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In many cases, a secured credit card can be a good way to establish and build credit. However, if you’re planning to get a secured credit card to build credit, what’s critical to determine is whether the issuer reports usage to the major credit bureaus.

Many issuers do, but some may not. If your issuer does not report information to the credit bureaus, then a secured credit card won’t help build your credit. But if the issuer does, then that secured credit card could be a good starting point for your credit-building journey.

What Is a Secured Credit Card and How Does It Work?

There are two different kinds of credit cards: secured credit cards and unsecured credit cards.

•   An unsecured credit card is what most people think of when they think of a traditional credit card. In many ways, a secured credit card operates in much the same way, with the bank extending a specific amount of credit that you can use throughout the month and that you won’t have to pay until your statement closes at the end of the month.

•   There is one major difference between a secured credit card and an unsecured credit card. With a secured credit card, you have to put down a security deposit. The amount of this deposit is usually what then serves as your credit limit.

   This money that you put down also acts as collateral. If you fail to pay the amount borrowed, the lender can take that deposit to help cover its losses. This added protection for the lender is why a secured credit card is generally easier to qualify for if you have a thin credit history.

   If you use your credit card responsibly, you’ll get your deposit back in full when you close your account or get upgraded to an unsecured credit card.

Can You Build Credit with a Secured Credit Card?

It is possible to build credit with a secured credit card — as long as your issuer reports usage and payment activity to the major credit bureaus.

If that information is reported, then you could build credit with a secured credit card, assuming you use your account responsibly. For instance, if you routinely make on-time payments, that could make a positive impact on your score, since payment history is one of the key factors that determines your credit score. It’s a key way in which you can show you are using a credit card responsibly.

Tips for Building Credit with a Secured Credit Card

Here are a few tips for establishing credit by using a secured credit card:

Make Sure Your Issuer Reports to the Credit Bureaus

If the issuer of your secured credit card does not report to the major credit bureaus, it is not likely to have an impact on your credit history or score. When looking at and applying for a secured credit card, make sure that it will report usage and payment history to the credit bureaus.

Recommended: Does Applying For a Credit Card Hurt Your Credit Score?

Pay Your Statement Balance On Time and In Full

Your overall payment history is an important factor in determining your credit score. Make sure to pay your secured credit card bill on time, each and every month. You should also not spend more money on your card than you have, so that you can pay your statement balance off in full when it comes due.

Avoid Maxing Out Your Card

Another factor that makes up your credit score is your credit utilization ratio, which is defined as your total balance divided by your total available credit limit. It’s generally recommended to keep this ratio at 30% or lower, if possible. In order to avoid negative effects to your credit score, you’ll want to steer clear of maxing out your card, even if that money is technically available to you.

Recommended: What is the Average Credit Card Limit?

Other Ways You Can Use Credit Cards to Build Credit

Besides using a secured credit card, here are a few other tips for building credit with a credit card:

•   Increase your credit limit when possible. Again, this can lower your credit utilization rate, which is a major factor in determining your score.

•   Set up automatic payments. This way, you never make a late payment. Payment history has the biggest impact on your credit score.

•   Use your credit card regularly. While it might seem safest to keep your credit card tucked away unused, it’s necessary to use it to demonstrate to lenders that you can responsibly repay your debts. Just make sure not to spend more than you can afford to pay off in full.

•   Limit new credit applications. While it might feel tempting to try to get better cards as your credit starts to get established, keep new credit applications to a minimum. Each application results in a hard inquiry, which temporarily lowers your score. Too many applications within a short window of time can also raise a red flag for lenders.

•   Monitor your credit report. Even if everything seems like it’s smooth sailing with your credit, it’s smart to monitor your credit report regularly. Review your credit report for any errors or any potential signs of fraud.

The Takeaway

If you’re not sure whether you’ll get approved for an unsecured credit card, you might consider a secured credit card instead. With a secured credit card, you put down a refundable security deposit upfront, which serves as your total available credit. Because of this deposit which reduces risk, lenders may be more likely to approve you. If you are approved, using a secured credit card can help you build credit — as long as your issuer reports usage to the major credit bureaus and you use your card responsibly.

Whether you're looking to build credit, apply for a new credit card, or save money with the cards you have, it's important to understand the options that are best for you. Learn more about credit cards by exploring this credit card guide.

FAQ

How much will a secured credit card help my credit score?

There isn’t a specific formula to determine how much a secured credit card can help your credit score. Instead, you should focus on making and strengthening good financial habits like living within your means and paying off your credit card in full, each and every month. A secured credit card can be one way to help your credit score in this manner.

What is the best secured credit card to build credit?

The best secured credit card will vary depending on your specific financial situation. You’ll want to look for a secured card that reports to the major credit bureaus, charges low or no fees, and has a low interest rate. There are secured credit cards that offer a limited rewards program as well, which can make for a nice perk in addition to building your credit.

Can you get a secured credit card with a bad credit score?

Yes, it is possible to get a secured credit card with a bad credit score. Because you are putting down the initial security deposit, lenders may consider you as less of a risk than someone applying for an unsecured credit card. Therefore, you may have greater odds of approval when applying for a secured credit card.

Photo credit: iStock/Delmaine Donson

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

Third Party Trademarks: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

SOCC-Q125-018

If you need expensive dental work, you’re likely wondering how to pay for it. After getting a quote from your dentist and learning how little your insurance will cover, you may be thinking, I must be missing a way to afford this.

There’s good news and bad news when it comes to how to finance expensive dental work. Bad news first: Despite insurance, dental work can cost a lot out-of-pocket. The good news: While there’s probably not an easy solution to covering the whole bill, there are many tricks you can use to make your dollar stretch farther (and possibly even get a tax break while you’re at it).
Here, learn smart strategies about how to pay for dental work. Altogether, these ideas can add up to quite a discount off your dentist’s quote.

10 Ways to Pay for Dental Work

Many people cover their dental work by combining several of the strategies below. It’s tough to avoid paying out-of-pocket entirely, but you can often get a hefty discount off the original quote. Here, how to pay for dental work:

1. Dental Insurance

You should know that there’s a difference between a dental office that takes your insurance and a dental office that is in-network. A dentist may take your insurance even though they are out-of-network.
When a dentist says that they take your insurance, that likely means that they will file an insurance claim for you. But if your insurance doesn’t cover a procedure or service, the price will generally be set at your dentist’s discretion — and you’ll typically be responsible for paying the costs out-of-pocket.

Generally, using an out-of-network dentist means your insurance will cover less so you’ll pay more. Being in-network, on the other hand, usually means that your insurance company has prenegotiated the fees with the dentist, and they generally can’t charge more than that. So you’ll usually pay less with an in-network dentist.

Recommended: Does Cosigning Build Credit?

2. Medical Insurance

Dental work isn’t typically covered by medical insurance, but certain procedures may be covered if they’re deemed medically necessary. For instance, some kinds of oral surgery potentially can be billed as a medical procedure. Before you move forward with any dental work, it’s a smart idea to talk to your medical insurance company to find out what may be covered. This could help you afford a major dental bill.

Recommended: Guarantor vs. Cosigner: What Are the Differences?

3. Payment Plans

Paying a bill on a weekly or monthly basis can be much more manageable than paying it in a lump sum. That’s why many dental offices offer payment plans for procedures not covered by insurance.
Payment plans can be offered directly through your dentist’s office, or by third-party services like CareCredit. Ask about the specific terms of any payment plan offered. For example:

•   What procedures qualify for a payment plan?

•   Will they charge interest? And if so, how much?

•   Are other fees involved?

•   Do they have to check your credit first? If so, will it be a hard or soft inquiry?

Asking these questions beforehand can help keep you from getting blindsided by unexpected costs.

4. Flexible Spending Account

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a special savings account offered through some employer benefit plans. FSAs allow employees to pay for certain out-of-pocket medical and dental costs with tax-free money.

The typical taxpayer saves about 30% in federal, state, Social Security, Medicare, and Unemployment taxes. That translates to a 30% discount off all eligible medical and dental expenses, which could be an idea for how to pay for expensive dental work.

FSA rules cap the amount of money that can be placed in the account each year ($3,300 for 2025 per the Internal Revenue Service, or IRS) and also dictate which types of expenses are FSA-eligible. Most routine dental work and orthodontia qualify: cleanings, X-rays, fillings, crowns, extractions, implants, and Invisalign.

FSAs can’t be used for any procedure that is considered cosmetic, including teeth whitening and veneers. But in some instances, if a typically cosmetic procedure is deemed medically necessary — as with some veneers — you may be able to use your FSA. Talk to your dental insurance company for more information.

One drawback of FSAs is that any funds that are unused at the end of the plan year are forfeited — so make sure you don’t leave any money on the table. In the plus column, because FSAs are funded with pretax dollars, they reduce your taxable income, which is always nice.

5. Health Savings Account

A Health Savings Account (HSA) is similar to an FSA in several ways:

•   Both are funded with pretax dollars

•   Both are used to cover health care expenses

•   Both can be established through your employer, and funded with payroll deductions

But there are also key differences between an FSA and HSA:

•   HSAs must be used with a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)

•   The 2025 HSA funding cap is $4,300 for individuals, $8,550 for families

•   HSA funds roll over from year to year

•   You can set up an HSA through some health insurance companies and banks, making them a good option for the self-employed

If you don’t have access to an FSA — and you are currently covered by a high-deductible health plan — you can open an HSA at any time.

6. Negotiate With Your Dentist

The cost of dental work can actually be negotiable, depending on your dentist and your situation. First, have your dentist walk you through the treatment plan. Ask lots of questions, including:

•   Are all the procedures they’re suggesting equally urgent? Can some be postponed?

•   Can you get a discount by paying cash or the entire cost upfront? Some dentists give a percentage off for this.

•   If you don’t have insurance, ask if you can score an uninsured rate.

Some dentists will be flexible, and the worst that can happen is they say no. Another thing you can do is to have an honest conversation with your dentist about your financial situation. If your budget has no breathing room, see if they are open to giving you a discount or if they are willing to push out your bill for a few months.

If the planned dental work is important but not super urgent, you may be able to schedule your appointments so they straddle two plan years. For example, if your plan year is January-December, you might schedule half the appointments for December, and half for the following January. That way, you can take advantage of two annual benefit maximums for insurance and two years’ worth of FSA or HSA funds.

7. Get Work Done at a Dental School

Having work done at a well-regarded dental school may be an option to make expensive dental work more affordable. Search online to see if you live within easy distance of a dental school that offers discounted services. Some schools may provide lower-cost exams and procedures as a way of training their students and giving them real-world experience, under the supervision of skilled, highly trained dentists. The cost can be up to 50% lower than what you might find elsewhere.

If you have access to this and want to go this route, it can be wise to carefully check online reviews to hear how others’ experiences went and feel confident in your decision.

Recommended: Applying for a Loan With a Cosigner

8. Credit Card

In some circumstances, a credit card can be a suitable payment option for dental bills. If you have a card that offers rewards or cash back, it can also provide some benefits in return.

You might also consider looking for a medical credit card. These cards are issued by banks, credit unions, and other lenders and can only be used for health care and within a specific provider network.

Some medical credit cards defer interest for a period of time after your health care charges are incurred — much like 0%-interest cards. No interest is charged so long as those charges are paid off in full before the interest-free period expires. Late payments or balances that have not been fully paid before the deferment period ends can incur interest charges. Make sure you read the fine print and are comfortable with the fees involved before signing up for one of these cards.

Speaking of 0%-interest cards, they’re another option to finance expensive dental work. By law, these interest-free promotional financing offers must last at least six months. But the most competitive offers go well beyond this to offer 0% introductory APR financing for 18 months or longer.

Before you commit to a new card, it’s a good idea to shop around for the best terms and make sure dental work meets the requirements for any rewards. Credit card debt can be a significant financial issue, so it’s wise to know the exact benefits and downsides of this kind of card. You might want to consider getting a personal loan or borrowing from family instead.

9. Personal Loan

Because of this flexibility, many people use personal loans to pay for out-of-pocket medical expenses or to consolidate high-interest debts through a debt consolidation loan

Using a personal loan to finance dental work might be a better option than a credit card. The lower the interest rate, the lower your monthly payment. And personal loans tend to have lower interest rates than credit cards. As of December 2024, credit cards have an average interest rate of more than 20%, but online lenders may offer significantly lower personal loan interest rates (even less than half that percentage) to qualified borrowers.

By using a personal loan calculator, you can compare this option to, say, using a credit card or dipping into your savings.

How much you can borrow is also flexible, and getting approved for a personal loan can be done entirely online. In short, a dental loan might be a good option to cover additional dental needs, from basic fillings to more complex, high-cost procedures.

10. Emergency Fund

Tapping your emergency fund won’t offer a discount on your dental bill, but it can provide a way to pay it. One of the cornerstones of good financial management is to build an emergency fund, typically holding three to six months’ worth of living expenses. The typical scenarios for withdrawing funds from your emergency savings account include paying bills if you lose your income or taking care of an unexpected large medical, dental, or car repair bill. So if you receive a major dental bill and need cash, your emergency fund could be an answer.

Remember, emergency funds aren’t built in a day. Setting up automatic payments into this account from your checking can be a smart move; it’s fine if it’s a small sum like $25 per paycheck to start. And don’t forget to keep the money in a high-yield savings account so it can grow until you need to use it.

The Takeaway

When it comes to how to pay for expensive dental work, there is no one perfect solution. But there are a number of resources and tricks you can call upon to stretch your dollar. Discuss your options with your dentist to find out what discounts and payment plans they may offer. Avail yourself of an FSA or HSA to pay with pretax dollars, if possible, or pay your bill with a 0% interest credit card, rewards card, or medical credit card, among other tactics.

Another option is to finance your dental work with a personal loan.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

FAQ

What can I use as financial assistance for dental work?

To finance expensive dental work, you may have to employ a few different tricks. First, if you have an FSA or HSA, paying your bills with pretax funds will net you an effective 30% discount. You can also schedule work to straddle two plan years so that your dental insurance and FSA/HSA cover twice the annual amount. If you’re uninsured, explain your financial situation to your dentist to see if they’ll offer a discount. And consider taking out an unsecured personal loan.

Can I use a personal loan as financial assistance for dental work?

Yes, a personal loan can be a great option for covering expensive dental work, compared to high-interest revolving credit. Shop around for the best rate and terms, and read the fine print to make sure you fully understand the fees involved for any option you are considering.

Is it hard to get financial assistance for dental work?

It will take some work on your part, but financial assistance is available for low-income patients through dental schools, clinical trials, United Way, Medicare, and Medicaid. Find out what kind of assistance you may be eligible for on the U.S. Department Health & Human Services website at HHS.gov.

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SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SOPL-Q424-063

There are many ways that you can build and establish credit. Your credit score is made up of a number of factors, two of which are how much you currently owe and your overall payment history. As such, applying for and responsibly using a credit card can help build your credit, as can paying off your credit card statement on time and in full.

When deciding how much to use your credit card to build credit, it’s a bit of a balancing act. If you simply have a credit card but don’t use it, it may not improve your credit score very much. But if you spend too much on your credit card, you may damage your score. Building your credit comes down to finding the sweet spot between not using your card at all and using it too much.

How Making Purchases With Your Credit Card Could Possibly Help Your Credit Score

The amount of credit that you use and your overall payment history are two of the most important factors that determine your credit score. As you start to establish credit, you’ll want to responsibly use your credit card, making sure to keep your spending low in comparison to your overall credit limit. You’ll also want to make at least the minimum payment by the statement due date or, even better, pay off your statement balance in full each month.

Recommended: Does Applying For a Credit Card Hurt Your Credit Score?

Minor Purchases to Build Credit

As you work toward building your credit, you’ll likely want to put some of your everyday purchases on your credit card. Just make sure that you set aside enough money to pay off your statement balance when it comes, which can signal that you are using your credit card responsibly.

Recommended: What Is the Average Credit Card Limit?

Groceries

Groceries are one of the biggest monthly expenses for many families and households, so it can make sense to put your grocery purchases on your credit card. Most grocery stores accept credit card payments for no additional charge. Then you can plan to pay off your statement balance by the due date to help build your credit.

Gas

Gas is another large expense for many people. Most gas stations accept credit cards with no additional charges. Plus, paying for gas with a credit card is also usually more convenient. Keep in mind that some gas stations may offer a discount for paying for gas with cash, which can be a good way to save money on gas.

Utilities

Admittedly, utilities can be challenging to pay with a credit card. Some utilities may offer online payments with a credit card without a fee, though others may only allow fee-free payments by cash, check, or ACH. Unless you can find a way to dodge fees, it doesn’t make financial sense to pay a convenience fee just to pay bills with your credit card.

Coffee

If a daily coffee run is part of your regular routine, consider paying for it with your credit card. That way, you can earn credit card rewards and possibly build your credit, too, from a purchase you’d be making anyways. Also check if your coffee shop offers its own rewards program — you’ll want to make sure to sign up for that as well to take advantage of perks and offers.

Streaming Subscriptions

If you have recurring monthly subscriptions to places like Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+, that can be another cost to move over to your credit card. Setting up those recurring streaming subscriptions for autopay can help ensure your service is not interrupted and possibly build up your credit history.

Gym Membership

A gym membership is another potential cost to pay with a credit card in order to build your credit. You’ll want to make sure that you are getting value from your gym membership, however. If you find that you rarely go to the gym, you might get better value from canceling your membership and saving or investing that money.

Entertainment

If going out to eat or other forms of entertainment are frequent monthly expenses for you, consider covering those with a credit card. Having a variety of expenses on your credit card statement can help you stay organized and more easily track your spending — plus, you could build your credit in the process.

Major Purchases to Build Credit

Besides everyday smaller purchases, it can make sense to use a credit card for major purchases as well. Many credit cards offer price protection or an extended warranty, which can provide additional benefits. Managed wisely, these larger purchases can positively impact your credit.

Car

Whether or not you’ll be able to use one of the different kinds of credit cards to pay for a car purchase will depend on the policies of the place where you’re buying the car. Some dealerships will allow you to cover the full cost of the car with a credit card, while others only allow credit cards for partial payment, such as the down payment.

Just make sure to negotiate a final price before you offer to pay with a card — otherwise, the dealer may try to charge a higher price to make up for credit card processing fees.

Recommended: What Is a Charge Card?

Jewelry

Jewelry is another big-ticket item that you might cover with a credit card. Talk with the store where you’re making your purchase to see what options are available. Some jewelry stores might offer a discount for paying with cash, which might sway you in the choice between cash or credit card.

Home Appliances

There are several reasons it can make sense to buy large home appliances with a credit card. Not only could you earn rewards and build your credit, but the credit card you use may also offer credit card protection. This can potentially save you hundreds of dollars or more if you end up having a problem with your appliance down the road.

Taxes

It is possible to pay your taxes with a credit card, though there are very few ways to do it for free. Depending on where you live and the type of taxes you’re trying to pay, you’ll likely pay a convenience fee of 2% to 3%. Still, depending on what kind of rewards your card earns and your overall financial situation, it can make sense to pay taxes with a credit card.

The Takeaway

Just having a credit card may help build credit some, since your total amount of available credit plays a factor in determining your credit score. But if you’re really looking to build credit, you’ll want to use your credit card, and use it responsibly. Put some of your regular purchases and big-ticket items on your credit card, and make sure to have a plan to pay your statement off in full, each and every month.

Whether you're looking to build credit, apply for a new credit card, or save money with the cards you have, it's important to understand the options that are best for you. Learn more about credit cards by exploring this credit card guide.

FAQ

What is a credit score?

Your credit score is a number that lenders can use to help determine how likely you are to repay your debts and obligations. The higher the credit score, the better, with the maximum credit score being 850.

What items help you build credit?

There are a variety of factors that make up your credit score, including the age and type of credit accounts you have, how much of your available credit you’re using, and your payment history. Responsibly using your credit card and paying off your balance in full and on time, for example, can help to build credit.

What is the fastest way to build up your credit?

There generally are not any magic bullets to build up your credit from scratch fast. That said, one of the best ways to build up your credit is to show a history of reliably paying your bills on-time, each and every month. The longer your track record of using your existing credit responsibly, the better it is for your credit score.

Photo credit: iStock/Tingting Ji

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

Third Party Trademarks: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

SOCC-Q125-019

When people talk about a blocked credit card, they can mean a couple different things. The first is a hold placed on your card for a certain amount of money, such as the security deposit when you rent a car. Or, they could be referring to the card being declined at the point of sale, sometimes as the result of a temporary “freeze” placed on the card due suspected fraudulent activities.

Each of these instances has an effect on how much credit you can access for future purchase — or whether you can use your card in the first place. But fortunately, all of them can be fixed once you know how to unblock a credit card.

What Is a Credit Card Block?

As discussed, a “credit card block” can refer to a couple different types of credit card disruptions:

•   A declined credit card transaction, sometimes caused by a temporary freeze.

•   A hold on credit card funds that will be released, but which locks away a certain amount of your credit in the short term.

As a customer, either of these types of credit card blocks can be frustrating and confusing. Learning what’s behind them makes it easier to solve the problem so your credit card works as expected again.

Recommended: Credit Freeze vs. Credit Lock

How Credit Card Blocks Work

Focusing on credit card “holds” first, these are placed by certain merchants as a kind of insurance policy.

For example, if you’ve ever rented a car, you’ve probably experienced this kind of credit card block. Rental car companies put a hold on your car for the total rental charge, and then some extra — a security deposit that can be used to cover accidental damages, late return fees, or fuel charges.

If you don’t encounter any of those contingencies, the company will only charge the rental cost (which is to say, less than the amount that was placed on hold). But still, the hold amount will impact your total available credit until it’s released, which can sometimes take a few days after the final transaction is processed.

You may also encounter a credit card hold when checking into the hotel room, usually for an amount beyond the reservation price to cover incidentals (hello, minibar). Either way, the good news is that a credit card hold is temporary and will clear on its own once the hold is released.

The other type of credit card block — a declined transaction — may occur for a variety of reasons, which are explored below.

Common Reasons Your Credit Card May Be Blocked

Having a credit card declined is no fun, no matter the circumstances. But understanding the cause can help you unblock your card as quickly as possible.

Here are some of the most common reasons why credit cards get declined.

Incorrect Card Information

These days, most of us type our credit card information into online systems just as often as — if not more often than — we actually swipe plastic. If you’re buying something online, one of the primary reasons a credit card might get declined is because you’ve put in the wrong information. Always take a second look at your card number, billing address, expiration date, and security code to prevent this occurrence.

Expiration

Another common reason for a declined credit card: it’s past its expiration date. It’s wise to regularly take a peek through your wallet and ensure all your cards are still “good.” (Usually, card issuers will send a new one just before your card expires. Always take care to dispose of your old card properly.)

Defense Against Fraud

It’s simultaneously frustrating and awesome to find your credit card unexpectedly blocked as a fraud defense mechanism. While the disruption can catch you by surprise, it’s for good reason.

These temporary blocks are placed when issuers suspect fraudulent credit card activity — which can translate to a declined transaction at a critical time. (These blocks often happen when you’re making a larger-than-usual purchase or traveling overseas.)

The good news? This type of blocked credit card situation can be unblocked with a simple phone call — or for some credit card issuers, even by text message. You may also be able to avoid the problem in the first place by letting your card issuer know your travel plans ahead of time.

Hitting Your Credit Limit

For all but the luckiest and most creditworthy borrowers, credit cards come with a credit limit, which is the maximum amount of money you can borrow using the card. If you’re close to the limit and attempt a transaction that surpasses it, you shouldn’t be surprised if the credit card is declined.

It is possible, however, to ask your credit card issuer for a higher credit limit, especially if you have a good, strong credit history and credit score to bring to the negotiation.

Card Damage

If your card is physically damaged, a card reader may not be able to read it correctly. The good news is that most point-of-sale systems can use either the magnetic strip or the EMV credit card chip, so even if one part of your card is damaged, you may be able to rely on another. And as long as all the information on your credit card is legible, you’ll still be able to use it to make online purchases.

Closed Account

Sometimes, if you don’t use your credit card very often, the issuer may close the account due to inactivity — and it’s very easy to overlook the letter they send to let you know. It’s possible to see a declined transaction if you miss the memo and attempt to use a card that’s attached to a closed account. You may be able to take steps to reopen a closed credit card account.

Slow Payments

Being behind on payments doesn’t just lead to late fees and negative impacts to your credit — it can also lead to your card being blocked from further usage. Paying on time is important for maintaining and building your credit score, as well as for keeping your card usable in the first place.

Recommended: When Are Credit Card Payments Due?

Pros and Cons of Credit Card Blocks

They might seem purely like an annoyance, but there are some benefits of credit card blocks. Here are the pros and cons of blocks on different types of credit cards.

Preventing a Credit Card Block From Your Issuer

Even better than fixing a credit card block after the fact? Preventing it in the first place. Here are a few tips for avoiding this inconvenient scenario:

•   Ensure your credit accounts are open, under their limit, and that your cards have not expired. All of these reasons for blocked credit cards can be avoided by doing some regular financial housekeeping.

•   Make credit card payments on time. Along with keeping your card usable, this step is critical for ensuring the health of your credit score.

•   If you’re planning to travel overseas or make a big purchase, let your card issuer know ahead of time. Many credit card issuers make it easy to set travel dates and locations online, sometimes without even placing a phone call. But even waiting through a phone tree is better than facing a declined card in a foreign country.

Recommended: Does Applying For a Credit Card Hurt Your Credit Score?

Tips for Unblocking a Blocked Credit Card

Already experiencing a credit card block? Here’s how to get it sorted as quickly as possible.

•   Communicate with your credit card issuer. If you’re still not sure exactly what’s causing the credit card block, calling or chatting online with the card company can be the best way to get the scoop — and fast.

•   Make a payment. If your card is being blocked because of late payments, you’ll need to catch up with what you already owe before borrowing more.

•   Double-check your card information. If you’re having issues getting a card to go through online, ensure you’ve typed all of your card information and personal contact information correctly.

The Takeaway

There are a few different types of credit card blocks to look out for — but many of them are temporary, and all of them can be fixed with the right attention and effort. You can also often avoid a credit card block in the first place by communicating with your card issuer ahead of travel or major purchases.

Whether you're looking to build credit, apply for a new credit card, or save money with the cards you have, it's important to understand the options that are best for you. Learn more about credit cards by exploring this credit card guide.

FAQ

Can I stop a payment on my blocked credit card?

If you need to stop a payment on your credit card, whether it’s blocked or not, the first step is to reach out to the issuer. Let them know which transaction you want to stop and why. You may also be able to ask the vendor itself to stop or reverse the transaction.

How long is a credit card blocked for?

The length of a credit card block will depend on why it’s blocked in the first place. For example, if your issuer has locked your card due to late payments, you likely won’t be able to make any more transactions until you pay the minimum due. But if your credit card is locked due to suspected fraudulent activity, you may be able to get it unlocked as soon as you respond to the issuer’s email or text message.

Can charges be deducted from a blocked credit card?

If a temporary hold is placed on your credit card, you should still be able to make additional charges up to the credit limit. If you’re close to the limit, however, a hold may lead to a declined transaction.

Do payments stop when a credit card is blocked?

Unless you are otherwise informed by your credit card issuer, you should always make payments on time and in at least the minimum amount due — whether or not you’re experiencing a credit card block.

How long does it take to reactivate a blocked card?

Once you’ve resolved the issue that caused the card block in the first place, your credit card should be reactivated quickly, perhaps within minutes.

Photo credit: iStock/Daniel de la Hoz

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

Third Party Trademarks: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

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Credit allows you to borrow money to access money, goods, or services, with the expectation that you’ll later pay back the amount you borrowed. This could come in handy if you want to make a purchase that you can’t immediately pay for, such as taking out a mortgage to buy a home or an auto loan to cover your car purchase.

However, credit is only extended based on the lender’s confidence that the borrower will repay them. Those who have good credit are viewed as more likely to fulfill their debt obligations, and thus are more likely to get approved for credit opportunities and secure better terms. This is why building and improving credit is important — it can open up doors in your financial future.

What Is Credit?

The meaning of credit boils down to a contractual agreement: If a lump sum of money or something of value is borrowed, the borrower agrees to pay it back in full at a later date, along with any applicable fees and interest. Credit can take a number of different forms, from a credit card to a mortgage to an auto loan to student loans.

When you have good credit, that means you’ve established a track record of paying your debt on time and within the agreed-upon conditions. If you’re deemed creditworthy, meaning less of a risk to lenders, you’ll have an easier time in the future borrowing money, at more favorable terms and rates.

On the flipside, if you’ve had trouble paying back money you borrowed or staying on top of payments, you’ll have a not-so-great credit score. In turn, lenders, creditors, and merchants will be less inclined to loan you money or extend a line of credit due to your higher perceived credit risk.

Recommended: When Are Credit Card Payments Due?

Why Do You Need Credit?

In an ideal world, you’d have all the cash on hand needed to get those big-ticket items, like a house or a new car, or to fund your child’s college education. But in reality, you might need to borrow money to make those purchases, which is where credit can come into play.

Credit can help you reach your long-term goals and lead to greater opportunities. For instance, a student loan can help you obtain a higher education, which can be your ticket to higher-paying jobs. Or a mortgage could make it possible for you to become a homeowner.

Additionally, credit can offer various protections and perks that you might not get with other payment methods. For instance, with some of the different kinds of credit cards available, you can enjoy benefits like purchase protection and also earn rewards on your purchases.

Types of Credit

While not the only types, two of the main types of credit are installment credit and revolving credit. Both installment and revolving credit come with interest rates, potential fees, and repayment terms.

Installment Credit

Installment credit is a type of credit where you receive a lump sum upfront that you then pay back in fixed amounts over time, usually with interest. Examples of installment credit include personal loans, car loans, and mortgages.

Revolving Credit

Revolving credit allows you to borrow as much or as little money as you need up to your credit limit. Once you repay your balance, you can borrow that amount again. While you have to at least make a minimum payment each month, you can carry over your balance onto the next month.

Types of revolving credit include credit cards and home equity lines of credit (HELOC).

Tips for Building Your Credit

When working to build credit from scratch, here are some tips to keep in mind.

Make On-Time Payments

Since payment history makes up 35% of your credit score, you’ll want to prioritize staying on top of your payments. Ideally, you’d pay off your full balance each month, but make sure you’re at least making the minimum payment to avoid a late fee and negative effects on your credit.

Keep Your Balances Low

Keeping your balances low will make them more manageable to pay off. Plus, it will help you to maintain a lower credit utilization, which is a comparison of your credit card balances against the total credit limit across all of your cards. Credit utilization makes up 30% of your credit score, and a lower credit utilization ratio is generally viewed as more favorable.

Don’t Apply for More Credit Than Necessary

When you apply for a credit card, it results in a hard credit pull, which will usually negatively impact your score by a few to several points for a brief period of time. Further, too many credit applications in a short window of time can raise a red flag for lenders, as you may appear overextended. In turn, you’ll want to apply to cards sparingly, and only those you’re most interested in.

Keep an Eye on Your Credit

Monitoring your credit will help you learn how different financial movements and behaviors affect your credit score. It also will alert you when your score takes a dip, and when it is positively impacted. Plus, it can help you detect suspicious activity. It’s recommended that you check your credit at least once a year, but many people may prefer to do so more frequently, especially if they are, say, planning on applying for a home loan soon.

How Credit Scores Work

Credit scores are calculated using dozens of different scoring models. However, the most widely used scoring models for consumer scores are FICO® and VantageScore.

These scoring models take into account various data that appears in your credit report. This information is compiled by the three major credit bureaus — Experian®, Equifax®, and TransUnion® — and sourced from various creditors who report your borrowing and payment activity.

That information is then distilled into a three-digit number that’s known as your credit score. Interestingly, while everyone’s credit score is based on five main categories of information, how those categories are weighted can vary from person to person. For instance, if you’re just starting to establish credit, your length of credit history will be weighted differently than it would be for someone with a lengthy credit history.

Factors That Affect Your Credit Score

As mentioned, there are five main factors that are considered when determining your credit score. These are:

•   Payment history: Your history of making payments on-time is considered the most important factor in your credit score by FICO®. Even just one missed payment can negatively impact your score. Given the importance of a good credit score, it’s wise to avoid falling behind.

•   Amounts owed: Otherwise known as credit usage, this looks at how much of your total available revolving credit you’re using. It’s recommended to keep this rate at no more than 30% to avoid negative effects, so keep this in mind when using a credit card throughout the month.

•   Length of credit history: How long you’ve had your accounts open is another factor that makes up your credit score. As such, think twice before closing old accounts, even if you’re not using them that often.

•   Credit mix: A diverse mix of credit — credit cards, auto or personal loans, mortgage — can help your score. Lenders want to see how well you can manage a wide range of credit products.

•   New credit: This is the number of new credit accounts you’ve applied for and recently opened. Remember, an application leads to a hard inquiry, which will temporarily lower your credit score. Numerous applications at once can signal increased risk to lenders.

How to Check Your Credit Score

You can check your credit score in a few different ways:

•   At AnnualCreditReport.com, where you can access a free report at least once a year

•   By signing up for a free credit monitoring service

•   Through a credit card issuer, lender, or money management app

•   With a nonprofit credit counselor

With any of the above options, just make sure to note the terms before requesting your score — there’s no need to pay for information you can get for free.

Calculating Your Credit Score

Credit scores generally range from 300 to 850, though someone’s starting credit score isn’t necessarily at the lowest end (nor will it be zero). While exact intervals can vary a bit depending on the scoring model, here’s a look at how FICO® breaks down the credit score ranges:

•   Poor: 300 to 579

•   Fair: 580 to 669

•   Good: 670 to 739

•   Very good: 740 to 799

•   Exceptional (or Excellent): 800 to 850

As mentioned, five factors are taken into account when calculating your credit score: payment history, amounts owed, length of credit history, credit mix, and new credit.

When it comes to how exactly your score is calculated, it gets a bit complex. Consumer scoring models, such as FICO® and VantageScore, use statistical analysis methods to find patterns of behavior that are linked to your perceived ability to pay back your loans.

The Takeaway

Credit is important in your life as a consumer. It can help you make purchases you wouldn’t be able to, opening doors to new financial opportunities. Further, having a strong credit can save you in interest and fees and make it more likely that you’ll get approved for more competitive credit opportunities.

Whether you're looking to build credit, apply for a new credit card, or save money with the cards you have, it's important to understand the options that are best for you. Learn more about credit cards by exploring this credit card guide.

FAQ

What is a simple definition of credit?

Credit is the agreement under which someone borrows money to access goods and services, with the expectation that they’ll then pay back the amount borrowed in full, along with any applicable interest charges or fees.

What is the difference between credit and debit?

With debit, the money spent is deducted from existing funds you have in an account. Credit, on the other hand, allows you to borrow money that you’ll repay at a later date.

How do I get to know my credit score?

You can check your credit score in a number of ways, including a free credit scoring website, through your credit card issuer or lender, or by visiting a nonprofit credit counselor.

Photo credit: iStock/tommaso79

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.
Third Party Trademarks: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

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