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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: Paul der Krake on October 25, 2012, 05:44:06 PM

Title: Secured credit card to establish credit faster- worth it?
Post by: Paul der Krake on October 25, 2012, 05:44:06 PM

I am new to the United States and am currently trying to figure out a way to establish a kick-ass credit score to enjoy the goodies that y'all take granted on your cards. My first move was to apply for a rewards card with American Express, and little did I know that they only accept the cream of the crop. Needless to say I was denied. I have just gotten a card designed specifically for newcomers offered by Capital One. The credit limit is ridiculously low ($300), but there are no annual fees and they offer a little cashback. Unfortunately I have not been able to found any other offers like that.

Now call me greedy, but I want to get my credit score in stratospheric levels as fast as possible. So I've been looking at secured cards. The cheapest I could find was a $25 annual fee Wells Fargo credit card, where I already happen to bank. I also tried to charm my local banker but their credit department was very adamant on only offering me a secured card because I am on a work visa and not a green card (which means I could flee the country and they'd never get their money back). The only other bill I can pay is my auto insurance and I was told that paying bills on time merely leaves your credit untouched.

I could just use my Capital One card and wait patiently until they up my limit or share my information with other CC firms.
So my question is: is the potential additional boost to my credit from having a second card enough to justify a $25 fee?

Title: Re: Secured credit card to establish credit faster- worth it?
Post by: gdborton on October 26, 2012, 03:48:42 PM

Taking out additional credit cards, especially in a short period of time can negatively impact your credit.  Make sure that your current credit card is being reported*, keep the bill low, and up your limit when you get the chance.  Credit cards are generally rated by usage where a higher % of available credit is seen as a positive thing.


I got a card in high school so that I could start building my credit rating, didn't find out until I was 22 that they weren't reporting it so credit bureaus didn't have a history on it.

Title: Re: Secured credit card to establish credit faster- worth it?
Post by: new2this on October 26, 2012, 04:10:03 PM

Check with your local credit unions. I work for one and we offer a secured card with no annual fees.