HouseholdBank.com formerly offered credit cards associated with HSBC. Card delivery times, eligibility rules, and exact issuer/servicer relationships may have changed - verify current details. Secured cards require a cash deposit and help build credit when issuers report to credit bureaus. Electronic PDF statements are standard and readable in modern browsers. Many cards use variable APRs tied to a published prime-rate index; check your card agreement for the index and margins. Modern site security relies on TLS, firewalls, MFA, and card-level protections like EMV and tokenization.
Overview
HouseholdBank.com historically offered consumer credit cards and related online services. In mid-2000s the Household Bank card program was linked to HSBC; if you're looking at older references, verify the current issuer and servicer before applying.
Credit cards and delivery
After approval many card issuers mail a physical card within a week or two, but delivery timing varies by issuer and method. If you need a card sooner, check issuer communications and shipping options. 1
Who can apply
Credit-card eligibility rules depend on the issuing bank. Some issuers accept U.S. citizens and lawful U.S. residents age 18 and older; others have additional requirements. Don't assume citizenship is mandatory - confirm the issuer's current policy. 2
Secured credit cards: how they work
A secured card works like an unsecured card but requires a cash deposit held as collateral. The deposit commonly sets your credit limit (for example, a $300 deposit often yields a $300 limit), though exact terms differ by issuer.
Secured cards are designed to help people establish or rebuild credit because most issuers report payment history to the major credit bureaus. On-time payments and responsible use can improve your credit score over time.
Online statements and PDFs
Most banks now offer electronic statements that match mailed paper statements and are available as downloadable PDFs. Modern browsers can open PDF statements directly; a separate PDF reader (like Adobe Reader) is usually optional.
Online statements typically include a monthly summary of transactions, payments, fees, and interest charges. Review statements promptly and keep copies for your records.
Rates and the "prime rate"
Many credit-card APRs are variable and tied to an index plus a margin. U.S. credit cards commonly reference the prime rate published by The Wall Street Journal as their index, but the exact index and margin are specified in cardholder agreements. Confirm the issuer's current index and the frequency of rate adjustments. 3
Website and account security (updated)
Banking sites now use HTTPS with modern TLS encryption (TLS 1.2 or 1.3) rather than the older SSL protocol. Additional protections include firewalls, intrusion monitoring, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and device- or session-based fraud detection.
For cards themselves, EMV chip technology and tokenization for mobile wallets add security for in-person and digital payments. Always use strong, unique passwords and enable MFA where available.
- Confirm whether HouseholdBank.com currently offers credit cards and identify the current issuer and servicer for any active HouseholdBank-branded cards.
- Verify typical card delivery times for the current HouseholdBank (or successor) issuer and whether a 7-10 day window applies.
- Check the issuer's eligibility rules (citizenship, residency, age) for the specific HouseholdBank or successor card product.
- Confirm the exact index used for variable-rate calculations (for example, the prime rate source) in the current cardholder agreement.