BAD CREDIT CREDIT CARDS – COMPARE AND APPLY FOR THE TOP 10 BAD CREDIT CARDS       

HOW TO REPAIR YOUR BAD CREDIT IN 5 SIMPLE STEPS : A FREE Service from Frankford Financial

STEP 1. Bad Credit Card Credit Cards
Many people don't realize the importance of having a bad credit credit card and the influence it can have in repairing your bad credit. Did you know that many bad credit credit cards report to all 3 major credit bureaus each month? This is absolutely vital in re-building or repairing your bad credit. You need to re-establish a pattern of solid payment history and more importantly have those 3 main credit bureau agencies recognize that you're taking action with responsible use of your new card. It may take some time but once you're approved and begin to use your bad credit card wisely and responsibly and make timely payments, over time you'll begin to see your bad credit turn good. Credit cards for bad credit will help you get there.

Being in control of your credit is the most important financial step you can make. But sadly a lot of us don't think about that until we are over-extended. But don't be discouraged! YOU CAN manage your way back to the top. In our age of computerization, it is more important than ever to routinely check your credit score and credit records. These scores effect what interest rate you qualify for, the amount of money you can borrow, your insurance premium and even that new job. By checking your credit report often you will also be able to spot any attempt for someone to steal your identity.

Repair your bad credit by:

STEP 2. Get on The Same Page as the Lenders
• Get a copy of your credit history. Everyone is entitled to a yearly free credit report from the three major Credit Bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. The ONLY source for a truly FREE report is AnnualCreditReport.com or call (877) 322-8228. There are many web sites that appear to be free, but as you look further, you will discover there are "catches" such as subscribing to credit monitoring services (which you don't need - you can monitor your own credit). Another thing you ned to know—if you do this on-line, it is a long-detailed process and your frustration can build, but it is necessary as you have to prove who you are. You may want to simplify things and just call the number above, although it will take up to two weeks for it to arrive in the mail.

• Ask for your "Credit-Score". Your credit score is a calculation of your credit-worthiness that companies look for when you transact business with them. It will not usually be included with your credit report. These companies can be lending institutions, insurers, and even utility companies. Typically, your credit score is not included in a standard credit report so be sure to ask for it. Your score can range from 300 to 850. You usually have to purchase your credit score or you can ask a a lender to provide it to you if you are applying for a mortgage, loan, etc. Most mortgages are based on your FICO score (Fair Isaac - the company who created the credit score). Equifax sells a FICO score for $6.95 when you apply for your free yearly credit report through annualcreditreport.com.

STEP 3.  Make Yourself Appealing to the Lenders
• Look for errors in your credit report. It is up to you to get them fixed. If you ignore them, it could cost you. For minor mistakes, such as misspelled name, etc you may want to call—but for anything else that affects your good credit then do it in writing and preferably send it certified. Your credit report will tell you how to file a dispute. The bureau will investigate your claim within 45 days. Keep your remarks brief in the dispute, since everything is computerized, they are not going to read a long, wordy explanation and even so—sometimes it's best not to admit to bad habits such as paying late. Chances are the creditor will not change the rating, but your credit report will show that it is in dispute. This looks better to your next lender than just ignoring it. And remember, when you use a bad credit credit card over the course of time, you're proving to lenders that you've been responsible and timely with your credit.

• Be prompt in paying your credit card bills. This may be the single most important thing in your credit profile. Missing a credit card deadline can trigger a late fee, in some cases as much as $39.00, not to mention the fact that when you are late the credit card issuer can increase your interest to the clouds, and will most likely report it to the credit bureaus. Just as a FYI—consider overdraft protection from your bank, you'll need to be careful about overdrafts/insufficient funds when writing checks...for instance, did you know that Pizza Hut reports their customer's bad checks to Equifax?

• Live within your means. Another important factor affecting your credit score is your "utilization ratio". How much you CAN borrow as compared to how much you borrow. Stay below 30% of your available credit. Reduce your "utilization ratio" by paying down what you have borrowed or increase what you CAN borrow. To do that either have your credit limit increased or open a new credit card account. BUT important here—resist the urge to "spend" just because you CAN. Again, live within your budget.

• Do your research before opening and closing credit cards accounts.
• If you want to close out some accounts be careful which ones you choose to close—your most valuable accounts are the oldest. And remember, some companies require you to cut up the card and mail it back to them.
• Be "choosey" about lenders. According to the web site (lifeafterbankruptcy.com) "finance companies are lenders of last resort" and can sometimes send out a negative vibe.
• Don't fill out more applications for credit than you need. Those retailers at the mall who give you 10% off of your purchase just for applying for their credit card is not a good idea.
• Beware of "pre-approved" offers. Just because it says "pre-approved" does not mean they have done a full credit inquiry on you. When the application is received they then do the full inquiry and it counts as a new credit application and could take your credit score down a few points.

STEP 4. Protect Yourself
• Secure your paperwork. Your social security number is the key to your identity. Anyone who can obtain that number can open an account in your name. Don't give it out unless absolutely necessary and do not keep it in your wallet. More than likely you receive many credit card offers in the mail—did you know you can call 888-5OPTOUT to put a stop to them—thus cutting down your risk of identity theft.
• Shred all credit offers and bad credit cards offers you may receive in the mail. Never just throw them away, that can be an invitation to dumpster diving thieves. You only need a couple bad credit credit cards to help you begin the credit repair process anyway.
• Know what to worry about. Do you worry about your identity being stolen on-line? It's a little scary but the most common sources of ID theft is (1) stolen or lost wallet/check book/credit card, (2) stolen by someone you know, (3) an employee, (4) transaction off-line, (5) mail or garbage theft.

• Although you must trust your computer, you must also verify the data. Many are afraid to bank on-line, but actually it's safer than you think. Like our site, they use SSL secure transaction technology. It will soon be even more secure as Federal regulators have ordered banks to tighten their on-line security by requiring more than just a password to long on. Guard that password and never respond to emails that ask for personal information (phishing). The wireless internet connection is the newest way of phishing—an ID thief can capture data by misdirecting you to a fraudulent network and record your keystrokes.
• Be on the defensive. You can subscribe to a credit monitoring service that will alert you to any unusual activity on new accounts or different addresses for a fee—some absorbent fees. They offer score analysis, counseling, theft insurance, etc—but you can handle your own monitoring, which only requires a little time. Of course there are some exceptions, for example if you are already a victim of credit card theft, etc.

STEP 5. Correct Errors on your Credit
• If you've got bad credit, the last thing you need is to be a victim of fraud. If you suspect theft of your identification, lose your wallet, or see something unfamiliar on your credit report, the first thing you should do is call the three main credit agencies and ask them to place a 90 day fraud alert on your account. The 3 main Credit Bureaus can be contacted below:

Equifax (800) 525-6285
Experian (888) 397-3742
TransUnion (800) 680-7289

By letting creditors know that your identify may have been compromised, they will be cautious about new credit applications in your name. Call your creditors and close accounts that have had fraudulent charges made on them. Also file a police report.

Quick Summary of our Simple 5–Step Credit Repair Program
• Consider applying for a bad credit credit card-it will help you re-establish your credit rating.
• Change bad spending habits, this is the best way to getting your credit back on track.
• Pay your bills on time as the very best way to reverse the damage caused by past bad behavior. Next pay down those maxed-out cards, and resist opening new credit accounts.
• Get help if you need it—if you are in real deep credit card debt—consider credit counseling—not just any counseling service—do your homework first. There are some unsavory counselors just "out for the buck". Go to the government's list of approved counselors (usdoj.gov/ust) or the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (nfcc.org) to get a list of legitimate business counselors.
• Be leary of fly-bu-night Credit Repair Services...especially on the Internet.

You can also discover a wealth of information in our Credit Card News Section on the left menu. The information on our site alone should be enough for you to repair your bad credit yourself. Why pay for a service? A lot of those services are scams! You can do it yourself for free...Sure it's going to take some time but you'll have the pride of knowing it was done right. Another valuable resource can be at your local lending institutions. Some of them offer free debt counseling services to their customers.

You CAN improve your credit vastly within a couple of years if you are alert and diligent in making your credit behavior a priority..."up front and personal". Creditors will look at your recent payment behavior as a better indication of your credit-worthiness than what you may have done to create bad credit in the past. So, begin TODAY— it's not hard, you CAN repair your bad credit! and bad credit credit cards can help.

* And remember when using a bad credit credit card—always read your card's statement in it's entireity as soon as you get it.

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DIFFERENT TYPES OF BAD CREDIT CARDS

Secured Credit Cards
A secured credit card that is secured by a savings account opened with the issuer. Ideal for those seeking to rebuild their credit, but are having trouble getting an unsecured card. This may be a necessary evil in order to qualify for a new bad credit credit card. The upside? Many bad credit credit cards report to the 3 major credit bureaus monthly. We recommend The Orchard Bank MasterCard®, they've helped millions of customers rebuild and repair.

Unsecured Credit Card
An unsecured is a credit card that is not secured by forms of collateral. Unsecured cards are the most popular cards that are issued. We recommend The Aspire Card for those who want an unsecured bad credit card.

Prepaid Credit Cards
prepaid credit cards can be an important step in re-establishing your credit rating. They can provide a second chance in helping you re-build or repair your good credit rating. They also make good common sense and can keep you out of trouble when the desire to purchase takes over-if the money is not available on your prepaid credit card, then you won't be charging anything. Typically, you fund prepaid credit cards through transfers from your bank account or directly from your paycheck. You will decide how much money you'd like to load onto your pre paid credit card and you can enjoy all of the benefits of a regular credit card, but with no finance charges, no security deposits, no credit checks, and no bank accounts required.

Debit Cards
Debit Cards are issued by a bank, they are used to make purchases or to get cash from ATMs. Each purchase deducts money from the cardholder's checking account and works similar to a check.A Debit card is a ISO 7810 card which physically resembles a credit card, and, like a credit card, is used as an alternative to cash when making purchases. However, when purchases are made with a debit card, the funds are withdrawn directly from the purchaser's checking or savings account at a bank.

* By making on time payments and keeping your balance under the limit, you may be able to improve your credit score.

* Review the actual APR & annual fee (if any) after you click the "Apply" button. Individual APR's can vary depending on your credit history, income and FICO score.

† The length of your Intro Apr, your interest rate and annual fees may change depending on your overall credit rating and history.

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