In the previous article, we discussed on how factors such as interest rates, annual fees, monthly fees and even balance transfer fees can affect your application of an unsecured bad credit card.
In this article, we will take the discussion even further and shed light on other vices of an unsecured bad credit card, certain lender gimmicks and things you need to stay away from.
While going in for a bad credit card, you need to stay away from products that claim to offer an extra range of benefits without first studying them. These deals, although many of them are good, can end up with you paying a higher interest in the long run. So instead of getting free stuff, you end up paying more than desired for the same.
You also need to ensure that you limit the number of cards to two or a maximum of three cards. Certain lenders are known to push their high risk borrowers into applying for a number of such cards with low credit limits and higher interests. These are just gimmicks to get you to increase your debt, so stay as far away from them as possible.
Another thing to consider is the avoiding of frequent balance transfers from one card to the other. Though it is a temporary short term solutions that can be safely used a couple of times, but if the credit bureau catches a glimpse of this as a consistent financing pattern of yours, then you stand with the risk of getting your credit scored lowered even more.
Also, you should avoid using up more than 30% of the credit limit of your card. However, don’t keep the card unused; make use of it as much as possible. You can setup direct debits on your utility bills and even make purchases. Just remember that paying off these debts timely is vital.
Lastly, if the lender introduces a new condition in their contract that you find isn’t acceptable to you, you have the right to terminate the contract with the lender.
