The Benefits of Using Secured Credit

Secured credit is a tool that can be used for those that have not yet established a credit history or for those that have made mistakes in the past when it comes to their credit history. There are many benefits to secured credit  which is available in the form of secured credit cards, secured loans and secured investments. With the many benefits that come with secured credit, many consumers are taking advantage of secured credit cards which are available from a wide variety of lending institutions.

What are the advantages to using secured credit? These are only a few of the many advantages to using secured credit:

1. The deposit that is made to the potential lender in exchange for the use of the secured credit is often placed in trust until the account has been in good standing for a period of time or until the account has been closed accumulates interest through the term. This account is beneficial as it can help the consumer to establish a savings account while establishing credit.

2. The majority of secured credit card companies report to the three main credit reporting agencies each month and therefore you can begin to see an improvement in the credit rating in as little as six months.

3. The deposit that is required in exchange for the credit limit is equal to or less than the credit limit  never more.

4. Secured credit cards can help to rebuild the credit rating with a deposit and a credit limit of as little as $250.00. This makes the secured credit card an effective and affordable way to rebuild the credit rating.

Secured credit cards are an effective way to rebuild the credit rating. To apply for a secured credit card simply visit your regular financial institution and ask about applying for a secured credit card. If your regular institution does not offer these types of cards than consider finding companies that offer credit to those consumers that are higher risk and therefore the deposit be made to secure the credit line.

When applying for a secured credit service it is important to remember that there may be fees which are associated with the credit card. These annual fees are often higher than unsecured credit as the consumer is deemed a higher risk than these traditional consumers. As well as a higher annual fee, the consumer may also be subject to a higher interest rate. Interest rates for secured credit cards can often range upward of 25% therefore it is important to avoid carrying a balance as it can cost you.
Knowing all of the stipulations that come with the account can decrease the chances that you will be surprised when receiving the monthly statement. Regardless, these higher interest costs and annual fees are going to be priceless compared to the cost of letting your credit rating slip through the cracks before taking measures to repair your credit rating.