KNOW ABOUT CREDIT CARD

What do you mean by a ‘secured credit card’?

2009-04-02T22:40:00.008+06:00

Secured credit cards are another very popular breed of credit cards. Secured credit cards, as their name suggests, are secured. Well, they are secured for the credit card supplier, really. Secured credit cards require you to open an account with the credit card supplier and maintain some cash balance in that account. This cash balance acts as a security for the supplier of secured credit card. Your credit limit is dependent on the amount you hold in the account that you have started with the supplier of secured credit card. This is generally between 50 to 100% of your account balance. So in that sense, secured credit cards are not really credit cards (since they don’t offer you any credit really). For this reason, the secured credit cards are sometimes also referred as debit cards.

Why is the concept of secured credit cards so important?

As we know, credit card debt is a raging problem which is caused by improper usage of credit cards. Such people end up spoiling their credit rating to an extent where they cannot get another unsecured credit card (that is what we call the commonly used credit cards). Even after they have paid off their dues and cleared their debt, their credit rating still haunts them. For such people, secured credit cards are a boon. Secured credit cards present them with an opportunity to not only get a credit card in the first place but also to improve their credit rating by using the secured credit card in a disciplined way (paying their dues in time, controlled spending, utilizing a maximum of 70% credit limit etc etc). As they continue with these good habits, their credit rating gradually improves over a period of time. Hence secured credit cards provide them with the means of rectifying their mistakes (credit rating).

It’s not just the people with bad credit rating who go for secured credit cards. Some people go for secured credit cards because they don’t want to bother themselves with the bills etc for credit cards. They don’t like to even fill-up application forms for unsecured credit cards.

Then there are some who just don’t like to borrow money (even if it means borrowing from a credit card supplier by using their credit card). However, such people are very rare to find.

Some people just go for secured credit cards because they have heard a lot of horrifying stories on credit card debt – maybe someone from their family or one of their friends was devastated by credit card debt and they don’t want to repeat the mistake. So they decide to go for a secured credit card.

Whatever be the reason for going for it, the secured credit cards are surely popular too.

Credit card anyone?

2009-04-02T22:40:00.006+06:00

The emergence of electronic age made almost everything possible to people. Determining and curing terminal diseases made convenient, reaching uncharted territories became a possibility, and most of all; everyday life of people is made easy by the technology. We now have more convenient stores, easier means of transportation and a variety of gadgets that makes work and pleasure almost effortless.

When it comes to finances, technology—through efficient banking system and services—has given people better alternatives and options how to manage their finances. Among the so many financial management schemes that emerged, one alternative stands out among the rest—the credit card.

Credit card, especially to working people and those who live very busy lives, has become an ultimate financial “savior.” More than just being a status symbol or an add-on to expensive purses and wallets, credit card has revolutionized the way people spend their money.

But, more than the glamour and the convenience credit card brings, there is much more to this card than most people could ever imagine.

Credit Card 101
Before indulging much into the never-ending list of the advantages and disadvantages of having a credit card, it is very important for people to first have a brief realization of what credit card really is in order for them to maximize its potentials.

In layman’s terms, credit card is a card that allows a person to make purchases up to the limit set by the card issuer. One must then pay off the balance in installments with interest payments. Usually, credit card payment per month ranges from the minimum amount set by the bank to entire outstanding balance. And since it is a form of business, the longer the credit card holder wait to pay off his or her entire amount, the more interest pile up.

Since having a credit card is a responsibility, only those people who are of legal age and have the capability to pay off the amount they are going to spend through their credit card, is allowed to have one. Actually, most of the adults in the U.S. use credit card because this is very convenient compared to carrying cash or checks every time they have to purchase something.

It is also equally important to be familiar with the different types of credit cards before you begin to build up credit card balances and to avoid having a nightmare of debt. Since credit cards are indispensable to most consumers, it is a must that they understand the types of card that include charge cards, bankcards, retail cards, gold cards and secured cards. All of these types come in one of two interest rate options—the fixed and variable. Actually, it doesn’t really matter if you decide to have a fixed-rate credit card because the interest rate remains the same. Compared to variable rate cards where rate may be subject to change depends upon the credit card issuer’s discretion, fixed-rate carry higher interest rates. Basically, credit card grantors issue three types of accounts with basic account agreements like the “revolving agreement” a.k.a. Typical Credit Card Account which allows the payer to pay in full monthly or prefer to have partial payments based on outstanding balance. While the Charge Agreement requires the payer to pay the full balance monthly so they won’t have to pay the interest charges, the Installment Agreement, on the other hand, asks the payer to sign a contract to repay a fixed amount of credit in equal payments in definite period of time. Another category of credit card accounts includes the individual and joint accounts where the former asks the individual alone to repay the debt while the latter requires the partners responsible to pay. The common types of credit cards available through banks and other financial institutions also include Standard Credit Cards like Balance Transfer Credit Cards and Low Interest Credit Cards; Credit Cards with Rewards Programs like Airline Miles Credit Cards, Cash Back Credit Cards and Rewards Credit Cards; Credit Cards for Bad Credit like Secured Credit Cards and Prepaid Debit Cards; and Specialty Credit Cards like Business Credit Cards and Student Credit Cards.

Now that you have an idea how many types of credit card there is, it is now time to review your goals before applying for one. Some of the things you should consider is how will you spend with the credit card monthly, if you plan to carry a balance at the end of the month, how much are you willing to pay in annual fees, if you have a strong credit history and is does your credit in need of rehabilitation. Once you have an idea of what you are looking for choose the right credit card for you by researching the information you need that will fit your basic needs. You may also review the credit cards you’ve research and compare them.

Shopping for a credit card?
Regardless of the type of credit card you choose, be sure to discuss your specific financial needs with your financial advisor or accountant before applying for any credit card. It is a must that you understand the benefits of having a credit card like safety, valuable consumer protections under the law, and the accessibility and availability of services. The most popular credit cards include Chase Manhattan Bank, Citibank, Bank of America, BankOne, American Express, Discover® Card, First Premier Bank, Advanta, HSBC Bank, and MasterCard Credit Cards.

Although having a credit card is synonymous to invincibility, this may also trigger a person’s thirst for material things and may lead into the temptation of buying something they don’t really need. A credit card bearer should always have in min that having a credit card is a big responsibility. If they don’t use it carefully, these may owe more than they can repay. It can also damage their credit report, and create credit problems that are quite difficult to repair.

9 steps to tackle credit card debt problem

2009-04-02T22:40:00.004+06:00

Looking for a solution to your Credit card debt problem?

First of all, you can take comfort in the fact that you are not the only one fighting the credit card debt problem. There are hordes of people who might have an even worse credit card debt problem compared to you; all of them seeking to eliminate the credit card debt problem. So what is the solution to credit card debt problem?

Well, the solution really is to smash the credit card debt problem with full force and eliminate it completely. Now how do you do that?

There are many ways in which you can tackle credit card debt problem. Different people suggest different ways of tackling credit card debt problem. However, here is a simple step by step account of what you can do to get rid of credit card debt problem.
1. Take stock of the situation i.e. draw up a table with the following fields – Credit card name, balance, payment due day (the day of the month by which you are required to make payment of your credit card bill), APR, reward points earned, redemption offers applicable for your reward points balance, remarks.
2. Fill the table up with data from your various credit cards.
3. Figure out which credit card is contributing the most to the credit card debt problem i.e. highest APR and highest balance.
4. Check if reward points can be used to make partial payments or cover any kind of fees or if the points can be bartered for something you need (spending less means preventing the credit card debt problem from getting worse).
5. Draw a comparison table of offers available for eliminating credit card debt problem (i.e. consolidating credit card debt).
6. First eliminate debt on the credit card that is contributing the most to the credit card debt problem.
7. Practice controlled and healthy spending habits (after all you are looking to get rid of credit card debt problem and not aggravate the credit card debt problem).
8. Look for alternative means of adding to your income (more money means earlier termination of credit card debt problem)
9. See your debt reduce with time and celebrate the day when you finally put an end to your credit card debt problem.

Remember this is just one of the ways of tackling credit card debt problem; you might devise your approach for doing away with credit card debt problem. Any and every approach is good if it fulfils the objective i.e. eliminates credit card debt problem.

The benefits from Credit card debt consolidation

2009-04-02T22:40:00.002+06:00

‘Credit card debt consolidation’ seems to be the most talked-about term in the world of credit cards. It’s true that credit cards have been very useful and convenient for us and we, in fact, treat the credit cards as a necessity. However, with every good you have evil too. In the world of credit cards, ‘Credit card debt’ is that evil and ‘Credit card debt consolidation’ is often regarded as a medicine for treating credit card debt.

Anyone who has read any newspaper articles on ‘Credit card debt’ would already know what credit card debt consolidation is. However, just for the benefit of others, credit card debt consolidation, in simple terms, is the process of consolidating debt which you hold on various high APR credit cards onto just one low APR credit card. Thus, the main benefit of credit card debt consolodation is realised in terms of APR reduction (and hence reduction in credit card debt growth rate). This is touted as the most important benefit (and sometimes the sole benefit) from credit card debt consolidation. However, credit card debt consolidation comes with few more benefits as well. Some of these credit card debt consolodation benefits are widely publicized by the credit card suppliers and some not so much:

1. Initial APR: As mentioned above, lower APR is the biggest benefit from credit card debt consolation. Since credit card debt consolidation is used by credit card suppliers as a tool to attract consumers, they generally offer a 0% APR for a initial period of 6-9 months of you joining their credit card debt consolidation programme i.e. first few months after you get the new credit card.

2. Standard APR: Lower standard APR (i.e. the long term APR) is the other important benefit from credit card debt consolodation. Though not all credit card suppliers offer a lower standard APR with credit card debt consolodation some do design credit card debt consolodation programmes with good standard APR. These credit card debt consolodation programmes offer a trade-off between initial and standard APR rates.

3. 0% on purchases: This is another common benefit from credit card debt consolodation. The 0% interest (or some lower percentage) on purchases is offered as an incentive for credit card debt consolodation. This credit card debt consolodation benefit is again applicable only for a short initial period.

4. Easy management: This credit card debt consolodation benefit is not as discussed as others. However, one benefit of credit card debt consolodation (from multiple to single credit card) is the fact that you need to track and manage a lesser number of credit cards.

5. Other benefits: The credit card debt consolodation exercise might bring you some more benefits in terms of rebates, discounts and reward points (especially if you move to a co-branded card as part of credit card debt consolodation)

Low Interest vs. Cash Back: Credit Card Questions Answered

2009-03-30T19:53:00.002+06:00

Ahh, credit cards. All those offers, tons of fine print... what does it all mean? Whether you're applying for your first credit card or are a long-time cardholder investigating alternate options, it's wise to get the facts before moving ahead with a new plan of action. Read on for anwers to commonly asked questions.

What's a low interest credit card?

A low interest credit card offers reduced APR (annual percentage rate) for cardholders with an excellent payment history. If you consistently pay your total monthly balance, or if you at least pay the minimum payment due on time, you may be eligible for a low interest credit card. Look into money-saving options with a low interest credit card!

Exactly how low are we talking?

First-time credit card holders may be required to pay anywhere from 17.999%-23.99% interest on your balance per month. If you've maintained good standing with your credit card company for at least a year, you may be able to have your interest lowered to 12.9% or even 10.24%. Click here to view the many Low Interest Credit Card Offers currently available.

Are the offers for 0% APR too good to be true?

0% APR Credit Card Offers are real and legitimate promotions that can save you a ton of cash in the long run. All it takes is a balance transfer from your existing credit card. Depending on the promotional details, you can enjoy exceptionally low rates for as long as a full year. Smart consumers know that offers like these are a great way to start chipping away at that outstanding debt and get back on track toward financial freedom!

What's a cash back credit card?

A cash back credit card affords solid value to cardholders who pay their balance every month. Interest rates are typically the highest, but that's not a concern for a customer who incurs little or no debt. With this type of credit card, you'll earn rebate dollars which arrive in the form of mailed checks. Free money back on purchases you'd be making anyway... now that's a wise move.
How much money can I earn with a cash back card?
For every supermarket, gas station or drugstore purchase, typical cash back credit cards reward 5%. For most other purchases, 1% is given. To put this in perspective: if you spend $2,000 on merchandise that yields a 5% return, you'll earn $100 cash back.

When can I expect to be paid?

Credit card companies have now put the ownes on their customers to request payouts for cash rebates. So make that call or put in that online request during the time that the card is active, and reap the rewards of a credit card that just keeps on giving. No matter which offer you're considering, read the Terms and Conditions and keep a copy of this information handy. This way, you can take advantage of every opportunity to save money while building your credit. Before you know it, you'll be making informed credit card decisions with confidence!

Financing with Business Credit Cards

2009-03-30T19:30:00.008+06:00

You've heard the saying, "You've got to spend money to make money!" This couldn't be more true, especially in business. If you want to grow your business, you're going to need a source of funds and access to cash flow - particularly when things are moving slowly.

At one time, owners of businesses had to get business credit against the things that they owned personally and based on their personal credit score. This is a major liability because if your business doesn't make it, you could lose your personal assets, too! Thankfully, there are now ways to obtain business credit that is not just an extension of what you owe personally.

If you set the business up as an official entity- separate from yourself, you can apply for various business funding, including loans or credit cards. When a business is just starting out, it hasn't had the opportunity to establish it's own credit rating yet and so lenders will have to use your personal credit report to determine the level of risk in lending to a business you own. What happens if your personal credit score is not-so-good?

You can take some steps to increase your chances of getting a business credit card (or some other form of business funding) by doing the following:
• Take steps to increase your personal score. Before you go any further looking for business credit cards or other sources of funding, do you know what your score is? Is your credit score below 640? If it is, it is recommended that you attempt to increase the score first. Often, making all of your payments on time for 3 consecutive months will pull your score up 2 to 4 points. Check with a financial advisor for some ways of increasing your credit score as it will only serve to help you personally as well as in business.
• Create an LLC or Corporation. This type of business structure automatically means the business is separate, and not just an extension of you. If you are operating a business under your name, and have not filed any official paperwork with the government or with lawyers and accountants- your business finances are no different than your personal finances.
• Have a physical address. Believe it or not, using a PO Box can hinder your ability to get a business credit card or loan! If you operate out of your home, you might consider getting a business mailbox from Mailboxes Etc, or UPS, as both offer a physical mailing address rather than a PO Box. Having a business phone line also will increase the way the business is looked at by lenders, and ensures the business is reachable.

If you are still unable to obtain business credit cards or financing on your first try, perhaps you know someone with a strong credit rating who would be willing to co-sign an application for you. You may not be able to have a business application for credit co-signed, but you can as an individual. Get a credit card in your name and then use it only for the business. Be sure to make the payments on time, and keep the balance manageable. Over time, you'll build up your personal credit score, which is seen as a boost for the business validity- and eventually you'll be able to obtain funding and credit cards under the business name.

Getting business credit cards and financing is a necessity that all businesses will face from time to time. There is a need for cash flow in order to grow and increase the business. With some careful planning and preparation, most businesses will be approved for a business credit card even if the owner has personal credit that is slightly less-than-perfect.

Glossary of Credit Card Terms

2009-03-30T19:30:00.005+06:00

Credit card issuers are required by law to disclose certain key information to consumers. These terms are important when you want to compare credit card plans between several credit card companies. Here are some of the more important credit card terms:
APR: (Annual percentage rate) for purchases: The annual percentage rate (as a percent, divide by 12 to get monthly rate) you will be charged if you carry a balance month-to-month. If your card has an introductory rate, you will see both the introductory rate and the rate that will apply after the introductory rate expires. A credit card may have several different APR’s, many introductory plans have 0 APR credit cards.
Other APR’s: These APR’s are charged if you get a cash advance on your card, transfer a balance from another card, or are late making a payment. Additional information may be posted as a footnote, for example, if you make two consecutive payments late the credit card company may change the APR to a higher rate.
Grace period for repayment of balances (or) purchases: The number of days you’ll have to pay your credit card bill in full without triggering a finance charge. The grace period usually only applies to any new purchases you have made. Most credit cards do not offer grace periods for cash advances or balance transfers; interest charges start right away.
Method of computing the balance (or) purchases: This is your average daily balance calculated over the billing period. If you carry an outstanding balance this is your daily balance that will apply to the finance charge. The amount usually depends upon your outstanding balance and the credit card’s current APR.
Annual fee: This is the charge a credit card company imposes for using the card for a 12-month period. Other fees may also apply, such as:
*Cash advance fee: Charged when you use the card to get cash. This may be a flat fee or a percentage of the cash advance, and sometimes both.
*Balance transfer fee: When you transfer a balance from one card to the next, usually by using the ‘convenience’ checks credit cards send you. This is usually a flat fee or processing fee.
*Late payment fee: Charged if the payment is received late. (Be sure to check out the credit card’s online payment system; this feature can save a hefty late payment charge on your account).
*Over-the-credit-limit-fee: This charge is triggered if you exceed your credit limit. (Most checkout counters with swipe authorizations will not allow you to exceed your credit card limit. Be careful when using those ‘convenience checks’ to make purchases, or snail mail purchases).
*Credit-limit-increase-fee: Charged by some credit card companies if you request an increase in your credit limit.
*Returned items fee: This is basically a returned check fee (for non-sufficient funds).
*Other fees regarding online payment: Some credit card companies charge a processing fee if you pay online or by phone. Be sure to check out the payment options that the credit card company offers you.
Minimum finance charge: The minimum finance charge you ‘ll have to pay during a billing cycle (usually 30 days). A minimum finance charge usually occurs only when a finance charge is imposed, such as when you carry over a balance from a previous month. You will be charged the minimum even if the amount of your finance charge is less. For example, your finance charge may be calculated to be 35 cents, but if the company’s minimum finance charge is $1.00, you’ll still be charged $1.00.
Know what your options are with your credit cards. Reading the fine print may be a headache at first, but it will save you money and worry later.

Five Factors to Consider When Selecting a Personal Credit Card

2009-03-30T19:30:00.003+06:00

Nowadays many credit card companies offer perks to lure new customers ranging from introductory offers with zero percent interest for transferred balances, Reward Programs offering airline mileage and cash back, and discount programs with select merchants. While these offers may be very enticing, there are five key factors, none of which include perks, that you should consider when choosing a credit card.

FEES
One of the first factors to consider when selecting a credit card is the number of fees associated with using the card and the totality of all of them if incurred. Companies can charge a variety of fees with the most common being annual, closure, over-the-limit and late fees. Because, not all companies charge the same fees and the level of the fees can also differ, it is important to read all of the fine print and details that accompany any credit card offer.

Annual Fee
An annual fee is a membership or participation fee that is charged for having a card. An annual fee can range from $25 to $50.

Closure Fee
Some companies also charge a closure fee when an account is closed. This fee also falls within the $25 to $50 range.

Over-the-Limit Fee
An over the limit fee is assessed when the sum of your purchases and fees exceed the amount of credit you have available for new charges. Generally speaking, this fee is around $25.

Late Fee
Late fees are charged when payments are past due. Some companies assess late fees as early as one day after the payment due date. Late payments can also trigger an increase in your annual percentage rate.

ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE
The annual percentage rate (APR) is by far one of the most important, if not the most important factor to consider when selecting a credit card. The APR, which is stated as a yearly rate, is the interest rate applied to outstanding balances. Low rates are preferable since this means you will be paying less to use a credit card. One single credit card can apply a different APR for balance transfers, cash advances and purchases.

CREDIT LIMIT
You should also consider the level of credit that is being offered when selecting a credit card. A credit limit is the amount of money that is available for purchases, cash advances, balance transfers, fees and finance charges. Credit limits can start as low as $200 for department store credit cards and go into the thousands for major credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) depending on your credit rating and income.

SECURED VERSES UNSECURED CARDS
Another factor to consider when selecting a credit card is whether the card is secured or unsecured. Users of secured credit cards pay a deposit to obtain credit. These offers often appeal to two classes of individuals, those who are very young and are having a difficult time establishing credit and those who have blemishes on their credit reports that prevent them from obtaining unsecured credit. The credit limit for secured credit cards is usually determined by the amount of your deposit.

Unsecured credit cards are by far the most widely held cards and tend to have higher credit limits.

GRACE PERIOD
The final factor to consider, the grace period, is the length of time you have to pay your credit card balance in full without accruing interest charges. The ideal card will have a grace period of 25 days or longer. If you carry a balance from month to month you will pay interest regardless of how many days are in a grace period with only new purchases being exempt for 25 days. The grace period is usually not applicable to cash advances and balance transfers.

PERKS AND REWARDS
While not one of the five key factors, I still felt it necessary to write a blurb on perks. Many credit card companies offer perks as an incentive to lure new customers and reward loyal ones. Perks can include a Rewards Program that awards you with airline mileage and cash back on your purchases. Some cards also offer discounts at select merchants and credit card registration, which protects you if your card is lost or stolen. Unless you are a frequent user of credit, perks should be the last item you consider when selecting a credit card because the biggest payoffs tend to go to the biggest spenders.

Easy Guide To Transferring a Credit Card Balance To a Better Credit Card

2009-03-30T19:27:00.003+06:00

Transferring a high interest credit card balance to one with a better interest rate and/or better overall terms and features is usually a good way to reduce the amount of money you pay back on your existing debt. Depending on the “better” credit card you select, you may also be able to benefit from a rewards program or gain other features you didn't already have – including travel accident insurance coverage or an extended warranty program for new purchases made with the card. There are a few instances when a balance transfer is not the great deal it appears at first glance though, so it's important to do your research before moving your accounts around.

If you want to take advantage of a balance transfer offer, use this guide for a smooth transition from one card to the other, and avoid costly or time consuming mistakes:

Step One: Find a better credit card with a balance transfer offer.

There is no point moving money from one credit card to another unless you are going to benefit from it in some way. Sometimes people are mislead by the introductory rates and promotional offers – so it is important that you dig a little beneath the surface to see what sort of rates you'll be charged once the promotional period ends.

When looking at possible cards to replace your existing credit card, make sure you find out the following information in order to make an accurate comparison between your existing card and the new card:

What is the introductory rate and when does it end? Does the introductory rate apply to new purchases only? Does it apply to balance transfers? What is the cards APR (annual percentage rate) once the introductory offer is over? Does the card have an annual fee? How much is it?

This is an important consideration when looking at a card to move your existing balances to - What does the card charge for a balance transfer fee? Many cards charge 3-4% fees for transferring balances. If you've got a $4,000 balance on your card that you're moving to a new card, you're looking at a fee between $120 and $160 just to move the balance. If you're going to pay a balance transfer fee, you're going to need to save a whole lot of money in interest over the life of the balance on the new card in order to make that fee worth it.

Step Two: What are your chances of getting approved for the new card?

Just because a credit card offers a 0% or 2% interest rate on balance transfers does not mean that you will be approved for that offer. Cards always put their best foot forward; but sometimes people are approved for the cards under different terms, based on their credit scores and payment histories. Take a close look, because often the credit card you apply for will tell you that if you don't qualify for the terms of the offer they will issue you a credit card with higher interest rates or different overall terms. If this happens, will the higher rates be beneficial to you, or will you just end up with a second credit card that charges a fortune in fees and interest and the temptation to spend more because you have a new credit line available?

Step Three: Apply

If you find a card with a great offer that you've compared closely to your existing card and feel that you will save money through the new, lower interest rate and/or through the rewards program the new card offers – AND you've considered your realistic chance of being approved for that card and all seems ready to go; it's time to apply.

When applying for the new card, make sure to fill out the balance transfer portion at the time of application. The reason for this is sometimes the balance transfer offers are only good for immediate balance transfers that occur at the time of account opening. Balance transfers that are initiated later may be considered a cash advance and do not enjoy the same promotional terms your initial transfers do.

Step Four: Stop Using Old Card

If you've transferred the balance to a new and improved credit card, stop using your old credit card. Cut it up or put it away so you aren't tempted to charge on it. If you transfer the balance and then continue to use your old card, you've completely defeated the purpose of moving the money and now have TWO credit cards to pay off!

By- Debbie Dragon

Is it ok to apply online for credit card?

2009-03-25T23:19:00.013+06:00

With the fast pace of our everyday lives, we don’t have time for anything really. This is where the combined power of commerce and technology comes in. The capability to apply online for a credit card is one such example. Yes, you can apply online for a credit card. The revolution behind providing you with the ability to ‘apply online for credit card’ is called ‘internet’. You can not only apply online for credit card but also use your credit card to do online shopping (and get the goods delivered to your door at no extra cost compared to the local store).

So, it is possible to apply online for a credit card. To apply online for credit card, you just have to fill-in an application form that is presented to you on the website of the credit card supplier (who provides the capability to apply online for credit card). This application form is very similar to the one you would have filled-in in person – the details asked are same and the processing of the application is same too. You will find that a lot credit card companies encourage you to apply online for credit card. This is because they save on the costs related to salary of representatives, paper, etc. Moreover, when you apply online for credit card, your details can smoothly flow into the database of the credit card supplier i.e. the manual intervention is minimal when you apply online for credit card. This will in turn lead to faster processing of your application. Though it is not necessarily true, if you apply online for credit card, your credit card might reach you much faster. Moreover, if you apply online for credit card, you save on all the time and hassle associated with approaching a credit card company etc etc. You can compare the credit cards (again online) before you apply online for credit card.

Some people don’t like to apply online for credit card. The main reason is their discomfort in giving out the personal information online. One quick check, before you apply online for credit card, is to see if the website address of the page (where you are required to enter your details) starts with ‘https’. ‘Https’ indicates that it’s a secure website (you might also check if the security certificate is provided by a reputed organisation e.g. Verisign). If you don’t see an https, you should not apply online for credit card of that company. Besides that, some people don’t apply online for credit card because they are not comfortable in filling up the form all by themselves. In such a case, you might either not apply online for credit card (and apply in person instead); or you might just go through the form, note down your questions/problems and seek the answers by calling the customer service centre of the credit card company.

So, applying online for credit card is surely a good option.

Credit card debt relief

2009-03-25T23:19:00.011+06:00

Credit card debt relief is what every debt-struck credit card holder is looking for. Credit card debt relief is not just about reducing or eliminating credit card debt; credit card debt relief is also about getting de-stressed. Credit card debt relief is about working for oneself and not just for the credit card debt that you have on you. Yes, it’s unfortunate but true. In fact, you can hear statements like “I have got a better job, now I can pack up my credit card debt even faster”. So, in that sense, credit card debt relief is really about getting your life back on the normal track.

The most important credit card debt relief comes in the form of de-stressing you. Everyone knows about the harmful effects of stress; so, if credit card debt relief means postponing your purchases for later, you should do so. There are no goods out there that can give you as much joy as credit card debt relief can. Besides postponing the purchase of your favourite goods, there are few more things that you need to bring into practice in order to get credit card debt relief. Most of these credit card debt relief mechanisms advocate restraint spending e.g. preparing a (tight) monthly budget and sticking to it. Using cash instead of card for making the payments for your purchases is another advice. Debt consolidation is another popular way of getting credit card debt relief. You will find a lot of advice (and you can even hire a consultant) for ways to achieving credit card debt relief. So, there is no dearth of advice on credit card debt relief or credit card debt consolidation or credit card debt elimination. However, what is not so common is the advice on how to act in the post ‘credit card debt relief’ period i.e. after credit card debt elimination. It goes without saying that if you don’t exercise care in the post ‘credit card debt relief’ period, you might again fall a prey to credit card debt. So, if you have been refraining from making purchases, you should not, all of a sudden, start purchasing all those favourite goods that you had been avoiding. The recommended guidelines for post ‘credit card debt relief’ period are not much different from the ones for achieving credit card debt relief. Here are the top 5:
1. Plan your expenses using a monthly budget
2. Do not buy anything that you don’t need
3. Do not go for too many credit cards (just one or two should be sufficient)
4. Always make full payments of your credit card bill and do it before the due date
5. Never use more than 60-70% of the credit limit available to you.

Credit card debt management

2009-03-25T23:19:00.009+06:00

Though a lot of people are comfortable with going forward with credit card debt management all by themselves, not everyone is. There are people who don’t really want to tread into the territory of financial issues (credit card debt management included). Such people generally prefer going to debt assistance companies for advice on credit card debt management or for getting the credit card debt management done through them. However, even before we talk further on this topic of credit card debt management, it’s imperative to understand that any external person or agency can only do a proper credit card debt management for you if you strictly follow the advice/guidelines that they formulate as part of credit card debt management. These credit card debt management guidelines are generally related to controlling your spending (which basically means perseverance and contentment).

Going to a credit card debt management company or a credit card debt management advisor/professional is not meant only for people who are foreign to financial topics but is sometimes fruitful for other people too (who are going with credit card debt management all by themselves). This arises from the fact that these credit card debt management professionals (as any professional) would have more knowledge in that field than anyone else that is not from that field/profession. So, firstly, you wouldn’t know all the tips and tricks that the credit card debt management professional would know (and in fact this is something that you cannot read and learn overnight). And secondly, it will save you a lot of time; because the person who practices credit card debt management as a profession would know about all the latest offers etc that are available in the market e.g. balance transfer offers etc (and hence you don’t need to go looking for all this stuff all by yourself). All in all, a credit card debt management professional can help get you a better deal that might more than compensate for the fee charged by that professional. If you look around you will find that there are hordes of companies and professionals offering credit card debt management services. However, the key here is that you choose someone whose credentials are already established (or who can prove his credentials to you). One good way of selecting a credit card debt management company/ professional is to check with a friend or someone from your family, if they have used any such service in recent times. After all, references are the best way of building trust.

Credit card debt negotiation

2009-03-25T23:19:00.007+06:00

Credit card debt is really a menace and a lot of people are facing it around the globe. Credit card debt consolidation and bank loans are well known as ways of reducing and eliminating credit card debt. In all this confusion, credit card debt negotiation almost gets forgotten.

Well, credit card debt negotiation starts right from your credit accounts where you have the most hard-hitting credit card debt. This means credit card debt negotiation has to be taken up with your current credit providers. Before you misinterpret it, let me clarify that we are not talking about chucking off a portion of your debt through credit card debt negotiation. We are talking primarily about using credit card debt negotiations for getting the APR on your current credit cards reduced to some lower figure. So, credit card debt negotiation is about talking to your current credit card suppliers for informing them about your intention to clear off your credit card debt and using your skills (credit card debt negotiation skills) to agree a lower APR rate with them. Basically, credit card debt negotiation is about asking your current credit card suppliers for help/assistance in clearing off your credit card debt. If credit card debt negotiation is successful, it will save you not only money (due to reduction in APR) but also the hassle that is associated with looking for a new credit card (to transfer balance).

However, if the credit card debt negotiation, with your current credit card supplier, doesn’t yield the desired results, you will have to look for other credit suppliers who can help you in consolidating your debt. Again, you will need your negotiation skills (rather credit card debt negotiation skills) to get a good deal from them. If your credit card debt negotiations work out well, you might be able to get a really low standard APR or you might get a longer term on 0% APR (or you might get both). These are really the most important things and your credit card debt negotiations should concentrate more on these than anything else. The other thing to include on your credit card debt negotiation would be the credit limit and other benefits. Here, you are basically trying out the possibility of getting a better credit card as part of your credit card debt negotiation. For people with really bad credit rating, getting an unsecured bank loan or getting another credit card (for balance transfer) is really difficult. For them, getting an unsecured bank loan or credit card is what you would term as credit card debt negotiation.

So, don’t hesitate in going for credit card debt negotiation. It is surely an option available for all.

A problem called 'Credit Card Debt '

2009-03-21T22:24:00.002+06:00

Credit cards are no more a luxury, they are almost a necessity. So, you would imagine a lot of people going for credit cards. In fact, a lot of people posses more than one credit cards. So, the credit card industry is growing by leaps and bounds. However, the credit card industry and credit card holders are posed with a big problem called ‘Credit Card Debt’. In order to understand what ‘credit card debt’ actually means, we need to understand the workflow associated with the use of credit cards as such.

Credit cards, as the name suggests, are cards on which you can get credit i.e. make borrowings (your credit card debt). Your credit card is a representative of the credit account that you hold with the credit card supplier. Whatever payments you make using your credit card are actually your borrowings that contribute towards your credit card debt. Your total credit card debt is the total amount you owe credit card supplier. You must settle your credit card debt on a monthly basis. So, you receive a monthly statement or your credit card bill which shows your total credit card debt. You must pay off your credit card debt by the payment due date failing which you will incur late fee and interest charges. However, you have the option of making a partial (minimum) payment too, in which case you don’t incur late fee but just the interest charges on your credit card debt. If you don’t pay off your credit card debt in full, the interest charges too get added to it. So your credit card debt keeps on increasing, more so because the interest rates on credit card debt are generally higher than the interest rates on other kind of loans/borrowings. Further, the interest charges add on to your credit card debt each month to form the new balance or the new credit card debt amount. If you continue making partial payments (or no payments) the interest charges are calculated afresh on the new credit card debt. So you end up paying interest on the last month’s interest too. Thus your credit card debt accumulates rapidly and soon you find that what was once a relatively small credit card debt has ballooned into a big amount which you find almost impossible to pay. Moreover, if you don’t still control your spending habits, your credit card debt rises even faster. This is how the vicious circle of credit card debt works.

UK credit cards and balance transfers

2009-03-18T03:50:00.007+06:00

Credit cards are pretty popular and in widespread use in UK. Credit cards are accepted at most shops and other merchant stores/outlets. As in the US, UK credit cards too are on offer from various banks and financial institutions. Again, UK credit cards too offer a number of benefits which vary from one UK credit card to another (though there are a lot of common benefits too which are same across various UK credit cards).

Due to the fierce competition in the UK credit card market, various UK credit card suppliers offer attractive balance transfer schemes too. There are some UK credit cards that offer 0% balance transfer for 9 months and there are others that offer 0% for 6 months. However, the catch here is that these UK card credit suppliers differ on their standard APR rate i.e. the APR rate which comes into effect after the expiry of the introductory 0% balance transfer offer. Further there are some UK credit cards that do not offer a 0% balance transfer but instead offer a better standard rate (APR) throughout. Some UK credit card suppliers combine 0% offers with accrual of points on a rewards programme. Another popular thing among UK credit cards is to combine cash back offers with balance transfers. Then there are some very attractive offers which give 0% not only on balance transfers but also on Purchases (for a short period like 5 month or so). You also have a few UK credit cards that can be procured by people with bad credit history too (of course, the decision on approval of such a credit card application will lie with the credit card supplier).

So what does one do if one wants to transfer balance to another UK credit card. Well, it’s quite simple. You need to take stock of your current financial situation and determine if a period of 6 months or 9 months (or maybe even 12 months) would be sufficient for you to fully payback the dues on your UK credit card. If the answer is in the affirmative, just go ahead for the UK credit card that offers 0% balance transfer for this period (even if the standard APR rate is a bit higher). However, the assumption here is that once you payback the debt on your UK credit card, you will stick to controlled spending and will pay your credit card bills in full amount by the due date for payment; otherwise, the choice of a higher standard APR will hit you very hard and you will be in deeper trouble. However, if you think that 9 months is not sufficient to pay back the debt on your UK credit card, then you should look to strike a balance between the zero APR period and the standard APR rate, and choose a UK credit card which leads to the least total outgo (you will need to sit with a calculator and calculate the total outgo on various UK credit card offers).

This is the most basic aspect that you need to consider before you decide on which UK credit card is the best for transferring balance. Other things like 0% on purchases, reward programmer points etc are secondary things.

All about credit card rate

2009-03-18T03:50:00.005+06:00

What’s the thing that is most prominent on any credit card ad? Well, it’s the credit card rate (or the APR, as we know it). The credit card rate is the most publicized thing in the world of credit cards. A lot of people just compare the credit card rate of various credit cards and just go for the one that is offering the lowest credit card rate (or APR). Credit card rates are, in fact, one of the most important factors in the selection of a credit card (though not the only factor). Therefore, a proper understanding of Credit card rates is even more necessary.

So, what is a credit card rate or APR? Very simply, credit card rate is the rate of interest that the credit card supplier will charge you with on the amount you owe them. The credit card supplier will charge you an interest only if you don’t make full payments in time. When you receive your credit card bill, it specifies the full amount you owe the credit card supplier. It also specifies the minimum payment that you must make (by a particular date), in order to avoid incurring a late fee and other inconvenience. You have the option of making either a full payment or just the minimum payment. If you make a full payment (by the due date), you are not charged any interest. However, if you decide to go with the minimum payment or some amount that is lesser than the full amount, the credit card supplier will charge interest based on the credit card rate and the balance amount. This credit card rate is the interest rate that you agreed with them at the time of applying for the credit card. The credit card rate or the annual percentage rate, as is obvious, is an annual interest rate. The credit card suppliers use this annual credit card rate to calculate the monthly credit card rate and then they calculate the interest on the balance amount that you owe them. The balance amount here is simply = Full amount – (payment made by you). This interest is added to your balance for the next month (at the time of next billing cycle). If you again make a partial payment, the new balance is calculated again and the credit card rate (monthly one) applied to it for calculation of new interest; and it keeps going on and on until you make the full payment.

That’s how credit card rate acts in this vicious circle. Hence, credit card rate is termed as the most important consideration in choosing a credit card.

All about college credit cards

2009-03-18T03:50:00.002+06:00

College credit cards are the credit cards that have been specially designed for college students. College credit cards are more popularly known as student credit cards. College credit cards allow the students to experience the benefits of credit cards much earlier in their life. Through college credit cards, the college students are able to learn more about credit cards and their use. In fact, for most of the students, their college credit card is their first credit card that acts as a gateway to the world of credit cards. Some other students might have previously used supplementary credit cards linked to their father’s credit card account; however, for such students too, their college credit card is the first one that is truly theirs.

College credit cards are not very different from other types of credit cards in the basic sense; they function in the same way as any credit card would. However, there are some differences, which basically arise from the fact that college credit cards are used by people who have no prior experience with credit cards and who perhaps don’t understand the concept of credit cards completely. Hence, the credit card supplier is at risk with issuing credit cards (college credit cards) to such people whom he is not sure about. Most of the students don’t have a credit history either. In such a case, the supplier of college credit card cannot be sure of receiving the credit card bill payments in time (and even receiving them at all). To counter such risks, the supplier of college credit card requires the parent of the student to co-sign the college credit card application form as a guarantee. Moreover, the credit limit on college credit cards is generally around $500-$1000 per month, which is lower than what it is for other credit cards (this credit limit is generally sufficient to fulfil the typical needs of a student). Another risk mitigation instrument used by the college credit card suppliers is the interest rate or APR. The APR on college credit cards is generally higher than that for other credit cards. Again, this is done to dissuade the students from overspending on their college credit card (and finally not being able to pay their credit card bills).
However, if we were to look at these impositions in a positive sense, we would find that these are actually in favour of the student (who is still getting trained to take on the real world of credit cards). Moreover, college credit cards also help the students in establishing a (good) credit history which is another important benefit that becomes handy when the student needs any type of loan at a later stage in his/her life.

So, college credit cards are really something that every student should consider going for.

What do the teen credit card debt statistics tell?

2009-03-18T03:46:00.002+06:00

Well, you don’t really need to look into the teen credit card debt statistics to tell what’s going on. The teen credit card debt statistics would probably look very similar to any other. I think I read somewhere about teen credit card debt statistics and those teen credit card debt statistics indicated that a lot of teens in US had a significant amount of balance on their credit cards; something which they shouldn’t have (considering their limited needs for credit). Though these teen credit card debt statistics would give you a fair idea of how our teens are faring in the world of credit cards it’s really not so important to talk about teen credit card debt statistics as it is to talk about the ways of bettering the teen credit card debt statistics (I mean bettering the teen credit card debt statistics in a positive way).

So how do you better teen credit card debt statistics?

Well, the bettering of teen credit card debt statistics would, as you must have guessed, start with education. This education has to start early in the life of the teens. Here we are not talking about just credit cards related education but the education about managing their finances in general. Teen credit card debt statistics cannot be improved without explaining the actual value of money to the teens (and also teaching them how to use it). So, for bettering teen credit card debt statistics, we need to give them an all round education on managing money and finances. This can start with asking them to maintain a record of their pocket money and how they spend them. Also, engage them into education related to money management (of course, you have to customize the discussion to suit their level of knowledge and maturity). The next step would be to open a bank account for them and teach them the various aspects of managing it. Teach them what debt it and when it is considered bad. Debit card could be the next step for them. Once they start becoming comfortable with doing their bank transactions by themselves, you can get a prepaid credit card for them (something that has a preset limit of $200-250). You could also use a low limit credit card (with $250 credit limit) and teach them how to use it.

Thus you can follow a step-by-step approach to ensure that your teens learn the best practices (and hence you can keep them out of those horrifying teen credit card debt statistics, thereby contributing to bettering the teen credit card debt statistics).

Maximizing the potentials of a low APR credit card

2009-03-13T13:09:00.008+06:00

Indeed, if a credit card is used properly, it can be the most powerful financial tool. But not everybody can afford all the expensive rates of most credit card issuers offer. This is where the low APR credit card ushers in—to help people who plan to maintain a balance on their account and not to pay the full amount monthly. But, what does APR stands for in a low APR credit card?

Basically, APR is the cost of credit as a yearly interest rate. APR stands for “Annual Percentage Rate” of charge can be used to compare different credit and loan offers. The APR on credit cards is usually calculated monthly based on the current amount in the card. The monthly interest is calculated as if the current card balance would remain the same over a year; the interest on the amount over a year (APR) is worked out and divided by 12 to give the monthly interest. It is a must that all lenders tell the client what their APR is before signing any agreement.

Although the arrangements and terms may vary from lender to another, it is better for people to avail a low APR credit card because the lower the APR, the better the deal for them to spend more money in shopping around.

Why choose a low APR credit card?
Low APR credit card is a good choice for those people who are into a tighter financial budgeting. Being the most important attribute of a credit card, APR determines the significant balance over a longer period of time.

In a low APR credit card, the amount of interest one must pay on his or her credit card balance depends on its APR because the lower the APR is, the better it is him or her because it means they have to pay less interest. APRs in a low APR credit card can either be “fixed” or “variable.”

If you are planning to have a low APR credit card, there are so many cards that offer low APRs that can be found online. These low APR credit cards are chosen using a factoring scheme that organized these cards by computing a number of their attributes to place the best deals at the top.

Some of the questions one have to ask when looking for a low APR credit card includes the charges—if they vary or a fixed rate; and if these charges are variable because it might affect the repayments and if these rate are fixed or will it stay the same. Searching for a low APR credit card may also include inquiries on the possibility of any charges that are not included in the APR like optional payment protection insurance or an annual charge. If there are any, make sure that you understand what they are and when do you have to pay them. Lastly, looking for a low APR credit card should include questions on the conditions of the credit and how would these conditions suit you.

If you are now seeking for a low Apr credit card you may begin looking for a scheme that could help you save hundreds in interest with a low interest credit card and low cost processing.
Most low APR credit card offers 0% APR for the first months on purchases, cash advances, and balance transfers. Through these, low APR credit card can warn rebates towards any item purchased. They also offer $0 liability on unauthorized purchases, and no annual fees.

Some low Apr Credit Card that have very good intro rate for purchases is recommended for those who would want to avail one. They also offer good deals if one carry high balances on other cards and need to transfer the balance.

Indeed, having a credit card can be useful and convenient, and can even help build a strong credit history that will help you with future activities like home-buying, paying for higher education, and even finding a job. But, before you apply for a card, consider the advantages and disadvantages especially with the current financial situation you are in.

Credit Card Debt as a silent financial killer !!!

2009-03-13T13:09:00.005+06:00

Technology spoils people’s whims. It tends to cater to every human’s caprices. It feeds on the people’s undying thirst for easy, instant, and convenient. More often than not, it also causes them a lot of trouble—financial trouble through credit card debt—that is.

Credit Card convenience vs. Credit Card debt

We often see people pull out “plastic” to pay for everything they need. Why not? When all it takes is a quick swipe of the card through a little electronic box and a signature then, everything’s okay. You go home happy, content, and almost worry-free. On the other hand, not every one of these people realize that the convenience of using credit cards can lead to a false feeling of financial security. And this realization will strike them as soon as the bills arrive.

In fact, studies show that credit card debt and personal bankruptcies have increases bank profits to the highest level in the last five years. It only shows that more and more credit card holders were unable to manage their finances that lead to credit card debt. If you are a cardholder and having some credit card debt troubles at this early stage, it’ now time to think over the possible outcomes of this minor glitch so that a more serious problem with credit card debt would cease to arise.
Credit card gives people the feeling of invincibility. And it also gives them tons of uncertainty about their financial management capability when they encounter problems with their credit card debt. Although it is true that that credit cards solve financial matters especially when it comes to safety and convenience, credit cards also creates hassle especially when the person using it doesn’t know what you he or she’s getting into.

Indeed, paying off credit card debt may take a long time especially if the person has high interest rates. But, it doesn’t mean that you can do nothing about efficient management of credit card debt. When you find yourself overwhelmed with credit card debt, don’t fall into a pit of depression. You can get through it with discipline and a change in spending patterns. Start eliminating problems with credit card debt by getting tips and techniques on how to pay off your balances easier, how to consolidate of frequently encountered problems, look for free debt consultation agencies that can help you, and try—inch by inch—to rediscover ways on how you can regain your financial freedom by reducing you credit card debt.

The power to eliminate credit card debt

People who are having problems managing their credit card debt or those who are near in bankruptcy often don’t realize that the power to eliminate their credit card debt troubles totally is in their hands. Today, more and more Americans need credit card debt help badly. The main problem is that these families are having difficult times paying high interest for credit card debt. And instead of lifting the burden of credit card debt, more people are paying much in interest every month than that of the actual expenditure.

There are actually more lawful and moral ways to zero-out thousands of dollars in credit card debts. And if you only take the time to research and know your rights and how bankruptcy laws have changed, you will discover that there are valuable facts to eliminate credit card debt. Actually, the possibility of reducing or eliminating the high interest credit card debt is now more possible when a person takes action to get his or her finances back on track.

Apart from knowing your weapon in terminating credit card debt, it is very important that you develop a sense of control and perseverance first. Since credit card debt elimination process requires organization, clarity, and commitment to your own growth, it is a must that you are ready for the responsibility and to stand free and independent.

For those people who consider having a credit card indispensable but afraid of getting one because of the possibility of credit card debt nightmare, you must remember that credit card can be a powerful tool in managing your finances but there will always be glitches when not used properly. Of course, there are countless reasons why you should and shouldn’t get one depending on your needs. Whether you decide to get one or not, managing finances it still takes a sense of good budgeting, willingness to change spending habits, and the humility to avail low interest consolidation loans when you are already burdened by too much credit card debt.

Credit card application for starters.

2009-03-13T13:09:00.004+06:00

“Plastic money” is a term dubbed by the people of the world in reference to the wondrous item called the “credit card.” And at the rate the economy is going and with the pace of life that we have right now we want everything done the express way. That’s why a lot of businessmen, young professionals, big bankers and even well-off students are lining up inside their trusted banks, credit card application in one hand and the need to have instant credit on the other.

Of credit, cards and credit card application
Credit card applications have taken over the need to have cold cash and a lot of people are trading in their hard-earned green bucks for a shot of having the charge-it-card. But along with your credit card application is the responsibility that we are mainly unaware of. So when you are thinking about falling in line to get started with your credit card account and before you start filling up the fields necessary to get up and running with your credit card application know all the precautions and the counter measures for you to be protected by the federal law. Credit card application, as we all know takes a lot of time with regards to the verification of the identity of the person on top of the credit card application. Because of the US Patriotic Act that requires further verification of anyone applying for anything on the United States, that includes credit card application, getting anything in the US has become quite a chore. But since the importance of having a credit card is top priority in the US many are still willing to go to immense amount of trouble that is coupled with it.

The importance of having a credit card is very imminent; take for example the average American. An average American from the middle class bracket owns about eight to ten different credit cards and uses all of them at an average if once a day. With this number it’s not surprising that there are about a hundred thousand credit card applications being processed in a single day. And the rate if credit card applications are still expected to rise within the next quarter. The need for credit cards and debit cards is for real and the market should be open for more credit card applications that is expectedly going to flood their way. There will be a great need for more people to look into the responsibility of educating other people on how and when to use their credit cards, because it’s hard earned greenbacks that we are throwing away when we buy online porno and junk like that only profit a few people. So whenever you’re ready grab a pen and paper and get ready to fill up that credit card application form and take one step in the express charging the way you buy.

Most of the time, although your credit card application is mailed to that states that you have been pre-approved, you will still be asked to fill out a credit card application or the ‘acceptance form’. The reason behind this is the need of the bank or the company to verify the identification of the person they have sent the card to. Since most companies offer online credit card application, you may go online to fill out the form so the processing will be convenient and easier.

When filling out your credit card application, there are some important details that should be considered aside from your name and contact information like the query should you accept every offer or not, the possibility of hidden fees that can be quite expensive and the like.

Chasing a Chase Credit Card?

2009-03-13T13:03:00.002+06:00

Credit cards indeed have become one of most indispensable tools in managing finances nowadays. Aside from being an effective way of obtaining credit, credit cards also make it easier for people to spend their money the right way. That is why making the crucial decision of choosing the right credit card should be paid more attention.

One of the most popular brand names of credit cards in the market today is the Chase credit card. Like any other credit cards, Chase credit card is a brand name of credit card like MasterCard or Visa that is accepted worlwide. Aside from Chase credit card, the company also offers travel cards, Auto & Gas cards and student cards. Indeed, there are a number of ways in which Chase credit card can be advantageous and beneficial. Probably, the best feature Chase credit card has is the convenience it offers to busy and working people. A Chase credit card is also perfect for customers who are comfortable online. Aside from making it easy for the customer to maintain their account online, Chase credit card lets you check your balance and pay your bills through a secured web site.

Having a chase credit card is quite convenient for the customer because it lets the credit card holder purchase goods easily and quickly whether they buy it directly, over the phone, or even on-line. Since Chase Credit cards are international cards, it is beneficial for people who travel a lot because they can use it all over the world wherever they see the Chase credit card logo.

More and more people are choosing a Chase credit card because it offers a lot of credit card processing alternatives. Because Chase credit cards offers a wide array of processing options, many people appreciate it compared to other brands. One of the most enticing offer Chase credit cards has is that it is available in numerous places. Chade credit cards also offer many deals and promotions like lower introductory APRs and waived membership fees that allow the holder to save more money.

There are alos many types of Chase credit card that offer reward programs for every purchase the holder makes. For instance, one type of Chase credit card allows you to earn travel miles for every dollar spent using your your Chase credit card. Another type of Chase credit card also allows you to earn reward points for every dollar you spend. These points will then enable you to purchase from a Chase credit card catalogue and they will have your chosen item shipped to right next to your doorstep! These reward options you get from using a Chase credit card are great because it will give your tangible gifts and rewards, free trips and wonderful merchandise without spending a single cent. A Chase credit card is handpicked by many people because its company makes sure that they give good customer service to its customers. Aside from getting all the great deals the card offers, having a Chase credit card can also give the holder instant access to customer support around 24/7. This will enable the customer to contact someone if his or her Chase credit card is stolen. Apart from this round-the-clock feature, Chase credit card also protects its customers from identity of thieves.

When you apply for Chase credit card, some of the benefits include 0% intro APR on all purchases and balance transfers you make for up to six months. Chase credit card does not charge any annual fee so it will fit your budget and, a Chase credit card have interest-free grace period as long as you pay your bill in full each month. Having a Chase credit card also allows the holder to earn cash rewards on purchases and cash rewards. Apart from these, chase credit card has no balance transfer fee for balances transferred during the introductory period and you have the privilege to apply online over a secure server.

Although it offers a lot of advantages, bear in mind that a chase credit card it is still a credit card.

What You Should Know About Switching Credit Cards

2009-02-09T15:11:00.002+06:00

With U.S. credit card debt at an all time high, many savvy consumers and investors are renewing their commitments to rid themselves of this burdensome and in most cases, unnecessary debt. In doing so they are constantly searching for the next best credit card with higher credit limits, lower annual percentage rates (APRs), and zero balance transfer offers. In fact switching credit cards has become as common as changing the battery in the fire alarm for some people and it has actually worked. So if you are amongst the thousands of Americans who are thinking of making a switch to improve your financial picture, before you do there are a few things that you should consider. They include how multiple inquiries for credit will affect your credit score and if the APR that applies to balance transfers after the introductory grace period still makes it a good deal. In addition to these two things you should also, as with everything you do, conduct your own research to find the best solution to meet your needs.

It makes sound economical sense to switch credit cards to save money in interest charges and fees. Especially when you consider the fact that for most credit cards the minimum monthly payment is so low that it barely covers the interest charges reducing your outstanding balance by just a few measly dollars from month to month. Its no wonder then that we jump at any new offer that comes our way. When deciding whether to switch cards though, you should keep in mind that every time you apply for a new credit card an inquiry from that particular creditor goes on to your credit file whether you receive the credit or not. Additionally, multiple inquires by different creditors negatively impacts your credit score and any account whether closed or unused remains on your credit file for at least seven years. Last thing, switching cards and closing accounts immediately after the switch also impacts your credit score.

When considering whether to take advantage of a 0% balance transfer offer, you should consider the amount of time that you’ll have before the “normal” APR applies to that balance and whether you’ll be able to pay that in full before the grace period is over. Additionally, in the event that you aren’t able to pay off the balance prior to expiration of the grace period, you should consider if the new APR that kicks in will be a significant savings from the card that you are considering transferring balances from and whether interest will be charged on just the remaining balance or the entire amount that you initially transferred.

To ensure that you are getting the best deal, you should do a thorough search of available credit cards before making a final decision on which institution to submit a new application for credit to. By doing so you will know upfront exactly what you are getting and whether there are cost savings to be realized, leaving very little room for surprises.

Switching credit cards is a smart choice for consumers who are trying to manage and conquer their debt. For the disciplined person, this is a very effective strategy to help you reduce your debt load. If you find yourself in the situation where you are presented with an opportunity to switch credit cards, please keep in mind the negative effect that multiple inquiries will have on your credit score as well as the opening of new accounts while simultaneously closing others. When done wisely, after conducting a thorough search of available options, switching credit cards can definitely help you to achieve your financial goals.

Discover Credit Cards - A Look At The Top 3

2009-02-01T03:04:00.002+06:00

The name Discover is often associated with the top credit card issuers in the United States. Since the Discover card was first introduced in 1985, customers have been drawn to its various reward programs. Following is a closer look at a few of Discover’s most popular credit card picks among consumers today. Discover More Card With the Discover More Card, the rewards start off with a 1% cash back bonus. You’ll earn this every time you use the card for ordinary purchases. By shopping at certain places, such as department stores, gas stations, and restaurants, you can qualify for 5% cash back. Using the card toward travel expenses can also bring in 5% cash back. By using the card at ShopDiscover, which is Discover’s online shopping site, you can earn 20% cash back. To do this, you’ll want to buy from merchants such as Eddie Bauer, Lego, and Sears, among others. This card also comes with a 0% interest rate for the first six months. A 0% APR also can be used toward balance transfers for the first year. There’s no annual fee with the card. Before applying, it should be noted that the cash back rewards are offered on a scale. You’ll receive only 0.25% cash back on the first $1,500 that you spend on the card. Then from $1,500 to $3,000, you’ll earn 0.50% cash back, and when purchases exceed $3,000, you’ll earn the full 1% cash back. Discover Open Road Card The Discover Open Road Card caters to those with long commutes who want a break on gas prices. The card offers a full 5% cash back on all gas purchases. It also includes an initial 0% interest rate for the first six months. After that, the regular interest rate will kick in, which may be as low as 10.99%. This is a reasonable rate compared to other gas rewards credit cards. In addition to the gas rewards, this card gives 5% cash back on car maintenance purchases. For those that shop at Discover’s exclusive online shopping site, they’ll receive up to 20% cash back through retailers such as the NFL.com Shop, Hotwire.com, Lego, and more. Once the rewards begin to add up, you can start redeeming them. You’ll be able to begin once you have $20 in cash back bonuses. If you choose to receive your rebates through retailers that participate in the Discover program, you can earn up to double the amount of cash back. Miles by Discover Card The Miles by Discover Card is a travel rewards credit card. Through this card, you get the chance to book trips at any time, as there are no blackout dates. You can choose any travel destination you’d like. You can start building up miles by making purchases. You’ll receive one mile for each dollar that you spend. The number of miles you build up is unlimited as long as the account remains active. And you’ll earn double miles on both travel and food. There’s no annual fee with this card. Most of the cards issued by Discover include several perks that appeal to customers. To get the most out of your Discover card, look through the details carefully before you sign up. Then set up a system that enables you to get cash back, gas discounts, or travel benefits.

Determine Your Credit Card Style

2009-02-01T03:03:00.001+06:00

Life styles are what make people unique. The way we wear our hair, the type of clothing and fashion we prefer, and the selection of decorations within our homes all makes up an individual’s style. The type of credit card we choose, and how we use it is also part of our individual "financial style". As people grow from children to adults, they often are seen imitating what they see their parents and close circle of friends doing. Just walk through the halls of any middle school, and listen to how certain groups talk and look- it’s almost as if they have their own mini-cultures! Children often learn how to handle (or not) their finances by watching their parents or caretakers’ deal with finances. If the parents spend money like water, the children will probably grow to do the same. On the other hand, if the parents were careful with their finances, paid every bill on time, discussed money matters with the children, then chances are- the children will become adults who have very few credit cards and do not carry a revolving balance from one month to the next. Regardless of your personal credit card style and habits, it never hurts to be reminded of the most affordable way to use your credit cards. It is most financially efficient to pay your credit card accounts in full at the end of each month, and there should be little to no balance carried from one month to the next. Of course, most people don’t have that sort of credit card style- as evident by the number of people who have several thousand dollars racked up on a few different cards! One of the best things you can do with your credit cards if you have cards with balances on them, is to find the 0% transfer balance deals and move your debt from the cards that you are paying interest on to the new card that allows you to make payments without paying interest. This is a "financial style" everyone can appreciate! Most deals give you a specific amount of time to pay on the transferred balances, and as long as you make the monthly payments on time, you will not be charged interest on the balance you transfer. This is a great way to pay down the old debt and not be charged additional money in the process. Just take care to cancel and close out the original credit card(s) that the debt comes from, otherwise you are likely to keep spending on those cards while you are working to pay off the debt you just transferred off of there! This is a recipe for financial disaster! Another popular credit card style is to cash in on the cash back credit card options, and rewards programs that actually give you something back for using their card. There are many of this style of credit card available, but you need to really understand the credit card terms because sometimes rewards cards have higher interest rates, or annual fees that cost more than what you earn back when using the card. Typically, cash back and rewards credit cards are best for individuals who do their daily spending on a credit card, and pay off the balance at the end of each month. That way, you aren’t carrying a balance and aren’t being charged interest, and you are earning the maximum rewards or cash back by using the card often. If your credit card style is to have a card in your wallet for emergencies only, then chances are you are not going to benefit from a cash back or rewards card. Taking time to understand your personal credit card style can help you find the best deals when it’s time to get a credit card, or move your debt from one card to another. If you are a frequent flyer, it would be worth the time and effort to compare different credit cards that feature rewards in the way of miles that can be redeemed towards your air travel. If you like to save on gasoline or at a particular store, you can find a card for that as well! A little research goes a long way in finding a credit card that would work the best for you financially, one that your name would be in "style" on.

Credit cards for small business

2009-02-01T03:01:00.001+06:00

When you decide to start a small business, you find out pretty quickly that it takes more than skills and dedication in your respective area of work. Besides being good at what you want to do, you also need to known your accounting and financing issues, no matter how annoying and boring these may be. And the credit card problem for small businesses needs careful handling, just like that of a regular, personal credit card. Choosing the right type of credit card is vital for the success of a small business. Even if you don't have access to a corporate credit card, a small business card can be a major tool on the path to success. When you apply for a small business credit card, lenders will analyze your request from a variety of points of views. While their evaluation of the risk may vary according to various local factors, they will all take into account the "five Cs": capital, capacity to make the payments, collateral, conditions and character. Capital, meaning your personal investment in the business, outlines not only the size of the business, but also how much risk you are willing to take. Balance risks carefully - too much means you will be rated reckless, too little, and the lenders may think you are not serious about this. The capacity to repay the loan is, of course, critical for the lender and will be carefully analyzed. The collateral or the guarantees will show that you have a backup plan for returning the loan, in case things go wrong. The conditions represent the general situation in your geographical area and your respective line of business - mostly things that you cannot control (but you can make them look better in carefully planned business plan). Last but not least, character is the impression you make on the lenders - how trustworthy and business-oriented you appear to them. If you take all these into account, your application is more likely to be successful right from the start. Of course, you also need to consider, carefully, which type of business card suits your needs. Many small businesses rely on cash flow to pay for suppliers or contractors, because they need to purchase materials and services before their own clients pay up. You need to calculate the difference between the date when you purchase the materials and the date when the clients pay you back. If this is shorter than 30 days, go for a card that doesn't charge you interest for the respective period. If it is two, three months or longer, go for a low interest card. Also, you should think of how often you will have to travel for business-related purposes, and how a special type of credit card can help you with this, or how you will handle unprepared emergency situations that hustle small businesses constantly. Some of the offers for credit cards for small business include Blue for Business Card - no annual fee, 0% intro APR for the first 9 months, credit line of up to $50,000 or Blue Cash for Business Credit Card - up to 5% cash rebate, no annual fee, 0% APR for up to 15 months. Advanta Platinum with Rewards, featuring cash back bonus, offers 0% intro APR for balance transfers, up to 50,000 credit line and various types of rewards for the things you buy most often (gas, office supplies and so on), bonus miles or cash back. The CitiBusiness card has 0% APR for purchases for the first 6 months, no annual fee, a generous credit line and additional cards for the employees, with a credit limit set by you. The Platinum Business Credit Card from American Express has no annual fee and 0% APR for the first nine months on purchases and balance transfers. Other options include Business Green Rewards Cash - no fees for the first year and no pre-set spending limit, and the Business Cash Rebate from OPEN: the Small Business Network, with up to 5% cash rebate, no annual fee, 0% APR for the first six months, no limit for cash back and no minimum spending requirements.

2009-01-31T00:21:00.000+06:00

Credit repair advertisements claim to guarantee a quick fix on your credit report. They promise for a fee (not always disclosed at first) to clean up your credit history so that you can qualify for a new home, car, insurance, a job, or premium credit cards. Before you sign up with one of these companies, you need to know some facts.

The real facts on fixing your credit score

The real truth is that no one can legally remove information on a credit report. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) allows you, the consumer, to request an investigation of information in your file that you dispute as inaccurate or incomplete. There is no charge to you. There are other steps that you can do yourself, without paying a credit repair company, such as:

*You are allowed a free credit report if a company denies you credit, insurance, or employment (if this is a part of your employment application) provided you request a report within 60 days of this denial. The notice will give you the name of the consumer reporting agency that provided this report. You can dispute information that this denial is based upon. Under FCRA, both the consumer reporting agency and the information provider are responsible for correcting inaccurate or any incomplete information in that report.

*Put in writing what information you believe to be inaccurate. Include copies of any documentation that supports your claim. Be sure to send this letter to the credit reporting agency, and send it certified mail so that you can prove it was mailed and signed for at their end.

*You will get a response within 30 days. During their investigation, they must forward all your documents to the merchant or vendor that provided the negative credit information and report back to the credit agency. If they find that the information is inaccurate, they must notify all three reporting agencies of their findings: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

*When the investigation is concluded, you must receive a copy of the results in writing and a copy of the dispute if it is changed. It the disputed item is changed, the credit reporting agency cannot put the disputed information back into your file unless it is verified as accurate by the merchant or vendor.

*The credit reporting agency must send notices of a correction to anyone who received your credit report in the past six months. You can also have a corrected copy sent to employers that did not hire you based on your credit report.

Removing a bad credit rating

When you have a bad credit rating based on negative information that is accurate, you can only wait for it to be removed over time. By law, a credit reporting agency can only report negative information for seven years and bankruptcy for ten years. For unpaid judgments, the reporting period goes back seven years or until the statute of limitations runs out. Criminal convictions and applications for over $150,000 of life insurance have no time limits. By starting to pay your bills on time and contacting the creditors that you cannot pay, you can start to change your credit profile to the positive side, but that will take time also.

If you do decide to use a credit repair company

Start by getting a free copy of your credit report. Then assemble all your credit card bills and write them down. This will give both you and your credit repair company a starting point. By law, credit repair companies must give you a brochure, “Consumer Credit File Rights Under State and Federal Law” when you sign a contract for their services. This contract must clearly specify your rights, obligations and fees. The contract must also clearly detail the descriptions of the services they will perform for you, how long it will take to see the results, and any guarantees they offer you. Members of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling are non-profit organizations providing free and low cost services to consumers with a wide range of plans, covering most types of credit used, including home mortgages.

Credit repair companies can help if you’re drowning in debt. Before you sign a contract, check out these low cost and free options you can do yourself.

Credit Cards and Business Expenses

2009-01-31T00:18:00.001+06:00

One thing about businesses is that the business expenses can really become unmanageable, particularly if you do not have a system in place to keep track of your expenses and know exactly where your money is going. All businesses small or large and everywhere in between should have a system in place that allows them to keep track of their business expenses. One great way of doing that is with a credit card. Credit cards, especially if you use one designed specifically for your business can give business owners a great advantage. They allow you to not only purchase items and pay on them later, but also allow you to keep track of your expenses. Some cards are designed to provide business owners with extra services such as online access, which will allow you to print out reports, keep track of the various cards you have given to your employees, and monitor the costs of expenses as you go. These types of credit cards are an essential element for most any business, regardless of size. In some cases, a business’ expenses may get out of control, having a handle on expenses and costs from the beginning can help avoid this problem. What is great about these types of credit cards is that many even offer rewards for using them in specific areas, which may include office supplies, improvement stores, airline flights, car rentals, and other business related expense items. Using the right credit card may also allow you to control your expenses right down to the specific type of expense category it falls under. For example, some credit cards offer a service that allows you to view purchases based on categories such as entertainment, car rentals, airline flights, supplies, hotels, and so on. This is a great element for any business owner and can allow you to take control and put a stop of excessive spending in your company. Even if your chosen credit card company does not provide extra benefits like mentioned above, you can still use your statements and receipts to determine where your money is going. Many businesses, particularly those who provide their employees, management, or executives with business credit cards, require that the cardholder submit copies of their receipts for record keeping. This is crucial, particularly for tax time, and keeping track of expenses. By using one credit for all business expenses and only business expenses, you are assured the best method of keeping track. Even if you do not use or are not offered those extras, you will still find comfort in being able to determine how much you are spending, if and when you need to cut back on expenses, and control the spending within your business. Another great thing about many business credit cards is that they allow you to give employees, administration, and management their own credit cards under the same account. This further allows you to manage your business expenses. You can determine how much a particular employee is spending and on what. This can be beneficial if a specific employee is abusing their credit card privileges. Furthermore, all expenses will still be on the same account, which keeps the business expenses intact and easily managed. Each cardholder will receive their own credit card and credit card number, allowing them to use it when necessary for a variety of different business related expenses, but will all go under the same account during billing time. Controlling your business expenses is a crucial step in operating a successful business of any type. The right business credit card will help you do just that, there are many available, do your homework and determine which one will best suit your company and its needs.

Choosing the card that is right for you.

2009-01-31T00:04:00.002+06:00

Credit cards represent an important part of our financial lives. Having the right credit cards is essential and will make a big difference to your finances. Before choosing the right credit card you must shop around for one.

First make an idea on what credit cards are available on the market from the numerous offers that are always coming to your mailbox. Yet, don't relay too much on them as they can be confusing and sometimes misleading. After that try to establish what features of the credit card are the most important for you. The perfect card for you should provide the right combination of fees, rates and benefits. The next step would be to compare various credit cards and decide which one you will finally choose.

Nowadays, Internet can be of big help to you when shopping for a credit card. First of all, almost all financial companies that offer credit cards have websites. This can save you the trouble of wasting your time to personally visit them all. All you need to do is visit them all from the comfort of your own home and see what offer fits best to your needs. Some of these websites have a great feature that lets you compare several credit cards side by side. And when you see all the figures at once it is easier to decide which card to select.

When you go shopping for a credit card you must think first about how you will use your future card: you'll pay your monthly bill in full, you'll carry over a balance from month to month or you'll use your card to get cash advances. Depending on your needs you'll have to be careful what APR (annual percentage rate) the credit card has. Also, you should already know that a single credit card has several APRs; be sure to check all of them. Another thing to check is how the finance charge is calculated because each company calculates it differently and you'll want to choose the one that offers more advantages to you. Some credit cards even have a minimum finance charge, meaning it will charge you the minimum even if the calculated amount of your finance charge is less. You'll have to carefully weight all of this information and than decide which credit card is right for you.

The fees charged by a credit card should also be taken in consideration when selecting a credit card. Most credit cards charge several fees like: annual fee, cash advance fee, late payment fee, balance transfer fee, etc. This is probably the most important consideration. If you plan to pay the bill in full every month select a credit card with no annual fee. If you usually use the cash advance feature check what credit card has the lowest cash advance fee. Or pick the credit card that has the lowest interest rate if you expect to carry a balance.

Even though the features mentioned above are the most important to consider when shopping for a credit card, there are also other features that are not of such great importance but at the end they will make a difference. For example, some credit cards are accepted in more places than others. When choosing a card you have to make sure that it is accepted at the types of places where you will want to use it. The benefits received with a card can also make a difference. Some companies offer various benefits for some credit cards, like: rebates on the purchases you make, discounts on travel, various gifts and discounts, etc. When selecting such a credit card, make sure that the benefits are those you'll use and that the other aspects of the card do not offset the benefits.

The most important thing to remember when shopping for a credit card is to take your time and carefully evaluate all the features of the card and after that decide which card is right for you and meets all you needs.

KNOW ABOUT CREDIT CARD: Easing the Burden of Interchange Fees

2009-01-26T01:21:00.000+06:00

KNOW ABOUT CREDIT CARD: Easing the Burden of Interchange Fees

Gas Rewards Credit Cards: Get Relief From High Gas Prices

2009-01-26T01:03:00.003+06:00

With gasoline taking a larger bite out of your budget these days, a Gas Rewards credit card with “Cash Back” rebates can provide some relief.
The main feature of a Gas Rewards credit card is that you can get cash back savings for every $1 spent on gas for your car. Many cards offer 5% or more cash back on your gas purchase. Now that the price of gas has exceeded $3 per gallon, a Gas Rewards credit card could ad up to significant savings.
I know people who will drive across town just to save a few pennies on gasoline. Why not save 5% or more by using a credit card with cash back rebates.
Another bonus is that most Gas Rewards credit cards offer cash back on other purchases as well, such as at supermarkets and drugstores.
When choosing a gas rebates credit card be mindful of the interest rate on the card and not just the amount of the cash rebate. Paying a higher interest rate to get a higher cash back percentage may defeat the purpose. Some gas rewards cards are specific to certain gas stations, and must be used there, such as the Hess Card or Speedway card. However, many Gas Rewards cards, including the ones listed below, can be used at any gas station.
Here is our recomended gas reward credit card:
Discover® Open Road Card
• Full 5% CashBack Bonus® on your gas purchases.
• Up to 1% cash back on all other purchases
• 0% Intro APR for 6 months on Purchases, and 12 months on Balance Transfers

How Business Owners Can Choose a Credit Card

2009-01-26T01:03:00.001+06:00

Small business owners now have a wide variety of credit cards to choose from, and it makes it difficult to choose the best one for your small business. As a small business owner, you will need to decide which features you think that the company will use most often, and if they are worth using and having, before applying to a card. Many of the credit card companies now offer many attractive tools that can and will help each small business owner in their everyday spending and tracking. Also remember that it is harder to keep getting credit cards after the first couple, so choose wisely when choosing business credit cards.

Should you pick a business card that offers rewards or miles?

If you have no problem paying off the credit card debit each time the statement comes in, then the point rewards or cash back is the way to go for you. With the cash back and rewards credit cards, they give you rewards for spending money on everyday business needs, which is money you are going to spend anyway, so why not be rewarded for it. Another option to consider when choosing a credit card is the travel reward and miles credit cards. Do you or someone in your company travel on a regular basis? Then a travel reward or miles reward card is the type of card you might want to use. Most of the popular airlines have now teamed up with the credit card companies to bring business owners a reward for traveling for business purposes.

Should I get help tracking and reporting your expenses?

Most credit cards that are geared for the small business and even for larger businesses now, have a feature that is attractive in more than one way. The credit card companies can now track the categories that money is being spent on every month, and they can also provide a quarterly or annual spending report. This comes in handy during tax time. If you plan to use the same credit card for all of your expenses, this may be a great option for you.

Do members of your staff need to have access to a credit card?

Most of the credit card companies that offer cards to small businesses have a feature that allows employees of the business to also carry a credit card. This feature helps the business owner and the employee. When the employee travels now, they have the business with them to back them up in case anything should come up. Employees now can keep track of their spending for business related purposes a lot more efficiently now. The credit card companies can also track the credit card expenses separately so there is no confusion over who spent what. Not to mention the reimbursement paper work and waiting will now be eliminated. The credit card companies also allow the owner to set the amount of funds that are available to each card.

Small business owners also need to watch out for credit cards and the rates they charge with balance transfers and also with the APRs. This can be a great asset to a small business owner. Zero percent interest on balance transfers seems to be the going rate right now, and makes it nice to have an interest free loan for a little while, but beware! If you miss one payment you will lose that nice 0% APR and will have to pay the full rate.

Credit cards have changed so much over the years. They are very helpful to the business owners and their employees. Most credit card companies have now done away with the yearly fees that used to be associated with owning a credit card. So, if you are a business owner that pays the balance every month, these are the types of cards you need to apply for.

How College Graduates Can Get Access to Credit Cards

2009-01-26T00:54:00.003+06:00

Congratulations; you made it through college. You managed to make it through without accepting those obnoxious credit card offers from pushy marketers, and, as a result, you don’t have any credit card debt to worry about. Now it’s time to get a job, buy a car, and maybe think about homeownership.

But the first time you apply for a car loan, you get turned down for insufficient credit. How can this be?

This is the very situation that many new grads find themselves in. Through no fault of their own, they’ve put the brakes on their credit, disqualifying themselves from the very purchases that signal the beginning of independence. It takes credit to get credit. In the case of major purchases, it can take quite a bit of credit.

The problem is that college students receive mixed signals, and it can be tough to figure out which road to take. On one hand, they’re targeted by aggressive credit card marketing campaigns that offer everything from free pizza to free Ipods if the student will just sign the dotted line. On the other hand, they’ve watched their parents and seen firsthand how credit card debt can devastate someone’s finances.

So what should a college student do? Experts recommend a compromise: apply for one or two credit cards during your college years, but avoid the temptation to overspend. Charge small purchases on a regular basis and pay them off each month. That will establish a history of timely payments that will be very important to your credit report and your future buying power.

What if you’ve already graduated? According to a representative from LendingTree.Com, you might be able to find student offers that you can still take advantage of, but it will require a little digging. You can also get a secured credit card to help build up your payment history and open the doors to better credit opportunities. Secured credit cards require you to deposit funds into a bank account. These funds will cover your debt in the case of default. Just be wary of any secured credit card that requires you to pay fees for monthly, annual, and initial use.

Finally, if you really need a credit card but just can’t seem to get one on your own, you could ask a family member to co-sign. If you choose to do this, make sure they understand that they will be responsible for any payments you don’t make. Negative items will affect their credit score as well as yours, so do be courteous and responsible when you have a co-signer.

The problem of access to credit after college is very real. To keep yourself out of this crunch, get a card or two while they’re easy to obtain – during your college years. Make your payments in full every month, and you’ll build up your credit without falling into a debt trap.

by: Janna Weiss

Why Your Credit Score Matters

2009-01-26T00:54:00.002+06:00

Among the many innovations that emerged after World War II, credit use has become a major factor in our entire economic profile. As a result, your credit rating is the most important factor in determining your credit APR when you apply for any type of credit: credit cards, 0% APR transfer offers as well as mortgage and car loans.

What’s a credit score?

Credit reporting was created more than 100 years ago, when small retail merchants banded together to trade financial information about their customers. These merchant associations formed small credit bureaus, which later consolidated into larger organizations. By the 1960’s, consumers demanded the right to examine their credit reports and amend false or misleading credit information that had been withheld from them. In 1971, Congress enacted the Fair Credit Reporting Act, giving consumers the right to view and correct their records, as well as privacy protection as to who had access to these records.

A fair credit scoring system was needed too. In 1989, Fair, Issac and Company, in conjunction with Equifax, created a credit scoring system, called “FICO”, this credit rating scoring system creates a summary of your credit history. Low scores mean that you may not qualify for a good rate for the credit you want. Some lending institutions may use your credit score to set the overall fees for the loan you are requesting. In the end, a good credit score can save you money.

Factors that affect your credit score

*Your payment history (35%): your score is negatively scored if you have paid bills late, had an account sent to a collection agency or if you have declared bankruptcy--the more recent the problem, the lower the score. For example, a 30-day late credit payment will hurt you more than a bankruptcy five years ago.

*Your total outstanding debt (30%): If the amount you owe on your credit card is close to the credit limit amount, the more likely it will affect your credit score negatively. A low balance on two cards is better than a high credit limit balance on just one.

*Length of your credit history (15%): The longer your credit accounts have been open, the better your score will be.

*Recent inquiries on your credit history (10%): If you have recently applied for several new accounts, it may negatively affect your score. Moreover, while you are in the “wait” period for getting approval for that new home purchase, many loan officers will advise you to delay making ANY new credit purchases until the loan is approved.

*Types of credit used (10%): Loans from finance companies generally lower your credit score. This is especially true if you don’t have a lengthy credit history to base upon your credit score determination.

What the numbers mean

Credit scores range from 300 to 900, with the national average around 650. According to the FICO scoring system, the lower the score, the default risks become higher. They base this rating on historical industry standards, which show a direct correlation between low credit ratings and credit defaults.

The three credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) all have different credit rating criteria. It’s not unusual for you to have a different credit score, although they tend to be in a close range. Most lenders average out the credit scores between them to arrive at a logical mean credit score number.

How to improve your credit score

*Pay your bills on time. (If you can’t make a payment on time, contact your creditor and request a payment schedule. Most credit card companies will offer you an option to pay your balance.)

*Maintain low balances on the credit cards you use. (Determine how you will use your credit card, and what type of credit card works best for you.)

*Don’t close unused credit card accounts just because they are inactive. (By keeping a credit card account dormant for some time signifies that you are a responsible credit consumer.)

*Finally, get a copy of your credit report annually; it is now free to all consumers nationwide.

Your credit card score is the most important factor in determining your credit availability. Here are some insights as to what is reported and what you can do to keep a high credit score.

Easing the Burden of Interchange Fees

2009-01-26T00:48:00.002+06:00

Running a small business comes with a host of unique challenges. Should it really be that difficult to accept credit card payments from customers? Sadly, for many business owners, the fight over rising interchange fees - the fees that credit card processors charge for each credit card transaction a business makes - is getting tougher. What was a $16 billion industry just seven years ago has turned into a $48 billion racket in 2008. Small business owners are watching their profits dwindle as more and more of their money is spent on interchange fees.

How bad is the problem? Soon, you might find it impossible to fill up your gas tank if you pay with a credit card. Gas station operators are losing money because they must pay an interchange fee on every gallon of gas their customers charge. As the fees increase, profits go down the drain. And with the rising cost of gas, some store owners just can't afford to pay the interchange fees. In some cases, the fees cost more each month than gas purchases bring in.

Small business owners are caught between a rock and a hard place. On one hand, they cannot completely refuse to take credit card payments if they want to stay competitive. On the other hand, they feel as though they have no power to negotiate the fees. Luckily, Congress has heard about this plight and has decided to step in. There is proposed legislation that will permit the investigation of hidden fees that businesses report as being unfair. While some balk at the idea of the government getting involved, others hope that new rules will ease the pressure on small businesses.

If you own your own business and feel the pinch of high interchange fees, there are some steps you can take. First, look for merchant account providers that offer “Interchange Plus”. This is a straightforward pricing scale that used to be available only to big businesses. Now smaller businesses can take advantage of this simple alternative to the complicated, tier-based pricing structures currently in place. Some businesses save tens of thousands of dollars each year just by participating in an Interest Plus plan.

Another thing you should do is watch out for hidden fees. Avoid contracts that make you pay an interchange fee for declined transactions. Instead, look for a contract that doesn’t require you to pay for unauthorized charges. And ask plenty of detailed questions before you sign that dotted line.

Finally, look for merchant account providers that offer great customer service. When something goes wrong, you want to know that you can call the company and get it straightened out in a timely manner. This might mean ignoring the companies that offer rock-bottom rates. Remember that with customer service, you usually get what you pay for.

by: Janna Weiss

Affinity Credit Cards

2009-01-20T16:53:00.004+06:00

For about twenty years, banks and financial institutions have figured out that appealing to people’s hearts is the way to get them to open their wallets. Affinity credit cards have a charity logo as well as the issuer’s logo; each time the card is used to make a payment, balance transfer or withdraw cash from an ATM, the bank donates a percentage of the amount of the transaction to the charity. Will You Need Donations After Using a Charity Credit Card? The concept of the affinity credit card (otherwise known as charity credit cards) is great: every time you make a purchase you had to make anyway, you can use you credit card and donate to charity. Finally, you can feel good about using your plastic to make your purchases! But is it worth it? Most of the charity credit cards offer miniscule donations in comparison to the amount of interest the cardholders are required to pay, and most of the time- they charge fairly high annual fees. If using the charity card to donate $6 a year to the homeless leaves you needing donations yourself, it may not be such a good idea to use the charity credit card no matter how warm and fuzzy it makes you feel inside! The average donation given from affinity cards to charity is about .05 percent. So for every dollar, a half a penny is donated. What does that come out to be? A $100 purchase made with an affinity card translates into 50 cents donation to the charity affiliated with the credit card. If you spend $100 a month on your credit card, you’re looking at about $6 a year in donations. If you’re paying 21 percent interest each month on your payments, and a hefty annual fee to the card issuer, it’s hard to get excited about your contribution to charity! Additionally, charity credit cards don’t usually provide the same perks that traditional credit cards offer. You’d be hard pressed to find a charity card that offers cash back, travel accident insurance, or extended warranty coverage- all extra items that are becoming more common on traditional credit cards. High Spenders and No Balances If you are one of the few, however, that spend a lot of money on a regular basis using credit cards, and pay off the balance in full on a monthly basis to avoid most of the interest and fees, an affinity card may be a reasonable option for you to make regular donations to charity. Another thing to keep in mind when considering affinity cards for donation purposes, is that donations and contributions made through the use of a credit card are not tax-deductible since the donation is actually a contract agreement between the card issuer and the charity- and not from your pocket. Popular Affinity Credit Cards Despite the fact that individuals pay higher interest rates and annual fees when they use charity credit cards, and that cardholders of charity cards receive fewer perks than traditional credit cards- these credit cards are very popular. Target’s credit card has donated over 19 million to Take Charge of Education, an organization that provides scholarships to students and teachers. This particular charity credit card allows the cardholder to designate the school in which their 1 percent donations are sent to- making the card extremely popular with families with children in grades k-12. Competition is Fierce The credit card industry is a highly competitive one, with banks and card issuers literally trying to out-best one another in hopes of retaining and attracting new cardholders. Credit issuers love affinity cards because the cardholders are often very loyal- keeping their credit cards and using them often because they believe in the cause they are donating to.

Business Credit Cards: Why Every Small Business Needs Them

2009-01-20T16:53:00.001+06:00

The potential benefits and advantages of using credit cards for any small business are too significant and probably too numerous to be easily ignored. Business credit cards are in fact an excellent tool for managing small business expenses. At first this may seem to be a strange statement in view of the well known fact that it is much easier for spending to spiral out of control when using plastic than when somebody is paying hard cash. Indeed this is one of the key factors in human nature that has helped make the credit card business so successful and prosperous. However the truth of the matter is that impulse spending or reckless expenditure is usually very unlikely in business spending. If anything most small businesses have to count their pennies carefully to survive. So the downside of plastic money or credit cards does not come in play at all. Purchases Are A Critical Area For Small Business - Credit Cards Can Help Spending and purchasing is an important part of any business big or small. In fact expenditure and purchases usually have such a major impact on the bottom line that the general financial performance of a business depends on it being run properly. To start with timely information is so important that it has often meant the death or survival of many a small business. It is often important to know where the money is going so that problems can be detected early and action and decisions taken in a timely fashion to avert more serious financial problems for a small business. This is exactly where one of the key advantages of credit cards for small businesses comes into play. The magic here is in the expense reporting that comes in the form of detailed and itemized monthly statements. Analysis is further made even easier with the inclusion of category breakdowns. So, if for instance expenses are running overboard in a certain area and which will definitely have an impact on profits, then it can be seen early and dealt with. Quite often runaway costs or expenditure are the symptom and not the disease, so the small business manager gets a chance to identify the “disease” early and deal with it accordingly. Business Credit Card Reporting System Ideal For Small Business Owner Anybody with some small business experience will deeply appreciate this advantage because the reality on the ground is that the principal decision maker or decision makers in a small business will usually tend to be very busy and involved in dozens of different critical activities in the business that identifying potential problems is never an easy thing. But with business credit cards and their detailed reporting system through statements, the ball game changes dramatically to the advantage of the small business owner. What makes things even easier and more convenient is the fact that most business credit card issuers provide statements that are available online and can be downloaded and merged with some popular small business accounting software. This saves on valuable time for the often-understaffed small business operation. In fact with this online option, daily monitoring is made possible. The result of all this is that just by obtaining a business credit card, a small business turns its’ accounts department into a paperless but extremely efficient reporting unit that is actually run by somebody else who end up footing most of the overhead costs that go with it. When you add other advantages that go with business credit cards like cash back rewards and frequent flyer airline miles, then the importance of every small business using business credit cards becomes obvious.

Balance Transfer Checks- Opportunities to Save

2009-01-20T16:44:00.004+06:00

Tis' the season for credit card offers! In particular, it seems that from November through February marks an increase in marketing from credit cards you already have- particularly if you haven't been using them in awhile. Credit card companies spend quite a bit of money on marketing to attract new customers-and it's always cheaper to keep customers they have rather than trying to find new customers.

What you may find waiting for you in your mailbox is a balance transfer offer from one of the credit cards you already have. The very best balance transfer offers are in the form of checks that offer 0% interest, but there are a number of other offers you might receive with 3.99% interest or 6% interest and no balance transfer fees. All of these offers may actually offer you a good deal depending on what you decide to do with them.

For example, if you were to use a balance transfer check with 3.99% interest and a fee of 3% of your total amount to pay off a credit card or loan with 11% interest- as long as the dollar amount you borow from the balance transfer check is high enough, you're going to be saving enough money to make that a worthwhile fee to pay. You'll also be able to pay off the balance much sooner with the lower interest rate even by making the same amount of payments each month- since more of your payment goes to principal

What many people don't realize is that they can actually get a balance transfer check from one of these low or no interest offers, and deposit the check into their own, personal checking accounts. Once you've deposited the money, you can use it to pay off a variety of debts that you owe that are costing you more than 3.99% interest (or whatever the interest rate is on the balance transfer check offer you've received); and save quite a bit of money!

There have been people who purchase cars using a balance transfer check offer. If you're lucky enough to receive an offer for 0% interest on the life of the balance transferred (with checks); you can buy and pay for a car without any cash up front and without paying any interest. How great is that?!

Other uses for the low or no interest balance transfer check offers: a buy now, pay later holiday shopping season! If you deposit the check from the balance transfer offer into your own account, you could use that money to finance your holiday shopping. This is a good idea if you get a 0% interest offer; or if you were planning to use a higher interest credit card to make your purchases. By using the balance transfer checks in your own checking account, you save on interest and have more time to pay for the purchases which means you aren't hurting your wallet too much.

Home improvement is another good candidate for using balance transfer checks. Once again, just deposit the balance transfer check that you write to yourself into your own account, and then hit the home improvement store for the items you need to make the repairs or complete your latest project.

As long as you make your monthly payments on time, you'll be able to keep your 0% or low interest offer on the balance transfer. Making even one payment late can be grounds for a rate increase, as well as late fees, and the financial gains of using the offer will be wiped out!

by: Debbie Dragon

Bad-Credit Credit Cards: Are They Right For You?

2009-01-20T16:44:00.003+06:00

Do you think you have bad credit and that you should apply for bad credit credit cards? Before you begin filling out bad-credit credit card applications, there are a few things you should consider. To determine if bad-credit credit cards are right for you, you will need to take a detailed look at your credit situation.

No Credit

If you are thinking about applying for bad-credit credit cards because you have no credit history, think again. Just because you have not established a credit history it does not mean that you need to apply for bad-credit credit cards. In fact, there is a clear difference between having no credit and having bad credit.

There are a number of credit cards that exist that can help you establish your credit. Additionally, if you have no credit, some credit card suppliers will allow you to have a cosigner on a credit card. Thus, if you know of someone willing to cosign for a credit card, you can establish your credit with a regular credit card instead of a bad-credit credit card.

You can begin to establish your credit without having to apply for a secured credit card. In fact, you may find that both department stores and gasoline companies will approve you for their credit cards and you can establish a credit history through their use. Later, after you have made purchases with your department store or gasoline credit cards in a timely fashion, regular credit card companies will be more willing to approve you for a line of credit.

Rebuild Your Credit

To determine if you have bad credit, you may want to view your credit report. Further, if you are considering rebuilding your credit, there are several bad-credit credit cards that can assist you in your endeavor. Bad-credit credit card suppliers help you reestablish your credit by reporting your payments to credit agencies on a regular basis. With bad-credit credit cards, if you maintain regular and timely payments, you can successfully reestablish your credit.

With bad-credit credit cards however, it is important to keep a few things in mind. You should make at least one attempt to get a regular credit card or a gasoline credit card. After you have made an attempt to get a credit card and you have been declined by the card issuing company, you will frequently be supplied with the opportunity to view your credit report for free. Take the time to partake in the offer and get a free copy of your credit report and see what your credit history says about you.

If your credit rating is extremely poor, you can apply for bad-credit credit cards that can help you reestablish your credit. Nevertheless, such credit cards vary in terms and conditions and you should familiarize yourself with all of the conditions set forth by the credit card issuing company before you apply for any bad-credit credit cards.

The credit cards listed above may be able to help build, rebuild, or re-establish your credit if you make ontime payments with all of your creditors and maintain your account balances below the credit limits.

0% APR Credit Cards - How to Take Advantage of 0% APR Offers

2009-01-20T16:43:00.002+06:00

In today's credit-driven world, companies want your business, and often offer enticing deals to get it. Perhaps one of the biggest of these deals is the 0% APR feature. Many credit cards come with a certain period in which you pay absolutely nothing in interest. This can really work to your advantage. If you understand how the 0% APR offer works and plan strategically, you can make the most of your credit card deal. Here's how.

What APR Means

The annual percentage rate, or APR, represents how much you pay in interest on a credit card. It is expressed as a yearly rate. So if your card comes with an 18% APR, and you carry a balance of $1,000 for a year, you will have to pay $180 in interest annually.

However, if you apply for a 0% APR credit card, you will not have to pay anything toward interest for an initial period of time. This timeframe varies from card to card, but usually lasts between six months to a year. Let's say your card comes with a 0% APR for twelve months. If you carry a balance of $1,000 during the first year, you will not owe a dime in interest. That's a savings of $180 compared to the card with a rate of 18%.

Balance Transfers vs. Purchases

Some cards let you apply the 0% APR toward balance transfers. This means that if you are carrying a balance on a different card with a high interest rate, you can bring over the amount to your new card. Then you can pay off the debt, interest-free. This is a great option if you're struggling to pay off a nagging balance. Simply bring it over to the 0% APR card. Then try to pay it off during the interest-free period. So if you have a balance of $1,200 with zero interest for six months, set aside $200 each month and pay off the debt.

Other cards apply the 0% APR to purchases. With this setup, you can use the card to shop, and then not worry about paying interest. You will have a few months to get rid of the balance, and will save a good amount of money in interest during that time.

Finding a card that offers an introductory period of 0% APR for balance transfers, purchases, or both, is easy. Most major credit card companies, including Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express, include it in their list of features. If you browse a credit card website, you'll quickly come across 0% APR options. As you look through the different listings, note which cards offer a zero percent introductory rate and for how long. After a certain period, a regular interest rate will set in. Check what the normal rate is before you apply.

Use it to Your Advantage

The benefits of a 0% APR card can add up fast. If you want to pay off a balance, you get the chance to do so without having to worry about interest. If you want to make a large purchase, you can take a few months to pay for it with zero interest charges. Fill out an application today, and get ready to watch the savings rack up.

Credit Cards Make Your Life Easier! Find Out How!

2009-01-19T15:01:00.002+06:00

Credit cards do more than provide you with extra purchasing power. Actually, credit cards can do quite a bit to make your life easier. Credit cards add convenience to your life by helping you establish credit and simplify your bill payments. In fact, credit cards can even protect you in the event that you are a victim of theft! Finally, credit cards are excellent to have when you run into one of life's many emergency situations! If you are getting credit cards for the first time ever, one of the obvious benefits of owning such cards is that you will be able to establish a credit rating. Further, by establishing a good credit rating over time, you will later be able to make larger purchases with your well-earned credit, like automobiles and homes. Finally, a well-established credit rating can help you rent cars and apartments, and sometimes help you get employment that may require a credit check. Alternatively, paying bills or even making purchases on the Internet require the use of a credit card. Unlike bank debit cards where you must have money in your checking account to pay your bills, credit cards allow you to pay your bills with your predetermined credit limit. Therefore, if you are a little short on cash during the month, you can still successfully make online billing transactions with the use of your credit cards. Did you know that credit cards can help you afford the larger purchases that you might not necessarily expect? Perhaps you are a college student and you need to purchase your books for your upcoming semester. Imagine going to the book store and finding out that your book bill is far more than you had planned for. Nevertheless, you require the texts for the upcoming classes you are enrolled in. With a credit card, you can successfully pay for your books all at once and pay off the balance later in the month or in several monthly increments. Did you know that having a credit card can actually save you money? For example, if you were supplied with a credit card with a $500.00 limit and you made $500.00 worth of purchases, as long as you paid off the entire bill before interest is applied, you have basically afforded yourself an interest free loan! Conversely, if you borrow money from a bank, interest is applied immediately and you are required to pay the interest first, then the principle. Another benefit derived from having credit cards is that you can carry less cash with you. Thus, if you are ever the victim of theft, you will not lose as much cash as an individual that does not carry credit cards. What's more, if your credit cards are stolen, unlike cash, you can immediately place a call to the issuing company of your cards and have them issue new ones. Finally, credit cards can keep you prepared for life's little emergencies. Imagine that you are on your way home from vacationing out-of-state. While driving home your car breaks down and you have to call a tow truck to have it brought to the nearest garage and repaired. Now imagine not having enough cash to have a tow truck come and retrieve your car; what would you do? By having one or more credit cards handy, you can make your life easier because you will be prepared for anything, including the tow truck fees! In short, the many benefits derived from owning credit cards only make your life easier. Credit cards can give you the extra buying power that you require and can help you establish a credit rating that will increase your buying power in the future. Further, credit cards can help you take a proactive role in protecting your money by allowing you to have less cash-on-hand. Finally, credit cards can help you afford unexpected expenditures with relative ease and thereby give you peace of mind!

Small Business Credit Card Benefits

2009-01-19T15:00:00.000+06:00

Many new small business owners do not have a credit card account specific to their business. They might use a personal credit card to make business related purchases every now and then, but the majority of new business owners overlook the value a business credit card may provide to their business. There are many reasons why a small business owner would benefit from having a credit card account specifically reserved for their business use. First, though, let’s discuss the typical reasons why a small business owner would avoid a credit card! Top 6 Reasons Small Businesses DON’T Have Credit Cards 1) Business owner is afraid that they will overspend if they have access to a credit card. 2) Business owner thinks it’s complicated to apply for and receive a credit card under the business name, or feel they don’t have strong enough credit to get one. 3) Business owner thinks finance charges and interest rates will be expensive and cost more money than the convenience of having a credit card is worth. 4) Small businesses don’t make enough purchases to require a credit card. 5) Business owner likes the control over spending by employees when a check or cash has to be issued for purchases. 6) Business owner applied for one and was denied. Is the reason your small business doesn’t have a credit card found on this list? If so, you might be surprised how the benefits of having a credit card for your business can help propel your business forward. Credit Card Benefits for the Small Business Owner While many of the reasons small business owners decide not to get a credit card for their businesses are valid, there are many advantages to the businesses that do decide to get a credit card. When you make all of your business purchases and pay for each expense related to the company on a single credit card, you have an easier time with your bookkeeping. You can simply refer to your credit card statement each month, or on a quarterly or annual basis in order to see your purchases and expenses at a glance. You can cut one check each month to pay for all of the purchases, making it much easier to manage your business checking account, also. Having a company credit card allows you to get additional cards in key employee names. If your office manager handles the office supply purchases, you can give her a card to make those purchases with, for example. There is less time required of you to approve or deny his or her orders and no need to cut a check when the manager is ready to place the order. Simply give the employees with cards a spending allowance and you can quickly monitor the spending of each employee by glancing at the card statements. If you select a credit card for your business that offers a rewards program, you will benefit further by achieving the rewards under that benefit. As a business owner, you would decide if you have reason to purchase airline tickets, or if you would benefit better from a card with cash back or special merchandise purchases with the points you’ve earned. Having a business credit card opens the door to many opportunities for your business that you wouldn’t have if you avoided having a card. Be sure to take these benefits and advantages in consideration when deciding whether or not to apply for a business credit card. If you fear your business credit isn’t strong enough for a card at this time, you can opt for a prepaid card or a secured credit card to build your company credit history. You’ll still receive all of the benefits and conveniences of a credit card, you’ll just need to take the extra step of funding a prepaid card before you can use it.

Student Credit Cards: What You Should Know

2009-01-19T14:51:00.004+06:00

Although credit card issuers view student credit cards amongst the highest credit risk groups and accordingly charge higher interest rates, they provide an excellent opportunity for young people to start establishing a credit history that will ultimately get them a credit rating. A good credit rating is not only important in helping a person secure credit but is also very useful when it comes to securing job, getting insurance and a host of other important things most people will need to get done in their lifetime. Evidence that a good credit rating is of absolute importance is the popularity of any offer that purports to help repair a bad credit rating. Characteristics Of A Student Credit Card A student credit card will usually have more restrictions than an ordinary credit card. Many student credit cards typically require the additional signature of a parent. This is a commitment that in the event that the student credit card holder is unable to pay, the parents will foot the bill. Student credit cards will also tend to have a low credit limit, usually as low as $500. The bank sees student credit cards as a starting point for the individual where there is no credit history or rating. Banks and credit card issuers rely very heavily on a person’s credit rating when making decisions about credit limits. The low limit gives the student a chance to demonstrate their budding skills in managing their personal finances and at the same time protects the bank by limiting their exposure. Another method used to help minimize the bank’s exposure in high-risk student credit cards is in the higher interest rates charged. Still every credit card issuer has remained keen and rather enthusiastic about promoting student credit cards mainly because they all view it as a good chance of ensuring customer loyalty for life by fighting to be the first credit card brand in a young person’s wallet. Student Credit Cards Help Cultivate Responsibility In Youngsters What is probably the largest benefit of student credit cards is that they help cultivate responsibility in young people and help them develop personal financial management skills as they prepare for adulthood. The stark reality is that while a credit card represents freedom and the chance to enjoy the benefits of having credit, the temptation to over-indulge one-self and over-spend is quite huge. You just need to look at the large numbers of adults who fall into serious credit card debt to appreciate this fact. So a student credit card becomes an important step in giving practical training in financial management and responsibility to young persons. It is the sort of training and experience that cannot be obtained in any other way. And yet it is critical to the financial success of any individual. Secured Student Credit Cards Still Count Towards The Student’s Credit History Despite the fact that a student credit card will usually be secured either by a bank deposit or be the sort that is co-signed or co-owned by a parent or guardian, it still counts towards the young person’s credit history and will go towards the establishment of the individual’s credit rating later in life. This is precisely the reason why teenagers and parents should take student credit cards much more seriously than they do currently.

Transferring a Credit Card Balance

2009-01-19T14:51:00.001+06:00

Are you staring at that attractive advertisement for switching credit card companies by transferring your balance from one card to another? While many of these offers are truly great deals, balance transfers and card-switching is not something to jump into, eager as you may be. You need to do your homework first: Do enough research and investigating in order to determine whether it in fact is worth it or a good idea to make the transfer. First, find out if it is in fact worth it. Generally speaking, these attractive advertisements and super credit card deals advertise very low introductory rates if you transfer your current balance from an existing credit card onto this new one. You can stumble upon these offers anywhere—online, in the mail, on a flyer or via a telephone call from credit card company salespersons—and you need to determine how great these deals really are, or if you’ll just end up paying much more in fees and interest in the long run. Read the fine print. Read everything. Read it through several times so that you make sure you understand what it is saying. It may appear to be a bunch of financial jargon that you might not think is very important, but the truth is, this information is valuable and critical to your decision in whether or not you make the big switch. Call the credit card company and ask any questions you might have. If the deal is solid and they want to make a sale, generally they should be able to help you out in any way. What do you need to find out about the deal? Here is an example. Let’s say that the advertised introductory rate is 6% (a low rate) on credit card B if you transfer your balance from credit card A, where you currently rack up an APR of 18% (a standard rate). You come across another offer, showcasing credit card C with an introductory rate of 9%. At first glance you may think, “Well, let’s go with credit card B—it’s the obvious choice here.” However, after reading the fine print, you discover credit card B’s special rate only last six months, and afterward the APR is 20%, whereas credit card C’s higher rate lasts for a year and the interest rate after that is 18%, the same as yours on credit card A. In other words, you have to factor in a lot of variables when making the decision to switch your balance from one credit card to another. Besides comparing the introductory rates being offered, the length of the offer and what the regular interest rate is, you’ll also need to take into account balance transfer fees, annual fees, late fees and other fees, as well as whether the teaser rate applies to balance transfers only or also purchases, among other considerations. Something else to keep in mind is that you may not actually qualify for the special rate being offered, depending on your credit history and credit rating. Before you make the big plunge, make sure you know exactly what you, yourself, will be getting. There may also be other conditions. For example, some credit card companies may penalize you for one late payment and take you off the introductory rate onto their regular rate, which may be higher than your current card’s rate. However, many credit cards with these introductory rates offer great deals for people interested in switching credit cards and transferring their balance over and can be more than worth it. The important thing is to do your research, read the fine print and ask questions to determine which credit card and deal is the right one for you. Once you’ve selected the right credit card offer, the next step is to fill out the balance transfer application form completely and accurately. Next, make the minimum payment on your original credit card while you wait for the balance transfer to go through. When it has gone through, the new company should send you a notice, after which you’ll need to verify the transfer with your old company so they can send you a zero-balanced billing statement. Finally, cancel your old card since you don’t need it anymore—it will also save you some temptation.

Which Credit Card To Apply For? - Tips To Help You Choose

2009-01-19T14:50:00.002+06:00

So many different choices for credit cards: 0% APR credit cards, travel rewards credit cards, 0% balance transfer credit cards, and cash back credit cards. Selecting the right card for the way you use your credit card can mean a big difference in your pocketbook. Use this quick guide to help you spot the differences in your credit card offers: *Will you carry a balance every month or almost every month? If so, a lower interest rate is better for you. If you transfer a high balance credit card to a lower or 0% APR credit card (often an introductory period), you will save even more. *Will you be paying the credit card balance off every month? Then you will want to apply for a credit card without an annual fee. Finance charges may be higher, but since you pay the balance off every month, you won’t be charged. Look for credit cards that offer grace periods, usually between 25 to 30 days, before credit interest begins. *Will you be shopping for credit card balance transfer? Be sure to check out the transaction fees and the introductory periods. Occasionally your credit card company will offer you a credit card debt consolidation with convenience checks so that you can transfer one or more credit card balances, but be sure to check out the transfer guidelines. *Will you need cash advances? Apply for a credit card that offers a lower APR and lower transaction fees. Be sure to read the fine print on their requirements. Some credit card companies impose a transaction fee and a cash advance fee plus the interest rate. Some credit cards charge a higher rate for cash advances than regular purchases. *Will you be traveling frequently, and charging your trip expenses? If this is your situation, then a cash back credit card reward program may suit you best. Be sure to consider your interest rate first, however. Rewards should come secondary to your spending habits and the cost of the credit card itself. Cash rebate cards offer you a cash back refund at the end of the year that you can use anyway you choose. Other credit card reward programs offer purchase points or redeemable rebates. Airline credit cards offer you miles as credit for every dollar you spend, sometimes offering you double or triple miles. Whatever credit card offer you apply for, be sure to carefully consider the terms of your credit card, including the interest rate (APR), annual fees, transaction fees and balance transfer fees. Those hidden charges can add up quickly and cost you more than what you bargained for, so choose your credit card wisely.

Zero Interest Credit Cards: Do They Exist?

2009-01-19T01:54:00.001+06:00

According to Google, lots of folks are searching the Internet for 0% interest credit cards, no-interest credit cards, and interest-free credit cards. Do such cards really exist, or are these potential card holders embarking on a wild goose chase?

You can find 0% interest credit cards. However, the length of the 0% interest period varies from card to card. If you have been hunting for a card that never charges interest, you are, sadly, out of luck. Credit card companies make money from the interest you pay them. But some credit cards do offer an interest-free first year, or even longer. This is great for card holders who anticipate carrying a balance, but who will be able to pay it off before the introductory period runs out.

At the time of this writing, several companies offer 0% interest cards. The Citi Platinum 12 month BT MasterCard, as its name suggests, offers 0% interest for 12 months at an average APR of 16.9%. The Discover Platinum also offers 0% interest for 12 months, with an average APR of 10.99%.

Other cards have lower rates and longer interest-free periods. These include the Advanta Platinum Rewards MasterCard, with 0% interest for 16 months and an average APR of 7.99%; and the American Express Blue Credit Card, with 0% interest for 15 months and an 11.74% APR.

These are just a few of the 0% interest cards out there. It definitely pays to shop around and find the one that best suits your needs. Look for balance-transfer cards that offer rewards, too, if the terms are agreeable.

If you are thinking of getting a 0% interest card in order to transfer other another card’s balance onto it, do your homework first. You could get hit with a balance transfer fee, typically 2% of the amount you wish to transfer. Also, these cards might carry interest charges for purchases made. Look for credit cards that offer 0% interest for the life of the transfer, but also beware of ‘minimum monthly spend’ requirements. If you fail to meet those requirements, the interest charges will start rolling in.

Yes, there are 0% interest credit cards out there – if, by zero interest, you mean a no-interest introductory period, or zero interest on the life of a balance transfer. Either type can be very valuable to card holders in the right situations. Just remember that the only truly interest-free credit card is the one you pay off each month. Don’t carry a balance, and you will enjoy the benefits of 0% interest all the time.

Avoid These Common Credit Card Balance Transfer Mistakes

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That offer to transfer your credit card balances sounds like a pretty good deal, doesn’t it? And it is, until you take out your magnifying glass and start reading all the fine print that goes along with the offer. What a lot of people don’t realize is that the lender making such an unbelievable offer wouldn’t be doing so if there wasn’t some way to benefit financially. These lenders actually feel safe in assuming that most people transferring balances won’t pay attention to the potentially costly details that accompany the offer.

Transferring balances from a high-interest rate credit card to one with no or a lower interest rate can save you a substantial amount of money if you don’t fall victim to these common mistakes.

1. Balance transfer fees

Rare is the balance transfer offer that doesn’t come with some sort of balance transfer fee. It might be a flat rate like $50 or $75 but it’s usually a percentage of the total amount of each balance transferred. Maybe 3% doesn’t sound like much but if you’re transferring several thousands of dollars, that fee can be hundreds of dollars!

Although you may know by now to look for such fees, there’s something else you need to look for: whether or not there’s a cap on how high the balance transfer fee can go. Avoid those without caps. Before taking advantage of an offer, always do the math. If the balance transfer fee ends up being more than you would have paid in interest had you not done the transfer, then don’t transfer!

2. Other interest rates

While there might be low or no interest on balance transfers, you’re still getting a new credit card which means you’ll still be able to use it to make purchases. Purchases though, normally aren’t part of the no or low interest deal. In fact, you can expect the interest rate on purchases or cash advances to be just as high as or higher than the credit cards you’re already using to make purchases. If you’re serious about chipping away at your debt, which is really the best reason to take advantage of balance transfer offers, then you really should stop accruing credit card debt!

3. Payment allocation

If you do transfer balances to the new account, and you do make purchases on this new credit account, you may be surprised to find that your payments are not allocated the way you thought (assumed) they would be. Say you transferred $1,000 and during the last month you made new purchases totaling $200. You make a payment of $300 thinking you’ll clear away the new charges and start chipping away at the balance transfer amount.

Next billing cycle you get your statement and find that the $200 in new purchases is still there – plus the couple of new charges you made since then. And all those purchases are compounding interest at a rate of 16, 19, 22% or more! What happened? Well, as stated in the fine print, the credit card company allocated your entire payment to the zero interest balance because – well it’s not making any money on that amount. But it certainly is on those new purchases!

4. Interest rate after intro rate expires

That low or zero interest rate won’t last forever and you need to know how much it’ll increase when the stated period expires. That’s because any balance remaining afterwards is likely to be whacked with a much higher rate. To keep this from happening – which negates any savings benefits you’ve reaped so far – make sure you have a plan for paying off whatever balance you transfer before the rate increases. Also make sure you don’t miss a payment or make payments late. If you do you might find – without warning – that your zero percent no longer applies and you’re paying more in interest than you were before.