Credit Cards

2022 Credit Card Tips

💳 Pre-Qualify Here for Destiny Mastercard®

With so many different types of credit cards on the market, it can be hard to decide which one is right for you. Check out this guide for a breakdown of the most common 2022 card types and some tips on how to choose the best one for your needs. To get started with a comparison chart for popular card types, just scroll down to the bottom of today’s post! There you can quickly compare different cards and choose your favorite. If you’re looking for a card with cash back rewards: Pre-qualify for Destiny Mastercard® today!

A credit card is very beneficial when used responsibly. Making regular payments that are on time can boost your credit rating. Most cards offer rewards for purchases that you can use towards other purchases or get cash back! Some even have a temporary 0% interest rate on balances that carry over from other credit cards. Balance Transfer credit cards are a great option since these credit cards often offer a low or 0% introductory APR for balance transfers – you can see card options here.

However, if your credit spending goes too far, monthly payments and interest can become a problem quickly. The following are a few credit card tips to help you avoid these common problems. Also, you can explore cards that work for all types of scores today!

Balance Alerts

If you routinely pay off your credit cards in full, you’ll avoid interest charges.  

Most credit card lenders will allow you to set up notifications for balance alerts. A text, email, or in-app message can appear notifying you that your balance is nearing a specific level that you previously set. Creating a budget and respecting it is the best way to avoid overspending.

Spending Analysis Tool       

A spending analysis tool allows you to track how much you’re spending, and where. With this tool, your financial institution then analyzes this information which shows you how much you’ve spent in categories such as groceries and entertainment. This allows you to easily see exactly where your money is going.

Boost Your Credit

Keeping your credit utilization ratio under 30% is one way to ensure your credit score remains in good standing. The credit utilization ratio refers to the percentage of total available credit that you are using. For example, if your limit is $1,000 your balance should remain under $300. Keep in mind, however, that this ratio applies to the total of all your cards. Every month the three major credit bureaus receive a detailed report about your account from your credit card lenders. Your balance is always reported, so making a payment midcycle can lower your balance and in turn improve your credit.

Retail Discounts

Many major credit card lenders offer rewards that link to the credit card. These rewards can range from cashback options to free products. Look for cards that offer a rewards program. 

Rewards

A benefit such as cash back can save you money on everyday items like groceries or gas, for example. Look for cards with cash back rewards here! This can really help financially in the long run. If you use a credit card for most of your purchases anyway, it’s logical to use a card that offers rewards. If you pay off your credit cards in full every month and take advantage of benefits and rewards you not only avoid paying interest, but you could end up ahead! 

Balance Transfers

It’s always important to maintain a goal of paying off debt as soon as possible, regardless of interest rates. A balance transfer offer on a credit card can reduce your interest payments or put them on hold temporarily helping you pay off debt faster.

The idea is that you move debt from a high-interest credit card to a lower interest credit card. Some cards even offer a 0% intro APR for a specified period. 

Avoid Frivolous Spending

You should be cautious with credit card spending. Spending frivolously with a credit card is dangerously easy to do and can lead to debt quickly. Think of your credit card as a loan to yourself that you will pay back as soon as you can to lower or avoid interest charges completely.

Avoid Missing Payments

Ensuring you pay your bill every month is important, even if you can only afford the minimum payment. If you miss a payment this may negatively affect your credit score and might result in late fees and possible penalty interest rates.

While having credit cards can come with many conveniences and perks, beware of the pitfalls since debt can accumulate very quickly.

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BOOST Platinum Card

  • Bad Credit, No Credit? No Problem!
  • Fast and Easy Application
  • No Employment or Credit Check
Apply Now
Credit Recommended
Damaged credit to Fair credit
Credit Line
$750 Limit (Usable only at TheHorizonOutlet.com)
Regular APR
None
Monthly Fee
$177.24 annually ($14.77 per month)

Net First Platinum

  • No Employment or Credit Check
  • Bad Credit, No Credit - OK
  • Always 0.0% APR
  • Fast Online Applications
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Credit Recommended
Damaged credit to Fair credit
Credit Line
$750 Limit (Usable only at TheHorizonOutlet.com)
Regular APR
0% APR
Monthly Fee
See website for Details*

The Net First Platinum card could be the perfect card for you.

Have you been denied credit in the past? Net First Platinum is available to help people meet their financial needs. Our fast and easy application could be just what you need. A $750 credit line (Usable only at TheHorizonOutlet.com) could be available to you faster than you ever thought possible.

*See Card for Details

FIT™ Platinum Mastercard®

  • $400 Initial Credit Limit
  • Less than perfect credit? We understand. The FIT Mastercard is ideal for people looking to rebuild their credit.
  • Unsecured credit card requires No Security Deposit
  • Perfect card for everyday purchases and unexpected expenses
  • Monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus
  • Access to your Vantage 3.0 Score from Experian (when you sign up for e-statements)
  • Use your card everywhere Mastercard is accepted at millions of locations
  • Enjoy peace of mind with Mastercard Zero Liability Protection for unauthorized purchases (subject to Mastercard guidelines)
Apply Now
Credit Recommended
Fair/Poor/Bad
Regular APR
35.90% Fixed
Annual Fee
See terms
Return Payment Fee
Up to $41.00
Late Payment Fee
Up to $41.00

First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card

  • Earn 1% Cash Back Rewards with First Progress Prestige!
  • Apply now and fund your security deposit over 90 days with the option to make partial payments.
  • You Can’t Rebuild credit with a Debit Card. Try First Progress Today! Âą
  • Build your credit history across 3 major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.Âą
  • All credit types welcome to apply!
  • ÂąCardholders who keep their balance low and pay their credit card bill on time every month typically do see an increase in their credit score.
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Credit Recommended
Poor/Limited/No Credit
Regular APR
14.74% (V)
Annual Fee
$49
Credit Line
$2,000
Cash Advance APR
23.74% (V)

Freedom Gold Card

  • $750 Unsecured Credit Limit (Usable only at TheHorizonOutlet.com)
  • Instant Approval*
  • No Credit Check
  • No Employment Check
  • Fast online application
  • Bad Credit - OK
Apply Now
Credit Recommended
Damage credit to Fair credit
Credit Line
$750 Limit (Usable only at TheHorizonOutlet.com)
Monthly Fee
See website for Details*
Regular APR
0% APR

You are pre-approved for a $750 unsecured credit line (Usable only at TheHorizonOutlet.com) with the Freedom Gold Card! Sign up now, our application process is fast and easy.

*See site for details

Reflex® Platinum Mastercard®

  • Up to $1,000 Initial Credit Limit
  • See if you Pre-Qualify with No Impact to your Credit Score
  • Less than perfect credit? We understand. The Reflex Mastercard is ideal for people looking to rebuild their credit.
  • Unsecured credit card requires No Security Deposit
  • Perfect card for everyday purchases and unexpected expenses
  • Monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus
  • Access to your Vantage 3.0 Score from Experian (when you sign up for e-statements)
  • Use your card everywhere Mastercard is accepted at millions of locations
  • Enjoy peace of mind with Mastercard Zero Liability Protection for unauthorized purchases (subject to Mastercard guidelines)
Apply Now
Credit Recommended
Fair/Poor/Bad/Limited
Regular APR
35.90% Fixed
Credit Limit
up to $1,000
Annual Fee
$75 - $125
Late Payment Fee
Up to $41.00

Surge® Platinum Mastercard®

  • Up to $1,000 Initial Credit Limit
  • See if you Pre-Qualify with No Impact to your Credit Score
  • Less than perfect credit? We understand. The Surge Mastercard is ideal for people looking to rebuild their credit.
  • Unsecured credit card requires No Security Deposit
  • Perfect card for everyday purchases and unexpected expenses
  • Monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus
  • Access to your Vantage 3.0 Score from Experian (when you sign up for e-statements)
  • Use your card everywhere Mastercard is accepted at millions of locations
  • Enjoy peace of mind with Mastercard Zero Liability Protection for unauthorized purchases (subject to Mastercard guidelines)
Apply Now
Credit Recommended
See website for Details*
Regular APR
35.90% Fixed
Late Payment Fee
Up to $41.00
Return Payment Fee
Up to $41.00
Intro Rate
See website for Details*

Milestone® Mastercard®

  • Greater access to credit than before - $700 credit limit
  • Get a Mastercard accepted online, in store and in app
  • Account history is reported to the three major credit bureaus in the U.S.
  • $0 liability* for unauthorized use
  • Access your account online or from your mobile device 24/7
  • *Fraud protection provided by Mastercard Zero Liability Protection. If approved, you'll receive the Mastercard Guide to Benefits that details the complete terms with your card.
Apply Now
Credit Recommended
Fair/Good
Credit Limit
$700
Cash Advance Fee
See terms
Regular APR
See terms

Bad Credit Cards

Search Now
Credit Recommended
Fair/Bad/Poor/Damaged/Limited/No Credit/
Intro (Purchases)
See website for Details*
Intro (Transfers)
See website for Details*
Regular APR
See website for Details*
Annual Fee
See website for Details*

First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card

  • Get a First Progress Select Card and Earn 1% Cash Back Rewards!
  • Secure your credit line with your refundable security deposit – choose from $200- $2,000 - with the ability to increase up to $5,000 over time!
  • Choose the First Progress Select Card for a lower annual fee!
  • All credit types welcome to apply!
  • Build your credit history across 3 major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.Âą
  • ÂąCardholders who keep their balance low and pay their credit card bill on time every month typically do see an increase in their credit score.
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Credit Recommended
Poor/Limited/No Credit
Regular APR
18.74% (V)
Annual Fee
$39
Credit Line
$2,000
Cash Advance APR
24.74% (V)

Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®

  • $200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Plus account and making 3 debit card transactions*
  • Earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on card purchases every time you make a payment
  • Combine the flexibility of a credit card with the predictability of a personal loan
  • No annual fee
  • No touch payments with contactless technology built in
  • See if you qualify in minutes without hurting your credit score
  • Great for large purchases with predictable payments you can budget for
  • Mobile app to access your account anytime, anywhere
  • Relax knowing you’re protected against unauthorized transactions with Visa’s Zero Liability Policy
Apply Now
Credit Recommended
Excellent, Good, Fair, Average
Credit Line
$500 - $25,000
Regular APR
14.99% - 29.99% APR
Regular Transfer APR
14.99% - 29.99% APR
Annual Fee
$0

*To qualify for the welcome bonus, you must open and fund a new Rewards Checking Plus account through Upgrade and make 3 qualifying debit card transactions from your Rewards Checking Plus account within 60 days of the date the Rewards Checking Plus account is opened. If you have previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not open a Rewards Checking Plus account as part of this application process, you are not eligible for this welcome bonus offer. Your Upgrade Card and Rewards Checking Plus account must be open and in good standing to receive a bonus. To qualify, debit card transactions must have settled and exclude ATM transactions. Please refer to the applicable Upgrade Visa® Debit Card Agreement and Disclosures for more information. Welcome bonus offers cannot be combined, substituted, or applied retroactively. The bonus will be applied to your Rewards Checking Plus account as a one-time payout credit within 60 days after meeting the conditions.

Destiny Mastercard®

  • All the benefits of a Mastercard, without a security deposit
  • 24/7 access to your account, even on mobile!
  • Reports to all three major credit bureaus
  • Less than perfect credit is okay, even with a prior bankruptcy!
Apply Now
Credit Recommended
Poor to Good
Credit Limit
$700
Regular APR
See terms
Annual Fee
See terms

Merrick Bank Secured Credit Card

  • Choose your own credit line based on how much money you want to put down as a security deposit.
  • Initial deposits can be from $200 to $3,000. You can increase your credit line at any time by adding additional money to your security deposit, up to $3,000.
  • After 9 months, we review your account for a credit line increase. No additional deposit required!
  • Secured Credit Cards are great for people looking to build or rebuild credit and are available to people with all kinds of credit backgrounds.
  • Unlike a debit card or a pre-paid card, it helps build your credit history. We report your payment history to all three major credit-reporting agencies.
  • Get your FICO® Credit Score for free each month.
  • Fraud coverage if your card is lost or stolen. Access your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get help staying on track with available Auto Pay and account alerts.
  • Card issued by Merrick Bank, Member FDIC.
Apply Now
Credit Recommended
See website for Details*
Regular APR
22.70% Variable
Annual Fee
$36 for first year. Billed $3 per month thereafter
Credit Line
$200-$3,000, depending on deposit amount
Cash Advance APR
27.70% Variable

OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card

  • New feature! Earn up to 10% cash back* on everyday purchases
  • No annual fee
  • No credit check to apply. Find out instantly if you are approved- Zero credit risk to apply!
  • Looking to build or rebuild your credit? 2 out of 3 OpenSky cardholders increase their credit score by an average of 41 points in just 3 months
  • Monitor your credit progress with free access to your FICO Credit Score.
  • Build your credit history across 3 major credit reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
  • Add to your mobile wallet and make purchases using Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay
  • Secure your credit line with a refundable security deposit - as low as $300.
  • Easy application, apply in less than 5 minutes right from your mobile device
  • Offers flexible payment due dates which allow you to choose any available due date that fits your payment schedule
  • Now you can make smaller partial payments towards funding your security deposit over 60 days
  • Over 1.4 Million Cardholders Have Used OpenSky Secured Credit Card To Improve Their Credit
  • *See Rewards Terms and Conditions for more information
Apply Now
Credit Recommended
No credit, Poor, Fair
Regular APR
29.49% (variable)
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Line
$300-$3000 at time of application

Reflex® Platinum Mastercard®

  • Up to $1,000 Initial Credit Limit
  • See if you Pre-Qualify with No Impact to your Credit Score
  • Less than perfect credit? We understand. The Reflex Mastercard is ideal for people looking to rebuild their credit.
  • Unsecured credit card requires No Security Deposit
  • Perfect card for everyday purchases and unexpected expenses
  • Monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus
  • Access to your Vantage 3.0 Score from Experian (when you sign up for e-statements)
  • Use your card everywhere Mastercard is accepted at millions of locations
  • Enjoy peace of mind with Mastercard Zero Liability Protection for unauthorized purchases (subject to Mastercard guidelines)
Apply Now
Credit Recommended
Fair/Poor/Bad/Limited
Regular APR
35.90% Fixed
Credit Limit
up to $1,000
Annual Fee
$75 - $125
Late Payment Fee
Up to $41.00

OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

  • New feature! Earn up to 10% cash back* on everyday purchases
  • No credit check to apply. Zero credit risk to apply!
  • Looking to build or rebuild your credit? 2 out of 3 OpenSky cardholders increase their credit score by an average of 41 points in just 3 months
  • Get free monthly access to your FICO score in our mobile application
  • Build your credit history across 3 major credit reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
  • Add to your mobile wallet and make purchases using Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay
  • Fund your card with a low $200 refundable security deposit to get a $200 credit line
  • Apply in less than 5 minutes with our mobile first application
  • Choose the due date that fits your schedule with flexible payment dates
  • Fund your security deposit over 60 days with the option to make partial payments
  • Over 1.4 Million Cardholders Have Used OpenSky Secured Credit Card To Improve Their Credit
  • *See Rewards Terms and Conditions for more information
Apply Now
Credit Recommended
No credit, Poor, Fair
Regular APR
25.14% (variable)
Annual Fee
$35
Credit Line
$200-$3000 at time of application

Fair Credit Cards

  • Time for a new Credit Card
  • Improve your credit with responsible use
  • Credit Cards for Fair Credit
Search Now
Credit Recommended
Average/Fair/Good/Poor/Bad/Limited/
Intro (Purchases)
See website for Details*
Intro (Transfers)
See website for Details*
Regular APR
See website for Details*
Annual Fee
See website for Details*

Surge® Platinum Mastercard®

  • Up to $1,000 Initial Credit Limit
  • See if you Pre-Qualify with No Impact to your Credit Score
  • Less than perfect credit? We understand. The Surge Mastercard is ideal for people looking to rebuild their credit.
  • Unsecured credit card requires No Security Deposit
  • Perfect card for everyday purchases and unexpected expenses
  • Monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus
  • Access to your Vantage 3.0 Score from Experian (when you sign up for e-statements)
  • Use your card everywhere Mastercard is accepted at millions of locations
  • Enjoy peace of mind with Mastercard Zero Liability Protection for unauthorized purchases (subject to Mastercard guidelines)
Apply Now
Credit Recommended
See website for Details*
Regular APR
35.90% Fixed
Late Payment Fee
Up to $41.00
Return Payment Fee
Up to $41.00
Intro Rate
See website for Details*

FIT™ Platinum Mastercard®

  • $400 Initial Credit Limit
  • Less than perfect credit? We understand. The FIT Mastercard is ideal for people looking to rebuild their credit.
  • Unsecured credit card requires No Security Deposit
  • Perfect card for everyday purchases and unexpected expenses
  • Monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus
  • Access to your Vantage 3.0 Score from Experian (when you sign up for e-statements)
  • Use your card everywhere Mastercard is accepted at millions of locations
  • Enjoy peace of mind with Mastercard Zero Liability Protection for unauthorized purchases (subject to Mastercard guidelines)
Apply Now
Credit Recommended
Fair/Poor/Bad
Regular APR
35.90% Fixed
Annual Fee
See terms
Return Payment Fee
Up to $41.00
Late Payment Fee
Up to $41.00

Good Credit Cards

  • Take advantage of your good credit to get competitive APRs and rewards
  • Enjoy low rates and rewards for everyday spending
  • Earn cash back, points or miles to redeem for travel, gift cards or cash rewards
  • Bonus offers – up to 50,000 points or miles
  • Good credit can lead to excellent credit – some cards provide free credit score monitoring
  • Terms vary by partner. Please see individual application for product terms and conditions.
  • Clicking Apply Now will take you to CreditSoup.com to compare Credit Cards for Good Credit from participating partners
Search Now
Credit Recommended
Fair/Good/Limited/No Credit/Excellent
Intro (Purchases)
See website for Details*
Intro (Transfers)
See website for Details*
Regular APR
See website for Details*
Annual Fee
See website for Details*

*See Card for Terms and Conditions

Applied Bank® Unsecured Classic Visa® Card

  • Get Pre-Qualified in Less Than a Minute
  • A $300 Unsecured Credit Line which can be used at Grocery Stores, Gas Stations, Discount Stores, ATM's and Online!
  • A REAL Visa® Credit Card with Automatic Reporting to all Three National Credit Bureaus
  • No Penalty Rate. Your Rate Won't Go Up Even If You are Late
  • Access Additional Credit With On-Time Payments and Responsible Usage
  • A True Unsecured EMV enabled (chip) Visa Credit card
  • Does not require perfect credit for approval
  • Fixed APR and Manageable Monthly Payments
Apply Now
Credit Recommended
Poor/Damaged Credit
Regular APR
29.99%
Late Payment Fee
Up to $38
Return Payment Fee
Up to $38
Card Brand
Visa®

Poor Credit Cards

  • A better way to get a Card Offer!
  • For those with less that perfect credit.
  • Response in as fast as 60 seconds
  • Search, Compare, Apply!
Search Now
Credit Recommended
Fair/Poor/Bad/Damaged/Limited/No Credit
Intro (Purchases)
See website for Details*
Intro (Transfers)
See website for Details*
Regular APR
See website for Details*
Annual Fee
See website for Details*

Search, Compare and Apply! Creditsoup.com offers you a better way to get a card offer.

*See Card for Terms and Conditions

Excellent Credit Cards

  • Take advantage of your excellent credit to get the best rates and rewards
  • Enjoy low rates and rewards for everyday spending
  • Excellent credit can lead to higher credit lines
  • Earn cash back, points or miles to redeem for travel, gift cards or cash rewards
  • Bonus offers – up to 50,000 points or miles
  • Terms vary by partner. Please see individual application for product terms and conditions.
  • Clicking Apply Now will take you to CreditSoup.com to compare Credit Cards for Excellent Credit from participating partners
Search Now
Credit Recommended
Good/Excellent
Intro (Purchases)
See website for Details*
Intro (Transfers)
See website for Details*
Regular APR
See website for Details*
Annual Fee
See website for Details*

OpenSky Launch Secured Visa® Credit Card

  • Excellent option for a low fully refundable security deposit, get started with just $100
  • Earn up to 10% cash back on everyday purchases
  • Minimum payment as low as $10
  • Annual fee billed in monthly installments of $2 per month in year 1 and $3 per month thereafter
  • No credit check to apply. Find out instantly if you are approved- Zero credit risk to apply!
  • Looking to build or rebuild your credit? 2 out of 3 OpenSky cardholders increase their credit score by an average of 41 points in just 3 months
  • Monitor your credit progress with free access to your FICO Credit Score.
  • Build your credit history across 3 major credit reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
  • Add to your mobile wallet and make purchases using Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay
  • Easy application, apply in less than 5 minutes right from your mobile device
  • Offers flexible payment due dates which allow you to choose any available due date that fits your payment schedule
  • Now you can make smaller partial payments towards funding your security deposit over 60 days
  • Over 1.4 million cardholders have used OpenSky Secured Credit Card to improve their credit
Apply Now
Credit Recommended
No credit, Poor, Fair
Regular APR
29.49% (variable)
Annual Fee
$24 during the first year, paid in installments of $2 per month. $36 after the first year, paid in installments of $3 per month.
Credit Line
$100- $1,000
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