Starter Products (Secured Cards & Credit-builder Loans)
Explore our comprehensive guides and articles about Starter Products (Secured Cards & Credit-builder Loans).
November 14, 2025
How Much to Deposit on a Secured Card: Balance Strategies That Protect Your Score
Decide how much to deposit on a secured card to protect your credit score. Learn deposit strategies, utilization targets, and step-by-step tips to build credit.
November 14, 2025
Secured Cards vs Credit‑builder Loans: Which Starter Product Is Right for You?
Compare secured credit cards and credit‑builder loans: costs, reporting, timelines and who benefits most. Practical guidance to choose the right starter product.
November 14, 2025
Use a Secured Card to Lower Credit Utilization Fast — Without Spending More
Learn practical steps to use a secured card to reduce reported utilization quickly — pay before statement closing, set small recurring charges, and avoid overspending.
November 14, 2025
Alternatives to Secured Cards: When a Credit‑builder Loan Is the Smarter Choice
Learn when a credit‑builder loan beats a secured credit card: pros, cons, reported effects on credit, typical costs, and practical next steps.
November 14, 2025
How to Choose a Secured Card: Fees, Reporting & Upside for 2025
Compare secured cards in 2025: fees, deposit size, bureau reporting, upgrade options and practical steps to build credit faster.
November 14, 2025
Do Credit‑Builder Loans Improve Long‑Term Credit Behavior? Evidence and Best Practices
Reviews evidence on credit‑builder loans: who benefits, the delinquency risks for some borrowers, CFPB and academic findings, and practical best practices.
November 14, 2025
Beginner’s Guide to Credit‑Builder Loans: How They Work, Costs, and Expected Score Gains
Learn how credit‑builder loans work, typical costs, expected credit‑score improvements, and whether they're right for your credit‑building plan.
November 14, 2025
Top Secured Cards & Credit‑Builder Lenders for Thin‑File Consumers
Top secured cards and credit‑builder lenders for thin‑file consumers—how they report, costs, and a 90‑day plan to start building credit.
November 14, 2025
Step-by-Step: Convert a Secured Card to an Unsecured Card (and Why It Matters)
Learn how secured cards become unsecured, when deposits are returned, how the upgrade affects your credit, and steps to improve your upgrade chances.