The Difference Between Canadian Prepaid Credit Cards and Canadian Secured Credit Cards
Canadian Prepaid Credit Cards can be used much like a regular credit card in the sense that you don't need to bring cash to make a purchase. These cards usually have a Visa or Mastercard logo on them so they can be used to buy goods or pay for things at merchants and establishments where credit card payments are accepted. A prepaid credit card can also be used to shop from the internet. What makes it different from a secured credit card?
What are Prepaid Credit Cards?
Providers of prepaid credit cards do not check credit history. Regardless of your credit rating, you can apply for a prepaid card and get approved with no questions. However, prepaid card companies don't include credit reporting to the major credit bureaus (Equifax Canada or TransUnion Canada). Therefore, if you want to build your credit history, a prepaid card may not be the best tool to help you. This type of card is not attached to your bank savings account either. In order to use the card, you must first deposit funds to your prepaid card. If you put $300 in your prepaid account, you can use the card as long as you have a remaining fund enough to make another purchase. Whenever you've used up your balance, you'll need to deposit cash again before using it.
The good thing about using this type of card is that it eliminates the risk of bad debt. Since your purchases will be paid using the cash you've deposited in your card, there's no need to submit your payment at a later time. Also, you will not incur any interest rate or additional charges.
What are Secured Credit Cards?
As a secured credit card holder, you can enjoy a credit line like all other credit card holders. This means, you can charge purchases to your card and pay for them at a later time as long as you don't exceed your credit limit. You are also given a grace period- or a period of time where you can pay off your balances without being charged with additional interest costs.
Consequently, if you fail to pay your balances in full within your repayment period or if you choose to carry over your balance for the next month, you will incur the interest rate cost in your account. Secured credit card holders are also required to submit a security deposit in their accounts. The amount of your deposit will often determine the value of your credit limit. Nevertheless there are cards for bad credit that offer credit lines that are slightly higher than the required security deposit.
Many people choose to get a secured credit card because of their poor credit history. If you live in Canada, check your credit report and see if you'll qualify for Canadian credit cards that require excellent or good credit. If not, you can consider getting a Canadian secured credit card instead.
This type of card is ideal for people who want to establish credit history or rebuild bad credit history. Unlike prepaid, secured credit card companies will report your payment to the major credit bureaus like Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada. Thus, as you use your card and as you stay consistent with your payments, you can improve your credit score one step a time.
