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Secured credit cards help build credit, with some caveats

Jun 11, 2019
Amazon Credit Builder will offer secured credit lines to those without strong credit who put down a security deposit to borrow against.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

October deadline looms for credit cards with chips

Sep 30, 2015
There's an economic incentive to get everyone on the more-secure system.

How to build (or rebuild) your credit history

Aug 2, 2013
A secured credit card could be the answer to helping transform a weak credit score and history.

Where to start

Mar 7, 2012
My son, who is in his mid 30s and is married with two children, has almost no reportable income. He manages an apartment complex in Los Angeles, for which he receives something like $500/month and the use of a three-bedroom apartment. He also picks up web development jobs that are usually transacted in cash. His wife has her beautician's license and provides services out of the apartment for cash or barter. I worry that they wouldn't be able to rent another apartment if they wanted or had to move from their present apartment. Do you have any suggestions on how he might begin to work on his credit rating, given his current situation? Craig, Fairbanks, AK

A better option than a prepaid card

Nov 29, 2011
I have a lousy credit score and am taking steps to improve it. In the meantime, I need to get a prepaid credit or debit card so I can pay for things like airfares, rental cars, hotel reservations, etc. Can you suggest the best prepaid card to go with? My initial Internet search for said cards resulted in a headache trying to figure out if these companies were a good deal or just a consumer nightmare. Any help is greatly appreciated. Mark, Duluth, MN