Debt settlements are where the debt collection agency or creditor agrees to take a lesser amount than what is actually owed in order to eliminate the debt. It is very useful for paying off old debts for less money than what is owed and can save hundreds of dollars when it comes to paying off the debt.

Send in one application to Orchard Bank, a subsidiary of HSBC, and you’ll be considered for four different cards. Based on your credit, you may be offered one of three unsecured credit cards or a secured card.

Your credit score is used by lenders to determine if you can get a mortgage loan and what interest rate they will charge you.  It is also used to obtain a car loan, cell phone contract –- even employers and landlords check it!  This is a precious 3 digit number you should try your best to protect.

The U.S. Bank Secured Visa Card, which is from a large bank, usually have the best credit card terms. Your security deposit can range from $300 to $5,000 and you earn interest on it, which is excellent. The fine print notes that your application could be denied if you’ve had a bankruptcy, are less than 18 years old, or if your security deposit is less than $300 to start.

If your credit history isn’t all that long or spotless, adding a credit account with a long, positive credit history to your report will certainly boost your score but how do you all of a sudden add an old account to your credit report?