Credit Scores

You’re probably already aware that each Canadian has a credit score between 300 and 900. Higher numbers mean better credit scores. A good credit score makes it easier to apply for credit cards or loans. 

Credit scores around 650 are considered normal. If your credit score is 650 or above, you shouldn’t have any issues getting approved for a credit card. However, when your score falls below 650, you may start getting denied by companies.

Types of Credit Cards

If you pay on time, credit cards can help reestablish your credit. There are two types of credit cards to choose from: secured and unsecured. 

Secured cards are actually marketed to those with bad credit. They are like normal credit cards, but you need to provide a deposit that matches the size of the credit limit. This deposit is used by the credit card company in case you default on a monthly payment. As there is no risk for the credit card company, getting approved for secured cards is easier than getting approved for unsecured cards. If you decide to close your account, the deposit will be refunded. 

The spending limit usually starts at $200 and goes up to around $5,000. The annual fees are also low, ranging from $10 to $30. 

Unsecured cards are what most people use and you don’t require you to put down a security deposit. They are usually available to those with normal credit scores (around 650). These cards also often have rewards like travel points and cashback.

Best Secured Credit Cards

Capital One Guaranteed Secured MasterCard – As the name suggests, this card guarantees approval and has a limit of $300 to $7,000. The Captial One Guaranteed Secured MasterCard can be used to make bookings, car rentals, online purchases, in-store purchases, etc. There’s also emergency cash advances and card replacement with zero liability. The interest rate is 19.8% and the annual fee is $59

Refresh Financial Secured Visa – You will get guaranteed approval without a credit check, and also have access to Financial Intelligence Training (which is a free online educational program that helps those with bad credit improve their financial situation). In addition, when you refer a friend, you’ll earn $100. This may seem like pocket change, but it adds up over time. The interest rate is 17.99% and the annual fee is $48.95. There is also a 21-day interest-free grace period on all new purchases. Two things to look out for: if you don’t use the card each month, there is a $2 fee for each month the card isn’t used; and if you go over the credit limit your card will be canceled.

Best Unsecured Credit Cards

RBC Visa Classic Low Rate Card – The selling point of this card is the low-interest rates on purchases and cash advances. The interest rate is 11.99% and the annual fee is low as well (only $20). There’s no guaranteed acceptance for applicants with low credit scores, but there’s also no set minimum credit score for approval. The RBC Visa Classic Low Rate Card also has purchase protection, a discount of 3 cents per liter of fuel and 20% extra Petro-Points when you buy gas at Petro-Canada.

Capital One Low Rate Guaranteed Mastercard – Although this card is unsecured, it still offers guaranteed approval with low-interest rates. It has a $79 annual fee with a 14.9% interest rate on purchases and balance transfers and 19.8% cash advances. This card also offers Price Protection. Price Protection – this allows the cardholder to be reimbursed for purchases from the retailer when there’s a price difference up to $100 per item and $500 per calendar year when an item goes down in price within 60 days of purchase. Other benefits include travel accident insurance, coverage for baggage, and rental vehicles. Like the secured Capital One Card, this card also has a credit card limit of $300 – $7,000.