When it’s time to find a new apartment, you’ll likely come across 12-month lease apartments. For one reason or another, you may not want to commit to a full year in the same apartment. If you’re looking for a short-term lease, you possibly could find an apartment with six-month leases that will provide a little more flexibility with a shorter contract period.
Just like everything else, six-month leases have their pros and cons and they may or may fit your life â depending on where you’re at in life and what you need in an apartment.
Keep reading to see if a six-month lease apartment is right for you.
What are 6-month lease apartments?
A six-month lease apartment is an apartment that offers short-term leases that are only six months long rather than the typical 12-month lease or a pure month-to-month agreement.
The pros of 6-month lease apartments
There are lots of positive reasons to choose a six-month lease apartment over a typical 12-month lease. Here are some of the best things about them.
Flexibility for any situation
If you’re in a situation where you’re not sure how long you’ll be living somewhere, short-term apartment rentals are a great way to go.
You may move to a new city and want to feel it out before fully committing or maybe you’re looking to buy a house, but aren’t sure how long you’ll be looking before you find one. In any case, a six-month lease apartment makes it so you aren’t tied down for a whole year.
After six months, you can decide whether or not you like the apartment and the area and sign a new lease. Or if you don’t like it, you’re free to move onto greener pastures.
Changing terms
You may have found a place you like living in for the most part, but there are always a few things that could use changing in the lease terms. Once you’ve lived there for a few months, you’ll probably have a list of lease terms you’d like to change.
Maybe there’s something you’d like to add or remove from your rental contract, such as you’d like to see a few cosmetic updates or you’d like to get a pet.
You can re-negotiate the terms after 6 months, once you’ve gotten a feel for the apartment and know what else you want (or don’t want).
Easy to renew
Making a shorter commitment makes sense for some people. Even if you’re planning on living in the same apartment for a few years, just the thought of being able to move without worrying about breaking your lease makes it less stressful when apartment searching.
Cons of 6-month lease apartments
While there are many great things about six-month apartment leases, there are also some drawbacks.
Possibly more expensive
Since landlords know those looking for shorter-term leases are looking for flexibility, they also know that many short-term tenants are willing to pay for that flexibility.
You may end up paying a little more in rent each month for a six-month lease or you might have a higher deposit to pay upfront.
Changing terms
It is nice for you to ask about adding or removing certain terms from your contract if you decide to re-sign a six-month contract, but your landlord can also pose changes of their own, such as rent increases or new policies in the lease contract that they may decide not to negotiate about.
Frequent credit pulls
Some landlords will do a credit check every time you renew your lease, which can affect your credit score over time. After having your credit pulled, it usually takes at least three months for it to bounce back.
It can sometimes take a year or longer for credit scores to go back to normal, so if landlords are inquiring about your credit frequently, just know you might have a hard time keeping your credit score up.
Risk of not being able to renew
While most apartments will let you renew if you’re a good tenant, some reasons exist why they won’t let you.
Renovations or new building ownership often come into play when renewing is not an option. So if you were planning to renew for another six-month term, but your apartment won’t allow you to renew, you may find yourself moving frequently or suddenly scrambling to find a new place to live.
Fewer options
If you’re looking for a six-month lease apartment, they’re typically harder to find than those with 12-month leases.
Short-term apartment rentals have lower inventory and move pretty quickly on the market, so you may end up looking for a while before you find one that works for you.
Who should rent 6-month lease apartments
A six-month lease apartment might be the best option for you if:
You’re planning on purchasing or building a house and aren’t sure when you’ll be moving into your new home
You’re a student and will be studying in the area for only a semester
You recently relocated to a new city and want to explore the area before deciding on a place to call home
You don’t like living in the same place for long and enjoy exploring new areas
There are other reasons why a short-term apartment rental might be a good option, it will all depend on what’s happening in your life.
How to find 6-month lease apartments
Finding a six-month apartment lease is a challenge and take time, but finding the right one to fit your needs is still possible! So don’t waste any time â check out short-term apartments now and start planning your move!
The post 6-Month Lease Apartments: Pros and Cons of Short Term Rentals appeared first on Apartment Living Tips – Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com.
My granddaughter just got a secured credit card with a $200 limit. She wants to finance a new car for $19,000 in a year or earlier. What does she have to do to obtain this? – Harry
Dear Harry,
You are kind to ask on your granddaughter’s behalf. The short answer is yes, she can get a car loan of that size, but only after she builds a reputation of being a responsible borrower. That takes time and effort. She also must prove to a lender that she can afford the monthly payments, which means she needs an income that is enough to cover all her expenses as well as a hefty car payment.
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Here is the strategy for your granddaughter. As a (presumably) young adult, she needs to take control over her own financial life, starting today.
1. Charge in small, steady increments
It’s great that your granddaughter has a secured credit card because I would have recommended it! Now what she needs to do is use the card in a very specific way.
Credit reports need to list a steady stream of positive activity, so on a monthly basis, she needs to keep her credit utilization ratio as low as possible. For a credit line of $200, I’d recommend she spend a maximum of $60. That will prevent her score from getting dinged for using too much of her credit line.
A credit score can be calculated at any point of a billing cycle. If you owe too much, even if you plan on paying it off completely, points will be shaved off your scores. (FICO and VantageScore are the two most common scoring companies, and their scores range from 300 to 850.)
2. Pay on time
No matter what, get payments in by or before the due date.
The credit card issuer will then send that information to the credit reporting agencies, and it will be factored into her scores favorably. Consecutive on-time payments will result in a higher credit score, so as each month passes without a break in that payment history, her scores are sure to increase.
3. Delete the debt every month
With a credit card, you do have the option to pay partially – but don’t. Instead, your granddaughter should send the credit card issuer every penny of the balance.
Remember, she’s proving to a future car lender (as well as any other creditor, such as a landlord or business) that she’s financially smart and stable. By never carrying over a balance, she’s showing exactly that.
4. Keep a sharp eye on all credit activity and progress
Your granddaughter should check her online credit card statement at least weekly. Her credit card statement will indicate where she charged and how much she currently owes, and checking her statement gives her the opportunity to scale back charging if she’s close to the 30% credit utilization mark.
After using the secured card for about six months, your granddaughter can pull her credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com. There are three credit reporting agencies (TransUnion, Equifax and Experian) and she’s entitled by law to get all three reports from those bureaus for free once per year. The bureaus are also offering free credit reports every week through April 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
She should read her credit reports to make sure they’re correct, and if she sees anything wrong, she should dispute it. She does not want to be turned down for her dream car over a mistake on her credit report.
5. Get a second credit card
After a year of following this credit-building plan, her scores should be on an upward trajectory. To really hike the numbers, though, your granddaughter should consider applying for an unsecured credit card and using it in the same fashion.
Your granddaughter should seek a credit card that fits her credit rating, so she won’t get denied. Applying for a credit card or loan will result in a hard inquiry on her credit reports, which will lower her credit score a bit temporarily, so she should only seek credit when she needs it. When your granddaughter has two credit accounts, she should use both as she has been using the one.
Eventually, your granddaughter’s credit scores should be in the mid-700s, and at that point, most lenders will consider her to be an appealing borrower. As long as her income is sufficient and secure, she is free to go vehicle shopping.
Just be aware that it’s also easy to bite off more car loan than you can handle financially. To reduce the amount borrowed as well as the monthly payments, make a large down payment. If she hasn’t yet started saving for that, she should do it now.
As your granddaughter’s credit stands now, she most likely won’t qualify for the best car loan rates if she can qualify for a loan at all. I would encourage her to follow the steps outlined above that will help her get the car she wants but know that it will take some time and patience to build a decent credit profile for her to qualify for a substantial car loan.
See related: Buying a car with no credit: 6 things to know
Can you transfer your credit limit from one Capital One card to another? Unfortunately, the answer is no. While Capital One credit limit transfers were possible a few years ago, Capital One no longer lets you combine credit limits.
This means that if you were thinking about combining Capital One credit card accounts in order to take advantage of a higher credit limit – or close an old Capital One account without hurting your credit score – you’re going to have to come up with another way to solve your problem.
If you were considering a credit limit transfer in order to give yourself a higher credit limit on one of your Capital One credit cards, you might want to request a credit card limit increase instead. If you have a history of responsible credit use, your request might be granted right away.
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If you want to combine Capital One cards before closing out an old credit account, look for ways to keep the old account active instead, such as using your old Capital One credit card for a single recurring monthly payment (like Netflix or your gym membership) and setting up autopay to ensure that the credit card bill always gets paid on time.
You can also apply for a new Capital One credit card. This way, you’ll get a new line of credit and the opportunity to earn some of Capital One’s best rewards and sign-up bonuses. It won’t be the same thing as transferring a credit limit to another card on Capital One, but it will get you a new card with a fresh credit limit.
What is a credit limit transfer?
A credit limit transfer is exactly what it sounds like: Taking some (or all) of the credit limit allocated to one credit card and transferring it to another credit card.
If you have a card with a $3,000 credit limit and another card with a $5,000 credit limit, for example, you could combine those two credit limits onto a single card, giving you a credit account with an $8,000 credit limit. Then, you could close the other account without worrying about losing the available credit associated with that account. Since you transferred that line of credit to another card, your total credit limit will remain unchanged, and you won’t have to worry about the loss of available credit hurting your credit score.
You could also transfer a portion of one credit limit to another credit card. If you had a credit card with a $3,000 credit limit and a card with a $5,000 credit limit, you could transfer $2,000 of credit from the card with the $3,000 limit, giving you a card with a $1,000 credit limit and a card with a $7,000 credit limit. Some people choose to request this kind of credit limit transfer in order to take advantage of a top rewards credit card. Others transfer a portion of their credit limit so they can increase the purchasing power of their primary spending card.
It’s important to note that a credit card limit transfer is not the same thing as a balance transfer. When you transfer a balance from one card to another, you transfer the amount of money you owe – not the credit limit associated with the card. Balance transfer credit cards are designed to help you pay down old debt, and the best balance transfer credit cards offer at least a year of 0% intro APR to help you pay off your balances before they start to accrue interest.
(If you want to transfer a balance to a Capital One credit card, we’ve got a guide to help you get started.)
Why should I transfer a credit limit to another card?
Here are some of the reasons why people choose to transfer a credit limit to another credit card:
To increase the purchasing power of their everyday spending card
To transfer more credit to a card that earns better rewards
To combine two lines of credit before canceling a credit card
It’s worth noting that there are other ways to achieve these goals that don’t involve transferring a credit limit from one card to another. If you want to increase the purchasing power of your favorite credit card, you can always request a higher credit limit directly from your card issuer. If you want to earn more credit card rewards, you can request a higher credit limit or use the right credit cards for the right purchases (travel rewards cards for travel expenses, grocery rewards cards for grocery shopping and so on). If you want to cancel a credit card, consider the pros and cons of closing your credit account and decide whether you’re better off closing the old card or keeping it active.
How do I combine Capital One credit limits?
Capital One no longer lets you combine credit limits. However, just because you can’t combine credit limits doesn’t mean you can’t increase your Capital One credit limit. If you want to request a higher credit limit with Capital One, all you have to do is log in to your online account or open the Capital One mobile app.
If you’re using the mobile app, the option to increase your credit limit is listed in the “Profile” section, under “Account and Feature Settings.” If you’re visiting your online Capital One account in a web browser, look for the option “I Want To” and then select “Request Credit Line Increase.”
Requesting a higher credit limit online is fairly simple – all you have to do is provide some basic personal information, including your income and your monthly mortgage or rent payment. From there, Capital One will use your credit card payment and balance history to determine whether you’re eligible for a credit line increase. Requesting a higher credit limit won’t have any effect on your credit score, and, in many cases, you’ll get your answer immediately.
You can also request a credit line increase over the phone. Simply contact Capital One customer service at 1-800-227-4825 or call the number on the back of your credit card.
Bottom line
While Capital One previously allowed cardholders to combine credit limits on Capital One cards, current cardholders are not able to combine or transfer their credit limits.
Want to increase your credit limit on a Capital One credit card? It’s easy to request a credit line increase online or through the Capital One app – just log into your Capital One account and fill out a quick form or call customer service.
Credit union cards might not get as much attention as popular cards from big issuers, like Chase or American Express. That doesn’t mean they’re not worth looking into. A card from a credit union can be not only an excellent option for those with lower credit scores, but also a finishing touch to a card enthusiast’s strategy.
I got a credit union card last month with good credit and some of the best credit cards already in my wallet. Now, it has potential to become one of the most valuable cards I have because of how well it matches my spending.
Read on to learn about credit union credit cards and their pros and cons and to see if this type of card could be a good choice for you.
Credit union card pros
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The list of pros regarding credit union credit cards is long – see if any or all are appealing to you.
The fees and interest rates tend to be lower
Credit unions are member-owned nonprofit organizations, and the entire system works slightly differently from banks. Because of that, you may get lower interest rates as well as lower fees.
Annual fees, foreign transaction fees and late fees are also lower at a credit union versus a traditional bank. In fact, although 45% of traditional bank credit cards come with annual fees, only 10% of credit union credit cards do.
You may get great value from the card
It’s a misconception that only banks with large resources can offer generous credit card rewards and that credit unions can’t compete.
Of course, a credit union card isn’t likely to offer you premium benefits like airport lounge access or hundreds of dollars in statement credits. Still, if you like to earn cash back as much as I do, you may be surprised how much value credit union cards can provide.
Take the Affinity Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Credit Card that I have. I came across it while shopping for a credit card that would reward me for spending in bookstores (since being a bookworm can be an expensive hobby). What I got was more than just a great card for bookstores – it was the perfect finishing touch to my credit card strategy.
The Affinity Cash Rewards earns 5% back at bookstores, including Amazon.com (on up to $3,500 per month in purchases made at Amazon). Except for books, I do virtually all my shopping on Amazon. Imagine how excited I was when I got this card. This is an outrageously generous cash back rate, there’s no annual fee and no Prime membership is required.
Last year, I spent $2,168 on Amazon (I’m excluding grocery orders since I use the American Express® Gold Card for that). I also spend about $2,000 on books annually. If my spending stays the same, I’ll have earned over $200 in cash back with the Affinity Cash Rewards by my first-year card anniversary just in these two categories. But besides rewarding you for Amazon and book shopping, the card also offers 2% back at supermarkets, restaurants, gas stations and for eligible streaming and ride-sharing services, as well as 1% back on everything else. These cash back rates can put some popular rewards cards from major banks to shame.
Customer service will likely be excellent
One of the biggest advantages of credit unions is their focus on customers’ experiences.
This means you will typically receive excellent customer service and much more flexibility in terms of payments, because credit unions aim to support their customers and help them maintain financial stability.
Credit unions are local institutions that try to connect with a community, those who work for certain companies or have some specific mutual connection. As such, they focus on building trust and a brand within a community.
This, too, often translates to better, local customer service.
I was pleasantly surprised when I got my union credit card and received a call from the union’s customer service. It was a representative who had emailed me earlier letting me know she would be my point of contact in case of any questions. When she called, she asked me how my experience with the card was and whether I needed any help setting things up.
I have cards from some major issuers known for their great customer service, yet none of them were able to offer me this level of attention or a designated person I could contact.
You might find it easier to get credit
It’s usually easier for members to get credit at a credit union if their credit isn’t perfect.
This allows consumers with less-than-perfect credit an opportunity to get a quality credit card product even when more well-known cards might not be available to them.
Additionally, credit unions are more flexible with small businesses and their unique needs, such as gas cards for employees or multiple users on an account.
You may get a second chance if you get denied
Consumers with lower credit scores or even an average credit history can find it difficult to get a credit card from a bank. But if a credit union declines your application for a credit card, you can ask it to reconsider the decision.
Sometimes credit unions will grant your request and require you to enroll in financial education classes to make sure you learn to use it responsibly.
See related: How credit scores affect interest rates
Credit union cons
Most financial products come with some downsides, and credit union credit cards are no exception. Here are some things to consider before you apply for a card from a credit union.
Your other accounts are used as collateral
Perhaps one of the biggest downsides of using a credit union for a card is sometimes they may use a cross-collateralization system, which ties all your credit union accounts together.
For instance, if you have multiple loans at the same credit union and for some reason you can’t make a payment on one of them, it automatically gets secured by the other loans you have. Say someone put up a used car as collateral for a personal loan and they default on a credit card payment – that car could be repossessed to satisfy the credit card debt.
Luckily, that’s not always the case. It’s possible to get a credit union card without securing it with any collateral. Make sure to research various options and pay attention to terms to avoid getting a card on conditions you’re not comfortable with.
You must meet specific membership criteria
To get a credit card from a credit union, a customer must meet membership criteria. This can be a restriction on location, employment or a variety of membership eligibility requirements. For example, I was once rejected by a credit union in Dallas when refinancing my car loan because the union only serves U.S. citizens – no permanent residents (rude).
When you apply for a credit card at a bank, you usually don’t need more than the legal requirements, and your application depends only on your credit history and income.
On the other hand, many credit unions provide an option to become a member by paying a small fee if you don’t meet the membership criteria.
The application process may be lengthy
In my experience, getting approved by a credit union can be a bit stressful. I’ve dealt with this process three times – twice when trying to refinance my car loan and once when applying for a credit card – and each time has been a pain.
What takes five minutes when you’re applying for a card from a major issuer can take days and even weeks with a credit union. You can be asked to send your paystubs to prove your income and your utility bills to prove you live where you say you live, among other things. This slows things down considerably.
Customer service may not be available 24/7
Although a credit union may provide outstanding customer service, it might not be available 24/7.
For example, if you’re traveling and have a problem with your card, you might not be able to get in touch with the credit union’s customer service department right away.
See related: How long does it take to get a credit card?
Decision time
While there are advantages to credit union credit cards, there are some downsides, too.
Membership can be exclusive, you’re not guaranteed card approval just because you’re a member, and the application process can be stressful.
On the upside, because credit unions don’t offer credit cards for a profit, members indirectly benefit from those credit cards – when credit unions make money, they can offer better interest rates, reduced fees and even valuable rewards.
Otherwise, credit union credit cards are just like big-bank credit cards.
You can use them for purchases, balance transfers and cash advances, and you must make at least the minimum monthly payment to keep your account in good standing.
In addition, most credit unions report your account history to Experian, TransUnion and Equifax, which is an extra incentive for making your payments on time as it can help you build credit.
You probably know what a good credit score is – it’s a straightforward number that reflects how well you manage your credit.
But do you know what a good credit limit is?
According to Experian, Americans had an average of $30,365 in credit available to them across all their credit cards in 2020.
But the question of whether your credit limit is good is a bit more nuanced.
Read on to learn what experts have to say about what a good credit limit is and see how yours stacks up.
See related: My credit limit was (almost) cut without warning
What is a credit limit?
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Your credit card limit is simply the amount of credit a lender has extended to you, based on your credit scores and other barometers of your creditworthiness and ability to pay, such as your income.
Think of it as your total spending limit – and don’t exceed it or you might face a penalty.
Your credit score could take a hit and your issuer could close your account. Additionally, your transaction might be declined, your interest rates could rise, your credit limit could go down and you might have to pay a fee.
Stay within your credit card limits to avoid these headaches.
See related: Can I request a specific credit line when I apply for a card?
What is considered a good credit limit?
Paul Sundin. CPA and tax strategist at Emparion, said the answer depends on the credit card user.
The American Banking Association reported in May that super-prime consumers (with credit scores of 759 and above) are given an average of $9,329, while prime consumers (with credit scores between 680 and 759) are given $5,109 and subprime consumers (with credit scores of 680 and below) are given $2,541.
And some high-net-worth consumers are given even higher credit limits or don’t even have preset spending limits at all because of their exceptional credit history, Sundin said.
Ben Reynolds, CEO and founder of Sure Dividend, said a reasonable credit limit might mean a specific number to each person, so you shouldn’t base your credit limit on what’s considered “good.”
“People need to judge a good credit limit based on their income, spending habits and repayment strategies,” Reynolds said.
See related: Card issuers slashed billions in credit limits amid COVID
Credit utilization tops credit limit
Imani Francies, a finance expert at USInsuranceAgents, said your credit utilization is always more important than your credit limit.
And no credit limit, she said, measures up to the significance of keeping your utilization rate below 30%.
So, Francies said, if someone has a higher credit limit than you but they maxed out their $10,000 limit, you would be seen as more creditworthy if you pay off your $500 credit limit every month on time and never have your utilization rate exceed 30%.
How to get a credit limit increase
There are many ways to improve your odds of getting your credit limit raised – one good way is to raise your credit score since lenders usually give cardholders with great scores higher spending limits.
And once you improve your credit score – by paying on time, paying your balance in full and not opening a bunch of accounts at one time – you’ll get the added benefits of qualifying to the best interest rates and credit cards with the best rewards.
And keep in mind you can also use a secured credit card to build credit.
In addition, you can always ask for more credit after you get your card. As the economy improves and uncertainty fades, it should be easier to get.
But before you ask your lender for an increased credit limit, ask yourself if you’re doing it to lower your credit utilization ratio or if you’re just doing it so you have more money to spend. The latter would not make sense unless you have a plan to pay your balance in full every month.
Bottom line
The question, “What is a good credit limit?” varies among consumers and is based on your personal finance profile.
If you’re thinking about asking your issuer for a credit limit increase, make sure you have a compelling reason, such as your income has increased. And note that the issuer will also want to see your employment status and proof of your mortgage or rent payment.
If you decide to ask for an increase, make sure you’re asking for the right reason and consider how it will affect your credit utilization and your credit score.
And always keep in mind that using your card responsibly is key to your financial well-being.
Qualifying for a credit card can be a challenge if you have damaged credit. It can be difficult, too, if you have a short history of using credit or you haven’t established any credit history at all.
But there is an option if you can’t qualify for a traditional credit card: secured credit cards. These cards, which typically come with lower credit limits and few frills, can help you quickly build a credit history or steadily repair bad credit.
Amy Maliga, a financial educator at Take Charge America, a nonprofit credit counseling and debt management agency based in Phoenix, said secured cards are one of the most important tools for consumers who need to build or rebuild their credit.
“Secured credit cards can be a lifeline for consumers who may have a hard time obtaining credit through other channels,” Maliga said.
But what are secured cards, and how do they compare to unsecured credit cards?
How do secured credit cards work?
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There are some important similarities between unsecured and secured credit cards: You can use both types of credit cards to make purchases. You pay back these purchases each month. And if you don’t pay off everything you owe by your due date, you’ll be charged interest on your unpaid balance.
But there’s one big difference between secured and unsecured credit cards, and it has to do with your credit limit.
With a secured credit card, you first make a deposit with the bank or financial institution issuing the card. That deposit becomes your credit limit. If you deposit $500, you can charge up to $500 on your secured card. If you deposit $1,000, your card’s credit limit is $1,000.
Traditional credit cards – which are also known as unsecured cards – don’t require any deposit from borrowers. These are the cards you are probably most familiar with: They’re the standard Visa, American Express, Discover and Mastercard credit cards issued by banks and credit unions.
Your past credit history determines your credit limit on an unsecured credit card. If you have a history of paying your bills on time and a strong credit score, your credit limit will be higher.
The pros of secured credit cards
There are several benefits to secured credit cards for consumers with weak or bad credit.
They’re easier to get
The deposit arrangement is what makes secured cards attractive to borrowers with little or bad credit. If you fail to make your card payments on time, the bank or financial institution issuing your card can take what it is owed from your deposit. Because you can’t charge more than you deposited, you can never owe more than what your bank can take.
This offers financial protection to banks and makes it less risky for them to pass out secured credit cards to consumers with a short credit history or ones with blemishes on their credit reports. It’s easier, then, for consumers to qualify for secured cards than it is for them to nab unsecured credit cards.
“Think of the monetary deposit with a secured credit card like the deposit for a rented property,” said Jim Pendergast, senior vice president of AltLINE Sobanco, a company partnered with Alabama’s Southern Bank Company. “It acts as an assurance that you’ll pay your balances. Just like for a renter’s deposit, you can earn your deposit back by using the card responsibly.”
To qualify for a traditional credit card, especially one with a strong rewards program and a lower interest rate, you’ll need a stronger credit score. With a secured card, though, your credit score isn’t as important because of that initial deposit.
You can use them to build better credit
Every time you make an on-time payment on your secured credit card, it is reported to the three national credit bureaus – Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. As these payments are recorded, your credit score will gradually build if you haven’t had enough credit to generate one or will slowly improve if you have a score that late or missed payments have damaged.
Once your credit score improves, you can then apply for a traditional credit card. At first, you might qualify only for basic credit cards with no rewards programs. But if you make your payments on these cards on time each month, too, your credit score will continue to improve until you can qualify for cards that offer cash back bonuses, miles or rewards points.
The cons of secured credit cards
Secured credit cards also have their drawbacks.
Limited spending power
Your credit limit will usually be lower if you’re using a secured card. That’s because this limit is typically based on your deposit. If your deposit is a low one – say $300 – your credit limit will be low, too.
No perks
Secured cards rarely come with rewards programs. You typically won’t qualify for cash back bonuses or free miles when using a secured card.
How long before a secured card becomes an unsecured one?
The good news? You can transition from a secured credit card to a traditional card if you make your payments on time each month. Doing this will boost your credit score over time. And soon, you’ll have a strong enough credit score to ditch your secured card and apply for an unsecured credit card. The provider that issued your unsecured card might even upgrade you automatically after, say, six months to a year of on-time payments with your secured credit card.
Wendy Terrill, a retirement counselor in Burlington, North Carolina, understands this. She had cancer in 1999, and the financial struggles brought about by this caused her FICO credit score to fall below 400. Terrill rebuilt her credit by taking out a secured card, putting down a security deposit of $200. She used that $200 of credit to slowly rebuild her credit score, making small purchases and paying them off on time.
In fewer than six months, Terrill had improved her score enough to qualify for a traditional unsecured card.
“Some don’t understand why you’d pay someone $200 to get $200 of credit,” Terrill said. “You want to build your credit, that’s why.”
Best secured credit cards
Ready to build your credit and looking for the right secured card? Maliga recommends that consumers look carefully at the fine print when choosing a secured credit card. Some secured cards come with annual fees or monthly maintenance fees.
Here is a look at three secured cards that might meet your needs.
Secured Mastercard® from Capital One
One of the benefits of this card is that it comes with no annual fee, so you won’t have to pay to use it. Capital One requires a security deposit of $49, $99 or $200. Once you make your deposit, you’ll get a credit line of $200. Capital One will automatically consider you for a higher credit line in as few as six months.
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
This is a rare secured card that offers a rewards program. You’ll earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in purchases each quarter. You’ll earn 1% cash back on all other purchases. There’s also no annual fee with this card.
Citi® Secured Mastercard®
Looking for a higher credit limit? The Citi Secured Mastercard might be a good option. You can get a credit limit of up to $2,500, with a deposit of that same amount. This card also charges no annual fee.
Best unsecured cards for people with limited credit history
But what happens after you’ve properly used your secured card, making charges and paying them off in full? Doing this will help you build a credit history, and your credit score should steadily grow stronger.
Eventually – it might take about six months of on-time payments with your secured card – you’ll be ready to apply for an unsecured credit card. You might not have enough credit to qualify for the top credit cards, the ones offering valuable rewards and cash back bonuses. But you might qualify for one of the cards listed below, all available to consumers with shorter credit histories or average to good credit scores.
Capital One Platinum Credit Card
This is a no-frills card – but it doesn’t charge an annual fee, which is always a positive. And Capital One will review your payment history regularly. You’ll be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as six months. You’ll also gain access to your free credit score and credit profile through CreditWise from Capital One.
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
This card offers a basic rewards program. You’ll earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase you make with the card. You can also earn a $200 cash bonus if you spend $500 within three months of opening your account. This card also charges no annual fee.
Petal credit cards
The Petal credit card pitches itself to applicants with little to no credit. Instead of relying on a traditional credit score, Petal creates what it calls a Cash Score based on your income, spending and savings. Petal says this score could help you qualify for a better Petal card.
There are two versions – the Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card and the Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card – that come with credit limits ranging from $500 to $10,000, depending on the card. You might also qualify for cash back bonuses of 1% to 1.5% of the purchases you make or 2% to 10% at select merchants.
Bottom line
Secured cards are an easy and accessible way to start building or rebuild your credit – and start earning cash back along the way, in some cases. Use them diligently, making sure to pay them in full, and in a few months, your credit will be strong enough to qualify for an unsecured credit card.
If you have bad credit and need a car loan, there are some challenges when compared to obtaining a standard car loan. However, pick your head up because there are a handful of great lenders that specifically tailor their programs to people with bad credit. We researched the landscape of lenders that can help you get a car loan even if you have a below-average credit score.
Based on our study, OneMain Financial and LightStream are two of the top lenders offering bad credit card loans. This is due to factors including loan options, requirements to qualify, and interest rates offered. Of course, we offer in-depth reviews of all the top lenders who offer bad credit car loans further down in this piece.
Apply now with our top pick: OneMain Financial
In this guide we also help you understand the factors that go into selecting the right auto lender, and how to get the best rate you can.
Most Important Factors for Bad Credit Car Loans
If youâre in the market for a bad credit car loan, there are a plethora of factors to consider and compare. Here are the main loan details we looked at in our study, and the ones you should prioritize as you select the best car loan for your needs.
Check your credit score. And understand what is in your credit report.
FICO scores under 579 is considered ‘poor’. But you may need a bad credit loan with a score as high as 669.
Interest rates and fees matter. These can make a huge difference in how much you pay for an auto loan each month.
Compare loan terms. Consider your repayment timeline and compare lenders with this in mind.
Getting prequalified online can help. Some lenders, including ones that made our ranking, let you get prequalified for a loan online without a hard inquiry on your credit report.
Watch out for loan restrictions. Some lenders impose restrictions on what car you can purchase. Keep this in mind to avoid unpleasant surprises later.
The Best Bad Credit Car Loans of 2021
The best bad credit car loans make it easy for consumers to qualify for the financing they need. The following lenders made our list due to their superior loan offerings, excellent customer service, and reputation in this industry.
Car Loan Company
Best For…
Get Started
Best for Flexibility
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Best Personal Loan Option
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Best Loan for Bad Credit and No Credit
Apply Now
Best Loan Comparison Site
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Best Big Bank Loan for Bad Credit
Apply Now
Best for Fast Funding
Apply Now
Why Some Lenders Didn’t Make the Cut
While the lenders we are profiling are the best of the best, there are plenty of bad credit car loans that didnât quite make the cut. We didnât include any lenders that only offer auto loan refinancing, for example, since we know many people need a car loan in order to purchase a new or used car or truck. We also stayed away from bad credit car loans that charge outrageous fees for consumers with the lowest credit scores.
Bad Credit Auto Loan Reviews
We listed the top companies we selected in our study above, but we also aim to provide readers with more insights and details on each. The reviews below highlight the highlights of each lender that made our list, plus our take on who they might be best for.
OneMain Financial: Best for Flexibility
OneMain Financial offers personal loans and auto loans with interest rates that range from 18.00% to 35.99%. You can repay your auto loan in 24, 36, 48, or 60 months, and you can use this lender to borrow up to $20,000 for a new or used car. You can apply for your auto loan online and from the comfort of your own home, and itâs possible to get approved within a matter of minutes.
While OneMain Financial doesnât list a minimum credit score requirement, itâs believed they will approve consumers with scores as low as 600. You should also note that auto loans from OneMain Financial come with an origination fee of up to 5% of your loan amount.
Sign Up With OneMain Financial Today
Why This Lender Made Our List: OneMain Financial offers a lot of flexibility in terms of your loan terms, including the option to repay your auto loan over five years. OneMain Financial also has pretty decent reviews from users for a bad credit lender, and they have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Potential Downsides to Be Aware Of: OneMain Financial charges some pretty high rates for its bad credit loans, and donât forget that you may need to pay an origination fee that is up to 5% of your loan amount. Their loans are also capped at $20,000, which means this lender wonât work for everyone.
Who Itâs Best For: This lender is best for consumers with really poor credit who need auto financing but canât get approved for a better loan.
Upgrade: Best Personal Loan Option
Upgrade is an online lender that offers personal loans with fixed interest rates, fixed monthly payments, and a fixed repayment timeline. You can borrow up to $50,000 in an unsecured loan, which means you wonât actually use the car you purchase as collateral for the loan.
You can repay the money you borrow over 36 to 60 months, which makes it possible for you to tweak your loan offer to secure a monthly payment you can afford. Upgrade has a minimum credit score requirement of 620 to qualify, although theyâll consider additional factors such as your income and employment history.
Sign Up With Upgrade Today
Why This Lender Made Our List: Upgrade lets you âcheck your rateâ online without a hard inquiry on your credit report. This makes it easy to shop around and compare this loan offer to others without having to fill out a full loan application. Also note that Upgrade has an A+ rating with the BBB.
Potential Downsides to Be Aware Of: Upgrade charges APRs as high as 35.89% for consumers with the worst credit, and an origination fee of up to 6% of your loan amount might also apply.
Who Itâs Best For: Upgrade is best for consumers with decent credit who need to borrow a larger loan amount. This loan is also best for anyone who wants an auto loan that isnât secured by their vehicle.
AutoCreditExpress.com: Best Loan for Bad Credit and No Credit
AutoCreditExpress.com is an online platform that lets consumers with bad credit and even no credit get the financing they need. Once you fill out some basic loan information, youâll be connected with a lender who can offer you financing as well as a dealership in your area. From there, youâll head to the local dealership and pull the pieces of your auto loan together, including the purchase price of the car you want.
Sign Up With Autocreditexpress.com Today
Why This Lender Made Our List: AutoCreditExpress.com has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. This platform also makes it possible for consumers with no credit at all to finance a car, which is a welcome relief for people who are building credit for the first time.
Potential Downsides to Be Aware Of: This website is a loan platform but they donât offer loans directly to consumers. This means you wonât have any idea on rates and terms until you fill out an application and get connected with a lender.
Who Itâs Best For: This loan is best for consumers with no credit or minimal credit history who cannot get approved for a loan elsewhere.
MyAutoLoan.com: Best Loan Comparison Site
MyAutoLoan.com is a loan comparison site that makes it easy to compare up to four auto loan offers in a matter of minutes. You can use this website to apply for a new auto loan, but you can also utilize it to consider refinancing offers for an auto loan you already have. You can also use funds from this platform to purchase a car from a dealer or from a private seller.
Sign Up With MyAutoLoan.com Today
Why This Lender Made Our List: Comparing auto loans in terms of their terms, rates, and fees is the best way to save money and wind up with the best deal. Since MyAutoLoan.com is a loan comparison site, they make it easy to shop around and compare competing offers.
Potential Downsides to Be Aware Of: Loan comparison sites connect you with other lenders who have their own loan terms and minimum requirements for approval. Make sure you know and understand all the details of loans youâre considering before you sign on the dotted line.
Who Itâs Best For: MyAutoLoan.com is best for consumers who want to do all their auto loan shopping with a single website.
Capital One: Best Big Bank Loan for Bad Credit
Capital One offers online auto loan financing in conjunction with a program called Auto Navigator®. This program lets you get prequalified for an auto loan online, then work with a participating dealer to coordinate a loan for the car you want. Capital One also lets you search available vehicles at participating dealerships before you apply for financing, making it easy to figure out how much you might need to borrow ahead of time.
Sign Up With Capital One Today
Why This Lender Made Our List: Capital One offers the huge benefit of letting you get prequalified online without a hard inquiry to your credit report. Capital One is also a reputable bank with a long history, which should give borrowers some comfort. They have an A+ rating with the BBB and plenty of decent reviews from consumers.
Potential Downsides to Be Aware Of: You should be aware that Capital One auto loans only work at participating dealers, so you may be limited in terms of available cars to choose from.
Who Itâs Best For: Capital One auto loans are best for consumers who find a car they want to buy at one of the participating lenders that works with this program.
LightStream: Best for Fast Funding
LightStream offers online loans for a variety of purposes, including auto financing. Their auto loans for consumers with excellent credit start at just 3.99% with autopay, and even their loans for consumers with lower credit scores only run as high as 16.79% with autopay.
You can apply for your LightStream loan online and get approved in a matter of minutes. This lender can also send your funds as soon as the same business day you apply.
A minimum credit score of 660 is required for loan approval, although other factors like your work history and income are considered.
Sign Up With LightStream Today
Why This Lender Made Our List: LightStream offers auto loans with exceptional terms, and thatâs even true for consumers with less than perfect credit. You can also get your loan funded as soon as the same business day you apply, which is crucial if you need auto financing so you can get back on the road.
Potential Downsides to Be Aware Of: With a minimum credit score requirement of 660, these loans wonât work for consumers with the lowest credit scores.
Who Itâs Best For: LightStream is best for people with decent credit who need to get auto loan financing as quickly as possible.
What You Need To Know When Applying For A Car Loan With Bad Credit
Interest rates and fees matter.
If you think your interest rate and loan fees wonât make a big difference in your monthly payment, think again. The reality is that rates and fees can make a huge difference in how much you pay for an auto loan each month. Consider this: A $10,000 loan with an APR of 35.89% will require you to pay $361 per month for five years. The same loan amount at 21.99% APR will only set you back $276 per month. At 9.99%, you would pay only $212 per month for five years. The bottom line: Make sure to compare auto loans for bad credit so you wind up with the lowest possible APR you can qualify for.
Take steps to improve your credit score before you apply.
Itâs not always possible to wait to apply for a car loan, but you may be able to secure a lower interest rate and better loan terms if you can improve your credit score before you borrow money. The most important steps you can take to improve your score include paying all your bills early or on time, as well as paying down debt in order to decrease your credit utilization. You should also refrain from opening or closing too many credit card accounts in order to avoid new inquiries on your credit report and maintain the longest average length of your credit history possible.
Compare loan terms.
Some lenders let you borrow money for up to 84 months, while others let you repay your loan over 36 or 60 months at most. If you need to repay your loan over a longer timeline in order to secure an affordable monthly payment, make sure to compare lenders based on this factor. If youâre having trouble figuring out how much can you can afford, gauging affordability based on the monthly payments you can handle can also help in that effort.
Getting prequalified online can help.
Some lenders, including ones that made our ranking, let you get prequalified for a loan online without a hard inquiry on your credit report. This makes it considerably easier to compare rates and shop around without formally applying for an auto loan. Getting prequalified with more than one lender can also help you determine which one might offer the lowest rate without having to fill out a full loan application.
Watch out for loan restrictions.
As you compare the lenders on this list, keep in mind that not all lenders extend loans for any car you want. Some only let you finance cars with participating lenders in their network, which can drastically limit your options and make it impossible to purchase a car from a private seller. If you hope to purchase a car from someone you know or a website like craigslist.org, you may want to consider reaching out to your personal bank or a credit union you have a relationship with.
Bad credit car loans donât have to be forever.
Finally, you should know that a car loan for bad credit doesnât have to last forever. You may need to borrow money for a car right now regardless of the interest rate and terms you can qualify for, but it may be possible to refinance your loan into a better loan product later on. This is especially true if you focus on improving your credit score right away, and if you use your auto loan as an opportunity to prove your creditworthiness.
How to Get the Best Rate
1. Check your credit score.
Your credit score is one of the most important defining factors that dictate loan costs. Before you apply for an auto loan, it can help you check your credit score to see where you stand. Your score may not be as bad as you realize, but it could also be worse than you ever imagined. Either way, it helps to know this important information before you start shopping for an auto loan.
2. Improve your credit over time.
If your credit score needs work, youâll want to take steps to start improving it right away. The most important steps you can take to boost your credit score include paying all your bills early or on time and paying down debt to decrease your credit utilization. Also, make sure youâre not opening or closing too many credit accounts within a short amount of time.
3. Check your credit reports.
Use the website AnnualCreditReport.com to get a free copy of your credit reports from all three credit bureaus. Once you have this information, check over your credit reports for errors. If you find false information that might be hurting your score, take the steps to have the incorrect information removed.
4. Compare loan offers from at least three lenders.
A crucial step to get the best rate involves shopping around and comparing loan offers from at least three different lenders. This is important since lenders with different criteria might offer a lower APR or better terms than others.
5. Be flexible with repayment terms.
Also consider a few different loan terms provided you can afford the monthly payment with each. Some auto lenders offer better rates for shorter terms, which can help you save money if you can afford to repay your loan over 24 or 36 months instead of 60+.
How We Chose the Best Auto Loans
The lenders on our list werenât plucked out of thin air. In fact, the team behind this guide spent hours comparing auto lenders based on a wide range of criteria. Hereâs everything we considered when comparing the best bad credit car loans of 2021:
Interest Rates and Loan Terms: Our team looked for loans that offer reasonable rates and terms for consumers with poor credit. While higher APRs are typically charged to consumers with a low credit score, we only considered lenders that offer sensible rates that donât seem out of line for the auto loan market.
Ratings and Reviews: We gave preference to lenders who have decent reviews online, either through Consumer Affairs, Trustpilot, or another third party website. We also gave higher marks to lenders who have a positive rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Online Availability: Lenders who offer full loan details online were definitely given top priority in our ranking, and lenders who let you get prequalified online without a hard inquiry on your credit report were given the most points in this category. But since not everyone wants to apply for a loan online, we also included some lenders that let you apply over the phone.
Approval Requirements: Finally, we looked for lenders that extend credit to consumers with low credit scores in the first place. Not all lenders offer specific information on approval requirements, but we did our best to sort out lenders that only accept borrowers with good or excellent credit.
Summary: Best Bad Credit Card Loans of 2021
Best for Flexibility: OneMain Financial
Best Personal Loan Option: Upgrade
Best Loan for Bad Credit and No credit: AutoCreditExpress.com
Best Loan Comparison Site: MyAutoLoan.com
Best Big Bank Loan for Bad Credit: CapitalOne
Best for Fast Funding: LightStream
The post What Are the Best Car Loans When You Have Bad Credit? appeared first on Good Financial Cents®.
In the age of paperless transactions, identify theft is something that virtually all of us are susceptible to. If your identity is stolen, the consequences can be severe, and in some cases, can take years to recover from. One way to be proactive against fraud and defend yourself from identity theft, is to freeze your credit report with each of the three major credit bureausâExperian, TransUnion, and Equifax.Â
Placing a credit freeze on your credit report will stop identity thieves from being able to open new accounts, lines of credit, or make any large purchases in your name, regardless of whether or not they have your Social Security number or any other sensitive information.Â
What a credit freeze means
A credit freeze is a process that shuts off access to your credit reports at your request. Without your verified consent, your delicate information cannot be acquired. This means that if someone were to attempt to apply for credit in your name, your report would come up as âfrozen,â and therefore the creditor would not be able to see the information needed for the application to be approved.
You can unfreeze your credit at any time by using a PIN or a password.Â
Reasons to freeze your credit
It might be a good idea to freeze your credit if youâre experiencing any of the following situations:
Your data has been compromised in a data breach: It happens. If youâve been a victim of a data breach and personal information related to your identity has been leaked or made vulnerable to cyber criminals, a credit freeze can offer you some extra protection.Â
You have reason to think youâve been a victim of identity theft: Perhaps youâve checked your credit recently and noticed open accounts that you donât recognize. Maybe youâve been getting phone calls from collections agencies requesting payments from accounts you know you didnât open. While a credit freeze wonât be able to stop them from using accounts a thief has already opened, it can stop them from opening any more.Â
You want to protect your child from identity theft: According to the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act, parents and legally guardians of children 16 years old and younger have the right to open a credit account for their child with the sole purpose of putting a freeze on it to protect them from identity theft.Â
How to freeze your creditÂ
The process of freezing your credit is simple but does require a few steps. You will need to get in touch with each of the three major credit bureaus one by one and request a credit freeze:
Experian: Contact by phone at 800-349-9960 or go to their website.
Equifax: Contact by phone at 888-397-3742 or go to their website.
TransUnion: Contact by phone at 888-909-8872 or go to their website. Â
The credit bureaus will ask you for your Social Security number, your date of birth and other information to verify your identity.
Once you freeze your credit, your file will be unattainable even if a thief has sensitive information such as your social security number or date of birth. If you need to use your credit file, you can unfreeze your credit report at any time.Â
How to unfreeze your credit
Once youâve frozen your credit file, it will be remain blocked until you decide that you would like to unfreeze it. You will need to unfreeze your credit report in order to open a new line of credit or make a major purchase.Â
Unfreezing your credit file is simple. All you will need to do is go online to each credit bureau website and use the personal identification number (PIN) that you used to place the freeze on the account. If you donât want to complete this task online, you can also unfreeze your credit file over the phone or through postal mail.Â
When the unfreezing process is done online or by phone, it is completed within minutes of submitting the request. However, if you send your request via mail, it will take much longer.Â
Keep in mind that you donât necessarily need to unfreeze your credit through all three of the major credit bureaus if you donât want to. For instance, letâs say you plan to apply for credit somewhere. You can ask the creditor which credit bureau it will go through to pull up your report, and only unfreeze that one credit bureau.Â
You may also have the option to unfreeze for a specific amount of time. Once the time is up, your credit file will automatically freeze again.Â
Credit freeze pros and cons
There are a few reasons why you might want to freeze your credit in this day and age, but just like with anything else, there are pros and cons to credit freezing. Here is a general breakdown of the benefits and downfalls of putting a freeze on your credit report:
Pros:
It prevents thieves from opening new lines of credit: With a credit freeze placed on your account, no one will be able to open a new line of credit or any other type of account requiring a credit check using your personal data. Anyone trying to commit fraud will be stopped in their tracks as soon as lenders notice that the report is frozen.Â
It wonât affect your credit score: Freezing your credit report will not damage your credit score. Additionally, if youâve been a victim of identity theft, freezing your credit report could actually protect your credit score from being damaged due to fraud.Â
Itâs free: It used to be the case that some credit freezes would cost a fee, but that is no longer the way it works.Â
Cons
It requires some effort: Putting a credit freeze on your credit report takes some effort. You will need to get in touch with all three credit bureaus.Â
You will need to remember your PINs: A PIN is required to lift or freeze your credit report. If you lose it, you will need to jump through extra hoops to create a new one.
It canât stop thieves from accessing your existing accounts: Credit freezes can only stopfraudstersfrom opening new accounts using your information.If youâve already been a victim of identity theft, a credit freeze canât block thieves from committing fraud with your current accounts. This means that thieves can still make a purchase using a credit card they stole from you.
Freezing Your Credit is a post from Pocket Your Dollars.
Your credit score is a numerical reflection of your credit history. The score is given as a 3-digit number between 300 to 850 and is an indication of how creditworthy you are. You can get both your credit report and credit score from Annual Credit Report.Com. Generally, a higher credit score increases your credibility to […]
The post How Your Credit Score Impacts Your Financial Future appeared first on Credit Absolute.
When you have an international credit card, you can use it both in your home country and abroad. Itâs not uncommon to come across businesses abroad that only accept native currency. Thatâs when an international credit card comes in handy. If you want to avoid the hassles of carrying cash or travelerâs checks everywhere you go, these types of credit cards are the perfect solution.
Several established hotels, restaurants and retail outlets you encounter during your travels will accept your international credit card. That card offers many of the same features as a standard version and can also be used at ATM machines. Thus, no matter where you are, you can get cash from your bank account. You can also check your account balance from an ATM, so you can keep track of your spending and make sure youâre sticking to your budget.
Credit Card Foreign Transaction Fees
A foreign credit card transaction fee is charged when you make a payment in a different country with your card. The sale also includes a fee because youâre paying in a foreign currency. Typically, foreign transaction fees are equal to 3% of the total cost of the transaction. They are also set in U.S. currency. If you purchase an item or souvenir in another nationâs currency and the total bill comes to $100, with 3% in foreign transaction fees tacked on, you pay a total of $103.
Foreign transaction fees can be charged on different types of transactions, including withdrawing money from ATM machines, reserving hotel rooms, or even booking your flights. The terms and conditions that apply to foreign transaction fees are usually included in the fine print of your international credit cardâs cardholder agreement. So, make sure you review this information and are fully aware of the terms before using your card for purchases.
The International Chip and PIN
The international chip and PIN are part of a system being integrated into a number of credit cards. Many foreign merchants no longer accept standard magnetic strip credit cards, claiming theyâre unsafe and outdated. The point of an international chip and pin is so that you wonât end up at an unattended kiosk unable to use the card because it requires a PIN to complete your transaction. This specifically applies to retailers in Europe.
Top 4 Brands of International Credit Cards
There are many different international credit cards, but four in particular offer better benefits and interest rates than others.
1. Capital One Venture Rewards Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Card is another credit card you probably want to consider. The Capital One Rewards card also gives you a solid introductory rate and travel rewards points. It also provides you with a sign-on bonus of up to 50,000 miles or $500 in travel when you spend $3,000 in your first three months from account opening. The only downside is that this card comes with a  an annual fee after the first year.
2. Capital One Venture One Rewards Credit Card
If you enjoy the Capital One brand but prefer to avoid the annual fee, consider the Capital One Venture One Rewards Credit Card. The card gives you all the advantages of Capital One without an annual fee. This card also gives you major perksâyouâll get 20,000 miles if you $1,000 in the first three months.
3. Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Apply Now
on Chase’s secure website
Card Details
Intro Apr:
N/A
Ongoing Apr:
15.99% – 22.99% Variable
Balance Transfer:
15.99% – 22.99% Variable
Annual Fee:
$95
Credit Needed:
Excellent-Good
Snapshot of Card Features
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Plus earn up to $50 in statement credits towards grocery store purchases.
2X points on dining at restaurants including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out and travel & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
Get 25% more value when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
With Pay Yourself Back℠, your points are worth 25% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories.
Get unlimited deliveries with a $0 delivery fee and reduced service fees on eligible orders over $12 for a minimum of one year with DashPass, DoorDash’s subscription service. Activate by 12/31/21.
Earn 2x total points on up to $1,000 in grocery store purchases per month from November 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021. Includes eligible pick-up and delivery services.
Card Details +
Lastly, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card has low introductory rates for purchases and balance transfers, though its rewards offerings are somewhat weaker by comparison. This is another card that gives you a major bang for your buckâyou can earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in the first three months.
Do Your Due Diligence Before Traveling Abroad with Your New Cards
Even with an international means of payment, your credit card may not be accepted at all locations. Recently, a Credit.com staffer who traveled to Amsterdam tried to use his World Elite Mastercard at some locations and found that local merchants didnât always accept a Mastercard branded card.
Before going on your trip, check either with stores or the credit card network (Mastercard, Visa, Discover or American Express) Â to see if any conditions exist that might prevent your card from being accepted by foreign merchants. Alternatively, you can take a few different brands with your or have some cash or travelerâs checks on hand.
Check Your Credit
Before applying for an international credit card, itâs important to check your credit score to see what you qualify for. A low score or no score at all could get in the way of your goals of traveling with an international credit card in hand. Be sure to check your score before you apply. Most credit card companies that offer cash-back or miles require a good or even excellent score.
Checking your credit is easy and free depending on the site you use, and checking doesnât hurt your score. You can get your free Experian credit score by visiting Credit.com. Instead of a hard inquiry, Credit.com does a soft inquiry without harming your credit score.
Using Credit.com for Your Travels
Traveling overseas with a credit card is convenient, but it can also be tricky. If youâre planning a trip abroad, itâs important to research which international credit cards will serve you best. Having a credit card that can be used anywhere in the world is a great tool to have in your pocket. But the terms and conditions of each card vary depending on several factors including your credit history, your spending habits and the places you visit.
Credit.com offers travelers just like you the opportunity to check their credit scores and apply for cards that will benefit them on their international journeys. If youâre interested in learning more about credit cards, check Credit.com
Editorial disclosure: Reviews are as determined solely by Credit.com staff. Opinions expressed here are solely those of the reviewers and arenât reviewed or approved by any advertiser. Information presented is accurate as of the date of the review, including information on card rates, rewards and fees. Check the issuerâs website for the most current information on each card listed.
Some offers mentioned here may have expired and/or are no longer available on our site. You can view the current offers from our partners in our credit card marketplace. DISCLOSURE: Cards from our partners are mentioned here.
The post What is an International Credit Card? appeared first on Credit.com.
