Dog asked:


I applied for a target credit card, and it says you can get an instant decision, but for me it said I would find out by mail in the next two weeks. Does this mean I most likely will not get approved or should I not really worry about it?

Teresa

Max Anderson asked:




Not all banks who offer secured credit cards advertise the fact. Because of this, you may find yourself applying for numerous unsecured credit cards before you come across a secured credit card application.

This can result in numerous inquiries on your credit report and a decrease in your credit rating (which is part of what got you here in the first place)!

If you want to find the banks who offer secured credit cards without going through all of the hassle normally associated with doing so, follow these seven tips:

1. Be Realistic

The first thing you need to do when looking for banks who offer secured credit cards is be realistic about what you’re going to qualify for.

Don’t apply for an American Express or a Diner’s Club card thinking they’ll offer you a secured credit card if you don’t qualify. As a rule, upper-crust credit card companies do not offer secured credit cards.

2. Utilize the Web

When it comes to searching for banks who offer secured credit cards, the Web is your very best friend. There are informational websites that offer a wealth of knowledge on secured credit cards and they can even direct you to sites that allow you to apply for secured credit cards online.

3. Target Your Search

Rather than haphazardly filling out credit card applications hoping to run into a secured credit card opportunity, look specifically for secured credit card applications to fill out.

The banks who offer secured credit cards do want your business and they aren’t really hiding from you. Search for secured credit card applications and you’re likely to find just that.

4. If It Sounds Too Good To Be True…

As with any credit card offer, if you run into a secured credit card offer that sounds too good to be true, proceed with caution.

Some of the banks who offer secured credit cards really don’t have your best interests in mind. That is why it is important to deal only with reputable credit card companies.

5. Understand the Differences

When looking for banks who offer secured credit cards, make sure you understand that not all of them are created equal. Some will charge higher fees, while others will charge higher interest rates.

Before applying for any single secured credit card, evaluate the costs of that card and make sure it’s the card that will best meet your personal needs.

6. Don’t Pay Anything Up Front

Never, ever deal with the credit card companies that ask you to send them cash up front. Nine and a half times out of ten they are a scam.

A legitimate secured credit card company will charge any applicable fees to your new credit card account, allowing you to pay them off after the card is in your hands — not before.

7. Easy Does It

Keep in mind the golden rule — less is definitely more. Too many credit card applications equals too many credit inquires. Just because you find ten banks who offer secured credit cards, it doesn’t mean you have to apply for all ten of them.

By following these seven steps, not only will you be able to find the banks who offer secured credit cards, but you’ll be able to tell the good from the bad in seconds flat.

Francisco

k c asked:


In jan of 2007, when I was 17 years old, I had lied on my age on a credit application to American Express for a credit card. A few days later It came in the mail with a $2000 Limit. I had regretfully used it.

In Feburary, American Express had sent me another CC and I did not use that one nor applied. Also in Feb applied for Chase credit card and also lied on the app about my age. I Recieved it in the mail with a 2K limit. Desprate for rent, I had applied for 3 more credit cards all supplied from chase and had recieved them all with another 3K limit, 5K limit and 2800 limit. And also regretfully used it all.
In the same month I applied for Target (never used but got), Sears (used 250) Imagine(used 300) Credit one(used 300), home depot (used 500) another Imagine(Used 300). I regretfully used them all.
I am scared… Im not sure what to do. Now there in collections. In july I turned 18, and they call looking for the money.
Am I responsible for the debt? What can I do?

Frank

Redpearls22 asked:


If you lie about your income on an application for a store credit card, (i.e. target, wal-mart) could you go to jail for it?

Benjamin