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	<title>Credit Cards Blog &#187; secured credit card</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.choosecreditcards.com/blog/tag/secured-credit-card/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.choosecreditcards.com/blog</link>
	<description>Choosing and using credit cards responsibly.</description>
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		<title>How Do You Go About Choosing A Credit Card?</title>
		<link>http://www.choosecreditcards.com/blog/2008/11/24/how-do-you-go-about-choosing-a-credit-card/</link>
		<comments>http://www.choosecreditcards.com/blog/2008/11/24/how-do-you-go-about-choosing-a-credit-card/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2008 02:36:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>J.S.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Credit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Credit Cards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[benefit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bookkeeping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business credit card]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business credit cards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business name]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business owner]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business owners]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chase]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit card]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit card payments]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit history]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit rating]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[detailed record]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[different companies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[interest rate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[interest rates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[personal credit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[personal credit card]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[personal credit cards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[personal credit history]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Personal Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[personal finances]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Research]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[secured business credit card]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[secured credit card]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[types of credit cards]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.choosecreditcards.com/blog/?p=411</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Just as an individual’s personal credit rating is very important, this is also something that is true for a businesses credit rating as well. If you own a new business and you are just starting to get some credit established for your company, you will need to know the important differences there are between personal [...]]]></description>
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<br /><br /></td></tr></table> <p>Just as an individual’s personal credit rating is very important, this is also something that is true for a businesses credit rating as well.  If you own a new business and you are just starting to get some credit established for your company, you will need to know the important differences there are between personal credit cards and that of <a href="http://www.choosecreditcards.com/business-credit-cards.htm">business credit cards</a>.</p>
<p>When you decide that you would like to get a credit card for your business it is important that you are receiving a business credit card and not a personal credit card.  There are a variety of different companies that will allow you to get a credit card with your business name on it, but they will then use your personal credit history when you are applying for the card.  Of course if you are trying to establish credit for your new business, these particular cards will not be of much benefit to you, as it will only affect your personal credit and not the credit history that you are trying to build for the company that you own.</p>
<p>One of the biggest benefits that many business owners enjoy when they have a business credit card for their company is the fact that these cards allow you to keep all of your personal finances and your business finances completely separate.  These types of cards also make it very convenient for being able to track specific purchases that are made within the company, and you will have a detailed record of all of the transactions that have been made on the cards.  This can also make the bookkeeping within a company quite a bit easier to maintain.</p>
<p>If you have not established any credit for your particular business yet, another type of credit card that you may need to get is a secured business credit card.  These types of credit cards require that you pay a specified amount down on the card before you are able to make any transactions with them.  After the specified amount has been paid then they can be used just as any other type of credit card.  The initial amount that you pay towards the credit card will be kept in the event that you were to default on the credit card payments.  When a company is just starting out and has not established a line of credit yet, the secured credit cards are very helpful in being able to do this.</p>
<p>If you are thinking of applying for a business credit card for your company, it can be very helpful if you would use the advantages that are available on the Internet.  You can simply go online and research the variety of different web sites that offer business credit cards.  It would also be a huge benefit for you to  compare the various fees that may pertain to each card, and you will also need to compare the interest rates that are being offered on each specific card that you are checking in to.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>What Is A Business Credit Card?</title>
		<link>http://www.choosecreditcards.com/blog/2008/11/12/what-is-a-business-credit-card/</link>
		<comments>http://www.choosecreditcards.com/blog/2008/11/12/what-is-a-business-credit-card/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2008 17:45:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>J.S.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Credit Cards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[benefit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bookkeeping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business credit card]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business credit cards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business name]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business owner]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business owners]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chase]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Credit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit card]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit card payments]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit history]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit rating]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[detailed record]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[different companies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[interest rate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[interest rates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[personal credit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[personal credit card]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[personal credit cards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[personal credit history]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Personal Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[personal finances]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Research]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[secured business credit card]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[secured credit card]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.choosecreditcards.com/blog/?p=398</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Just as an individual’s personal credit rating is very important, this is also something that is true for a businesses credit rating as well. If you own a new business and you are just starting to get some credit established for your company, you will need to know the important differences there are between personal [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Just as an individual’s personal credit rating is very important, this is also something that is true for a businesses credit rating as well.  If you own a new business and you are just starting to get some credit established for your company, you will need to know the important differences there are between personal credit cards and that of business credit cards.</p>
<p>When you decide that you would like to get a credit card for your business it is important that you are receiving a business credit card and not a personal credit card.  There are a variety of different companies that will allow you to <a href="http://www.choosecreditcards.com">get a credit card</a> with your business name on it, but they will then use your personal credit history when you are applying for the card.  Of course if you are trying to establish credit for your new business, these particular cards will not be of much benefit to you, as it will only affect your personal credit and not the credit history that you are trying to build for the company that you own.</p>
<p>One of the biggest benefits that many business owners enjoy when they have a <a href="http://www.choosecreditcards.com/business-credit-cards.htm">business credit card</a> for their company is the fact that these cards allow you to keep all of your personal finances and your business finances completely separate.  These types of cards also make it very convenient for being able to track specific purchases that are made within the company, and you will have a detailed record of all of the transactions that have been made on the cards.  This can also make the bookkeeping within a company quite a bit easier to maintain.</p>
<p>If you have not established any credit for your particular business yet, another type of credit card that you may need to get is a secured business credit card.  These types of <a href="http://www.choosecreditcards.com">credit cards</a> require that you pay a specified amount down on the card before you are able to make any transactions with them.  After the specified amount has been paid then they can be used just as any other type of credit card.  The initial amount that you pay towards the credit card will be kept in the event that you were to default on the credit card payments.  When a company is just starting out and has not established a line of credit yet, the secured credit cards are very helpful in being able to do this.</p>
<p>If you are thinking of applying for a <a href="http://www.choosecreditcards.com/business-credit-cards.htm">business credit card</a> for your company, it can be very helpful if you would use the advantages that are available on the Internet.  You can simply go online and research the variety of different web sites that offer business credit cards.  It would also be a huge benefit for you to  compare the various fees that may pertain to each card, and you will also need to compare the interest rates that are being offered on each specific card that you are checking in to.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Start Building Good Credit From The Very Beginning</title>
		<link>http://www.choosecreditcards.com/blog/2008/10/27/start-building-good-credit-from-the-very-beginning/</link>
		<comments>http://www.choosecreditcards.com/blog/2008/10/27/start-building-good-credit-from-the-very-beginning/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:59:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>J.S.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Credit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Credit Cards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Personal Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bad credit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bank]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[benefit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bill]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bureau]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[car loan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cash]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit bureaus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit card]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit history]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit rating]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit report]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[endless headaches]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[equifax]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[experian]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[extra time]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[good credit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[how to build your credit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[how to clean your credit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[journey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[loan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[secured card]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[secured credit card]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[store credit card]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[trans union]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[whole lot]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.choosecreditcards.com/blog/?p=371</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It is very easy to find all types of websites with information that can be extremely helping suggesting ways that can teach you how to clean your credit up once it has become anything less than good. But, what about the many individuals who are just starting out in the world, and they would like [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It is very easy to find all types of websites with information that can be extremely helping suggesting ways that can teach you how to clean your credit up once it has become anything less than good.  But, what about the many individuals who are just starting out in the world, and they would like to know how they can build their credit rating into good credit from the very beginning?  Building a good credit history from the start is a whole lot easier than if you were to wait until you have the black marks of bad credit on your credit report.  These black marks of bad credit will cause you endless headaches and lots of extra time devoted to figuring out how to get them removed from your credit report.</p>
<p>Knowing the steps that you can take in areas of how to build your credit properly from the beginning will ensure that you are able to enjoy the benefits there are to having good credit.</p>
<p>One of the most important steps into making sure you keep a good credit history is to make sure that you always pay your bills either early, or at least on time.  Paying your bills late will only get you caught up in the troubled web of having bad credit.</p>
<p>Start your journey into building good credit by only getting one type of credit.  You could choose to get a car loan, a <a href="http://www.choosecreditcards.com/category/reward-retail/">store credit card</a>, or other type of <a href="http://www.choosecreditcards.com">credit card</a>.  If you choose to get one of the many credit cards that are available, try to use your card regularly, but you should also pay special attention into paying the card off on a monthly basis as well.  It is not wise to only pay the minimum amounts that can be paid.</p>
<p>For individuals who are just starting out in the world and building your credit, you may need to start with the use of a <a href="http://www.choosecreditcards.com/category/secured/">secured credit card</a>.  These types of cards are just as beneficial as a regular credit card is, only the bank will require that the card is secured with cash.  When you have used the <a href="http://www.choosecreditcards.com/category/secured/">secured card</a> long enough and have proven your good standing, you can then change the card over to a <a href="http://www.choosecreditcards.com/category/regular/">regular credit card</a>.</p>
<p>Another thing that you should take the extra steps and do regularly, that many individuals are not aware of is you should obtain your credit report no less than once a year.  This can be extremely beneficial into ensuring that there are no mistakes on the report, and that all information is always kept current.  In today’s time with so many fraud cases occurring, it can also be to your advantage in checking your credit report to ensure that you catch any inaccurate information that has been added to your credit report.</p>
<p>The three national credit bureaus where you can receive a copy of your credit report are Trans Union, Experian, and Equifax.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>The Catch 22 of Building Credit When You Have None</title>
		<link>http://www.choosecreditcards.com/blog/2008/08/18/the-catch-22-of-building-credit-when-you-have-none/</link>
		<comments>http://www.choosecreditcards.com/blog/2008/08/18/the-catch-22-of-building-credit-when-you-have-none/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 18 Aug 2008 05:56:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>J.S.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Credit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Personal Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[account]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[american express]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[amount of money]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[amount of time]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[benefit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bill]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bonus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bureau]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[college students]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit bureaus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit card]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit card approval]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit history]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[department store credit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[good credit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[interest student]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lending institution]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lifetime]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MasterCard]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[money]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[promotions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[savings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[secured card]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[secured credit card]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sign]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[special promotions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[store credit card]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[student credit card]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[unsecured credit card]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[visa]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.choosecreditcards.com/blog/?p=292</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In today’s world it is almost impossible to obtain anything without having a good credit line behind you. However, when you are an individual who is just starting out in the financial world and you haven’t even had the chance to establish any credit yet, this can become extremely frustrating. You have to already have [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In today’s world it is almost impossible to obtain anything without having a good credit line behind you.  However, when you are an individual who is just starting out in the financial world and you haven’t even had the chance to establish any credit yet, this can become extremely frustrating.  You have to already have credit, to get credit.  This type of problem can make any individual feel defeated very quickly.  So where do you begin in this viscous circle?</p>
<p>Before you begin, it is important to realize how important it will be in the long run to make it a point to always pay your bills on time, and protect any type of credit you receive, no matter how small it may seem.  After all, your credit line will end up following you around for the rest of your life.  It can either be something that is extremely helpful to you, or it can be something that can end up causing you a lot of nightmares.</p>
<p>Almost everyone in today’s time either has, or plans to have cable or satellite T.V.  Or, what about a telephone, or other utility? These are small things that you will more than likely want at some point in your lifetime.  The bonus to having them is most of these companies report to credit bureaus.  The important thing to remember is you need to climb the ladder of building good credit one-step at a time.</p>
<p>You could also consider obtaining a department store credit card.  They generally start you out with just a small line of credit, but even this can be extremely beneficial when you are trying to build your credit history.</p>
<p>Students have an advantage to the credit building process. <a href="http://www.choosecreditcards.com/mastercard.htm"> MasterCard</a>, <a href="http://www.choosecreditcards.com/visa.htm">Visa</a>, and <a href="http://www.choosecreditcards.com/issuer/american-express/">American Express</a> offer help to students who are trying to build their credit history with a low interest student credit card.  Another major benefit is many times college students are offered special promotions when obtaining their student credit card.</p>
<p>If you have a savings account, you could consider opening a <a href="http://www.choosecreditcards.com/category/secured/">secured credit card</a>.  Approval on these cards are based on the amount of money you have in your savings account, which ensures the lending institution is protected in case you default on paying off your credit card in the amount of time agreed upon.</p>
<p>If you don’t already have a checking or savings account open in your name, doing so could help your chances in lending institutions seeing that you have some financial credibility.</p>
<p>There is also what is called a ‘no credit history’ credit card that you might consider applying for.  These cards are generally unsecured cards that do not require security from a savings account.  If you are unable to open the card in your name alone, some individuals use a co-signer such as a family member to help them obtain an unsecured credit card.</p>
<p>Building a good solid line of credit history can be frustrating to say the least.  If you will stay consistent and determined, it will happen.  It will also prove to be a huge advantage to you, when you stay diligent in your efforts.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>The Benefits of Receiving A Secured Credit Card</title>
		<link>http://www.choosecreditcards.com/blog/2008/08/07/the-benefits-of-receiving-a-secured-credit-card/</link>
		<comments>http://www.choosecreditcards.com/blog/2008/08/07/the-benefits-of-receiving-a-secured-credit-card/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:46:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>J.S.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Credit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Credit Cards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Personal Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bad credit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bank]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[benefit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cash]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit card]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit card companies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit card company]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit rating]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial decision]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lending institution]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[secured credit card]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[types of credit cards]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.choosecreditcards.com/blog/?p=269</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As we are all very well aware, people who are suffering with bad credit can endure some extremely frustrating times. Many people may not realize it, but once you have received the marks of bad credit, it is something that can affect every financial decision that you come across, for the rest of your life. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As we are all very well aware, people who are suffering with bad credit can endure some extremely frustrating times.  Many people may not realize it, but once you have received the marks of bad credit, it is something that can affect every financial decision that you come across, for the rest of your life.  The same also can hold true for those individuals that have established absolutely no credit at all.  It can be just as hard to receive any type of credit if you do not already have a good line of credit, as it is to receive any more credit if your credit rating happens to be bad.</p>
<p>Luckily, there are choices that we have available to us today however that will help us repair much of the damage that has been caused from the ugly black marks of having bad credit.</p>
<p>One of the first things that you can consider doing when you are trying to go down the rocky road of recovery to mend your bad credit problems, is to consider getting a <a href="http://www.choosecreditcards.com/category/secured/">secured credit card</a>.  These types of <a href="http://www.choosecreditcards.com">credit cards</a> are offered specifically for the individual who either has absolutely no credit at all, or the individual who is suffering from having bad credit.</p>
<p>The way that these credit cards can be helpful to you, and the way they work, is the customer has to make a cash deposit, then the customer is issued a credit card that has a credit limit that is of equal value to the cash deposit that they make.  If you were to make a cash deposit that was in the amount of $500, then you would be issued a credit limit on the credit card you were issued, that would be equal to that, or $500.</p>
<p>The cash amount that you deposit against the card works as a safety net, or security for the credit card company.  If for any reason you were unable to make your agreed payment and you had to default on the payment, the credit card company would be protected because of the cash deposit you had previously made.</p>
<p>This type of service can be extremely beneficial to the person who either has no credit at all, or the person that has struggled with having bad credit.  It can be very difficult to be accepted for a line of credit at any bank or other type of lending institution if you are suffering from having no credit, or bad credit.  A <a href="http://www.choosecreditcards.com/category/secured/">secured credit card</a> takes away the worry of being denied yet again when you fill out an application.</p>
<p>It can be very beneficial to be able to enjoy the ability of having a credit card to use, especially when several of the other credit card companies have denied your application due to lack of credit.</p>
<p>Building your credit is a very important financial decision in life that you should take great care of.  It is also something that will follow you around, throughout your entire life.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Can I Still Get A Credit Card With Bad Credit?</title>
		<link>http://www.choosecreditcards.com/blog/2008/07/17/can-i-still-get-a-credit-card-with-bad-credit/</link>
		<comments>http://www.choosecreditcards.com/blog/2008/07/17/can-i-still-get-a-credit-card-with-bad-credit/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 17 Jul 2008 05:02:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>J.S.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Credit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Personal Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bad credit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bad credit history]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bank]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bankruptcy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bargain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bureau]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit bureaus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit card]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit history]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit report]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit score]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[creditors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[different things]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[good credit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home loan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[interest rate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[interest rates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lenders]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[loan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[misconceptions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ncl]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[negative credit history]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[personal credit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[personal credit application]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[score]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[secured credit card]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[target]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[true facts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[truth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[unsecured credit card]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.choosecreditcards.com/blog/?p=140</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Very few people today know the true facts about having a bad credit score. They believe that once you have a negative item placed into your credit report it stays there for several years. People assume that repairing a bad credit history is nearly next to impossible and that you cannot get a credit card [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Very few people today know the true facts about having a bad credit score.  They believe that once you have a negative item placed into your credit report it stays there for several years.  People assume that repairing a bad credit history is nearly next to impossible and that you cannot <a href="http://www.choosecreditcards.com">get a credit card</a> when you have bad credit.  <img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-146" style="border: 0pt none; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 0px;" title="bad_credit" src="http://www.choosecreditcards.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/bad_credit.jpg" alt="" width="350" height="305" />The truth behind all these misconceptions is that different lenders tend to look at different things when they are deciding on whether or not to approve your personal credit application.  This means if five lenders have turned you down, that sixth lender just might accept your application and get you a card.</p>
<p>Yes, you truly can get a credit card even if you do have <a href="http://www.choosecreditcards.com/poor-credit.htm">bad credit</a>, but you will have to pay higher interest rates and fees.  You can also qualify for a home loan, but you will end up paying hundreds more per month than an individual with good credit.  The reason is because lenders are able to charge different interest rates to different individuals.  Though they cannot discriminate because of race, color, or sex, they are allowed to discriminate because of your personal past credit history.  This is why a large number of people are very interested in repairing their bad credit.</p>
<p>There are even some businesses that target a person with bad credit.  They think that on occasion, a person who has a negative credit history, and who has not tried to repair their bad credit, might work harder to make their payments on time as to not worsen their situation.  They know that these people are in need of credit and this might make them unaware of interest rates.  If you have ever filed for bankruptcy and shortly afterwards you received an offer in the mail for an unsecured credit card, this is why.  Taking offers like these more than likely will not help you in your process to fixing your bad credit.  If you have already had a credit card, and charged it up to the limit and are unable to make even the smallest payment on time, getting another credit card, along with its payments is not a very good idea.</p>
<p>Repairing your credit history includes many different aspects; correcting the information on your report, removing any negative items from your credit report, bargaining with creditors to remove these negative items, having excessive inquiries removed, and then building good credit.  One good way to repair your bad credit is to get a <a href="http://www.choosecreditcards.com/category/secured/">secured credit card</a> that reports your payments to the credit bureaus.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Life After Bankruptcy</title>
		<link>http://www.choosecreditcards.com/blog/2008/06/09/life-after-bankruptcy/</link>
		<comments>http://www.choosecreditcards.com/blog/2008/06/09/life-after-bankruptcy/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:46:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>J.S.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Personal Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[account]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[amount of money]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[assets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[automobile]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[automobile dealership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bank]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bank accounts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bankruptcy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[banks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bill]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[car dealership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cell phone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chapter 7]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chase]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[court intervention]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Credit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit card]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit card account]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit card companies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit card company]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit risk]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[creditors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[debt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[debt to income ratio]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[debts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[failure]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[good credit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[interest rate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[interest rates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[late payments]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[money]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[percent]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rebuilding your credit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[recourse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[repayment terms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[risk]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[savings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[secured credit card]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stiff penalties]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stress]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[target]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wages]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.choosecreditcards.com/blog/?p=31</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It does not matter what brought you to this point. You are there. The bankruptcy is over, usually Chapter 7 – a total wipeout of the debts – and you believe you are now the highest credit risk on the planet. Lots of things may be going through your mind at this point, from feeling [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It does not matter what brought you to this point.  You are there.  The bankruptcy is over, usually Chapter 7 – a total wipeout of the debts – and you believe you are now the highest credit risk on the planet.  Lots of things may be going through your mind at this point, from feeling like a failure for letting your creditors down, to finally feeling free because you are no longer afraid every time your phone rings that it is someone who wants to take yet something else away from you.</p>
<p>Now is the time to be careful.  In the coming weeks and months, you will be inundated with every credit offer known to man.  The invitations will bog down your mailbox asking you to apply for this credit card or guaranteeing you acceptance for that credit card (for a low annual fee, and possibly a secured amount of funds in the bank) and then the car dealerships will get to you.</p>
<p>You are wondering why in the heck this is happening.  However, more than wondering why, you just may be tempted to immediately start rebuilding your credit by applying for all those wonderful lines of credit that are suddenly open to you.</p>
<p>The old saying “buyer beware” should seriously go into play about now.  Read the fine print on every offer.  The interest rates are going to be astronomical.  Repayment terms will be stiff.  Penalties for late payments are going to ask for everything shy of your first-born.</p>
<p>Why is this happening?  Well, because since you just cleared a bankruptcy, you have no <a href="http://www.debtconsolidationcare.com" target="_blank">debt</a>.  Your debt to income ratio is zero debt to 100 percent income.  You cannot file bankruptcy or ask for court intervention if you get yourself into trouble again for close to a full decade from now.  You are no longer a risk.  The banks, credit card companies and automobile dealerships have recourse they did not have a few short months ago.  Now if you default, it will be far easier for them to attach your wages, bank accounts or any assets you may have held onto during the bankruptcy.</p>
<p>You must be very smart about how you are going to go about rebuilding your credit.  Do it slowly.  There are a couple of very good credit card companies that will help you rebuild your credit at a slow pace and with minimum of risk for them.  Usually that means you will pay a fee for their services and frequently they will start you off with a secured credit card.  A secured credit card is one where you put a specific amount of money into a checking or savings account, reserved for this amount of money only (say $200.00 to $400.00).  If for whatever reason, you do not make your payment, the company will take the money from the account immediately to pay the full balance due and close your credit card account.</p>
<p>What would be a more prudent course of action, is to give yourself a few months for the offers to stop or at least slow down a bit.  Make sure that for a given time, the only bills that you have are your rent (or mortgage), your car (if you still have it), and your utilities.  Most cell phone providers report to a credit agency, therefore if you do not have a cell phone, that is a good place to start building credit.  Within a year, open three minor, preferably secured lines of credit and do not allow any of them to come close to reaching the full balance.  Purchase something minor on the card, pay it off at the end of the month and make sure there is no balance to carry over for the credit card company to charge an interest rate on.</p>
<p>Take time to build your credit slowly – I cannot stress that enough.  It took a long time to reach the point of bankruptcy.  It will take a while to get the credit cleaned back up.  It can be done.  Just do not be in such a hurry that you do it the wrong way or unwittingly get yourself in over your head.</p>
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