Does anyone have any experience with any of the unsecured cards (for people with damaged credit) available through this site?
Out of that bunch, Orchard Bank and NextCard are probably the best, although few people have ever reported getting a subprime NextCard.
Two paid chargeoffs wouldn't be a barrier to getting most unsecured subprime cards. However, you're more likely to get those cards if the chargeoffs are not recent. After two or three years, they won't hurt you nearly as much.
Hi-you didn't mention what your scores were, but here is my experience. Providian gave me a card when my credit was horrible. No collections, but plenty of recent lates. Don't ever pay them late, or go a cent over their limit, or else you will see your interest rate jacked up to at least 25%. I have had this card for 3 years now-recently was able to get upgraded to gold-annual fee waived, interest rate reduced significantly, etc.-but I had to use planetfeedback to see a result. I had Cap one for a while. Many people enjoy this card, they have a variety of products-I personally had big problems with receiving my bills following a move, even though I called 5 times, and getting payments credited. They would reduce the late fee charge when I called...and the limit was miniscule-and I couldn't get any increase. As for Nextcard and Orchard, I was denied for both-Orchard as recently as June of this year. Both of these pull my worst report, so I suggest you use millcbs.com to see which creditor pulls what report prior to applying for anything. I was able to get First National Credit Card and First Premier. Both require you to pay at least 150$ up front, and a monthly fee. I have had some problems w/First National taking their time applying payments...of the two, they are probably my least favorite. First Premier was more generous w/ a credit limit. Others on the board will tell you that these cards are crap, but when you are subprime, and have limited options..... I have also heard good things about Sterling bank secured card-reports as unsecured. There is my two cents-from one subprimer (But not for long). My scores range from mid 500s to mid 600s between the 3 cras.
Plan on them charging at least 150$ for acceptance, plus a monthly fee. If you get a small Credit line, you can be almost maxed out from the get go.
