Four years ago, I couldn’t get a cellphone because the company said they needed a credit card which I didn’t have that time. I also remember when I tried to apply for an Old Navy/Gap Card twice: once online and once in store. Both denied. Reason: Not enough credit history. They said I had to have good credit standing to be approved. I presented my checking account/debit card but was told it was not enough.

So I did what I needed to do: I applied for a credit card. I thought it was that easy. But I also was denied. How can I have a good credit history if I don’t have a card? Does everything revolve around this tiny piece of plastic card with your name on it?

Unfortunately, that’s how life goes here in the US. If you want a better life, you have to have a good credit. You have to prove you can pay.

So how do you start if you can’t even get approved a credit card?

For those experiencing the same dilemma, I have good news for you. Since I always got denied of a real credit card, I made a little research and found out I can apply for a “secured card”….

Secured card works like a credit card, but you have to pay a deposit first. Your deposit is your fund, your credit limit — or the amount allowable to spend.

When I found Orchard Bank on the internet, I was thrilled. I will “lose” $200 as a deposit as soon as I opened an account at OrchardBank. But they said I’ll get it back once I close the account. At the same time, I was scared. What if it was a scam?

I got my card few days later, along with Terms of Service (TOS), and policy, etc. I was able to use it without any problem. I can say I was happy with the service they provided. Payment can be done online as well as account management. When I had questions and doubts, Orchard Bank representative was friendly to answer my inquiries. Few months later, my credit limit was increased to $500, which means my credit rating was going well. Now I can prove I can pay.

My father warned me about credit cards: He said sooner or later, companies/lenders who denied me before will offer me cards. And he was right. Almost everyday, an offer is mailed to me.

Over the years, I was able to get four credit cards, more if I wanted to. I had to close two (the ones with high interest rate) because paying bills made me nuts. I dropped Orchard Bank as well, and I got my $200 back which I honestly had forgotten already. Now, I only have two cards: one main card, and the other as a backup which I barely use. I still have my debit card for my minor spending.

When you have good credit history already, always remember to stay out of debt by paying cash as much as possible, and only buy things you know you can afford.

Good luck!!

**This is not a professional advice. The information here are based on my personal experience and research. Use them or not, it’s entirely up to you. **

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