no minimum credit score, and offers an APR of 26.99%.

You only need to put down a refundable security deposit of $49 to $200 to secure an initial credit line of $200. After you’ve demonstrated your ability to be a responsible cardholder, you can upgrade to an unsecured Platinum card and get your deposit back.

2. Credit One Bank Platinum Visa for Rebuilding Credit

The Credit One Platinum Visa for rebuilding credit is an unsecured credit card to help you rebuild your credit without making any deposits. You can earn 1% cash back rewards on eligible products and services like grocery purchases, gas, TV services, and phone bill.

0% Fraud Liability prevents you from being held responsible for unauthorized charges. With Credit One Bank’s mobile app, you can manage your account on the go and schedule your monthly payments.

3. OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card

With a low annual fee of $35 and a regular APR of 17.39%, the OpenSky Secured Visa Credit card is one of the most flexible secured credit cards available. This is an excellent way to rebuild your credit standing and requires a low refundable security deposit as low as $200.

OpenSky reports your credit history to the three major credit bureaus to improve your credit score. Their dedicated credit education page also provides credit education and tips to assist with your credit rebuilding process.

Fundamental Credit Strategies for Bad Credit

If you have bad credit, you can do a few things to improve your score. Here are some essential credit card strategies for bad credit:

1. Pay Your Bills on Time

One of the most important things to improve your credit score is paying your bills on time. Late payments will lower your score and could damage your credit history. Try to set up automatic payments so you never forget to pay your bills on time.

2. Keep Your Balances Low

Another critical factor in improving your credit score is keeping your balances low. When you owe too much money, it lowers your credit utilization ratio and negatively affects your score. Try to keep your credit utilization below 30% by paying your monthly payments in full each month.

Checking credit report on computer

Review your credit reports regularly to check for incorrect information.

3. Review Your Credit Reports

It is a good idea to review your credit reports annually. Check your credit report for any errors or misinformation that might lead to you owing more than you should or lowering your credit score, and then take action to correct these errors.

4. Avoid Hard Inquiries

A hard inquiry on your credit report occurs when you apply for a new credit card or loan. Having too many hard inquiries over a short time can lower your score.

5. Keep Old Accounts Open

While you’re working to rebuild your credit score, keeping old accounts open even if you’re not using them is a good idea. 15% of your credit score is determined by the length of your credit history, meaning the older your accounts, the better.

Build a Portfolio of Secured & Unsecured Debt

When it comes to your credit, it’s essential to understand the difference between secured and unsecured debt. Secured debt is debt backed by an asset, such as a house or a car. If you don’t make your payments, the creditor can take the asset and sell it to pay off your debt. Secured debt can be an excellent way to start rebuilding your credit after bankruptcy.

Unsecured debt, such as a standard credit card or a personal loan, is not backed by an asset. If you don’t make your payments, the creditor can’t take anything from you to pay off your debt. Both unsecured and secured debt will negatively impact your credit score if you are late with a payment.

Deposit for secured credit card

Secured credit cards allow consumers with bad credit to open credit cards by paying a security deposit.

Secured Debt Pros:

Usually offer lower interest rates
It can help build your credit score

Secured Debt Cons:

Requires collateral
May have lower limits

Unsecured Debt Pros:

Requires no collateral
No risk to personal property

Unsecured Debt Cons:

May have higher interest rates
Defaulting on payments will negatively affect your score

Conclusion

Credit cards can be challenging to qualify for if you have a bad credit score. Thanks to the best-rated credit cards for bad credit, you can get a credit card regardless of your past credit history to work towards rebuilding your credit score. These cards require no particular credit score and report payments to all three major credit bureaus.

You can rebuild your bad credit score by making timely payments with bad credit credit cards. A bad credit credit card can help you get back on track to achieve a better financial future.

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7 Tips For Working Parents to Navigate Child Care While Climbing Out of Debt

Children bring endless joy and meaning into our lives, but the costs of raising them can certainly feel overwhelming. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the average cost of raising a child through age 17 is a whopping $233,610 — not including college tuition.  

It’s no wonder, then, that an Experian study found parents had more debt than their child-free counterparts, and (unsurprisingly) that number increased with each additional kid. Though housing and food round out the top two expenses in the USDA study, child care and education came in third, accounting for 16% of the cost for middle-income families. 

According to Care.com, more than 50% of parents spent more than $10,000 on child care in 2020 — an anxiety-inducing amount for any parent reviewing their budget. But all hope is not lost. Here are some tips for working parents in the search of ways to reduce the burden of child care — which will hopefully help you save enough money to start dialing down those debts.

Delve into your DCFSA

A DCFSA, or Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, is a benefit that may be available through your employer that can help you save money for child care costs.

Because the account is funded with pre-tax money and you don’t pay taxes when you withdraw it to spend on eligible expenses, a DCFSA can help cut down on overall costs. 

Of course, there are limitations and restrictions on a DCFSA; only certain costs qualify, and there is a cap on how much money you can set aside in the account. (In 2021, the limit was temporarily increased to $5,250 for single parents and $10,500 for parents filing jointly as part of the American Rescue Plan Act, but those numbers are usually $2,500 and $5,000, respectively.) 

Keep in mind, too, that you may not be able to claim the dependent care tax credit if you contribute to a DCFSA. It’s worth sitting down with your company’s HR representative to learn more about whether or not you qualify for an FSA and how much you might stand to save by contributing to one.

Host an au pair 

An au pair — which translates to “on par” in French — is a full-time live-in nanny from overseas, which may sound like something only the wealthiest parents could afford. But as long as you have the spare room to host an au pair, these programs can be surprisingly affordable; the annual au pair fee for one of the most popular au pair programs is less than $10,000, though this doesn’t include all associated expenses. 

Consider your location

Although the cost of child care is expensive no matter where you live, it’s true that location matters: The basic annual expenses to raise a child, per a recent study, add up to a breathtaking $28,785 in the District of Columbia, but only $13,596 in Mississippi. 

Obviously, moving comes with its own costs, both financially and otherwise. But if it’s feasible for your family, choosing an inexpensive place to live could save you thousands of dollars over your lifetime. 

Consider a nanny share

If the idea of hiring a full-time nanny for yourself sounds a little out of reach, you might consider joining a nanny share, which is exactly what it sounds like: you and at least one other family share the services of a single nanny. All of the children are looked after together at once, which also gives your kids more opportunities to play and socialize. 

There are, of course, some important factors to keep in mind if you take this route; it’s important that all sets of parents have similar expectations of the caretaker, and you’ll also have to arrange a suitable schedule that works for all the families. Along with simply talking to local families to see if anyone’s interested, there are also online platforms to match families with nanny shares.

Trade child care with local friends and family

If you’re lucky enough to have willing family and friends nearby — especially ones who also have children — consider setting up a schedule for trading babysitting services amongst yourselves. That way, the kids all get to hang out together and you get to exchange time, rather than money, for child care.

Avoid using a credit card to cover child care expenses

As tempting as it may be to throw those extra expenses on your charge card, keep in mind that compounding interest means you could end up paying way more than the initial price tag if you can’t pay the card down each and every month

Additionally, using up too much charge can harm your credit utilization ratio, which is one of the factors credit bureaus use to compute your credit score. 

Discuss flexible work arrangements with your employer

If there was one good thing that came of the pandemic, it’s that more employers than ever are open to flexible schedules and at least part-time remote work — which can be a boon for parents. 

Although young children require the kind of attentive care that can’t be combined with most day jobs, if your kids are older and you just need to be around to pick them up after school (or in case of an emergency), flexibility in your job can help you avoid paying someone else to watch them.

Having kids brings so much fullness to our lives — and with some careful planning and rearranging, we don’t have to empty out our wallets to be parents.

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