There are numerous articles and informative resources that contain tips and advice regarding secured cards in the United States, but what about those consumers who need a Canadian secured credit card? Are there secured card options for Canadian cardholders? The truth is out there, and we are getting to the bottom of it. If you want information about secured credit cards in Canada, this is what you have been looking for...
They Do Exist!
Yes, my friends, you can indeed get a Canadian secured credit card -- if, of course, you meet some basic requirements. First and foremost, you need to live in the country of Canada. You cannot really get a Canadian secured credit card if you live in a different country. In addition to residency requirements, you will probably also need to meet some income requirements and you will definitely need to supply a security deposit for the card.
The Security Deposit Factor
A security deposit for a Canadian secured credit card is not much different than the security deposits required for US-based cards. Security deposit minimums are usually around $300 and your deposit will likely earn an interest rate of around 2 percent annually.
The Fees
Like other secured cards, there are going to be fees associated with a Canadian secured credit card. You can expect an annual fee of $50 or more depending on your specific credit history. There might even be processing fees depending on the card you apply for and monthly fees are also a possibility. Of course, interest is something you will have to pay no matter what card you go with, and rates can vary drastically from card to card.
Try to keep your fees to a minimum, applying for cards with the lowest fees first. If you do not qualify for those cards, you might have to settle for a Canadian secured credit card, and they may have higher fees and higher finance charges as well. Handle With Care
When you do get your credit card, make sure you manage it wisely. If you pay your bill on time each and every month you'll eventually be able to transition to an unsecured line of credit.
While a Canadian secured credit card may be more expensive and less prestigious than the card of your dreams, it's a practical way of establishing the credit history you need for the credit you want in the future.
Canadian Secured Credit Card
Secured credit cards could very well be your tool to put your finances back into the right track and help you in rebuilding your tarnished credit score. If you are recovering from the after shock of a bankruptcy or a foreclosure, then a secured credit card is the best way to repairing the credit rating. Financial perils can occur due to any unforeseen reason, like death or divorce, and then secured credit cards could be the only options to put the finances back on the right track.
Let us understand how secured credit cards are beneficial in rebuilding maligned credit ratings. For this we need to know first what secured credit cards are.
Secured credit cards are very much similar to the more commonly used unsecured credit cards, but with one basic difference. In secured credit cards, the cardholder must first open a savings account and deposit money in that account. This account would act as the collateral for the credit card. Every time a transaction is made using the secured credit card, money is deducted from the savings account. In this way, the cardholder is actually using his/her own money. The card becomes void when the balance becomes zero. In such an eventuality, the cardholder must put some more money into the savings account so that the card can be operated again.
Apart from that, the secured credit card has the same features and flexibilities as the normal credit cards. These credit cards are also accepted worldwide by all the merchants who accept credit cards. One good point is that nowhere on the card is it mentioned that it is a secured credit card. So that remains a secret between the cardholder and the issuing bank.
If the cardholder ever defaults on the secured credit card, then the bank would take money from the savings account and pay the balance. This money would be entitled to an interest, but there would be a restriction on removing it from the account at any time. The issuer would have the right to determine the amount of the deposits.
As with normal credit cards, holders of secured credit cards also must pay their bills on time to keep good credit scorings. Late payments would have negative points, and there would be fees and interests if the balance is not paid each month. If the record is good, the limit could be increased, or an unsecured credit card with a lower limit could be offered. This is one of the first steps in repairing the credit ratings.
Both Max Anderson & Adam J. Heist are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Max Anderson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Credit Card Offers, Credit Cards and Business Credit Cards. For more tips on , saving money and avoiding getting taken, check out CreditCardTipsEtc.com, a website that specializes in. Max Anderson's top article generates over 49500 views. to your Favourites.
Adam J. Heist has sinced written about articles on various topics from Finances, Credit Cards and Finances. Adam Heist is widely recognized as an expert in all Loans related circles. Adam boasts over thirty years experience in related fields. Adam has a. Adam J. Heist's top article generates over 1830000 views. to your Favourites.
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