 TITLE: How Long Does It Take to Get a Secured Credit Card? CONTENT: Alternatives to Secured Credit Cards\n------------------------------------\nIf you can't get approved for a secured credit card or would prefer to explore other options to build credit, consider these alternatives:\n*   **Get added as an authorized user on someone else's account.** You could benefit from becoming an authorized user on a parent's, family member's or close friend's credit card if you have minimal or no credit history—assuming the cardholder has exceptional payment history and is only using a small percentage of the total available credit. It's also important that the card issuer reports authorized-user account activity to the credit bureaus.\n*   **Apply for a credit-builder loan.** Credit-builder loans allow you to save money while establishing or rebuilding your credit. You can typically borrow $300 to $1,000, which you'll be able to access once you're done making monthly payments to reach your approved amount. There's no deposit requirement, and some lenders do not require credit checks to get approved. You could also possibly save on steep interest that you might otherwise pay on a credit card.\n*   **Open a debit card if you don't need additional credit.** If you don't need additional credit and simply need a way to pay bills electronically, consider opening a debit card. Swiping a debit card to make purchases will not help you build credit. It will, however, allow you to stay current on your bills and help you avoid the risks of borrowing money. END