By Chris Ryerson
Many credit cards are offered in the market today thus, making companies more aggressive in advertising and marketing their card services. These companies (e.g. banks, department stores, specialty stores, airlines, hotels, etc.) have found a powerful tool in catching the attention of prospective card holders: online credit card application.
What advantage/s does online credit card application offer?
Filling out a credit card application online is the ultimate in convenience. Now from the very comfortable spot in your home in front of the computer you can apply for and get your own credit card. No waiting in a long bank line to get approved and no having to waste money on gas! No you can sit back and let the companies compete for your business. You are also more likely to get a card that fits your needs better when applying online because it is so easy to compare the different features and incentives.
What is/are the drawback/s of online credit card application?
The major drawback in applying for a credit card online is internet security: computer hacking makes identity theft possible. Make sure that online application is done through a trusted and secure computer.
Do credit cards applied for online offer additional benefits?
No, basically all the services and benefits are the same. Here are some of the benefits given to card holders and future members:
1. airline miles
2. cash back
3. business
4. retail
5. shopping
6. rewards
How does one apply for a credit card online?
Online credit card application is very straightforward. Just follow the directions as prompted. Credit card companies have their respective web sites which are easy to search in the web. Just type the name of the bank, department store/specialty shop, or airlines and add the key words “online credit card application”, and the computer screen will display the search results as well as the URL.
Here are some other reminders when applying for a credit card online:
1. Determine your need for a credit card: travel, grocery, business.
2. Assess your earning capacity and compare this against your needs. 4. Check out the following information about your prospective credit card company through the internet:
5. Application fee. Some companies do not charge for applications.
6. Interest per month. Of course, choose the one with the lowest financial charges.
7. Benefits/Rewards/Advantages. These can sometimes spell the difference between good and best credit cards.
8. Disclaimer. This states additional limitations and/or scope to the credit card; make sure you read this.
9. Application requirements. This is to ensure that all necessary personal data and information are available to you when you do the actual online application.
10. Apply for a credit card online through a secure, trusted, and private computer, never in a public computer.
Applying for a credit card online is the ultimate in convenience and it couldn't be any easier. However since so many companies have to aggressively compete against each other each credit card company offers different packages and bonuses. So doing some comparisons of the different cards and what they offer is where you will want to spend the bulk of your time. Just fill out the forms and submit and you will get approved in 24 hours or less. There is nothing easier!
For more great information credit cards and getting the most for credit check out Best Guides Money: Credit Cards. BestGuideMoney includes other money saving and investing tips as well. Check out Best Guide Money for all of your money related needs.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Friday, December 29, 2006
The Numerous Perks and Benefits of Travel Rewards Credit Cards
By Morgan Hamilton
The most common travel rewards credit cards are those affiliated with airlines, with the most well known perk being free air miles that accumulate with purchases. What many people do not realize, however, is that these travel rewards credit cards have numerous other perks and benefits that are of use to frequent travelers.
From hotel discounts to travel insurance to any of a number of other features, travel rewards credit cards can be the frequent traveler’s best friend. Injuries and accidents that are incurred while traveling can be particularly expensive. The available medical care may or may not be easily covered by insurance, and damage to property, particularly in a foreign country, due to automotive negligence can be incredibly expensive. For this reason, many travelers are happy to find that their travel rewards credit cards often offer free travel insurance.
The amount of insurance varies according to card and account type and the insured events also vary between accounts, so the traveler should be sure to read all of the documentation that came with their travel rewards credit cards if they are interested in travel insurance. Perhaps the most frequent type of travel accidents that can require the use of travel insurance that comes with travel rewards credit cards are those vehicle accidents that damage rental cars.
Having travel insurance with travel rewards credit cards can greatly ease the mind of the traveler if he or she has an accident or incurs other damage while operating a rented vehicle. Those mysterious business and first class lounges that are found in many airports are often an enigma to the casual traveler. Typically found at the end of nondescript hallways and behind unmarked doors, many travelers are completely unaware that behind the plain looking windowless doors lies a relaxing and luxurious lounge.
How does one gain access to these hidden little secret party rooms? The truth is that the airlines use these rooms to reward their frequent customers, and getting travel rewards credit cards through the airlines is often the only way for the traveler to gain access to these rooms. The perks and benefits associated with travel rewards credit cards are numerous and typically go far beyond what the account holder realizes. Carefully read all of the documentation that you received with your travel rewards credit cards, you may be pleasantly surprised at what you find.
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning the Best Airline Credit Cards, including assistance with the Best Airline Miles Credit Cards. Get the information you are seeking now by visiting find-cards-now.com.
The most common travel rewards credit cards are those affiliated with airlines, with the most well known perk being free air miles that accumulate with purchases. What many people do not realize, however, is that these travel rewards credit cards have numerous other perks and benefits that are of use to frequent travelers.
From hotel discounts to travel insurance to any of a number of other features, travel rewards credit cards can be the frequent traveler’s best friend. Injuries and accidents that are incurred while traveling can be particularly expensive. The available medical care may or may not be easily covered by insurance, and damage to property, particularly in a foreign country, due to automotive negligence can be incredibly expensive. For this reason, many travelers are happy to find that their travel rewards credit cards often offer free travel insurance.
The amount of insurance varies according to card and account type and the insured events also vary between accounts, so the traveler should be sure to read all of the documentation that came with their travel rewards credit cards if they are interested in travel insurance. Perhaps the most frequent type of travel accidents that can require the use of travel insurance that comes with travel rewards credit cards are those vehicle accidents that damage rental cars.
Having travel insurance with travel rewards credit cards can greatly ease the mind of the traveler if he or she has an accident or incurs other damage while operating a rented vehicle. Those mysterious business and first class lounges that are found in many airports are often an enigma to the casual traveler. Typically found at the end of nondescript hallways and behind unmarked doors, many travelers are completely unaware that behind the plain looking windowless doors lies a relaxing and luxurious lounge.
How does one gain access to these hidden little secret party rooms? The truth is that the airlines use these rooms to reward their frequent customers, and getting travel rewards credit cards through the airlines is often the only way for the traveler to gain access to these rooms. The perks and benefits associated with travel rewards credit cards are numerous and typically go far beyond what the account holder realizes. Carefully read all of the documentation that you received with your travel rewards credit cards, you may be pleasantly surprised at what you find.
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning the Best Airline Credit Cards, including assistance with the Best Airline Miles Credit Cards. Get the information you are seeking now by visiting find-cards-now.com.
Monday, December 25, 2006
7 Habits of People With GREAT Credit Scores
By Eric Bramlett
People with great credit scores have earned them for a reason – they have always borrowed money, and paid it back on time. There’s really no trick to what they’ve done, and there is no one action that will help you get a great credit score. When someone asks me how to earn a good credit score, I tell them to look at the spending habits of those with great scores, and to develop the same habits. Here are the 7 habits of people with great credit scores.
1) Pay Off Your Balance(s)
People with great credit scores don’t typically carry high credit card balances. The easiest way to emulate this is to make sure that you don’t carry ANY balances. You’ll obtain the best credit score if you make sure that you’re using the smallest portion of your potential limit – which means “Zero.” People with great credit scores make sure to use their cards, but pay the balance off every month.
2) Put Yourself on a Bill Payment Schedule
In order for the credit bureaus to reward your good spending habits, you have to pay your bills on time. However, you have a little leeway. While it’s not a good idea to pay your bills a few days late because your creditors will charge you late penalties, it won’t affect your credit score negatively unless you pay them more than 30 days late. The easiest way to stay on top of your bills is to pick one day out of the month to take care of everything.
3) Never Use a Debit Card
You won’t find a debit card in the wallets of people with great credit scores. Debit cards provide you absolutely nothing that a credit card won’t, and credit cards will build your credit score! Furthermore, if someone steals your credit card, you’re protected against fraudulent purchases, while with a debit card, you’re out of luck! People with great credit scores take every opportunity to build their credit – going to the grocery store, buying gas, or renting movies!
4) Never Pay Cash
People with great credit scores want every purchase to count. And a purchase doesn’t count unless the 3 bureaus know about it! The only way to make sure that the bureaus know how much money you’re spending is to put everything on your card(s.) Rather than deposit your paycheck and spend, think of your spending as a monetary cycle: Put your paycheck in the bank, spend with your credit cards, and pay off the cards with the funds you’ve already deposited. It’s one extra step that pays off big with the added security and boost to your score that credit cards provide. Credit cards aren’t just for larger purchases anymore. Using your credit cards for items like soft drinks and gum has become so common that credit card companies have given a name to them: “Micro-purchases.”
5) Consistently Request Higher Credit Card Limits
Because people with great credit scores habitually borrow money and immediately pay it off, the credit card companies are very comfortable consistently raising their spending limits. People with great credit scores consistently request higher limits because it allows them the freedom to borrow and keep a balance, if the need arises, without lowering their scores. You will have the best credit score if you keep the balances of your cards below roughly 35% of the spending limit of each card. People with great credit scores don’t habitually spend over 35% of the limit of their cards. Furthermore, if you have high limits, you can take advantage of the promotional offers that the banks offer from time to time. A borrower I know with a great score recently transferred the second mortgage on his home to a 1.99% APR promotional rate on his credit card – the rate is good for the life of the loan!
6) Never Close a Credit Card Account
The credit bureaus take into account the age of your credit lines – and people with great credit scores know this, and exploit it. Many times, people with mediocre or low scores will pay off a card they’ve abused and close the account because they subconsciously think it was the card’s fault they let the balance get as high as it did. This is NOT the correct thing to do in this situation. That card has a great history behind it! You’ve shown the bureaus that you’re willing to borrow a large sum of money and then pay it down to zero. People with great credit scores NEVER close credit card accounts because they want to show that they have a long history of properly using credit.
7) Never Rent
Your home is probably the largest purchase you will ever make in your life, and is the one purchase that can make the biggest impact on your credit score. When you purchase a home, you’re showing the bureaus that you can consistently budget yourself to pay a large portion of your income towards an account on a monthly basis. There are a number of reasons people with great credit scores refuse to rent, and the impact of paying a mortgage on their scores is one of them. When a first time homebuyer finally closes on their home and pays the mortgage on time for a few months, they will see their credit score jump around 50 points – and sometimes higher!
People with great credit scores haven’t achieved anything too terribly difficult – they’ve merely adopted some fantastic spending habits. If you would like to earn a great credit score, borrow these habits and watch your score climb. Along with your score, your financial health should benefit, as well!
People with great credit scores have earned them for a reason – they have always borrowed money, and paid it back on time. There’s really no trick to what they’ve done, and there is no one action that will help you get a great credit score. When someone asks me how to earn a good credit score, I tell them to look at the spending habits of those with great scores, and to develop the same habits. Here are the 7 habits of people with great credit scores.
1) Pay Off Your Balance(s)
People with great credit scores don’t typically carry high credit card balances. The easiest way to emulate this is to make sure that you don’t carry ANY balances. You’ll obtain the best credit score if you make sure that you’re using the smallest portion of your potential limit – which means “Zero.” People with great credit scores make sure to use their cards, but pay the balance off every month.
2) Put Yourself on a Bill Payment Schedule
In order for the credit bureaus to reward your good spending habits, you have to pay your bills on time. However, you have a little leeway. While it’s not a good idea to pay your bills a few days late because your creditors will charge you late penalties, it won’t affect your credit score negatively unless you pay them more than 30 days late. The easiest way to stay on top of your bills is to pick one day out of the month to take care of everything.
3) Never Use a Debit Card
You won’t find a debit card in the wallets of people with great credit scores. Debit cards provide you absolutely nothing that a credit card won’t, and credit cards will build your credit score! Furthermore, if someone steals your credit card, you’re protected against fraudulent purchases, while with a debit card, you’re out of luck! People with great credit scores take every opportunity to build their credit – going to the grocery store, buying gas, or renting movies!
4) Never Pay Cash
People with great credit scores want every purchase to count. And a purchase doesn’t count unless the 3 bureaus know about it! The only way to make sure that the bureaus know how much money you’re spending is to put everything on your card(s.) Rather than deposit your paycheck and spend, think of your spending as a monetary cycle: Put your paycheck in the bank, spend with your credit cards, and pay off the cards with the funds you’ve already deposited. It’s one extra step that pays off big with the added security and boost to your score that credit cards provide. Credit cards aren’t just for larger purchases anymore. Using your credit cards for items like soft drinks and gum has become so common that credit card companies have given a name to them: “Micro-purchases.”
5) Consistently Request Higher Credit Card Limits
Because people with great credit scores habitually borrow money and immediately pay it off, the credit card companies are very comfortable consistently raising their spending limits. People with great credit scores consistently request higher limits because it allows them the freedom to borrow and keep a balance, if the need arises, without lowering their scores. You will have the best credit score if you keep the balances of your cards below roughly 35% of the spending limit of each card. People with great credit scores don’t habitually spend over 35% of the limit of their cards. Furthermore, if you have high limits, you can take advantage of the promotional offers that the banks offer from time to time. A borrower I know with a great score recently transferred the second mortgage on his home to a 1.99% APR promotional rate on his credit card – the rate is good for the life of the loan!
6) Never Close a Credit Card Account
The credit bureaus take into account the age of your credit lines – and people with great credit scores know this, and exploit it. Many times, people with mediocre or low scores will pay off a card they’ve abused and close the account because they subconsciously think it was the card’s fault they let the balance get as high as it did. This is NOT the correct thing to do in this situation. That card has a great history behind it! You’ve shown the bureaus that you’re willing to borrow a large sum of money and then pay it down to zero. People with great credit scores NEVER close credit card accounts because they want to show that they have a long history of properly using credit.
7) Never Rent
Your home is probably the largest purchase you will ever make in your life, and is the one purchase that can make the biggest impact on your credit score. When you purchase a home, you’re showing the bureaus that you can consistently budget yourself to pay a large portion of your income towards an account on a monthly basis. There are a number of reasons people with great credit scores refuse to rent, and the impact of paying a mortgage on their scores is one of them. When a first time homebuyer finally closes on their home and pays the mortgage on time for a few months, they will see their credit score jump around 50 points – and sometimes higher!
People with great credit scores haven’t achieved anything too terribly difficult – they’ve merely adopted some fantastic spending habits. If you would like to earn a great credit score, borrow these habits and watch your score climb. Along with your score, your financial health should benefit, as well!
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Keep An Eye On Your Credit Score
By Joseph Ducat
A few years ago, I wanted to buy a car and so I approached a loan company to come up with the money. This big, well-known, respectable institution turned me down flat. In my disappointment, I learned that their background check on me had turned up a couple of missed payments on my credit card, and that was enough for them to deny me the loan. You can imagine how concerned I became that I had a bad credit history. That concern drove me to find out what my actual credit score was. It took a little online investigation for me to get my score, and to my surprise and relief, it was a much better score than I had expected.
Even if no one has turned you down for a loan, you may want to know what your credit score is. You'll be glad to know it's something you can find out in a matter of mouse clicks. Simply typing "credit score" in a web search will bring up a wealth of links to credit score report providers.
But first, one must understand exactly what a "credit score" is. There are actually several different versions of a person's score, the best-known probably being the FICO score, in use since 1989. Additionally, three different scores are available from the three major credit reporting agencies competing with FICO. These are the Experian, TransUnion, and EquiFax scores. These scores are not considered as credible as the FICO score, but they are available at a lower cost.
I do suggest that, if you are looking for your credit score, you seek out the FICO statistic, as it remains the most respectable and widely-used. If you try a simple Internet search for "fico," you will find the sites myfico.com and fico.com among the top search results. These sites will provide you with a FICO score report for around $15 or even lower.
To get the report, you must sign up for an account at one of the sites. You provide your personal information, including full name, address, and Social Security number. You will also need to provide a valid email address. Once you sign up, you will enjoy a free 30-day trial period, during which you can avail of your score.
Your account will also allow you to monitor your score and get alerts should it experience any changes. With such information in your hands, I expect you will soon start seeing it change for the better. Before you know it, you'll will be able to get better interest rates on loans and better deals on credit cards.
A few years ago, I wanted to buy a car and so I approached a loan company to come up with the money. This big, well-known, respectable institution turned me down flat. In my disappointment, I learned that their background check on me had turned up a couple of missed payments on my credit card, and that was enough for them to deny me the loan. You can imagine how concerned I became that I had a bad credit history. That concern drove me to find out what my actual credit score was. It took a little online investigation for me to get my score, and to my surprise and relief, it was a much better score than I had expected.
Even if no one has turned you down for a loan, you may want to know what your credit score is. You'll be glad to know it's something you can find out in a matter of mouse clicks. Simply typing "credit score" in a web search will bring up a wealth of links to credit score report providers.
But first, one must understand exactly what a "credit score" is. There are actually several different versions of a person's score, the best-known probably being the FICO score, in use since 1989. Additionally, three different scores are available from the three major credit reporting agencies competing with FICO. These are the Experian, TransUnion, and EquiFax scores. These scores are not considered as credible as the FICO score, but they are available at a lower cost.
I do suggest that, if you are looking for your credit score, you seek out the FICO statistic, as it remains the most respectable and widely-used. If you try a simple Internet search for "fico," you will find the sites myfico.com and fico.com among the top search results. These sites will provide you with a FICO score report for around $15 or even lower.
To get the report, you must sign up for an account at one of the sites. You provide your personal information, including full name, address, and Social Security number. You will also need to provide a valid email address. Once you sign up, you will enjoy a free 30-day trial period, during which you can avail of your score.
Your account will also allow you to monitor your score and get alerts should it experience any changes. With such information in your hands, I expect you will soon start seeing it change for the better. Before you know it, you'll will be able to get better interest rates on loans and better deals on credit cards.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Lower Your Credit Card Interest Rates
By Martin Lukac
When planning to eliminate your credit card debt, you need to find the lowest possible interest rate. Whether you have your current rates lowered or you transfer your balances to a different credit card, you will save money.
When you pay a lower interest rate more of your monthly payment goes towards the principal balance. This is because your finance charges are lower on your account. You may also see your payment amount decrease. However, you should continue to pay as much as possible towards your credit card debts.
Credit card companies don't usually offer to reduce your rates. However, some card issuers have started offering their good customers temporary rate decreases in order to entice them to spend more.
Get your last credit card statement and a few of the credit card offers you have received. Set aside a time when you can sit and talk on the phone for at least thirty minutes. Make sure you have a pen to write down who you talk with and what they say.
If you are a credit card holder in good standing, all you simply need to do is call your credit card company. Simply tell them that you have received several card offers in the mail from other credit card companies that have lower APRs. Remind them that you have been a good customer and would like to see a lower interest rate on your credit card. If you don't get a lower rate, you just might have to cancel your card and switch companies.
Be persistent. Ask to speak with a supervisor if you are initially turned down. Or you can ask to be transferred to the retention department. You can always try another day. But let them know that you will close your account if your rate is not lowered.
Keep it simple and straightforward when talking with the representative. Ask them what they can do to help you. You may even quote an interest rate offer and ask if they can do any better for you.
If your credit card company won't work with you to lower your rate, simply start shopping for a lower-rate credit card. Follow through on your threat to close the account andd transfer your balance to a lower-rate card.
Most card holders with great account histories will have little trouble getting a lower interest rate. If you have held your account for a long time and currently have a low balance due, you will have a pretty good shot. But regardless of your situation, it never hutrs to ask. At the worst, they will tell you no. You haven't been hurt at all. You are paying the same rate you were. But if they do happen to say yes, you will be paying hundreds of dollars a year less in interest payments.
By lowering your interest rates on your credit cards you will be able to pay your debt off quickly. Take the time to manage your accounts wisely. With a solid repayment plan and the proper management, you can control your debt, instead of it controlling you.
When planning to eliminate your credit card debt, you need to find the lowest possible interest rate. Whether you have your current rates lowered or you transfer your balances to a different credit card, you will save money.
When you pay a lower interest rate more of your monthly payment goes towards the principal balance. This is because your finance charges are lower on your account. You may also see your payment amount decrease. However, you should continue to pay as much as possible towards your credit card debts.
Credit card companies don't usually offer to reduce your rates. However, some card issuers have started offering their good customers temporary rate decreases in order to entice them to spend more.
Get your last credit card statement and a few of the credit card offers you have received. Set aside a time when you can sit and talk on the phone for at least thirty minutes. Make sure you have a pen to write down who you talk with and what they say.
If you are a credit card holder in good standing, all you simply need to do is call your credit card company. Simply tell them that you have received several card offers in the mail from other credit card companies that have lower APRs. Remind them that you have been a good customer and would like to see a lower interest rate on your credit card. If you don't get a lower rate, you just might have to cancel your card and switch companies.
Be persistent. Ask to speak with a supervisor if you are initially turned down. Or you can ask to be transferred to the retention department. You can always try another day. But let them know that you will close your account if your rate is not lowered.
Keep it simple and straightforward when talking with the representative. Ask them what they can do to help you. You may even quote an interest rate offer and ask if they can do any better for you.
If your credit card company won't work with you to lower your rate, simply start shopping for a lower-rate credit card. Follow through on your threat to close the account andd transfer your balance to a lower-rate card.
Most card holders with great account histories will have little trouble getting a lower interest rate. If you have held your account for a long time and currently have a low balance due, you will have a pretty good shot. But regardless of your situation, it never hutrs to ask. At the worst, they will tell you no. You haven't been hurt at all. You are paying the same rate you were. But if they do happen to say yes, you will be paying hundreds of dollars a year less in interest payments.
By lowering your interest rates on your credit cards you will be able to pay your debt off quickly. Take the time to manage your accounts wisely. With a solid repayment plan and the proper management, you can control your debt, instead of it controlling you.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
So How Many Credit Cards Do You Want?
By Adam Heist
Having a lot of credit cards seems like lots of fun, until you remember after that you eventually have to pay for all the stuff you buy from your bank account. You better hope there is something in there. That said some of these cards can give you some cash back, if you are already spending a lot of money for gas and for EDP (every day purchases). For example, MBNA and Bank of America have quite a few goodies if you get their credit card and regularly use it to make purchases. Remember, that every time someone uses a credit card to make purchases, the merchant is getting charged 3-percent, so whether or not you use credit cards, you and everyone else who buys EDP and a lot of other stuff is paying off that 3-percent expense in any case.
A very cute series of frequent travel awards cards pop up on the PC screen when you check this out. Due to the fact that the airlines are getting into more and more trouble, other travel spots and amenities have become the target of these card’s rebates. A Royal Caribbean credit card gives you 2,500 bonus points after the first qualifying transaction, and you earn 1 point for every $1 in purchases. Royal Caribbean is of course the famous cruise ship line. Interest rate is only 7.9-percent for platinum plus accounts, and 13.9-percent for preferred accounts. If you don’t like cruise ships, because you think you’re going to get sea sick, there also a card for the Sandals Tropical Vacation spots.
It can be dizzying looking at all the possibilities for cash-back, reduced price vacations and other goodies. How is a consumer to have any idea, what is the best deal that is out there? At credit card goodies (dot) com, they say they have a way to find out what is the best credit card for you, but by now I think I’m too dizzy to see straight. No matter. Credit ratings (dot) com also seems to have best recommendations, along with another list available at Money Magazine.
Some of the favorites are the Discover Platinum, with 5-percent cash back on EDP and the Discover Platinum Gas Card, with 5-percent back on gas purchases. No wonder the rich get rich and the poor keep getting poorer. So, who will yell out “let them eat cake” for the next revolution? I think instead they will scream, “Let them get Credit Cards”!
Having a lot of credit cards seems like lots of fun, until you remember after that you eventually have to pay for all the stuff you buy from your bank account. You better hope there is something in there. That said some of these cards can give you some cash back, if you are already spending a lot of money for gas and for EDP (every day purchases). For example, MBNA and Bank of America have quite a few goodies if you get their credit card and regularly use it to make purchases. Remember, that every time someone uses a credit card to make purchases, the merchant is getting charged 3-percent, so whether or not you use credit cards, you and everyone else who buys EDP and a lot of other stuff is paying off that 3-percent expense in any case.
A very cute series of frequent travel awards cards pop up on the PC screen when you check this out. Due to the fact that the airlines are getting into more and more trouble, other travel spots and amenities have become the target of these card’s rebates. A Royal Caribbean credit card gives you 2,500 bonus points after the first qualifying transaction, and you earn 1 point for every $1 in purchases. Royal Caribbean is of course the famous cruise ship line. Interest rate is only 7.9-percent for platinum plus accounts, and 13.9-percent for preferred accounts. If you don’t like cruise ships, because you think you’re going to get sea sick, there also a card for the Sandals Tropical Vacation spots.
It can be dizzying looking at all the possibilities for cash-back, reduced price vacations and other goodies. How is a consumer to have any idea, what is the best deal that is out there? At credit card goodies (dot) com, they say they have a way to find out what is the best credit card for you, but by now I think I’m too dizzy to see straight. No matter. Credit ratings (dot) com also seems to have best recommendations, along with another list available at Money Magazine.
Some of the favorites are the Discover Platinum, with 5-percent cash back on EDP and the Discover Platinum Gas Card, with 5-percent back on gas purchases. No wonder the rich get rich and the poor keep getting poorer. So, who will yell out “let them eat cake” for the next revolution? I think instead they will scream, “Let them get Credit Cards”!
Sunday, December 3, 2006
Credit Cards Will Make Things Easy For You
By William Douglas
Credit cards have been useful for quite some time; they permit you to purchase goods and services without the need to bring cash when you want to shop. Instantly, a single card can pay for all of your expenses. There is a limit in the amount that you can spend, this is termed as the credit limit. In addition when it comes time to pay up you have two options: its either you pay the entire amount you owe, or pay for the lowest allowed payment each and every month.
There are also other types of credit cards. There are credit checks issued by the bank for some predetermined amount but very much like a credit card this is likewise honored for a certain limit and must be payed back with interest. There is also the charge card which is paid in full at the end of every month. Lastly, there is the debit card; everything that you spend here is taken instantly from your bank account.
But what is a credit card for? Basically, this is extremely useful for purchasing things. You don't have to carry large sums of money and meet the danger of losing it. Through credit cards you can also purchase things from the internet, rent a car, and a hotel. Most importantly for most people it gives them the chance to extend the repayment of expenses of for more than a few months.
In addition, you can also do purchases from other countries with no worries on local currency rates when you travel. Most of all, it is very useful during emergencies, like for instance the sudden need for repairs to your car.
Now, if you would like to secure a credit card for yourself, you might catch yourself in a daze as the number of credit card offers available is staggering these days. But before you accept one; find the best deals first by shopping around.
Here are some useful tips about credit cards which many may find helpful, you can also apply these tips if you are already using a credit card or a charge card:
• Look for the best deal that suits best to your needs, shop around.
• Before you apply for a credit card, be sure you take time in reading and understanding the entire terms and conditions.
• Whenever your charges arrive, be sure to keep hold of receipts to prevent issues if an irregular charge appears on your bill.
• Be sure to keep your credit card and its account number properly so as to avoid illegal use.
• Draw a line through blank spaces in any charge slips or recipts to prevent an additional charges "written" in such as tips.
• Find a safe place for your records, separated from your cards. This includes your account numbers, the termination dates, the users contact numbers, so in case of loss it can be reported immediately.
• Bring only the cards that you plan on using.
When choosing a card be very careful before signing its terms and conditions, note that it is very vital to comprehend the entire document and it's in your best interest to understand the materials there. It can and will save you money.
Remember a credit card does not replace real money. Do not neglect developing yourself a budget and try to payoff credit card charges for each month at the end of every month so that you won't be burdened with high interests.
Credit cards have been useful for quite some time; they permit you to purchase goods and services without the need to bring cash when you want to shop. Instantly, a single card can pay for all of your expenses. There is a limit in the amount that you can spend, this is termed as the credit limit. In addition when it comes time to pay up you have two options: its either you pay the entire amount you owe, or pay for the lowest allowed payment each and every month.
There are also other types of credit cards. There are credit checks issued by the bank for some predetermined amount but very much like a credit card this is likewise honored for a certain limit and must be payed back with interest. There is also the charge card which is paid in full at the end of every month. Lastly, there is the debit card; everything that you spend here is taken instantly from your bank account.
But what is a credit card for? Basically, this is extremely useful for purchasing things. You don't have to carry large sums of money and meet the danger of losing it. Through credit cards you can also purchase things from the internet, rent a car, and a hotel. Most importantly for most people it gives them the chance to extend the repayment of expenses of for more than a few months.
In addition, you can also do purchases from other countries with no worries on local currency rates when you travel. Most of all, it is very useful during emergencies, like for instance the sudden need for repairs to your car.
Now, if you would like to secure a credit card for yourself, you might catch yourself in a daze as the number of credit card offers available is staggering these days. But before you accept one; find the best deals first by shopping around.
Here are some useful tips about credit cards which many may find helpful, you can also apply these tips if you are already using a credit card or a charge card:
• Look for the best deal that suits best to your needs, shop around.
• Before you apply for a credit card, be sure you take time in reading and understanding the entire terms and conditions.
• Whenever your charges arrive, be sure to keep hold of receipts to prevent issues if an irregular charge appears on your bill.
• Be sure to keep your credit card and its account number properly so as to avoid illegal use.
• Draw a line through blank spaces in any charge slips or recipts to prevent an additional charges "written" in such as tips.
• Find a safe place for your records, separated from your cards. This includes your account numbers, the termination dates, the users contact numbers, so in case of loss it can be reported immediately.
• Bring only the cards that you plan on using.
When choosing a card be very careful before signing its terms and conditions, note that it is very vital to comprehend the entire document and it's in your best interest to understand the materials there. It can and will save you money.
Remember a credit card does not replace real money. Do not neglect developing yourself a budget and try to payoff credit card charges for each month at the end of every month so that you won't be burdened with high interests.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Pros & Cons of a Credit Card
By Ed Adubofuor
Having credit cards is a trend nowadays. Credit cards could truly be helpful in times of financial crisis and during emergency situations. They could also provide you with the accessibility and convenience of cashless payments. If used appropriately, credit cards could surely improve your financial condition.
However, there are also several cons in having credit cards. Sometimes, fees may get out of hand due to the high interest rates that most banks charge. Add to the fact that sometimes, there are additional payments that you would have to pay that your are not initially aware of. Credit card could also contribute to your financial disaster, if improperly used.
Applying for a credit should not be an impulsive decision. Do not fill out an application form just because your company or your favorite store endorses it. It should be given careful thought and consideration to your payoff capability and needs. Banks have great marketing strategies that would definitely lure you. 0% APR or low interest rates are good ways in attracting customers. However, it is common knowledge that there are clauses in fine print which make these offers not as good as they initially seem.
People who have rushed their credit card application without understanding all the fees associated with the card will possibly experience difficulties in repaying the debt. Some credit card companies are not as transparent as they should be. That is why you must take extra effort in getting all the facts.
Before applying for a credit card, evaluate your financial capacity first. Most banks offer better deals to borrowers who gave a great credit score so better make sure that your records are set straight. You could always get a free online credit report.
Next would be to do some researches. The internet is a huge library. A few minutes online would give you thousands of results regarding credit card applications. Be sure to understand all the terms and conditions associated with each credit card offer to avoid marketing traps and tricks. Most common tricks are great introductory offers but once the period is over, your interest rates would sky rocket.
You could also consider the rewards and other credit card features. These should be in accordance to your needs. When searching, try to shortlist those credit cards which you would likely benefit from.
The internet also offers fast application and approval of credit cards. You can just visit the website of the banks and they have downloadable forms that you could fill out to complete the application process. Within minutes, you'll know if your credit card has been approved. This is what they refer to as instant credit cards. You will have instant access to your credit line which you may use online though you would have to wait a few days to get the card in the mail.
Once you have finally decided on what credit card to apply, again review its policies. Remember that as much as a credit card is a privilege, it is also a responsibility. The moment you have affixed your signature on the application form, you have agreed to be liable for all the purchases you will make using the card.
By having a credit card, life's emergencies would not be a problem anymore. You wouldn't have to have readily available cash. All you need would be your credit card and you should be able to pay for the car repair or overdue bills immediately. Credit card gives you a certain amount of financial security, but just be wary of you how you use the card. It could also lead to a lot of financial losses.
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