Rush Card Reviews
Подарък иконаThe RushCard is a prepaid Visa debit card, which was launched in 2003 by Russell Simmons. Essentially, it is a credit card that is prepaid, meaning you have to load the money onto the account yourself before using it to spend. In order to feel the benefit of the card, bills need to be paid with it. Simple bills such as rent, utilities, phone, etc. These bills are pretty much a necessity of living. The special thing about the RushCard is that it reports to an alternative credit reporting agency, so it can have a record of your good payment history on file somewhere. Still, most lenders only use reports by the three major credit agencies, Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. But for those that cannot qualify for a loan anywhere, a report to an alternative credit reporting agency is better than nothing at all.
Russell Simmons says that his true intention of the RushCard was to help those who have a bad credit history, and no way to get any type of loan. Instead of just issuing a regular prepaid card, this card can help that person get some kind of good credit record so in the future; they would be able to get a regular checking account at a bank or a regular credit card.
Now for the fees, which are quite expensive. The monthly plan for the card is $9.95 per month, and there is a one-time activation fee of $3.95 to $14.95 (depending on what type of card you choose). There is also a $2.50 ATM withdrawal fee (you get two free withdrawals per month only). Though the fees are a lot, for someone who does not have another opportunity, it can work to their advantage. But this card is only meant to be for a short term period, and should be used accordingly. The short term goal should be to get a normal bank checking account first, and work towards a normal credit card after that step is achieved.
There are several opinions on these types of prepaid cards, some good and some bad on both sides. For those people that have no alternatives, it can be a great stepping stone. But for those that have an alternative, a secured credit card, which is a credit card that requires a security deposit, might work better.