Having a bad credit history may greatly affect a user’s future credit card applications, at least for the next seven years down the road. With tainted, poor or bad credit history, there are only two options left for the down-on-its-luck credit card user: go with cash or get the Orchard Bank Silver MasterCard.
One of the few credit cards that will not shun card users with bad credit histories, the Orchard Bank MasterCard offers a multitude of privileges all over the world within 22 million locations. In addition, the card aids in the rebuilding of good credit reports as it is also responsible for reporting to all three credit bureaus on a monthly basis, thereby strengthening its users’ credit scores.
Apart from that, the user is also not held accountable for unauthorized charges, thus making it a great tool for shopping on the Internet. In fact, the Orchard Bank MasterCard users are also able to access their online account 24 hours a day, as well as make bill payments with the card without a usage fee incurred.
However, getting approved for a credit card does not mean that users should go on a spending spree, not especially with this card. For starters, a high annual fee of $49 and an application fee of another $49 are imposed, resulting in total fees payable of $98 within the first year of using the card.
Additionally, interest rates of the Orchard Bank MasterCard are charged based on a variable annual percentage rate (referencing to the Prime Rate), which ranges from between 15% to 17%. Also, the APR for cash advances stands at 24%, with an additional 5% of cash advance fee (or a minimum of $5) applicable for each cash advance transaction.
Finally, the Orchard Bank MasterCard has an interest-free grace period of 25 days for payments to be made. Once the grace period is over, there will be a $30 late payment fee chargeable for every $1000 outstanding balance and a $35 fee for balances over $1000. Surpassing credit limits are also a big no-no as users will be charged an extra $30 for this. Evidently, for every good bargain, there are always strings attached.
The Orchard Bank MasterCard is designed for those cardholders who have an average or limited credit history who do not want to secure a credit card account with a savings deposit. Although this card can help a cardholder with a limited credit history build a foundation for a positive and solid credit history if payments are made on time, a few costly factors must be taken into consideration first.
At 15.65% variable for purchases, the interest rate for this type of card is competitive for other similar cards, but it can still be rather costly for those who intend to carry a high balance on the card. On cash advances, you can expect to pay a variable rate of 24.40%.
The card carries an annual fee of $49, not excessive for this time card. There is a cash advance fee of 5% with a minimum of $5. Although this is higher than other cards that usually assess a 3% cash advance fee, there is no balance transfer fee. In addition to the annual fee, there is an application fee of $49, so during the first year, a cardholder will pay a total of $98 for the Orchard Bank MasterCard.
In spite of the high interest rate on this card, its use will allow a cardholder to build a positive credit history. Of course, those who are able to pay in full each month and avoid finance charges will benefit the most from this card. For those who are unable to do that and carry a high balance, it can be quite expensive.
Though it offers minimal benefits, a cardholder will receive some perks with this card such as the following:
•Online access to account information
•Emergency card and cash replacement
•Reporting of lost and stolen cards
•No liability to cardholder for unauthorized transactions
Both Eric Wasselman & Joshua Shapiro 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.