5 Reasons Why a Secured Visa Credit Card is Better Than Prepaid

Many people assume that a prepaid Visa card is the same thing as a secured Visa credit card. This actually couldn't be further from the truth. A prepaid Visa credit card is significantly different from a secured Visa credit card. Here are five reasons why.
1. The Credit Factor
If you're trying to decide between a prepaid credit card or a secured Visa credit card, chances are that your credit isn't exactly spotless. If you want to improve your credit rating, understanding the differences between prepaid cards and secured cards is critical.
If you opt for a prepaid credit card, you're not doing anything to improve your credit rating. This is because prepaid credit cards typically aren't reported to the credit bureaus. On the other hand, when you are issued a secured Visa credit card, your account activity is reported to the credit bureaus, improving your credit.
By managing your secured Visa credit card properly, you aren't just gaining access to a credit card and the benefits that go along with carrying one, but you're also increasing your credit score and rebuilding your credit history.
2. The Money Factor
There is one thing that prepaid credit cards and secured credit cards have in common. Whether you open a secured credit card or a prepaid credit card, you're going to have to send in money. That, however, is where the similarity ends.
When you give money to a prepaid credit card company, they credit the amount to your prepaid card and then you can spend the money you've put on it. That's it -- end of story. When all the money is spent, you either add more or throw the card away.
When you send in money to open your secured Visa credit card account, the money is put into a savings account and you earn interest on that account. Then the credit card company extends you a revolving line of credit equal to the amount of that account.
3. Monthly Statements
When it comes to a prepaid credit card, there aren't monthly statements to pay. With a secured Visa credit card, however, you receive a monthly statement that must be paid on time (or it will affect your credit). You will have the choice of paying the minimum amount due, the balance in full or anything in between. This activity is then reported to the credit bureaus.
4. Hotels and Cars
Nowadays when you check into a hotel they ask you whether or not you are using a prepaid credit card and many hotels and car rental companies won't even accept prepaid credit cards as a form of payment. However, there is nothing differentiating an unsecured credit card from a secured Visa credit card, which means you can use your secured card to book hotels and car rentals without any hassle.
5. Moving Forward
If you carry a prepaid credit card, there will never be a chance of it evolving to an unsecured credit card. However, it is not uncommon for a secured Visa credit card to evolve into an unsecured credit card once you have established a payment history and have proven that you can be trusted with the card.
So while a prepaid credit card may look a bit like a secured Visa credit card, the fact remains that they are very different in many ways. If you want to rebuild your credit, then a secured Visa credit card is really the only way to go.
For more tips on secured credit cards, saving money and avoiding getting taken, check out CreditCardTipsEtc.com, a website that specializes in providing credit card tips, advice and resources.

BY-Max Anderson
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Max_Anderson

Information on Visa Credit Cards

Visa. Clearly one of the most known credit card companies, the Visa symbol is known worldwide. There are many different types of Visa credit cards offered, and this article will review some of them to give you a better feel for the company. Visa credit cards are not actually distributed by the Visa Company, merely banks that back up the Visa standard, so rates may be different.
The Visa classic is one of the most commonly seen credit cards. It is an ideal first card that is simple, flexible, and usable worldwide. Many different banks issue this type of card. These cards normally start off with lower credit rating, however, it can all depend on income, current credit score and other personal circumstances at the time of the application.
The Visa secured is a great way to begin to build credit, or help reestablish bad credit. By placing down a deposit, you can effectively guarantee that you will be approved for this card. Once approved, be sure to pay your monthly bill on time, and if you can, pay more than the minimum payment. Before you know it your credit score will begin to rise if you maintain the payments.
For those with established history, the Visa Gold can be the next step up. It generally features lower APR rates and higher credit limits.
For those in the higher echelon of the credit world, the Visa Platinum is a standard for credit excellence. Featuring phenomenally low rates and high credit lines, this card is the who’s who of Visa credit cards. After finding out about the various types listed here, you can generally figure out which card is right for you. Remember to browse around before making a decision. There are many review sites online which offer comparisons on the many cards available.
Simply find a bank that offers the card, and you’re well on your way to becoming a Visa cardholder!

By- John Gibb