reverser222

There are other, more attractive options for you, especially with that score. Remember, CK just casts a net to try to find cards you are likely to qualify for if you choose to take them, and sometimes you get offers that you have to throw back into the see of credit offers. Since you are in the mid-600's, Capital One may be a better fit for you than HSBC/Orchard Bank. Zions is also good if you happen to be in an area that they do business. Just look up "Fair credit cards" and you'll find a card that's more suitable for you. In my honest opinion, CreditKarma shouldn't be your ONLY resource for credit card info or recommendations...

Well put, strawbiz. Brybird, you might as well keep the card for now, since keeping the card but having a $0 balance increases your available credit. Therefore, your credit rises if you keep the card, but might take a noticeable dip if you close it. As my parents used to say, "just throw it into the sock drawer!" There is an alternative: just use the card and pay it right back. When you show good behavior like this, you *might* see CLI's on the GM card (but do NOT hold me to this, since CC companies are strange, unpredictable beings...)

Took up an offer recently for the Visa card from Orchard Bank. Yes, I was granted the meager limit of $300, but should I expect any better right now after destroying my credit a few years back? I'll let y'all know if things go south or if HSBC and I remain on speaking terms...

Kind of odd that you listed a 1-star review just to ask a question, but here it goes... I personally I have this card (Orchard Visa), but I also have the Cap 1 No Hassle Cash card. It seems to have been designed for people that have a CS around yours, so you might want to check it out. It may come with a $39 annual fee*, but it could be well worth it. Plus, I think if your income is high enough you might be one of the ones that get approved for either a CL of $300 or $500. Apply for Capital One and you'll be fine- just don't knock down another card's score just to ask a question. It gives the wrong impression to those that can get the most benefit out of an HSBC/Orchard Bank card... * the Platinum from Cap 1 has no fee for the first year and is $19 for every year after, but the APR is 24.9%. If you don't carry a balance or simply don't care too much care about APR and you're adamant about not paying an annual fee, this might be your card...

My fellow users, don't fall for the glitzy ads on TV. This is not the best way to go if you can't get a credit card- even a secured one. The Rushcard makes the monthly fees of the greediest banks look like spare change. Think about it: if you are going to get charged a monthly fee of $15.90 for using a Rushcard and you're near a Bank of America branch (which I am shocked to be supporting considering some stunts they pulled on me recently), there IS an $8/month eChecking account that is free if you agree to electronic statements and handle most of your business at an ATM or online. If you'd rather not deal with a bank at all, there are other prepaid cards that are better options (ie: UPside Visa, Mango mastercard) that cost much less... The card may have a diamond on it but this card is far from being a gem. Don't waste your money on over-hyped and overpriced debit cards, no matter how convincing the commercials are.

This is actally a prepaid card- thus, there is no interest. Nonetheless, it seems odd that CK would even list this card. I thought the point of this site was to educate us about our options in terms of credit, and prepaid/ debit cards do nothing to your credit score at all!

It seems like every single card company does that nowadays- with the future still looking iffy, credit card comapnies simply want to offer that protection so that if you can't make the min payments due to injury or unemployment you won't get slapped with the penalty apr. Some even freeze it so that you technically don't have to worry about payments until you can work again. To knock off a star for a common practice is kind of silly to be straight with you... Other than that, thanks for the rest of the review, and congrats on improving your score!

Can you be more specific for the rest of the community please?

Seriously, can I start raving yet? It feels great to finally qualify for a card from a "big name" CC company without having to beg my parents to co-sign. I was pleasantly surprised that I was approved for a Cap 1 card in the first place, but to know that I qualify for the intro rate? Now that is great. CK at the time was 587. I have a feeling that this card is going to help turn me around after the last couple of years of bs... I'd like to thank Cap 1 for giving me a chance (I won't waste it) and CreditKarma for providing this service...