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Although having good credit can benefit consumers in numerous ways – such as priming them for eligibility to make major purchases that can improve their lives, such as a car or home – many Americans do not have a good credit score, and in some cases, they have no credit history whatsoever. According to statistics from Experian, 30% of Americans have subprime credit, while the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reports that 26 million people have no credit history and another 19 million have a credit history that has become stale.
But just because you may currently have bad credit, or even no credit, doesn’t mean you can’t do something about it. The CardName is specifically designed to help people build their credit or create a new credit history, while allowing users to become accustomed to handling a card and making payments responsibly.
How Does the CardName Work?
The CardName is, effectively, an a installment loan and secured credit card. Typically, to qualify for a secured credit card you would need to undergo a credit check and then pay a security deposit upfront – often as much as $200 – in order to qualify for the card and establish your line of credit; all of this takes place before you even have the opportunity to begin building a better credit history.
With the CardName, however, you can begin working on your credit before even qualifying for the secured card AND there’s no requirement to come up with a lump sum security deposit. Here’s how it works:
Qualifying for the secured credit card first requires you to open a credit builder account. After doing so, you must make three on-time monthly installments of at least $25 per month. Those payments accumulate in a certificate of deposit (CD) and are reported to the three major credit bureaus – Equifax, TransUnion and Experian – in order to help you build a credit history before even having that secured credit card.
Also, as you make installments on the loan, you are effectively making installments toward the security deposit you’ll need to secure a line of credit for the Self Secured Visa® Credit Card. As long as you have made at least three on-time monthly payments, have at least $100 saved in your credit builder account and your account is in good standing, you will be eligible to open the secured card. Opening the Self Secured Visa® is not mandatory.
CardName Benefits
In addition to being able to build a good credit history by using the CardName, the card has the following benefits:
- Choose how much of the cash in your credit builder loan account will be counted toward the credit limit. At least $100 is required to establish your line of credit, but if you want a larger line of credit, just authorize a larger amount be used as your guarantee.
- No late payment fee on the first late payment made on the card
- Secure a credit limit increase over time if the account is in good standing
- As a Visa card, it’s accepted anywhere in the United States where Visa credit cards can be used
- Enjoy the security of paying with a card rather than cash
- Card activity is reported to the three major credit bureaus and can account for about 75% of users’ credit score in the form of payment history, accounts owned and new credit, according to FICO.
Who Can Apply for the CardName?
Since there is no hard credit check required, anyone at least 18 years old can apply for this card. As long as your initial Self Credit Builder Loan Account is in good standing and meets the eligibility criteria, you automatically qualify to receive the Self Secured Visa® Credit Card. (Eligibility requirements are subject to change).
Is the CardName the Right Choice for You?
Let’s face it: Building a credit score back up can be stressful. Even understanding your options can prove a heavy lift.
The CardName works to simplify the process, allowing you to build credit before you even open a credit card and avoid coming up with a lump sum security deposit just to secure the credit line on a secured card. The CardName is an excellent way to get on the road of developing good credit with responsible use and habits. The card is easy to obtain and can help you develop good financial habits you can use when it’s time to move on other credit cards or apply for other loans. In all, this card is a good starting point that can help you get where you want to go financially.
*Sample loans: $25/mo, 24 mos, 15.92% APR; $35/mo, 24 mos, 15.97% APR; $48/mo, 24 mos, 15.72% APR; $150/mo, 24 mos, 15.88% APR. See self.inc/pricing.
Credit Builder Accounts & Certificates of Deposit made/held by Lead Bank, Sunrise Banks, N.A., SouthState Bank, N.A., First Century Bank, N.A., each Member FDIC. Subject to credit approval.
Self Visa® Credit Card issued by Lead Bank or SouthState Bank, N.A., each Member FDIC. See self.inc for details.
Card eligibility: Active Credit Builder Account in good standing, 3 on time payments, $100 or more in savings progress. Requirements subject to change.
