Unfortunately, no matter how long you have your credit cards or how perfectly on time you’ve paid them, the issuing bank (Creditor) still reserves the right to shut you down at any moment. It’s the fine-print in that long document you signed when you applied. It gives the Creditors/Banks the green light to constantly monitor your credit profile. They will do this on a regular basis to see how things are going for you. If they notice that you have missed a payment or got a new collection, don’t expect a call to verify that it’s accurate before they close your accounts or shut down your limits.
Yes, it’s true that having Credit Cards is an essential component to having a great credit score. BUT, you have to know that all unsecured Credit Cards can be taken away, even if you do nothing wrong. This is why I highly recommend that EVERYONE, no matter what your current credit score, get a Secured Credit Card.
With a Secured Credit Card, you put up the money, which you essentially lend to yourself through the use of a Bank that provides you the money back in the form of Credit. You can get one started for as little as $300. If you choose the right one, it will report to all three Credit Bureaus just like a regular Credit Card, except one big difference… THEY CAN’T TAKE IT AWAY FROM YOU.
If your credit is already in great shape, then this is the insurance you need. If you’re looking to build your credit, this is an absolute must. The Company I recommend is Public Savings Bank. They have what is called the Secured Black Card. I have one myself and it’s really user friendly with full online access to everything, etc.
Don’t be reactive on this. Start building your credit with something that you know will still be with you in ten years. It’s the smartest thing you can do for your Credit Score! Below is a list of all the Secured Cards I recommend or have had good experiences with…
| Card Name |
Min. Deposit |
Graduation to Unsecured Card |
Apply via: Phone |
Apply via: internet |
| Public Savings Bank |
$300 |
does not graduate |
215.839.0100 option 6 |
www.publicsavings.com |
| Plains Commerce Bank |
$300 |
does not graduate |
800.777.7735 |
www.plainscommerce.com/product.cfm?cat_id+1&subcat_id=4&product_id=19&azon_id=1 |
| Merrick Bank |
$300 |
does not graduate |
800.328.9155 ext 6702 |
www.merrickbank.com/products |
| Flatbush Federal Bank |
$300 |
does not graduate |
800.457.6126 |
www.flatbush.com/dream.htm |
| New Millennium Bank |
$300 |
does not graduate |
732.729.4395 |
http://www.nmbonline.com/creditcards.html |
| Amalgamated Bank of Chicago |
$500 |
1 year |
800.365.6464 |
www.aboc.com/page.cfm?id=3355 |
| United Bank of Philadelphia |
$200 |
1 year – must request unsecured status |
215.978.5300 |
www.ubphila.com/persbank_consloans.php |
| American Momentum Bank |
$500 |
2 years with good payment history |
941.806.0752 |
http://www.americanmomentumbankfl.com |
| Zions Bank |
$300 |
3 years of perfect payment history |
888.758.5349 |
www.zionsbank.com/visa_secured_card.jsp?leftNav=pf_creditcard&topNav=pfiance |
| US Bank |
$300 |
1 year, may be able to graduate to an unsecured credit card |
800.685.7680 |
www.usbank.com/cgi_w/cfm/creditcards/secured/usb_secured_card.cfm?ics_src=7109 |
| Banco Popular |
$250 |
1 year, may be able to graduate to an unsecured credit card |
800.377.0800 |
www.bancopopular.com/us/personal/cards/us-per-car-credit-classic-en.jsp |
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Derrick Evens
Mr Credit San Diego
858.571.0271
AskMrCredit@yahoo.com