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<meta property="cq:wcmmode" content="disabled"/><meta property="articleFeedData" content="{"baseUrl":"/articles/topics/building-credit","bottomArticles":[{"date":"Mon May 11 16:15:23 PDT 2026","imagePath":"/content/dam/cob-corp-acquisition/images/articles/2024/12/240595_DA_UnsecuredCreditCards_SEOA_FINAL.jpg","author":"/content/dam/cob-corp-acquisition/content-fragments/authorbio/heather-vale/jcr:content/data/master","previewDescription":"Unsecured credit cards can boost your financial situation, but only if you manage them properly. 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Building Credit

A young woman sits on her couch while happily comparing two credit cards, one in each hand. One may be a secured credit card and the other is her newly earned unsecured card.

How Long Does It Take for a Secured Card To Become Unsecured?

Secured credit cards can help you build credit when used strategically. But how and when can you upgrade to an unsecured card?

A young woman looks at her credit card and several past-due invoices, indicating her credit card may be charged off.

What Happens When a Credit Card Is Charged Off?

What happens when your credit card gets charged off? Discover the impact on your credit, how debt collection works, and steps to reduce the effects.

A young woman raises her fist in celebration while holding up her credit card, as if she’s pleased with her starting credit score.

What Credit Score Do You Start With?

Wondering what your starting credit score is? Learn how to build a strong foundation from the beginning of your credit journey.

A woman thoughtfully holds up her credit card while walking through an outdoor shopping center, perhaps happy that she has an unsecured credit card.

What Are Unsecured Credit Cards?

Unsecured credit cards can boost your financial situation, but only if you manage them properly. Here’s everything you need to know before getting one.

A woman rests on her sofa, holding up a credit card while happily looking at her phone. Perhaps she doesn’t use this card often and checked to see if the account is still open.

What Happens If You Don’t Use Your Credit Card?

Discover what happens if you stop using your credit card for a few months, and how that can impact your credit score.

A smiling young woman uses her laptop at the table while holding her credit card in one hand, which may be a secured credit card to help her build credit.

Using a Secured Credit Card To Build Credit

Once you know how to use one strategically, a secured credit card can be one of the best ways to build your credit.

This material is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified tax advisor, attorney or financial advisor. Readers should consult with their own tax advisor, attorney or financial advisor with regard to their personal situations.

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