One of the most common questions among consumers interested in credit card debt management is “What is an unsecured credit card and how can it help me?”
Unsecured credit cards do not require the user to make a deposit as collateral. Most credit cards are unsecured – users are expected to pay back a portion of the balance each month, but the credit card company does not require the user to deposit money up front.
What is an unsecured credit card?
An unsecured credit card represents a non-collateralized line of credit. Unsecured cards are not lawfully connected to some sort of property that the lender can take from the cardholder if the cardholder fails to pay the respective credit card debt.
What is difference between an unsecured credit card and a secured card?
A secured card requires that the user deposit an amount equal to the credit limit. Secured cards can be a helpful way to build your credit if your credit score has been damaged by bankruptcy or lack of payment on loans and bills.
What is an unsecured credit card used for?
Using an unsecured card can help to improve your credit rating. By regularly using your card and paying the balance off each month, you can demonstrate to the credit reporting companies that you are a good credit risk.
What is an unsecured credit card NOT good for?
It’s always best to use a credit card for convenience and not for purchasing things you can’t afford. When you begin to carry a balance on your unsecured card from month to month – rather than paying it off each month – the danger is that you will let the balance grow and avoid living within your means.
What does an unsecured credit card have to do with my credit rating?
The balances and the credit limit on your unsecured card are reported to the credit reporting bureaus each month and that data contributes to your credit score. A low debt-to-credit limit ratio helps to improve your credit score.
Learn more about “What is an unsecured credit card?” and other debt-related matters.
American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) is a nonprofit agency that provides free counseling to consumers who want to become free of debt. Our certified credit counselors can answer your questions about unsecured credit cards and help you understand all of your options when it comes to paying down your debt. We can help you make a plan for paying off high interest credit cards, explain the pros and cons of a plan to pay off credit card debt with loan and answer questions like “What are my credit card debt options?”
Contact the certified credit counselor at ACCC to get answers to questions like “What is an unsecured credit card?”, “How do I consolidate loans?” and “How do i consolidate credit card debt without falling more deeply in debt?”
