A recent study revealed that 14% of Americans struggle to get a credit card, impeding their credit improvement efforts. Personal finance expert Sara Rathner recommends considering a secured credit card for those facing this hurdle, especially if they have bad credit or are new to building credit. Secured credit cards require an upfront cash deposit that serves as the credit limit, making them more accessible since they present less risk to creditors. Rathner encourages individuals not to let their credit score define their self-worth and reminds them that credit rebuilding is a gradual process. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers free resources to help build credit scores.
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