How To Get A Credit Card With Bad Credit
How to get a credit card with bad credit is a question many consumers ask themselves each day. Quite frankly speaking, it is a struggle, albeit not impossible. You have to understand that your credit card lender (the institution giving you your credit card) wants to be certain (as much as one can be) that you will repay your card debt to them. If your current credit rating is bad (i.e. you got bad credit) your application for more debt through a credit card will often fall on deaf ears.
However, there are ways to get a credit card with bad credit
As with every situation there are always ways in which you can get approved for a new card, even if you currently have bad credit. The following tips should help you get a new card:
- Consider applying for department store or small retail shop credit cards: These cards are often easier to come by and small stores especially are happy to give you a second chance because they need to make sales to survive. The secret here is to repay your expenses when the bill arrives. You want to pay back the minimum at least.
- Apply for a secured credit card: This will require you to open a security savings account and maintain it to get a line of credit from your bank. Most banks will use a percentage of your savings as the line of credit for your credit card. This means you won’t be able to spend money you don’t have
- Get a co-applicant with a good credit rating: While this is great for you, it might be tricky for the other person because by co-signing they risk their own good credit rating while dealing with you if you lack money management
- Ask your existing bank: If you talk with your bank and show them how serious you are about getting rid of your existing debt you might be able to strike a deal. Consider applying for a balance transfer card which can help you kill ‘two birds with the one stone.’ Get approved for a new card and pay back your bad debt
Tips to avoid bad credit card debt in the first place
Not getting into credit card debt is the best thing you can do and the following tips will help you stay alert and in control.
- Refuse the temptation: It is common for existing card holders to receive a bunch of credit card offers by mail every so often. Be wise and refuse the temptation. Having too many cards is a nightmare in the making.
- Stick with the big boys: If you need to buy on credit, use the big name cards such as Visa or MasterCard and American Express. Store cards might be great to get fast credit, but mind their expensive interest rates!
- Always pay your bills on time.
- Consider a card with the best offer for you: Not all credit cards are equal. Try to sort through the hype and find the card with the best deal for your circumstances.
- Frequently check your credit rating: You can apply for a copy of your credit report (usually for free) to see where you stand. It is advised you do this once a year.
- Spend within your means: If you can’t afford it, don’t buy it. While this is often frustrating, it is the best defence against credit card debt.
Now you know how to get a credit card with bad credit you should be well informed on your chances and responsibilities.
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Comparison of Top 10 Credit Card Offers
| Credit Card | Card Details | Interest Rate | Cash Advance Rate | Balance Transfer Rate | Annual fee | Interest free days | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() Halifax All in One Credit Card |
The Halifax All in One credit card offers a great introductory rate, and is perfect for saving you money now as well as in the future. | 15.9% APR | 27.95% p.a. (variable) | 0% for 9 months | No Annual Fee | 59 Days interest free |
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![]() Virgin Credit Card |
As well as a great rate, the Virgin Credit Card comes with:
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16.6% APR (variable) | 27.9% p.a. (variable) | 0% for 16 Months (2.98% fee on balance transfers) | No Annual Fee | 50 days on card purchases |
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![]() Capital One Classic Visa |
This card is designed for people with bad credit ratings, this is why the rate is quite high. |
Typical 34.9% APR variable | 34.9% APR | 34.9% APR | No Annual Fee | 56 days for purchases. 0 days for balance transfers and cash. |
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As well as earning Flying Club miles which you can spend on brilliant rewards like flights, upgrades, car hire and more, a Virgin Atlantic Credit Card gives you up to 46 days interest free on card purchases. |
17.9% APR typical rate | 20.9% p.a. (variable) | 0% for 6 months (2% handling fee) | No Annual Fee | Up to 46 days on card purchases only. |
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The Virgin Prepaid MasterCard from Virgin Money is a prepaid Mastercard that you can add funds to, and use these funds for normal purchases. |
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
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5% cashback on purchases in your first three months (up to £4,000 of spend). Thereafter, earn 0.5% on the first £3,500, 1% on £3,501 to £10,000, and 1.5% after £10,001. |
18.9% p.a. | 27.9% p.a. | 18.9% p.a | No Annual Fee | 56 days for purchases. 0 days for balance transfers and cash. |
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Vanquis Visa Card is designed for people with no credit history or who have previously had bad debt. Representative 39.9% APR (variable) |
Representative 39.9% APR (variable) | 39.9% | N/A | No Annual Fee | Up to 56 days on card purchases only |
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The award winning prepaid card with no credit check or bank account needed. | Funds in your Account will not earn interest | Prepaid only - N/A | Prepaid only - N/A | £59.40 p.a. (£4.95/month) | Prepaid only - N/A |
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