Credit Card Services

Credit cards have gained so much popularity amongst the masses that no business can be termed as complete and efficient if it doesn’t use credit card services. Really, without credit card services, most of the businesses would end up losing a significant chunk of business opportunities. Some people go to the extent of classifying such businesses (which don’t use credit card services) as non-serious businesses.

So what are these credit card services that we are talking about?

In simple words, by credit card services we mean the ability to accept credit cards as a mode of payment. Well, we can also term the use of credit cards as a credit card service. However, generally, credit card services will include the services that enable acceptance of credit card by a merchant. So, for a shopkeeper, use of credit card processing machines to accept credit card payments, is a credit card service that he is providing to his customers (and he himself is receiving this credit card service from the provider of credit card processing machine and others involved in making this process so smooth). Since carrying cash is no more a common practice, any shop that doesn’t use/provide such credit card services would end up losing a lot of customers because customers can’t pay with anything other than a credit card. So, for most merchants, providing credit card services (or credit card processing services) to their customers, has become very essential part of business.

With the internet boom, came a lot of online businesses. These businesses were in the form of virtual shops (or e-shops) that existed either only on the internet or were a virtual extension of physical shops. All these businesses (some selling goods, some selling services), needed a way to accept payments from their customers. This gave birth to online credit card services. The simplest use of these online credit card services is in the form of a simple web page/web-form that asks you to provide your credit card details. These details are then verified and processed to debit the amount from your credit card and credit it to the merchant’s accounts. Since credit card details are sensitive information, these websites started implementing mechanisms/technology to secure it and prevent it from getting in the hands of fraudsters. Such sites are now called secured websites and form the backbone of e-commerce.

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Posted in: Credit Card Services

Credit Card Processing

It comes as a surprise how credit cards have found their way into our lives (and out wallet). Credit cards have gradually turned into becoming a necessity (rather than luxury). You can find credit card processing machines in almost all the shops today. With the advent of internet, online credit card processing has become popular too. ‘Credit card processing’ as such is a really interesting topic. This article tries to put into perspective the people, systems and the equipment that go into credit card processing.

First, let’s check the equipments used for credit card processing. So, there are credit card processing softwares for online credit card processing, there are credit card processing machines (i.e. the credit card reading machines at shops), there are data verification/validation devices/software's that verify the security information on credit cards, there are communication devices/systems that enable safe transfer of credit card information from one point to another, and then there are other credit card processing equipments like the credit card processing equipment that is used for the preparation of the actual plastic (credit card). 

Then there are various service providers that provide services related to credit card processing. There are suppliers for credit card processing equipment and suppliers for online credit card processing services. Then there are postal and courier service that help deliver credit card bills in time. There are merchants/petrol-bunks etc which provide facility of payment collection boxes at their premises (another important aspect of credit card processing).

Besides that there are complete systems for processing credit card applications, there are systems for credit card bill processing/generation, there are people at call centres who help in addressing the queries from credit card holders and, very importantly, there are people (sales representatives) who help you in filling the credit card application forms. Another important entity with regards to ‘credit card processing’ process is the credit rating bureaus. Credit card bureaus maintain a database of credit ratings for individuals and businesses. This rating is based on the data received from various credit providers over a period of time. This rating is the most important part of credit card application processing and a bad rating can lead to rejection of the credit card application altogether.

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Credit Card Debt

'Credit card debt’ is a much discussed topic in the commercial and social circles. A big section of the population has been bit by this bug called ‘credit card debt’. Can’t blame them much; as such, it’s pretty easy to fall prey to this bug.

The main reason behind so many credit card casualties (rather credit card debt related casualties) is that many people don’t understand the concept of credit cards properly. They treat credit card as free money that is never to be returned. Thus all the discipline, which would otherwise have been exercised with spending hard-earned money, goes for a toss.  That means people overspend and get into credit card debt. They keep spending till they reach the credit limit on their credit card. Some people go to the extent of treating that like a game and consider it a defeat (or consider their credit card under utilised) if they don’t hit the credit limit quick enough. These unnecessary spends result in a situation where they are not able to payback their credit card bills and end up paying interest on the amount they owe. This keeps building up their credit card debt and they soon find that the interest component has become a regular feature in their monthly expenses and it is there even if they spend nothing on their credit card. That is credit card debt on the prowl. Soon they find that their current credit card can no longer handle their needs and start looking to get another credit card. With the new power of credit, they let themselves loose again and follow a ‘shop till you drop’ routine. Soon the credit limit of the new credit card is reached too and they again default on payments. This is how credit card debt builds. Soon they learn about credit card debt consolidation and other credit card debt elimination techniques. They are quick to grab such credit card debt reduction techniques, but that’s not because they are serious about reducing their credit card debt but because of the attractive low APR offers. As if it were booty, they again get back to building up their credit card debt. All the while they are spoiling their credit card rating and they soon realise that no one is ready to lend them money because of their credit history. They can only get a secured credit card now (where you first deposit money into your credit account and then only you get the privilege of spending it (50-100% of it) using their credit card. Credit card debt collection agencies, auction of their goods and bankruptcy is the next thing that hits them and their dream run is blown away in a moment.

The moral of the story – “Understand the concept of credit cards and treat credit card debt with all seriousness”.

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Credit Card Offers

Online credit card applications seem to be the in thing and Chase too offers online credit card application facility. Here, ‘Chase.com credit cards’ refers to the chase credit cards that can be applied for online. Just for those who don’t know, ‘Chase’ is a brand that is owned by JPMorgan Chase & Co. (a leading global financial services firm).

By ‘Chase.com credit card offers’, I mean the credit card offers that are available at chase.com. Obviously, ‘Chase.com credit cards’ would be regulated by chase. Again, as with any other credit card supplier, ‘Chase.com credit cards’ on offer would be changing too. 

Anyways; one night, before going to bed, I thought of just checking the chase.com credit cards section. Here is what I found:

There is a separate Chase.com credit cards section. As I browsed through the Chase.com credit cards section (the online application ones), the first one I encountered was called ‘Chase Cash Plus’ or the ‘Chase Cash Plus Rewards’. These promise faster rewards and offer 5% earnings on gas and on purchases made at grocery-stores/drug-stores. For other shopping venues, it offers 1% earnings. These earnings can be in the form of gift certificates or cash.

The next on the Chase.com credit cards section was the ‘Flexible rewards Visa signature card’. Here you earn a point for every purchase of $1. You can keep collecting these points and then finally redeem them for your choice of things (like cash, travel, gift certificates or some kind of merchandise). The redemption can start at 2500 points (and you get a bonus of 1000 points once you make the first purchase). Moreover, this one doesn’t have any annual fee either. So that was the second one in the Chase.com credit cards section.

Moving on in the Chase.com credit cards section, I found ‘Free Cash Rewards Platinum Visa card’. This one, as the name goes, offers cash rewards. You can get a $25 check or a gift certificate on redemption of 2500 points. Since there is one point earned for every $1 spend, this mean that you effectively get 1% cash back on these cards.

I had started loving browsing through the Chase.com credit cards section. So I moved on to the next one in the Chase.com credit cards section. The next one on the Chase.com credit cards section was ‘Chase Perfect Platinum MasterCard’ which doesn’t limit you to getting rebates only on a particular brand of gasoline; instead, you get rebates everywhere. ‘

Chase Platinum MasterCard’ was the next one in the Chase.com credit cards section. This one offers online account management i.e. monthly statements, bill payments etc can all be done online (also you don’t have any annual fee on this one).

There were few more cards on Chase.com credit cards section and one especially caught my attention. This one was at the bottom of Chase.com credit cards section and was called ‘Check Gallery Platinum Visa Card’. Here you could choose the design of your card from those available e.g. cowboys, smileys etc.

By now, I was so sleepy that I really had to shut down my computer and go off to sleep.



Note: The information given in this article was correct at the time it was written. However, the author does not guarantee the correctness and completeness of this information at any time.

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Consolidate Credit Card Debt

People who are in debt (credit card debt) often get to hear this advice ‘Consolidate credit card debt’. So, what does that ‘Consolidate credit card debt’ mean? Well, pretty simply, ‘Consolidate credit card debt’ means consolidating the debt on various credit cards into one (or two) credit card. This consolidation can be done either through a low interest bank loan or by transferring balance to a new credit card (i.e. transferring the amount you owe, on one or more credit card, to a new credit card(s)).

So what should you do when you are looking to consolidate credit cards? Well, the key thing to look for is the APR or the annual percentage rate. Whatever method you adopt to consolidate credit cards, APR will always be the key; in fact, you could say that it is the sole criteria to look for. So, if you use a bank loan to consolidate credit card debt, the interest rate on the bank loan should be lower than the APR of the credit cards whose debt you are consolidating. Similarly, if you are moving to another credit card, you must make sure that the APR of the new credit card is lesser than the credit cards whose debt you are consolidating. However, there is a catch that you must be aware of when laying a plan to consolidate credit card debt. The APR rates advertised by most credit card suppliers are the short term APR rates which are meant to lure you to consolidate credit card debt with them. By short term we mean APR rates that will applicable only for an initial period of less than 12 months or some other period after which the APR rates increase. When you go on to consolidate credit card debt with these credit card suppliers, they will offer you a lower (even 0%) APR for the first 6-12 months; and a much higher APR after that. You should check what this higher APR rate is. Your decision to consolidate credit card debt will be fruitful only if the new APR rate is lower than or equal to the APR on your current credit card. You might check with your current credit card supplier to see if he is able to lower your APR (if that works, it will make things really easy for you).

Before you move on to consolidate credit card debt you should understand that consolidating credit card debt will be beneficial only if you pledge to adopt and follow disciplined approach to credit card usage i.e. controlled spending and regular/timely payment of credit card dues.

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Chase Credit Cards

Credit cards have become almost a necessity in today’s world. There are hordes of credit card suppliers who issue thousands of credits cards every day. Chase (of the JPMorgan group) are a well known credit card supplier. Chase credit cards are pretty popular among the masses.  

Chase credit cards come with various different benefits and accordingly chase credit cards are classified into various categories. There are general purpose chase credit cards which promise great rates and excellent service. Then there are chase credit cards for people who shop regularly with some retailers. These are termed as rebate cards since they offer rebates on shopping when you shop with certain retailers. These also offer cash rewards. There are entertainment credit cards for people who wish to get VIP access to some concerts, events etc.

Another category of chase credit cards is the travel cards where the credit card holders get travel related discounts and rewards. This category of chase credit cards is very suitable for people who travel a lot. Yet another set of chase credit cards is grouped as auto and gas cards which offer rebates and rewards on everyday purchases. Retail cards are another kind of chase credit cards where you receive points on purchases made using this chase credit card. These points can then be redeemed for shopping certificates, entertainment etc. For students, there is a separate breed of chase credit cards which is called student cards. These student cards help the students in building a (good) credit history and also offer some special benefits for students. Similarly there are college & university alumni cards for supporting your alma mater. There is another set of chase credit cards that operate on similar lines. These chase credit cards are called ‘cards to support organizations’. The organization can be something like a charity or any other organization that you want to support. Then there are military cards that are meant for the members of military (both past and present). You can support your favorite teams or sporting organizations by getting a sports card. Finally, there are business cards which can be used by businesses for organizing their expenses, availing low interest rates and getting other benefits related to business.

Thus chase offers a lot of different credit cards which cater to the different needs of various people. By comparing the features of these chase credit cards and by understanding the main objective behind them, one can easily zero-in on the chase credit card that is best suited to ones needs.



Note: The information given in this article was correct at the time it was written. However, the author does not guarantee the correctness and completeness of this information at any time.

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Apply Online for Credit Card

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 organization 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 center of the credit card company.

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

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All About Credit Card Rate

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.

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All About College Credit Cards

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.

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Bad Credit Card

Bad credit card card” is used to refer to credit cards that can be obtained even with a bad credit rating. The bad credit card cards provide opportunity to people (with bad credit rating) to improve their credit rating. In that sense, bad credit credit cards act as rescuer for such people. So, bad credit credit cards also act as necessary a training ground for people who have not been able to control their spending urge in the past.

Bad credit card cards are commonly known as secured credit cards. The bad credit card card (or secured credit cards) requires the individual to open up an account with the credit card supplier and maintain some cash balance in the account. Why is that required? Well, credit cards are a business for the credit card suppliers; so how can they trust someone who has defaulted on his/her payments in the past? After all, a business is about profits and such risks are a threat to profits. The bank or the credit card supplier will generally pay interest on the balance in your account. However, it’s best to check this with the bad credit card card supplier/bank. The credit limit on the bad credit card card is determined by the cash balance in the account and is generally between 50-100% of the cash balance. These bad credit card cards are also referred to as debit cards, owing to the fact that they work less in a credit-giving manner and more in a debit-giving manner.

There are plenty of bad credit card cards available in the market. When searching for the bad credit card card that is best suited to you, you should consider 4 things in particular: the minimum balance that you are required to maintain in the bank account, the credit limit that you will receive (i.e. the percentage of your bank account balance that you are allowed to spend on your bad credit card card), the fees/other-charges applicable to the procurement of bad credit card card and the rate of interest that you will receive on the balance in your bank account. An ideal bad credit card card would have no fee/other-charges associated with it and would require zero or a very small amount as minimum bank balance. It would also have something like 90-100% of bank balance as its credit limit. Moreover, an ideal bad credit card card would also offer a good interest rate on the bank balance.

Bad credit card cards are really a good concept that provides respite to people with bad credit rating by letting them enjoy the benefits of credit cards while they mend their credit rating.

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Credit Cards With Cash Rebate

Credit cards with cash rebate incentives give you cash rewards each and every time you make a purchase with your credit card.  Although there are many types of reward credit cards out there, more and more companies are leaning towards cash back incentives, as most people prefer to receive cash back over any other type of reward.

For many, getting cash back is far preferred over air miles, items, or any other reward.  If you like to use your credit card often, then you’ll find that cash rebate credit cards will give you a lot of money in return.

Normally, these types of credit cards entail higher fees and APR.  You don’t want to carry a high balance on these cards at any time, as it normally ends up very costly.  If you can off your balance at the end of the month, then your APR won’t affect you.  Paying off your bill will also allow you to take full advantage of the cash rebate reward.

The percentage of cash back will vary, although most normally have 1%, with 5% being applied with certain purchases.  For every purchase you make using your cash rebate credit card, you’ll get a small amount of cash back.  Using your credit card on a frequent basis will give you a lot of cash back at the end of the year.

If you make big purchases, you can get a lot of cash back by using your credit card, although some may have a limit on just how much of a rebate you get back.  If you plan to purchase large items such as furniture, you should check into your cash rebate credit card and find out what the rebate is on these types of purchases.  The better rebate cards will normally send a lot of rebate cash your way just for purchasing some of the larger items.

Before you get a cash rebate credit card, you should always find out how much of a reward you will be getting with each purchase, and what the limit may be.  Once you have reached the limit, some banks will either send you a check, deposit the reward into your bank account, or simply add the reward to your credit card.  All three are wise options, although most prefer to have the money added to their bank account - so it can help draw some interest.

If you research the rebate card and find out what other features are included, you’ll normally come out a winner.  Make sure you inquire about the credit limit, fees, and other things that you feel you should find out.  Once you have researched and found out what you need to know - you can get a cash rebate credit card and begin living life knowing you will be getting cash back for just about anything you purchase.

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Credit Cards and Credit Reports

Over the years, credit cards have become very popular.  When they were first introduced, they were popular, although these days millions of people use them.  There are many types of credit cards available, including those that help people who have bad credit.  You should always keep in mind that even though credit cards are great to have, they will also have quite an impact on your credit report.

The credit report is extremely important, especially when it comes to credit cards.  Banks and lenders use your credit report to determine if you meet their criteria for a credit card or a loan.  Your credit report is the determining factor for your credit, which is why you should never let your credit cards do any type of damage to your report.  To avoid this, simply pay your bill on time.

Most people will use their credit cards responsibly and won’t damage their credit report.  Doing this will show lenders that you are responsible, and that they can trust you with loans and credit - which in turn will raise your credit score.  Keep in mind however; if you have a lot of open accounts, it may tell lenders that you have a lot open and that you won’t be able to pay them back.  Although this may count as good credit, lenders look at several open accounts as being potentially damaging to your credit report.

Although you may be tempted to have more than one credit card, it can actually be a downfall in the eyes of the lender.  Most lenders will see this as you having a way to spend all of your limit, and will fear that you may do so.  Even though you may not have this intention, credit card lenders will almost always fear the worst case scenario, and it eventually lead to you damaging your credit score - simply because a lender will turn you down for a future offer you apply for.

Something else you need to keep in mind is the fact that it can be really easy to miss a payment on your credit cards.  Although this doesn’t sound bad, it can have a very negative look on your credit report.  If you start missing payments or paying them late, the lender will eventually enter it in your credit report.  This can have a negative impact, lowering your beacon score and eventually bringing down your overall credit rating.

If you play it safe and only get one or two credit cards and keep a track of how you use them, you won’t need to worry.  Your credit report should always be a primary concern, and you should always do your best to ensure that it stays free of negative ratings.  If you keep up things up to date - you’ll enjoy the benefit of a positive credit report.

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Credit Cards for High School Students

Students in high school that are looking to start building their credit early can get high school student credit cards.  These credits cards can help teach high school students responsibility, and how to manage their credit at an early age.  These types of credit cards are issued to high school students, with a parent or guardian co-signing with the student.  Students who have these credit cards also have a sense of responsibility as well.

Before applying for a high school student credit card, both students and co-signers should always look at their available options.  There are a lot of banks and credit card companies to choose from, which makes it in your best interest to look around.  Some cards will come with high APR and a high annual fee, while some are more reasonable.  With high school students not having any credit, some banks and companies will try to charge unreasonable rates - which is reason enough to do your research and know the best deal.

Co-signers can normally help students to make the best decision.  The co-signer will be going on the application with the student, and will be the individual that the bank or company will come to when the student is unable to pay the bill.  Parents and co-signers will know the best deals for credit cards, which is students should always ask them for help when picking out the ideal credit card.

For some students, prepaid credit cards can be an ideal investment.  These cards hold absolutely no risk for students, while they help to teach financial management as well.  With these high school student credit cards, the prepaid amount you have put on the card is your spending limit.  To ensure that the application for is filled out correctly, students should always have a parent or guardian assist them with filling the information out.

When a student gets their credit card, they should be instructed on how to properly use the credit card.  Although some students will be tempted to run up their high school student credit card, they should save it for emergency situations.  At the end of the month, they should try to pay their whole bill, to avoid getting into debt.  If a student can pay the bill - it will also help boost their credit.

If you are interested in a high school student credit card, you can always apply for one online.  The applications are processed in a timely manner, normally giving you a response in a matter of minutes.  Although credit cards are great to have, prepaid credit cards are sometimes the way to go with students.  If you are unsure - make sure you look into all options available to you and compare what you find out.

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Credit Card Reward

No matter where you look, there is always a credit card company that is offering reward programs with their credit cards.  New ones pop up all the time, making it sound too good to turn down.  Even though they may sound great, you may wonder if the rewards are truly worth it.  In some cases they are, although in others they may not be quite as good as you would like.

Although having more than one reward card is something many people instantly think about, you should always keep in mind that not all of them are worth having.  Even though using your credit card is always good, you can sometimes end up paying quite a bit if you don’t pay attention to what you are buying.  When it comes down to credit card reward cards, you should use caution - with a dash of common sense.

Any reward cards that come with high interest rates should always be avoided.  With most reward cards, you’ll find that they include higher rates of interest than standard cards.  This higher interest rate can quickly and easily offset any type of reward.  To be on the safe side, you should always look at the interest rates and determine if the reward is indeed worth it.  If you pay off your entire balance at the end of every month - then this won’t be a concern at all for you.

You should also keep your eyes peeled for reward cards that offer a high annual fee.  These cards can be very tough to keep a grasp of, and they can also interfere with any type of reward you may think your getting.  If you look at the fine print before you get choose your reward credit card, you can help to eliminate problems.

Cash back is a type of reward card that is becoming very popular.  A lot of the top credit card companies and banks offer cash back programs that are normally around 1% for every purchase that you make.  Before you rush out and get a reward card, you should always make sure that you read the fine print and see if there is a maximum limit on the card.

Another type of popular reward credit card is the type that give you points for every purchase you make using that card.  Once you have accumulated enough points, you can redeem them for items and other cool things.  Some cards will have limits as to how many points you can receive, which again makes it your best interest to shop around. 

There are also credit cards with frequent flyer miles, which have been around the longest.  Some cards will base their rewards on points, while some choose to use actual miles.  For every dollar you spend using your frequent flyer credit card, you’ll receive either a point or a mile.  Once you get enough accumulated, you can redeem them.  Most frequent flyer rewards take about 25,000 points or miles in order to redeem them, which can make it nearly impossible for some to reap the benefits of using the card.

No matter where you look, finding the right credit card reward card can take some time and effort.  You may have no problems finding the card to fit your needs, and if you do, you should consider yourself lucky.  Before you choose your card however - you should always take the necessary time to read the fine print and compare what each unique company has to offer you.

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Credit Card Debt

In the world of credit cards, credit debt is all too common.  Debt from credit cards can be very stressful, and lead to a very crippling situation.  No one is immune to credit card debt, as even students can experience debt with their credit cards as well.  With people using their credit cards more these days, more and more people continue to take the plunge into debt.  Debt is never good, as it leads to bankruptcy and the destruction of your credit report.

Even though getting in credit card debt is simple to do, getting out of it is something that takes a lot of work.  Even if you go to an agency or company that specializes in helping people out of debt, it won’t happen overnight.  To get out of debt, it will take you quite a bit of time and effort as you get the debt under control and begin the long process of rebuilding your credit.

To properly defend yourself from credit card debt, you’ll need to know quite a bit about credit, managing your money, and finances in general.  Normally, you can stay out of debt by creating an ideal budget and saving money whenever you can.  If you stick to this plan and avoid steering away from it, you’ll normally have no problems staying out of debt.

If you have other credit cards that you don’t use, such as store credit cards that are known for high interest rates, you should dispose of them.  If you have a lot of open accounts, you should look into debt consolidation, which will combine all of your debts into one payment so you can get them out of the way quicker.  By using debt consolidation services, you will only have one bill to pay.

When you receive your credit card bill, you should always strive to pay more than just the minimum.  If you only pay the minimum amount, you could very well end up being in debt the rest of your life - as you could be paying nothing but the interest.  Every month, you should strive to pay the minimum amount and then some.  Paying more than the minimum amount will also help to pay offer your credit card bill faster as well.

No matter how much credit card debt you are in, you can always find debt management services and agencies that will help you fight back.  Credit card debt is very common these days, something many of us have experienced.  Although there are ways out of credit card debt, the best way to get out of it is to avoid it all together.  If you pay your bills on time and never miss a payment - you’ll always live a debt free lifestyle.

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Credit Card Fraud

This day and age, credit card fraud is very common.  Victims of credit card fraud often experience a lot of hassle and stress.  If you have a credit card, you should always be aware of the security features that is included with the card.  If you are looking to get a credit card, you should always make sure that it offers plenty of security.

With credit card companies all over the United States, credit card fraud is becoming more and more common.  Consumers are becoming more and more aware of the situation, and always look for ways to protect themselves.  Many companies that offer credit cards are looking into other methods of security, to prevent credit card fraud from happening.

The best way to protect yourself against fraud is to check the monthly credit card statements you receive.  By looking at your statements, you’ll easily be able to tell if your account has suffered any type of fraud.  If you notice any type of fraudulent charges, you should instantly contact your credit card company and inform them.  This way, they look into it and try to retrieve the money that was illegally stolen from you.

Another way that you protect yourself from fraud is to never reply to emails that may appear to be sent by your bank or credit card company.  There are a lot of fake emails going around, that will steal your information should you enter it in.  You should always use caution with emails, and reply only if you know that the email was indeed sent from your bank or credit card provider.

You can also protect yourself from fraud by keeping your credit card around you at all times.  When you hand it to someone to make a payment, ensure that it is given back to you promptly. You should also keep it safe from others so they can’t view your information.  When you carry your credit card with you, you should always keep it in a safe place, such as your wallet.  This way, you don’t have to worry about it falling out.

There are always steps that you can take, to avoid falling into the trap of thieves and criminals.  Criminals are always out there, looking for ways that they can steal your credit card information.  Therefore, it’s up to you to protect yourself.  Credit card fraud happens quite frequently these days, normally as a result of credit card holders not being aware of how to protect themselves.  Anytime you suspect credit card fraud, you should contact your bank or company.  This way, you can let them know what happened - and take the necessary steps in stopping fraud before it goes on any farther.

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Comparing Credit Cards

All across the United States, there are hundreds and hundreds of banks and credit card companies looking for your business. This day and age, banks and credit card companies are in competition with each other, trying all they can to get your business. To try and get your business, they offer different credit cards with various incentives, rebates, and other perks.

Before you make your decision and choose a credit card, you should always compare what each company or bank has to offer you.  If you get an offer in the mail for a credit card, you should go on the Internet and look into it more.  You should also make sure that you read the fine print as well, to see if there are any type of hidden fees or other costs associated with that card.  Many times, with offers in the mail, credit card companies or banks will try to sneak hidden fees and costs in there.

When you start to compare offers, you should make sure that you look at the APR and the fees.  The APR is very important, as this will tell you your interest rate.  You want to get the lowest APR possible with your credit card.  If you look at a credit card that has an unusually high APR, you should immediately rule it out.  Credit cards that come with high APR rates can easily lead you on a roller coaster towards credit card debt.  No matter how good your credit may be, high APR rates can leave you with charges that are really difficult to pay.

Among the many options available to you, you’ll have three primary choices for your credit card - Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.  These three giants are the leaders in credit cards.  Visa and MasterCard don’t issue the cards themselves, they have banks and other companies issue on their behalf.  American Express, or AMEX, is the only one that does everything themselves.  AMEX issues their credit cards, maintains their own networks, and doesn’t use any type of third party.

If you like to travel, you will probably want to choose either Visa or MasterCard, as they are accepted all over the world.  American Express is the least accepted of the three, although the company is upgrading their networks every chance they get.  Before too long, AMEX will be accepted virtually everywhere.  Right now though, AMEX isn’t accepted in all areas of the world.

Discover is another type of credit card, although it isn’t near as popular as the three above.  Discover does have some great benefits to offer you, although it isn’t accepted in other parts of the world.  Most people who have Discover credit cards stay local and use their cards in the event of an emergency.  If you don’t have a credit card and have been thinking about getting a Discover card, you should really think about that decision and choose either Visa or MasterCard instead. 

All in all, there are a lot of credit cards to choose from.  That final decision though, is entirely up to you.  There are a lot of great companies and banks out there, although it’s up to you to find the best credit card for your needs.  You can choose to go with a company or bank that’s local to you, or get online and look for your credit card.  The Internet can be a great resource for credit cards, as long as you know what you want.  If you know what you want before you go online - you’ll save yourself a lot of time and money.

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Posted in: Credit Cards

Consolidate Your Credit Card Debt

Consolidating your credit card debt is actually one of the smartest decision you could ever make.  Credit card consolidation is ideal for anyone who is looking to have better credit now, and in the future.  Consolidation is very common these days, and it is actually a sure way to combine your debt and make sure that you never get yourself too far in credit card debt.

Even though there are many reasons why to consolidate your debt, one of the better reasons is to get a better rate.  If there is a way to get lower rates on a current consolidation, then you’ll have no reason to consolidate your debt.  Anytime you are able to consolidate your debt and save yourself a bit of money - you should never hesitate to do so.

Consolidating your credit card debt will also save you a lot of money as well.  If you have managed to get yourself in debt, chances are that you owe a lot of money on your credit card, or possibly several different credit cards.  Consolidation will put everything into one bill, making it easier for you to pay.  Paying just one bill can help you save a lot of time, as well as prevent stress.

Although consolidation will put your credit card payments into one bill, you should never do it for that reason alone.  The last thing you want, is to pay more money to avoid getting more than one bill a month.  Credit card debt consolidation is a wise investment though, as it may give you lower monthly payments over an extended period of time.  It will also close out other accounts as well, which could help you to improve your credit.

If you are looking to consolidate your credit card debt, you shouldn’t hesitate to let the professionals help you.  There are a lot of companies and banks that specialize in consolidation, and would be more than willing to help you.  Before you make your decision though, you should always research your options available and find the best one for your needs.  You should also make sure that there are no hidden fees or other problems as well.  If you take the time to research, you’ll save a lot of money in the future.

A lot of people who turn to credit card debt consolidation, let their credit cards get the best of them.  A credit card can be great to have, although it can be easy to abuse as well.  If you aren’t careful in your spending, you can rack up debt before you know it.  Once you get yourself in credit card debt, it can be really hard and very stressful to get out of it.  Normally, it will take you months and possibly even years to get out of debt.

If you’ve made the decision to turn to credit card debt consolidation, the first thing to do is to look at your debt, and see exactly how much you owe.  If you know what you owe and who all you owe it to, it will be much easier to contact the professionals and get them to help you.  When you contact them to help you, you shouldn’t be afraid to ask them any questions, as you should always be looking for the best deal possible.  Although credit card debt consolidation is a great thing, you should always do yourself a favor and wait until you find the best deal possible.

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Choosing Your Reward Card

When you are in the market for a new credit card, the features you have to choose from may draw you to the card.  Low interest rates and the types of rewards you can get, are what draw many to reward credit cards.  Those of you who have good credit, will more than likely be able to get reward cards that boast 0% APR.  This does have an introductory period, normally 1 year, that goes along with your new reward card.

You’ll also need to think about the type of card that best fits your lifestyle.  The credit card field is very competitive, meaning that you always have a lot of offers to choose from.  Reward cards and becoming very popular, with more and more coming out all the time.  If you look for your reward credit card on the Internet, you’ll be able to compare hundreds and hundreds of offers - and decide which one is indeed the best for you.

Those of you who travel on a frequent basis, may find frequent flyer reward cards to be very beneficial.  These credit cards will accumulate either points or miles for every dollar that you spend.  You can then use the accumulated points or miles and redeem them for airline travel, hotel reservations, car rentals, and even cruises.  These credit cards can also help you with discounts as well, which can make a vacation or business trip more affordable than ever.

If you like to pay your full balance at the end of every month, then you may find a reward credit card with a cash back feature to be the most enticing.  There are some cards that offer cash rewards of up to 5%, which can equal quite a bit at the end of the year.  All you need to do with cash back reward credit cards is make a purchase, and you’ll get money back for everything you buy.

Other types of reward credit cards include discounts on gas purchases, contributions to your savings account, and points that you can redeem for great items and things of that nature.  No matter what your lifestyle may be, you can almost always find a reward credit card that fits your needs and interests.  Reward credit cards are great to have, as you can buy the things you need and earn points, flyer miles, and even cash back.

If the sound of rewards with your credit card purchases sounds enticing, you should look into getting a reward credit card.  These cards are great to have, as most include low APR with great reward incentives.  They can save you money as well, which is great for those on a budget.  With a reward credit card - no matter what you choose you’ll come out a winner.

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Bank Secured Credit Cards

Even though there are many types of credit cards out there for consumers, there are few for those with bad credit.  Those who are looking to repair their credit have a few options available, one of which is the bank secured credit card.  This credit card can help you to repair your credit, as it works in conjunction with your savings or checking account.

Bank secured credit cards look and work just like traditional credit cards, although they use your bank account as collateral.  Anytime you aren’t able to pay your credit card bill at the due date, the bank will take the money out of your account.  This way, there is always money there for the bank, in the event that you are unable to make your payment.

Bank secured credit cards are also ideal for those who have a bankruptcy or simply don’t qualify for a line of credit due to bad credit or no credit history.  These credit cards show your bank that you are able to pay your monthly dues, and that you are taking the necessary steps in rebuilding or building your credit.  Over time, if you remain responsible and pay your bill on time, your bank may give you an unsecured line of credit - known as a standard credit card with no collateral.

Due to the fact that bank secured credit cards only allow you to spend what have in your account, you don’t need to worry about debt.  When you can’t make a payment, the bank simply takes the money out of your account.  Although this is a great back up plan, you should always pay your bill and never let this happen.

Just like other credit cards, bank secured credit cards do have disadvantages that can hit you like a ton of bricks should you use the card irresponsibly.  Anytime you don’t pay your bill on time, the bank can hit you with high interest charges and late charges.  These charges and fees can get higher and higher if you don’t start paying your bill, which can eventually cause you to drain your account that you set aside.  If you pay your bill on time though, you won’t have to worry about being hit with these types of charges.

For those who have bad credit or need to start building credit, a bank secured credit card is a great place to start.  These cards can lead you to an unsecured credit card, providing you pay your bill on time.  Almost all banks offer these credit cards, all you have to do is ask.  Once you have kept your credit card in good standing for a period of time - you’ll have the satisfaction in knowing that you are taking the right steps in rebuilding your credit.

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Posted in: Bank Credit Cards

Choosing Your Credit Card

As you probably already know, there are many credit cards out there.  The one you choose however, should reflect your lifestyle and your ideal spending amounts.  If you are looking for the best possible deal and the best company for your credit card, you’ll obviously need to look around at what you have to choose from and what works best for you.

The first thing you’ll need to decide when choosing your credit card, is why you need one in the first place.  Some people choose to get a credit card for cash flow purposes.  With a credit card, you can make purchases and buy things, leaving your paycheck or other source of income in your bank account to draw interest.  This way, your money will continue to grow while you continue to buy the things you need.  Then at the end of the month, simply pay your bill.

Others will choose to get a credit card and use it for instant cash purposes.  This way, they can use their credit card at an ATM and get instant cash, which is great for travel or going on a long and extended vacation.  If this is why you want a credit card, you should look for one that has the lowest rate possible for instant cash transactions.

With a credit card, you’ll also need to think about the payments.  You’ll need to decide if you want to pay the balance in full each month, or only the required amount.  When you select your credit card, you should look at the introductory rates, balance transfer rates, and other offers that may apply to new credit cards and new holders.  Some will offer you truly amazing deals, especially if you have good credit.

Another important area to look at when choosing your credit card is the incentives.  There are several cards out there that will give you incentives, such as reward points and even cash back with purchases that you can use towards paying back what you owe.  There are several incentives out there with credit cards, all you have to do is look around and compare.

The key area you’ll need to look at and compare is the APR (Annual Percentage Rate).  The APR is what you will pay on what you purchase when the incentive period runs out.  APR rates will vary among credit cards, so it is always in your best interest to compare and shop around.  The lower APR rate you get, the better off you’ll be.

Another concern with choosing your credit card is the minimum payment amount.  Most minimum payment balances will start around 3%, although some can be lower while others tend to be quite a bit higher.  The interest free period is a concern as well, as you will obviously want to choose the longest period that you can keep the payments down.

When you make that final decision and choose your credit card, you should always make sure that you know exactly what you are getting. Credit cards are great to have, although they can lead to a downfall if you don’t choose them carefully.  If you put some time and research into choosing your credit card, you’ll find the best one for you.  As long as you take care of your credit card and pay the bill on time, you’ll help raise your credit and eventually be able to purchase even bigger things - such as a car or even a house.

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Posted in: Credit Card

American Express Credit Cards

Also known as AMEX, American Express is easily one of the most recognized names in the world of credit cards.  Even though many people have Visa or MasterCard credit cards, they are still interested in AMEX.  With Visa, MasterCard, and AMEX being the most popular and preferred types of credit cards, they are all great although there are also differences between them as well.

Both Visa and MasterCard are methods of payment.  Both will allow different businesses to accept credit card payments using their systems.  Neither of the two issue credit cards on their own behalf, instead they rely on banks throughout the world to issue the credit cards for them, provide the credit, and then charge the interest.  Your credit card bill goes to the bank, as Visa or MasterCard doesn’t see any of it.

AMEX on the other hand, is very different.  American Express has their own payment system, and they also issue their credit cards directly to consumers.  Unlike Visa and MasterCard, AMEX runs the entire show.  Therefore, when a credit card says American Express on it, you instantly know who has issued the card, what payment system it has, and everything else you would need to know.

Even though MasterCard and Visa are used more throughout the world, American Express is always expanding their networks.  Visa and MasterCard are used in over twenty five million locations over the world, including third world countries, which makes them global credit card payments.  AMEX on the other hand, doesn’t quite reach this degree.  It is a great credit card, although it isn’t used around the world in areas where the other 2 dominant credit cards are.

You can get AMEX credit cards with rewards, although you’ll need to be careful where you look and what you select.  Normally, with Visa and MasterCard, you’ll have to look at hundreds of banks before you can find the best choice.  With AMEX, you can look at their website and find out what they offer and what type of APR you’ll have to pay.  Most of the time, you can find a credit card with low interest and a great spending limit - providing you have good credit.

AMEX also has several advantages that it offers customers in North America and Europe.  The credit card is accepted widely in both areas, offering you credit cards with great features and very attractive looks.  AMEX offers you great rates, good rewards, and excellent customer service as well. 

American Express also offers you Blue, which is a newly introduced credit card that offers you increased security, no annual fee, and 0% APR for the first year or so.  Depending on your credit, you may be able to get an extended period with no interest.  After that time has expired, you pay low fees, which makes it a great credit card for anyone looking for a deal.  Blue is the newest card from AMEX, and will rapidly become one of the best - due to it’s amazing features.

In the world of credit cards, American Express is one of the best.  They offer you a variety of different credit cards, designed to meet just about everyone’s needs.  You find them online or through a local provider, although online is the preferred way to go.  Simply fill out your application, and if you have good credit, you’ll be approved.  Before you know it, you’ll have a credit card from AMEX - and be ready to experience life in the fast lane.

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Posted in: American Credit Cards

Guide to Acquiring UK Credit Cards

All credit cards come in many shapes, colors and sizes. They come in different types and brands with their own list of great deals to offer. UK credit cards are not different from these. When you apply for a UK credit card online, there are three easy steps you can follow. First, you can search through the list of UK credit cards you might find while surfing the net. Then, you can compare the rates and the fees of these UK credit cards side by side and prepare for the process of elimination. After you have weighed the pros and cons and the advantage and disadvantages of your top choices, you can now make the final decision, which among the UK credit cards offered would best suit your needs. Then, you may proceed with your UK credit card application by filling out the form online.

Things you should know before getting UK credit cards
Indeed, "plastic" has tremendously redefined the way people spend their money. In the US alone, more and more Americans are using credit cards because of the financial convenience it brings. When it comes to the UK, studies show that the Britons owe hundreds of millions in credit card debts. Being a flexible and accessible method of acquiring credit, various UK credit cards are being offered by major lenders to provide ultimate convenience to the consumers.

Applying for UK credit card can be both easy and difficult at the same time. Well, it can be surprisingly easy compared to spending the money itself. Getting a UK credit card is quite as easy like splurging your bucks on shopping spree. But, the difficult part when you have a UK credit card or any other credit card for that matter, is when the monthly bill arrives. Before getting a UK credit card, make sure to visit some guide and glossary so you will have all the information you need. Searching for important tips before you choose your UK credit card will help you become educated in your purchasing decision. Being informed before filling out for a UK credit card application will also help you reduce the possibility of getting stuck up in a credit card debt trap.

Reading some tips will also help you decide for yourself which among the list of UK credit cards would best suit your financing needs. You can choose the right UK credit card by comparing their features, interest rates, and benefits. Among the UK credit cards available, you should find the credit card with 0%, has the best rates and APR for balance transfers or purchases.  Most importantly, never forget to look for the UK credit card with lowest rates by reading the descriptions carefully before you apply for a credit card online.

Top UK Credit Cards
Since more than half a million pounds are spent on UK credit cards every minute-amounting to tens of billions spent each year-it is very important to choose the best credit card for you. Here are some of the top UK credit cards available. With their own sets of great deals to offer, it's up to you, which among these UK credit cards is best for you. First among the list is Marbles. It offers up to 52 days' interest free credit, 0% balance transfers for the 1st 6 months, and 14.9 % APR. If you're the type of person who wants almost everything customized, this UK credit card lets you choose what your card will look like. It also lets you manage your account online. This UK credit card is designed in one of the safest and secure credit card systems around.

If you are looking for a UK credit card that offers from 0% APR on balance transfers, from 15.9% APR on card purchases, no annual fees, and a free 24-hour help line, then you might want to try Virgin Card. This UK credit card can actually be your exclusive pass to an exclusive online membership online stuffed with great money-off deals.
Another is the Egg Card that automatically gives you free purchase in transit protection for items. You can actually pay for all or part of your fare using this UK credit card plus the benefit of free personal travel accident insurance.
Apart from that, the customers also get a 10% discount on home and travel insurance policies when they use this UK credit card. The GM platinum card, on the other hand, offers 14.9 % APR, 0% per annum on balance transfers and purchases for 5 months, and online account management. The best thing about this UK credit card is that the holder will receive a 100 free Rebate Points the first time you use it. This unique reward scheme makes this UK credit card more fun compared to others.

After weighing all the pros and cons, advantages and disadvantages, you may now choose the best UK credit card for you.

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Posted in: uk credit cards

Maximizing the potentials of a low APR Credit Card

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.

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How fast is your credit card processing?

Are you ready to swipe your credit card for the very first time? Really? Or are you already on your way to your second credit card? By the way, do you know it takes ages for you to get your credit card processed? 

Well, for starters let’s look into the credit card processing stage of your application and why does it take you ages to have that other card.

The first thing that your bank looks into in the stage of credit card processing is the account that you have in other credit card companies. Normally this part of the credit card processing stage—this is where people in banks get down and dirties with their records and other companies’ records. This would also include how long was the credit card processing stage when you applied for your other cards. This usually means that your bank is trying to find out how much your worth really is. This is the part where they categorize you in subgroups. This also usually means that it’s either you’re a good payer or they would have a have time chasing after you state to state.

If this happens in the credit card processing stage, the bank would usually require you to give them an alternate address where they send you the bill, by the way this just means that they want to be sure that you are going to pay! And if you get past this stage of the credit card processing with minor injuries to your ego, the next step will be to find out if you have any unpaid balances or other credit card processing with other banks. This just means that they are trying to find out how cards are able to for and you’ll be able to pay for theirs once you’ve passed the credit card processing stage. They usually do this to counter check if you do have the capacity of paying for a number of credit cards so they won’t get stuck a person that cant. And when you get passed this stage, still with minimal damage to your ego, the next step in the credit card processing stage is to verify your identity as a US citizen.

Because of the US Patriotic Act, everyone trying to get anything in the US is required to have their identities verified because they don’t want terrorist getting anything inside US soil especially getting past credit card processing. And the last part of getting past the credit card processing is to have all the things they need to check in order and to meet the standards of their company, in a nutshell, to get a credit card and to get through credit card processing, you must have other credit cards that are active. Two, you must be a good payer and three you must not have a last name that sounds like you are from Afghanistan—that is. Anyway, you might be having problems when it comes to your credit card processing, most it the time, it’s worth the wait. Credit cards is great financial tool is used correctly and properly. It will enable the credit card holder to manage his or her finances. Having a credit card also ensure not only your money and your life as well because it is very convenient compared to carrying cash or checks every time you have to buy or pay for something.

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How to deal with Credit Card offer?

If you’re a person who carries a balance, credit card offer might be the least thing on your mind right now. Credit card offer, no matter how enticing and convenient it might seem, may be the most expensive loans made by banks, department stores, and gasoline companies for you.

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try not to give in to the temptation the credit card offers, material cravings can sometimes be more powerful than the will of the mind. No matter how hard you try to resist the convenience and leisure the credit cards offer, you cannot help but to indulge. And the moment the credit card issuer offers you a card you can hardly wait for t to be approved and to use it to pay for items and services you fancy.
To avoid going beyond your credit limit, by now, you should know when to resist and indulge into the convenience the credit cards offer. Knowing how much the service provider or the store merchant collects from what you owe to your card issuer, you shouldn’t allow yourself spend what you don’t think you cannot pay. Or, by now, you should learn how to pay off what you owe each month, as long as you pay a minimum amount each time because this is what you get from what the credit card offers: interest on the balance you owe at the end of each period if do not pay the full balance every time your bill arrives.

If you are having problems saying “no” to credit card offers, the most effective way to prevent yourself in engaging into another compromise is a little bit of truth serum—how much credit card issuers get from the transaction you engage with them. Although credit card offers the almost priceless campaign ultimate convenience, think about this: the people who offer credit cards generate high profits from the people they have issued the card. Basically, reciprocal to what the credit card offers, is the high rate of interest. The convenience credit card offers sometimes no longer mounts up to the interest on credit cards alone but also from the bulk of accounts the bank profits for every credit card issued.

There are also those companies that charge an annual fee as part the credit card offer. But most of these companies sometimes charge late fees, over-the-limit fees, and other “miscellaneous” charges that the credit card holder often mistook as part of the service charge. Now, knowing how much you really “contribute” to the companies’ profit every time you pay what the merchant charges or every time you pay the fees to service providers—would you still be blinded with what the credit card offers?

What you can do

Wanting to breakaway from the habitual indulgence to credit card offer? Here are some tips that can help you veer away from the constant misleading promises and overwhelming credit card offer. Before you give in to what a certain credit card offers, think first what’s the purpose of filling out an application for a credit card and why do you need it and how sure are you that you can comply with the conditions of having another card. If ever your needs really demand for a credit card, then you must look for the most suitable type that will work best for your specific situation. Sometimes it is not enough to shop around for credit cards based of what they offer. More often than not, it pays to understand the terms of what the credit card offers before you getting the card. You must also take time to review the disclosures of terms and fees might appear on credit card offers you receive.

If you are really a person who cannot say “no” to numerous credit card offers, you must learn to pay bills punctually so the interest and charges are as low as possible. It also pays to read monthly statements while keeping the copies of sales receipts so you would compare the charges.
Indeed, having a credit card has become ingrained in the consumer’s psyche. That’s why it is imperative that people understand clearly the responsibilities of being a credit card holder and not juts base their assumptions on what the credit card offers.

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Credit Card Debt as a silent financial killer

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.

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Posted in: credit card debt