What Happens In A Non Payment of Credit Card Situation?

What Happens In A Non Payment of Credit Card Situation?

If you find yourself in a non payment of credit card situation, be ready for some interesting events to take place. You see, a non payment of credit card will set into motion a fairly predictable sequence of correspondence from your creditors.

First off, you will probably receive a barrage of letters and phone calls. This harassment is designed to get you to do one thing, pay up. Your creditor would love to see you get into a monthly payment arrangement and they will offer to reduce your interest rate and forgive services charges.

If you decline the credit card company's offers, expect the phone calls and letters to keep on coming, and your neighbors and family members may start receiving calls too.

Finally, as your account comes close to charge off, the credit company may give you a settlement offer. These offers from your creditors usually start at around 50 to 80 percent. If you can hold out and negotiate, you can sometimes get them to lower your total to 40 or even as low as 20 percent. Keep in mind that a settlement has to be paid back in one lump sum, unless you can negotiate that too.

Once your account charges off, expect that it will go to a collection agency. These agencies are a little more ruthless about calling you and relatives. They do have laws they must follow, but not all of them do!

Finally, you may get taken to court, and may have your wages garnished or a lien placed on your property. Anyway you look at it; a non payment of credit card scenario is something you want to avoid.

Do I Need Another Credit Card?

Do I Need Another Credit Card?

A credit card can be good and evil at the same time. Depending on how you use it, you can use it for good or use it against yourself. For example, if you use it to purchase items from the mall, use it moderately and you will be safe but when you go overboard and spend on every little thing, it might hurt you in the long run. This is because the more debt you have with your card, the more difficult it would be to settle your debt. If you do not have money for you day to day spending how are you going to spend on paying of your credit card bills or pay the high interest amount. This is the main reason why many people have to file for bankruptcy. They do not know how to use the credit card wisely and end up losing everything in the end. Therefore, when you are considering of getting a credit card, be sure to think about it over and over again. Ask questions on whether you will be able to repay the monthly payment, how would you control your spending, what you would spend using the credit card and are you prepared to face any consequences such as bankruptcy in life. People who really get stuck up in between have poor future and is not even good for their family and even the family pays a big price. These are essentials to know if you are ready for such a big responsibility. When you have a credit card, it is your responsibility to take care of all your financial problems. As long as you make sure that you pay back on time and avoid over spending on the card, everything will be fine. However, it is advisable to NOT apply for any credit cards. This is for your own good. Why need a credit card when there is a debit card available. Debit card is way better because you can only use it when you have the money. You have to preload the card with your own money before you can use it so you don't end up in a pile of debt. Think about it before you decide on applying. You should not take hasty option as it can land you into serious trouble and to avoid this proper planning is required on your part. In the long haul, if you do decide to get a credit card regardless if it's your first or 100th card, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. I know I'll sound like your parents when you're growing up but there are only a few rules you need to follow and you really can take advantage of the rewards. Pay your credit cards off on time and pay them in full. As long as you're disciplined enough to do so, you will have no problem. Don't be like 60% of America, where they can't pay their bills off at all in full.

Top Tips for Finding the Best Credit Card

Top Tips for Finding the Best Credit Card

Offering the user a convenient and flexible method of payment, credit cards can be a great way to help you manage your money. Not only that, but they are essential for establishing your credit record; allowing you to build up a good credit rating to help you in your application for such things as loans.

And it is good for consumers to understand that there are some excellent incentives available from choosing to use a credit card. As such, it is important that you choose the right one that is suitable for your needs. So, it is worthwhile taking some time to understand which package will work best for you.

One of the first things you should do, whether you are applying for a credit card for the first time, or are thinking of transferring your existing balance, is to analyse both your lifestyle and payment habits. For instance, are you a frequent traveller or do you like to indulge in retail therapy at every opportunity?

By ascertaining how you spend money, you will then be able to look for credit cards that can offer rewards related to your lifestyle. Consequently, if you tend to shop in the same places on a regular basis, then it could be worth looking for a deal that will give you points for every time you spend on the card. Alternatively, if you travel a lot, it may be wise to find a package offering air miles.

The rate of interest is another important consideration. There are many credit card deals that may seem like a great deal to begin with, but then hit you with massive interest rates after a period of time. As a result, beware about being drawn in simply because of an incentive scheme by making sure you fully understand all the terms and conditions.

It is also be beneficial to find out if the card charges an annual fee. If the package is a basic one, i.e. no extra frills, you shouldn't have to pay anything aside from the interest; however, some of the companies that offer such deals may charge for the privilege. Therefore, it subsequently pays to ensure you carefully weigh up the benefits of the incentive against the added costs.

Indeed, when you are searching for credit cards, it is essential that you do your homework. In doing so, you are making sure that you are finding the best deal to suit your circumstances, as well as potentially earning some great rewards.

Internet credit card spending booming

Internet credit card spending booming

Brits have been spending more than ever online this Christmas as they attempt to avoid the mayhem of the rainy and busy streets this festive season.

There are many benefits to shopping online and these benefits seem to have convinced a staggering amount of shoppers that online is the way forward.

In a poll by credit card company Egg, four out of five shoppers questioned said that they were carrying out most of their Christmas shopping using the internet this year.

They were attracted by offers and discounts only available to online shoppers, a wider range of products available, the convenience and the fact that they could avoid the crowded high streets.

Many also said that security was an important factor in choosing to shop online, with over half 54 per cent) of respondents said they prefer to use their credit card for payment as most purchases will be insured.

In addition, 38 per cent stated that they use the cards to make the most of online fraud protection, often not available on high street purchases.

"It's good to see that people realise the benefits of using a credit card online in terms of insurance on purchases and fraud protection. Customers should also remember other benefits, such as cashback," remarked Egg spokesperson Vanessa Wood.

Customers are also feeling increasingly wary of the high street as shops are scrambling for profits and many are sinking into administration.

This week Woolworths and MFI both collapsed into administration putting 31,000 jobs at risk, and it seems worse could be to come, with predictions of Christmas expenditure reaching an all time low.

With so many stores struggling financially, shoppers are worried that by shopping on the high street with cash they could have no insurance should they need an exchange or guarantee honoured in the quite likely event the shop is no longer trading.

Companies are attempting to entice customers in with store cards which come with discounts and benefits, however they are accompanied by sky high APRs which could cripple users.

The rates, which have always been high are continuing to rise, with some high street stores pushing store cards with APRs as high as 25%.

In an attempt to bring a little order to their Christmas shopping budget, savvy shoppers are opting to shop online, away from pushy shop assistants heralding store cards and the temptations of high street offers.

Teenagers Can Get Top Card Offers From Credit Card Companies

Teenagers Can Get Top Card Offers From Credit Card Companies

Today, the vast majority of transactions for purchases, both online and offline are conducted by means of credit and debit cards and it is increasingly hard for anyone to fully function in today's market without having access to these convenient cards. Teenagers are also finding it a challenge to be engaged in the average lifestyle in America without having a credit card available and in response to this need there are several top card companies that are now providing products and credit card deals that are tailored especially for teenage customers.

Of course, in order for a teenager to accept credit card deals and submit a credit card application, they do need to be at least 18 years old in order to enter into a legal contract with any company. But, there are numerous companies today that offer special rates and incentives for student credit cards with the hope that they will end up with a new customer who will continue using their credit cards for many years to come, as they move through their college years and into their adult lives.

Teenagers who are headed off to college should seek out their parents help and advice when they are looking for the top card offers and credit card deals that are available for student credit cards. Many times, when parents have a company that they have had an account with for years and are happy with they can easily help their student get their own credit card with very little trouble.

However, when it comes to finding the best student credit card deals it can make sense to shop around and look at as many offers as possible before filling out any application and submitting it. One of the most important things to look at when considering credit cards for teenagers is the long term interest rate that is being offered, and it should be noted to pay very close attention to that phrase "long term."

One of the things that many companies do to get listed among the top deals is to offer a very low introductory interest rate and some will even offer a zero percent rate for the first six months or even during the first year. But those introductory periods go by very quickly and it is much more important to choose a one that has the lowest long term rates.

In addition, both the parents and the teenagers should carefully read through all of the additional terms and conditions that are part of the agreement that the teenage credit card user will be bound by once they open their new account. Check to see if there is an annual fee and how much it is. In most cases, you will find comparable credit card offers that do not charge annual fees, so you can often eliminate those offers right off the bat.

Another important factor to take a careful look at when evaluating the various top card offers that a student will receive, is to carefully review the various penalties and fees that might be imposed by the credit card company if the teen misses a payment or goes over their limit. Often, the card companies not only impose these fees but they will also raise the interest rate, making the card not so attractive any longer to the teen or their parents.

Credit Card Reduction Solution

Credit Card Reduction Solution

by Kristie Chiles

We all like to shop and most of us like to spend, but when we have overdone it, we begin looking for a credit card debt reduction solution. Very few people stop to truly think about the amount of money that they are spending because the cash is not visually seen. Most people in this nation seem to have a very hard time with credit card debt management and now many of us are looking for a way to reduce our debt with a solution - an answer to all those wonderful shopping trips. While those who refuse to sign up for credit cards, are often times viewed, as something is wrong with them since everyone has credit cards. They are actually the wiser ones to limit their spending.

The idea is not to do what everyone else is doing and try to focus on putting your money towards a credit card debt reduction solution. . Instead of spending money on things that you really do not need, you should be putting every extra dollar you have towards your current balances on your various credit cards. While it may a long process, depending on the amount of credit debt you have, a credit card debt reduction solution is something that can be done if you really put your mind to it. It simply takes focus, dedication, and a strong desire to be eventually debt free. You have to really want to do it, more than you give into the desire to spend.

Some Outside Help

When it comes to credit card debt elimination, some people find that they are not able to do it alone. Be it compulsive spending or just bad money management, there are people who need help from an outside source. This is nothing to feel bad about because as long as you are working on the goal of eventual credit card debt elimination, you are on the right path and have the best of intentions. If you have the money available to work on the credit debt that you have then you may want to seek a friend or family member who can help you budget your money. If you barely have enough to cover the minimum payments each month then you need to seek a different kind of help, a professional person to put you on a monthly plan.

Credit card debt reduction plans are sometimes easier done with the help of an outside source. There are a lot of organizations and companies out there that can assist you in either consolidating your debt or getting it more affordable each month. Sometimes, the idea is to simply get your interest rates lowered which means more of your monthly payments would go towards principal.

The consolidation works well because it pays off all of your creditors and then you will only be making one monthly payment with one interest rate to face. Either route is a great way to go about credit card debt reduction but the route you pick will be what fits your individual situation the best and what works best with your spending habits and personal habits.

Credit Card Fraud is on the Rise

Credit Card Fraud is on the Rise

by Stephanie Andrews

Credit card fraud has increased significantly in recent years, according to law enforcement officials and consumer protection organizations like the Public Interest Research Group and Privacy Rights Clearinghouse. More consumers own credit cards now than in the past, and criminals are constantly looking for new ways to tap into accounts. All of this means cardholders need to protect their credit cards now more than ever before.

Perhaps the most obvious form of credit card fraud takes place in the form of theft. Even if you don't lose your card or have it stolen, however, your credit card account could still be in danger. It is not uncommon for criminals to steal your credit card identity - details such as the number on the card and the expiration date. A stolen account number is the first step in a series of credit card fraud incidents. Unfortunately, cardholders may not be aware of the theft until the unauthorized activity starts showing up on the bills.

Identity Theft

Identity theft occurs when your personal information is gathered without your authorization and used for criminal purposes. It occurs when someone steals information that identifies who you are, such as your name, address, date of birth, or social security number. Sometimes you need to submit this information when applying for credit, opening a new bank account or making a purchase. When someone taps into these accounts or transactions without authorized permission, your information could be in danger. According to a Federal Trade Commission survey issued in October 2007, an estimated 13.5 percent of U.S. adults (30.2 million consumers) were victims of one or more identity fraud incidents in 2005.

Credit card thieves can come in two forms. The first of these are complete strangers, and the other kind falls into the category of people you know. This second group can include anyone from friends and family members to neighbors, co-workers, or anyone that you have an established relationship with. More than half of the identity theft cases that occur are committed by criminals that have established relationships with their victims.

This doesn't mean that you should be wary of all of your friends and in-laws. You should, however, be aware of certain warning signs. Here are a few of the common ways that identity theft happens:

- Someone may steal your wallet or purse. When they get a hold of it, they have instant access to your credit cards and bank information.

- Your personal information can be taken from information you submit on the Internet.

- Fraudsters may locate your discarded receipts by looking through your trash can. If your name or account number appears on the receipt, they can use it to their advantage.

- A clerk at a store might make an extra copy of your credit card, or take the numbers from it.

- Your utility bills, credit card and bank statements, tax information, and new checks can be stage-managed to land up at the wrong place.

- You may get a phone call or email offering a free trip or a cheap travel package. To receive it, however, you have to submit your account number. Once you do, the source can start using your card number to make unauthorized purchases.

After collecting your personal information, fraudsters may get the mailing address on your credit card account changed by calling your creditors and opening new lines of credit. In some cases, they might do more than just rack up purchases on your card. They might open bank accounts in your name, apply for loans in your name, or set up new phone accounts. The list of possibilities is nearly endless.

New Credit Card Crimes

One of the newest methods that identity thieves are using is referred to as skimming. In this technique, a small hand-held electronic device called a skimmer is used to gather the information embedded in the magnetic strip of the card. With a simple swipe of your card in the hand-held skimmer, all your personal identification information is collected in just a second. It is then used to create a counterfeit card or make purchases online.

Crime perpetrators are continually trying out different technologies to carry out identity theft. Fortunately, many organizations are fighting the battle against credit card crime by developing new encryption techniques. Business are doing all they can to help individual consumer keep their private information a closely guarded secret.

Despite various improvements and efforts, almost anyone can be a victim of identity theft. And it can be nerve-wracking to find unauthorized charges on your personal credit card bills. Most credit card companies will cover the amounts charged to your card in fraudulent cases. Still, it is in your best interest to do all you can to protect your credit card, as well as your personal identification information. Prevention is always better than the cure!

When Should You Use a Credit Card Settlement Agency?

When Should You Use a Credit Card Settlement Agency?

by Linda Moreland

Some people like to deal with their credit card debt all by themselves. They feel this is a personal, confidential matter and they have the time and possess the patience to research credit repair products on and offline. They have the determination to get their credit reports from the 3 main credit bureaus and go over them with a fine tooth comb. These type of people usually do very well in improving their credit scores, as long as they have chosen a reputatable credit repair product. However, you need to realize that the reports the credit bureau gives you and the ones they give the car lot around the corner when you apply for a car loan, are NOT the same reports. Next time you're sitting in the show room waiting for your approval, ask the Finance Manager if there was any problem with your credit report. Go one step further and ask him if you could see the report, possibly there are errors on it. He'll very quickly come up with a reason not to share their report with you. Why? Because it's a different report!

Some people prefer to use a credit card debt settlement agency because they are not comfortable in dealing with credit card debt settlement by themselves. They may not have the time that is required to do the necessary research and evaluate the various options that are available. Others are looking for professional advice and hence they contact a credit card debt settlement agency in an attempt to get qualified assistance. However, keep in mind most credit card counselors will want you to immediately cancel all your cards, then they will help you make arrangements to pay them in full. If you have a favorite card you prefer to keep, this can become an unsettling issue.

If you decide to try an agency, make sure you select a reputable company, one which has verifiable credentials or a agency that you personally know has a good reputation. Perhaps a friend has been through this process recently and they have recommended an agency to you. Do not believe the ads that promise to erase all your debt overnight. There are ways to eliminate certain bad entries on your credit report, but you will not find these methods employed by the credit card debt settlement agencies. This involves specific filings that are usually done by an attorney and this service is usually expensive.

Sometimes you will find classified ads that promise quick credit repair and they instruct you to call a telephone number that's a premium line. Please beware of this tactic, or you might end up paying heavy phone bills that would just add to your debt. Don't contact an agency that you've never heard of just because they promise the lowest fees in town. These are again the credit card debt settlement agencies you should avoid.

I have a good friend that owns a credit card settlement agency. He told me his main goal was to get the credit card companies as much of "their" money as possible, even if it meant smaller payments over a longer period of time. That doesn't really sound like he's working for YOU, does it.

I can't say all the agencies are alike. However, I do know, from helping my clients, if you aren't prepared and you don't know what you are doing, as soon as you request your credit reports from the credit bureaus, your phone will start ringing off the wall with collection agencies demanding you pay off debts from prior years. You need to be prepared and know what to do when this happens, being armed with proper techniques for handling this situation is imperative.

So, before you stir up the hornets nest, in my opinion, you need to be prepared. Have your speech ready when they call. Know what your rights are. Research the filings that come with your credit repair kit so you'll know how to get the tax liens and repossessions OFF your credit report. Have everything available before you start the process. Understand what you are doing and why.

You don't have to be a victim of bad credit. You can improve your credit score, you just have to know how to do it. For a long time the credit bureaus have bullied the public into thinking they couldn't win, all the burden of proof has been on the public, and actually it still is. But with appropriate and up-to-date information, you can arm yourself with the knowledge you need to improve your credit while at the same time protecting your sanity. There is information available to help you, step-by-step instructions to help you improve your credit score, you just have to use it.

How Credit Card Consolidation Services Can Be A Huge Benefit To You

How Credit Card Consolidation Services Can Be A Huge Benefit To You

by Jon Arnold

You suddenly find that you are spending most Saturdays arranging all your credit card bills to figure out which ones to pay and which ones are just going to have to wait another month, even if that means yet another late fee you will also have to pay. At what point are you going to get tired of that and do something about it?

No, I am not talking about declaring bankruptcy. Hopefully things are not that bad, and even if they are, bankruptcy should be your option of last resort. Rather, I am talking about credit card consolidation. Using this type of service, you can save a ton of money in interest and also the amount of money you are putting out every month will be much less than what you are doing now, and all of your debtors will be paid each month.

Does that sound too good to be true? It is good and it is true, although many people are not aware of credit card consolidation services, sometimes also known as debt consolidation. And no, it is not yet another loan that you are going to have to pay, where you end up robbing Peter to pay Paul, which does not help your situation at all.

What happens with credit card consolidation is that you gather up all your credit card bills and account numbers and total amount due. It doesn't have to be just credit cards, but can also be other monthly payments that you are making, like a car loan or a personal loan. You take all this to a credit consolidation company or debt consolidation company and they talk with you about what you want to do and lay out various scenarios so they and you both understand what your goals are and how much you can comfortably afford to pay every month without sending yourself to the poorhouse.

If you decide to go with their service, they take over your credit card bills and any other bills that you are including in this consolidation. Their job is to work with your creditors to get your payments lowered, get your interest rate lowered (because it is probably astronomical), and sometimes even get late fees waived.

Your job is to pay the credit consolidation company every month without fail and then they disburse the money to your creditors so that each of them gets at least a minimum payment that month. With the lowering of interest rates and payments that they have done for you, if you were, for example, paying out $3500 a month before to all of your creditors, you are likely to only be paying $2200 a month now. Can you see what kind of financial breathing room they have given you?

It is important to note that this is not a loan. They do not pay off your creditors in most cases, so if you miss your payment to them in a given month, then NONE of your creditors will get paid in that month, and you will be even worse off than you are now.

One of the big benefits of this is your credit report. Since your payments are being made on time every month consistently (assuming your make your payment to the credit consolidation service company), your credit report starts getting better because you are meeting all of your financial obligations on time. And since you did not file bankruptcy, there is not that huge red flag on your credit report which makes lenders very nervous.

Consider using a credit card consolidation service today and start enjoying more of life without the stress of all those bills hanging over your head every month. Yes you will still have the bills, but now they will be much more under control for you.

Convenient or Costly? Evaluating Credit Cards Hidden Fees

Convenient or Costly? Evaluating Credit Cards Hidden Fees

by Nick Makaryk

A credit card is something which is carried by most people these days, being that there are the most convenient form of paying for goods and services. For many cardholders, they are also the most expensive way to pay; whether they realize it or not - and in all too many cases, they do not.

This article will reveal to you the hidden fees which you are paying to your issuing card company. Many people do not even notice these fees, but they can add up to hundreds of dollars annually. Many of these fees can be avoided if you know what to watch out for and you can then save this money.

One such hidden cost is the cost associated with going over the grace period. Grace periods used to be 30 days - if you paid off your balance in this time, you would pay no interest on your balance. However, this period has been growing shorter and shorter.

Banks and other card issuers have reduced this grace period to as little as 20 days. If you're still depending on the standard 30 day grace period, you are probably losing a lot of money to interest payments without even thinking about it. Some companies have even done away with the grace period entirely - meaning that you begin paying interest the second that you use your card!

Always read the small print on your agreement to find how long of a grace period you are allowed. If it is too short for your needs, you might want to cancel that card and find one which offers you more favorable terms.

Another source of fees is the late fee. You should always know how much your credit card company will charge in late fees. Late fees plus a short grace period means a surprising amount of money which you are being charged - but this cost is avoidable.

You should get into the habit of either paying via electronic money transfer or sending a check the same day that your credit card bill arrives. If you fail to do this, you could end up paying a lot in late fees and interest. Also, delays in payment will appear on your credit report, making you a less attractive customer to lenders. This goes for any late payment; the card company can even raise your rates for late payment, so be sure to always pay promptly - it will save you a lot of money.Once you know what these fees are, you will be attentive to taking the necessary actions to avoid them. If you keep a record of how much money you save in this way, you are likely to find that you have saved a substantial amount by the end of the year.

Simplifying Credit Card Debt Settlement

Simplifying Credit Card Debt Settlement

by Ted Batron

There are several ways to get out of credit card debt each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Credit card debt settlement is one way to eliminate debt in a fair amount of time and get back on the road to financial recovery. You might be wondering what is credit card debt settlement and what benefits and risks does it hold for the average credit card debt burdened consumer. The following discussion aims to simplify credit card debt settlement in a nutshell.

Assessing Your Finances

Not all who suffer from credit problems are eligible to avail of credit card debt settlement services. A thorough assessment of one's personal finances must be made to determine whether or not credit card debt settlement is the best plan of action to take.

An office handling your debt settlement plan will need to look into your sources of income. A very comprehensive examination of your monthly expenses needs to be laid out as well. Your personal assets and other liabilities will also be added to the equation.

There are those who are not comfortable with such a complete financial inquiry. Nevertheless, the aim of a credit card debt settlement plan is to negotiate a lower amount to be paid in order to render the debt fully settled. The payment is usually demanded as lump sum, but there are creditors who might agree to a limited number of staggered payments. Either way, creditors would mostly consider a debt settlement only when a substantial financial report corroborates the terms being negotiated. Hence, the need to make a true assessment of one's finances.

Should your finances show that you are still capable to make payments without the need to adjust the outstanding balance, credit card debt settlement may not be advisable for you. However, deliberately downgrading your financials in order to gain sympathy will less likely merit approval from your creditors.

Contacting and Negotiating with Your Creditors

Initiating contact with credit card companies can be a tricky business. Most credit institutions maintain several layers of bureaucracy that would discourage common folk from pursuing their intent. Nevertheless, creditors in general are more open to a credit card debt settlement as this is less troublesome than a legal proceeding such as a bankruptcy. It is just that it serves their purpose and it is more cost effective for them to negotiate settlement requests through an intermediary channel such as a reputable debt settlement office. Just remember to be honest as your case is being negotiated. As in any financial dealings, transparency is the safest and best policy.

The Role of Debt Settlement Agencies

You may try your luck sending your own correspondence to your creditors seeking to negotiate for reduced terms. Alternatively, chances are you'd get better results when you let professional credit card debt settlement agencies put their experience to work for you. Credit card debt settlement would cost some fees but your goal to be debt-free will best be achieved with help from those who know how.

Ideas on How to Reduce Credit Card Debts

Ideas on How to Reduce Credit Card Debts

by V Ravat

With today's economy, a number of cardholders everyday are looking for the finest credit card deals. Your credit score will increase, and all will be sorted if one keeps to the terms and conditions of a card provider contract. However if one is in debt, there probably is a reason to this disaster and in most cases tends to be that one is spending in excess of their income.

A vast majority of cardholders aim to build up a good FICO score, doing this one must make the effort to bring their spending in line with their income.

There are two simple choices, and they should be used in combination with each other. Earn more money and use the additional to pay down debt or stop going further in debt.

It can be a wise idea to pay even 10 pounds extra towards your credit card bill every month, over time you will have noticed the affects. Here is a simple example, it does not account that the money will be paid in little at a time and will begin to reduce as soon as the amount of interest you pay has been deposited.

Your savings will grow eventually, but look at it this way; If you're paying 18per cent interest, and you pay an additional 10 pounds a month for one year, this will leave the balance 120 pounds less which you'll have to pay in interest over the next year.

What can you do to earn extra money and pay that credit card balance, there are many jobs one can undertake, below are just some simple examples;

- Place up and down signs for a real estate agent - If you are familiar using a camera, take property photos for that agent - Walk the dog for a neighbour who works long hours - Look after Pets for people while they take on a vacation break. - Clean offices in the evenings or towards the week-end - Do garden work for an elderly person

- These are just a few simple samples, there are more jobs which one can undertake to pay off their credit card, get extra work.

Immediately set aside all funds generated from these extra activities and use them to pay debt. It will not help you if you increase your spending.

Is the Chase PerfectCard MasterCard for You?

Is the Chase PerfectCard MasterCard for You?

by Samantha Asher

Every time you go to buy gas it seems to cost more and more. That's probably because it is costing more and more. Gas is becoming more expensive for many reason beyond our control. If everyone stopped buying gas, it would probably be a lot cheaper because there would be no demand for it, but what's the point of that?

To combat the price of gas we can drive less, drive slower, check our tire pressure, car pool, buy hybrids, or use a credit card. How does using a credit card save us gas, you say? Simple, with a gas card such as the Chase PerfectCard MasterCard, you can save 3 to 6% on all your gas purchases.

With the PerfectCard you get 6% cash back for the first 90 days you own the card and 3% thereafter. Plus, you still get 1% cash back on everyday purchases. This is huge for anyone who spends money on gas. If you're spending $200 on gas, you can be saving $6 to $12 a month. It might not seem like much, but it really adds up over time.

Which Chase there is 0% APR, a 20 day grace period, and no annual fee. It has all the great advantages of all their cards plus extra cash back when you buy gas. We could all use cash back on our gas purchases. It's like you are getting 3 to 6% off your gas every time you buy it.

With this card, you don't have to worry about losing benefits of regular rewards cards because you still get 1% cash back on regular everyday purchases. It's kind of like you get a regular rewards card, but you also get an extra couple of dollars every time you purchase gas. Another bonus with Chase is their load of safety features. Security is a big deal today with identity theft and other credit card crimes.

If you are still unsure, answer one question. Would you give up $100? Even if it was just in one year, I'm sure you would not tell someone who offered you $100 that you didn't want it. You might as well take the rewards you deserve. As long as you pay off the balance of your card every month, you will get money back. If you are worried about paying off the balance, just use it for gas and it will still be worth it.

Vacationing? Try getting a Prepaid or a Visa Travel Card

Vacationing? Try getting a Prepaid or a Visa Travel Card

by Debra Thomson

Are you planning to take a vacation this year? Taking a break is a good way of unwinding and taking it easy. Lots of families go on vacation for a summer break meaning they will spend a substantial amount of money on travelling. Whether you travel abroad or within your home country you can end up spending a small fortune before you actually realize it.

How will decide to carry your cash when travelling? It is not always a wise decision to travel with large amounts of cash. Car Hire, Flights and Hotel bookings can be easily handled by obtaining a visa or a prepaid travel card. Although, most people exclusively use their cards for larger purchases you will find that carrying a credit card or a prepaid visa travel card a lot more convenient and acceptable whilst travelling abroad.

Unlike the alternative methods of payment, carrying a credit card makes it easier for you to concentrate on organising your other Travel Documents, and your receipts from your purchases. You will also receive a running total of your expenditure when you get home, so you have a record of all your purchases in case of any queries. And if you lose cash there will be no compensation, whereas, a card can be cancelled immediately with no further loss to your finances. Also, you can keep track of your spending by preloading the card with the amount of cash that you have budgeted for spending money.

Taking a visa card or a prepaid travel card would be a lot easier than managing foreign currency. If you decide to dine in a restaurant or stay in a hotel resort, cash can be a more inconvenient way to pay. Large amounts of cash can be lost easily or hard to manage particularly when you need purchase an item and you are not familiar with the currency. Use a credit card and the process is automatic.

If you dont have a visa travel card it is a good idea to invest in one for vacation purposes. There a wide range of prepaid and visa cards and lots of incentives from having one. Many entice customers by offering benefits not given by other companies.

Some credit cards or prepaid visa travel cards offer incentives such as rewards and membership points when you make a purchase using one. These points can be used to purchase items offered by many different stores. You can also obtain a card preloaded with incentive points for airmiles,and you can also obtain membership priviledges such as free accomodation or even free flights with some merchants. You can now have a relaxing holiday buy your presents and meals, petrol and food on your card and save points which you can use to buy other items when your vacation is over.

In conclusion, your visa card can make vacationing stress free. Earn reward points and obtain cash back at your leisure. One of the main advantages of carrying a card is that they are the preferred method of payment with most stores and establishments worldwide, and you dont have to worry about changing your cash into the local currency, or changing back when you arrive home. They are easier to carry and handle, some are easy to obtain regardless of your credit rating, and they are a good way to budget whilst travelling so you keep on top of your expenditure, leaving you feeling in control of your finances.

If you don't have a visa card or a prepaid travel card you should get one before you next vacation. Apply online and you can receive a response almost immediately.

6 Factors Why Wireless Credit Card Processing Is Best For Your Business

6 Factors Why Wireless Credit Card Processing Is Best For Your Business

by Michael Rupkalvis

In today's competition , it's increasingly vital to be able to process credit card payments from clientele.

Buyers of goods and services enjoy the convenience and protection got by utilizing their credit or debit card to buy goods and services - so most people avoid lugging that much cash on them. Additionally, surveys have shown receiving payments by credit card in your business will accelerate your turnover.

Don't get baffled , therefore, that debit and credit cards are rising in popularity among merchants and consumers alike. To further popularize payment by card in retail environments, merchants need to use credit card processing machines to carry out the payment process.

Wireless processors are a recent technological phenomenon . Similar to all technology, when wireless processors first broke into the market they were very expensive; and, wireless coverage stayed limited because of limited popularity.

The cost of wireless credit card terminals as well as costs of service have plummeted in the last two years, because of more manufacturers and products entering the market owing to increased acceptance. Wireless credit card machines have emerged as a cost effective processing device-just as much for weekends-only type of merchants selling vending their wares at trade shows. With their increasing popularity, wireless processors network coverage has developed a lot.

Consider these 6 primary reasons why businesses need wireless processors :

1. Faster To Swipe Than Key A Transaction:

Whereas keyed processing machines are relatively slow, Wireless credit card machines are much faster. Buyers are likely to smile, when you don't keep them waiting before you give them a receipt. Time saved while checking out affords you more time to close further deals.

2. Ease Of Use:

Wireless credit card machines are easy to use. The devices involve swiping a credit card through the wireless terminal swiper, following that, it ptints a recipt for the real time transaction, for you to hand over to your client. The complete process takes approx about three seconds; keying in can take one or more minutes and the customers are given written receipts.

3. Real Time Approvals :

Wireless credit card machines can employ technology of cellular phones to okay 'live' trades. It minimizes risk associated with processing bad credit cards, only to repent once you have time to process it.

4. Lower Discount Rate: MasterCard gives merchants an inexpensive discount rate for swiping card rather than keying. You save time while swiping debit and credit cards through a wireless payment processing terminal but you save money in the form of processing fees as well.

5. Tools For Reporting Online: Doubt if you charged a customer's card the correct amount? Do you need to investigate a trade nevertheless, you don't want to wait till you get a monthly statement generated by the processor? Most wireless processors accounts are accompanied by a live reporting device that let's you check the wireless processor's transaction history.

6. Proactive Retailing Catalyzed: In a retailer's shoes, you want to go to the customer in your trading. That implies that you don't wait for your customer to come to you. In dog-eat-dog competition, the less you wait for the buyer to come to you , the more likely you are to close a deal. Wireless credit card machines let you sell aggressively, as they are mobile, letting you take them to your point of sale.

Thus, wireless processors allow 'mobile' businesses to receive credit card payments (e.g. trade shows, taxis, flea markets, service industry, sales people etc). Wireless credit card machines are extremely importantfor sellers who like to take their business to their customers.

The Student's Guide to Credit Card Use

The Student's Guide to Credit Card Use

by financeglobe

College is an eye-opening world for many students. While their biggest expense is directly tied to tuition, books, and room and board, they will, no doubt, have quite a few expenses that may not have been figured into the higher education budget. Electronics and gadgets, fashion, parties, and spring break trips will require additional funding. How can they pay for all these extras that are a normal part of college life? credit card issuers have the answer with a student credit card.

Credit card issuers set up booths around campus, offering freebies to anyone who applies for a student card. Student cards are targeted to young adults who don't have much credit and debt experience. Unfortunately, many college students are quick to apply for credit card after credit card, without a sound debt management plan. Six years of pizza, beer, and minimum payments often leave a young adult with a substantial debt before they've even secured the job that they've received their education for.

It may be difficult for an inexperienced credit card user to fully grasp the consequences of over-using a credit card. Everywhere they go, credit cards are an accepted form of payment. Their friends may pay for all their purchases with the swipe of a credit card. The minimum payment is so affordable; they may believe they can pay the minimum and continue their lifestyle until they start making the big money after graduation.

The problem is, that many don't realize just how hard it will be to pay off the debt once they do graduate. Life doesn't become much easier once college is finished; it's often even more complicated. Rent, utilities, groceries, student loans, and other debts are a few of the expenses that will take a big bite out of the graduate's paycheck. And they will still have many of the same additional expenses that they had in college; you don't lose the desire to own up-to-date electronics, wear nice clothing, and go on vacation just because you're finished with school.

To top off the additional expenses, many students don't enter the workforce making what they may have anticipated. The job market may be tougher than when they enrolled, and they may have to take entry-level positions with lower pay. When that lower income is further reduced by income taxes, they could end up bringing home way less than they thought. They may have thought out their after-college debt repayment plan, but it can't happen if the income's not there to support that plan.

So should a student by-pass all the credit card booths on campus and vow to spend on a strict cash-only basis? No, it's important for a student to add Debt Management to their list of required studies. Credit cards are practically a necessity in our modern world; I am not suggesting that a student cut up all their credit cards. Responsible use of credit will build a credit history and increase the student's credit score. A healthy credit score is necessary for the best rates and terms for all types of loans in every stage of life.

The student should get some practice in managing their debts during their college years; college is all about learning. Right? The student is smart to start off with one, maybe two credit cards. More than two is over-kill, and only provides the student with more payment due dates to remember and more balances to keep track of; more opportunities to miss a payment and more chances to exceed a credit limit. Even one late payment or over-limit for one day is reason enough for many credit card issuers to apply the default rate; the default rate is commonly as much as 28% APR!

There are plenty of cards with no annual fee; look for these to save money. Be aware that if the card has an annual fee, they will not send you a separate bill for it. It will simply be charged to your credit card account, which will immediately reduce your available credit. Also, this annual fee will be assessed every year, whether you use your card or not. You may be able to have the fee waived if you have never exceeded your balance and you've made all your payments on time for a year or more; check with your card issuer's customer service department.

With every swipe of the credit card, the student should be very aware of their credit card balance and their available credit. Student credit cards may have a credit limit of only several hundred dollars, which makes the limit even easier to accidentally exceed. Don't count on the card issuer to cut you off when you have reached your credit limit; they will probably approve a charge if it exceeds your limit by just a small amount and then they'll charge you for it. Forgetting that the annual fee payment is due when your card is maxed out is all it takes to get hit with over-limit fees and default rates.

Read the entire credit card statement every month. Don't make the mistake of only checking on the available credit and the minimum payment due; that will pave the way for poor debt management. Check that your APR is still what you thought it was; a credit card rate can change to the default rate if you fail to adhere to all the credit card's terms and conditions. Some credit card issuers will increase your APR if you have other delinquent accounts, even if you're still in good standing with them. This common practice is known as "universal default", and can punish you for mishandling any of your debts.

Pay the balance in full every month before the end of the grace period to avoid any finance charges. The minimum payment is designed to keep a credit card user in debt for literally decades, and the higher the balance, the worse it is. If you can't pay off the balance every month, at least pay as much as you can afford. It's a hard habit to break, if a credit card user get accustomed to paying only the minimum payment. Be sure that your debt management experience teaches you how to handle debt wisely, and don't fall into the same trap that many other credit card users have fallen into.

Be sure to pay your credit card bill in plenty of time to avoid late fees and default rates. On-line bill paying is a fast, secure way to ensure on-time payments. If you bank on-line, you can set up payments in advance with a pre-determined pay date. Be aware that it may take several days to a week to post to the credit card issuer; your bank will probably give you an expected post date when you set up the payment. Also, many credit card issuers allow you to make secure payments directly through their website. They will require your bank account info, and they'll withdraw the payment directly from your checking account. These types of payments typically post to your account the minute you pay on-line, and is a quick way to pay when you "almost" forgot the payment was due.

If you want to be sure to never miss a payment and be charged late fees, listen up. This will be the one time I recommend paying the minimum payment. Set up a recurring on-line payment to your credit card with your bank. Set the payment date for a week before the credit card payment due date, and set the payment amount as your typical minimum payment. Read the credit card's term and conditions and cardholder agreement to find out how they compute the minimum payment. The minimum payment is normally 2% of the current balance, with a minimum of $10 or $25, depending on the card issuer. If you want to be totally safe, compute the minimum payment by figuring your balance as your credit limit, so even if your card is maxed out, you will have paid enough. With your recurring payment in place, you will have never missed a payment.

In addition to your automated recurring payment, you should still make a larger payment every month. Subtract the amount of the automated payment from that month's balance, and pay the whole thing off before the end of the grace period. If you remember to do this before the payment due date, you will avoid all finance charges. If you forget to pay until after the credit card bill was due, at least you won't be paying late fees, but you'll pay a month's worth of interest. Get in the habit of only charging what you can afford to pay back each month. Doing this will ensure you develop sound debt management skills, prevent you from living beyond your means, and provide you with free use of somebody else's money every month.

Why Get a Student Secured Credit Card?

Why Get a Student Secured Credit Card?

by Tom Tessin

A student credit card means financial freedom for students. Even though, it is just a piece of plastic, it helps you in managing all your college expenses. It is often linked to a credit line backed by a creditor. The creditor or a credit card institution makes a pre-determined credit limit for using the card.

You can spend this credit line using this credit card directly at online stores or at offline stores. In return, the card providers charge certain interest rates on the amount that you spend using this card.

Generally, by paying the balance amount of your card fully every month, you secure yourself from any interest fee. However, this varies based on the terms of credit card that you use.

Why Secured Student Credit Card?

At times, when you badly need credit cards, but do not have a strong credit status. At such times, you may go for a secured student credit card. This type of credit card is often guaranteed, when you open an account with a creditor's bank. To avail this type of credit card, you need to deposit anything between 100% and 200% of the total credit amount you need.

For instance, if you want a credit limit of $5000, then you have to deposit a sum of $5000 or $10000 in your account. This deposit is further transferred into a specially deigned savings account and act as a safety net for the provider.

Even, credit card fees and rate of interest is applied on these cards like other standard credit cards. Such type of credit card is an ideal way to build your credit standing. This also helps to avail those non-secured credit cards in near future.

Student secured credit cards have a wide range of terms and rewards. If you consider applying for any of these cards, check for the availability of any other reward plans or offers with your local bank on this card. This is because banks on a regular basis introduce new offers on this credit card. Even, the Internet acts as a useful source to find and apply for such type of credit card, which fits best with your personal needs.

Things to Keep in Mind:

When you apply for such type of credit card, ensure to check the fees associated with it. Some credit card companies literally charge more than hundreds of dollars that may eat up your deposit amount, whereas some may deceive with hidden charges in the name of set up or registration fees.

In fact, an ideal card of this type never comes with these charges at all, so ignore such multiple fee demanding cards. Likewise, the rate of interest also needs to be less, if not move ahead to a reasonable priced card.

It is not so difficult to get such a credit card, but it is a bit difficult to control the spending limit. That is why secured student card is an ideal option for students like you, since it limits your spending capacity leading to a debt free life.

How to Make Money Online by Accepting Credit Card Payments from Home

How to Make Money Online by Accepting Credit Card Payments from Home

by Hugh Walter

To make money from home from your own home-based online business, you should provide customers with the opportunity to make their purchase with a credit card, as well as provide the opportunity to pay for the purchase with a money order. By making more options for your customers, you will make more sales for your online business.

Learning how to make money online requires learning how to make more money online. Once you make the decision of which online business opportunity you want to pursue so you can make money from home, you need to learn how to give every website visitor the opportunity to purchase your business product or service. The first and easiest method of making an opportunity for more online sales is to expand the options for the customer's method of online payment.

When you get started in your home online business, accepting money orders is the easiest option for you, but not the easiest option for your online website visitors. Most visitors to your online website will know how to use a money order to make an online purchase from your business, and money orders are certainly a payment option you should provide to make more money from your home online business. However, money orders give the online website visitor the opportunity to leave your website - which is akin to a customer leaving a store or business without making a purchase. Opportunity then exists for the customer to debate their intent to make a purchase from your online business. Additionally, the events in the individual's home or work life are likely to lead them to forget how to return to your online business for information, and will likely interrupt their opportunity to finalize the sale from your online business.

The convenience of credit cards, their ability to satisfy instant gratification, and their ability to provide the convenience of shopping from home, have led credit cards to become the most popular method of making online purchases. 60% of purchases from online business were made with credit cards according to a Nielsen Global Online Survey. The online survey also reported that 85% of online users from around the world have made an online business purchase over the Internet. Books (traditional books and ebooks) were the most popular purchase, and accounted for over 41% of the online sales.

Security will always be an issue with credit cards, whether they are used online or at a local business. However, technology continues to develop making the security of online credit card transactions more secure. The newest trend, temporary one-time use credit cards (such as the new Paypal plugin provides), makes online credit card purchases easier - and available to those who don't have a credit card.

To learn how to make money online by accepting credit cards, become familiar with the terminology used in e-commerce business. This will help you quickly learn how to make more money online from home. You will need a "merchant account" to make the opportunity for a credit card purchase available at your online business. The caveat to accepting credit cards is that it does cost money. However, the increased sales more than make up for the cost, and you can easily adjust your online sales price to include the cost of the credit card transaction. Reevaluate your costs and expenses and adjust your profit margins accordingly.

Learning how to make money online by accepting credit cards is one of the best investment opportunities you can make for your online business. Without credit cards, you would have to put in a substantial amount of time to learn how to promote your website and make money from home by merely accepting money orders. The easiest way to make money from home that can double the income from your online business is to accept credit cards. Take the time to research how to make money online. Start researching online business opportunities and merchant businesses available. You'll be able to increase your sales and continue to learn how to make more money from home than you had originally imagined.

How to Make Money Online with Online Credit Card Sales

How to Make Money Online with Online Credit Card Sales

by Hugh Walters

Online business opportunities that allow you to make money from home by selling a product or service online often require you to accept credit cards in order for your home business to make a profit. You can set up a "merchant account" to make money from home from your online sales, but be sure to evaluate your costs before you do.

How to make money online is obviously the first topic to research when you have decided to make the transition to make money from home instead of dragging yourself to work every day. If you have decided to pursue an online business opportunity that allows you to make money from home by selling a product or service online, such as the highly profitable opportunity of selling ebooks, then a significant part of your continuing research will be to select a merchant account. A merchant account allows you to accept credit card payments on your website. You are the merchant. You will open an "account" with a provider. That account is a contract - your "merchant account."

Statistics confirm that online customers prefer to make their purchases with credit cards over cash, check or money orders. Nielsen Online Survey reported that the majority of online purchases from businesses were made with credit cards (61%). Books, traditional books and ebooks, had the highest volume of sales. Since 85% of internet users have made a purchase online, (most likely from home), not offering the opportunity to make a purchase with a credit card at your website would be like closing the door on the majority of your customers and letting them take their money to another online business that does accept credit cards. Website customers don't stay long. You need to learn how to take every opportunity you can for an online sale. You also need to learn how to make a profit to make money online.

First, you need to learn how to evaluate businesses providing merchant accounts so that you can determine which one will be the most profitable for your online business to make money from home. The money involved in providing the opportunity for online credit card purchases at your online business will be considered part of your expenses. Your expenses will determine how much you should charge for your product or service, and your total revenue minus your total expenses is your profit.

When evaluating merchant account opportunities, make sure you learn how to look for expenses such as transaction charges, or a monthly minimum charge if your sales from your online business don't meet the company's minimum standards. Other charges that will affect how much money you make online are a statement fee and money for an application fee. Learn how to look for money requested as a "batch fee." At the end of the day, a business will typically run a "batch report" - which is a report of all the transactions that are rung up on credit cards for the day. Some businesses will charge you every time you run a batch report, even if you don't have any expenses. A "discount fee," despite the literary implications of the word "discount," is an expense (fee) to your business, not a discount. Different companies will charge your online business a combination of different fees. They may also charge you money for monthly, quarterly or annual fees, and you should learn how to evaluate charge back fees. List each potential company and the amount of money the company will charge, then make your comparisons.

How to make money online using credit cards so you can make money online with your own home-based business takes time to research, but it is well worth the investment to learn everything you can about all aspects of online business opportunities. Every piece of information you learn how to apply to your home business is another avenue to increase your profit. Evaluating merchant account opportunities is an important part of your online business so you can make money from home knowing you made your most profitable business decision. Your online business from home will increase sales, and you'll keep the profit, not a billion dollar bank. Invest in some reading and research, and the profit will be yours for as long as you want to make money from home, and you'll keep making more money as long as you keep up with the trends on how to make money online.

Online Credit Card Application - Tips For a Safe Transaction

Online Credit Card Application - Tips For a Safe Transaction

by David Parton

They are few things on the Internet that are marketed more aggressively than financial products. Credit card companies and their partner web sites are making it impossible to ignore the ease of making an online credit card application.

The speed of online approval combined with the convenience of shopping at home has made online credit application a very popular choice.

However, it is prudent to protect your online data and personal information from hackers and identity thieves. Here a few tips to ensure that your online credit card application is secure.

Update your web browser

The current generation of web browsers such as Internet Explorer and Firefox has built in security features. They will warn you if you have arrived at a site that does not have a valid security certificate. This is no guarantee that the site is illegitimate, but it allows you to decide if you think it is safe to proceed.

Phishing

Spoofed web sites made to look like legitimate sites are called "phishing" sites. Their sole purpose is to fool you into giving up your valuable personal information. Some web browsers will warn you of possible phishing sites. It's best to steer clear of any site that is flagged in this manner. Why take unnecessary chances when you have so many secure alternatives?

Spyware, Malware and Down-right-spooky-ware

Most of the best-paid software for anti-virus protection has spyware and adware protection as well. There are some free choices available that can help you limit your vulnerability during online transactions.

Free Security Software

AVG is probably the best free antivirus software available.

AdAware and SpyBot are the top 2 free anti-spyware applications.

ZoneAlarm provides very good firewall software you can download for free.

It's quite surprising how much free software is available if you just spend the time searching. I use all of these on my old PC and they still work fine. However, I opted for a paid all-in-one solution, System Mechanic, because it has greater versatility.

Online credit card application is a very easy and no-nonsense procedure. It is quite safe, too if you are connected to the card issuer's website via a secure server. To get a credit card online all you have to do is:

Open a new browser window,

Follow the instructions you see on the screen and you can have a decision within minutes or the day after.

The most important thing is to make sure that you have taken all the necessary precautions to keep your personal data safe and you can ensure a secure online credit card application.

Credit Card Mistakes and Students

Credit Card Mistakes and Students

by Tom Tessin

When it comes to getting a credit card for the first time, I would highly advise that students do their research on the credit card market before they actually apply. When I say research, you should also look into how people generally make mistakes and how you can avoid them. If you're aware of the mistakes, you'll be better off with that card in your wallet.

Maximizing the Limit - Just because you get a $10,000 credit limit, it doesn't mean you have to go out there and spend it all. A lot of people get the mindset that they think their credit card is just a piece of plastic and they just spend and spend. When they get that credit card bill in the mail, they forget all about the spending they have made in the past. This is why it's important to keep track of your expenses and not spend your limit because you have it.

Taking out cash - One of the worst things you can do when you apply for a credit card is take out cash via the ATM. The bad thing about a cash advance is that the credit card companies charge you a very high rate. This rate is generally around thirty percent. If you need cash, I highly advise you stay away from this route. You'll only be hurting yourself In the long run.

Paying late - As you probably know by now, a credit card is filled with a lot of fees. If you pay your credit card bill late, you're going to be hit with a fee. This fee can generally be anywhere from a few bucks and on. It will all depend on what company you have a card with and what kind of card you have. The important thing here is to make sure you pay your card off in full.

Just paying the bill - Believe it or not, a lot of people just pay their bill when it comes in the mail without looking at it. When you get your bill in the mail, make sure that you look over your bill before you pay for it. The reason you want to do this is because if someone gets a hold of your card, they can make some unauthorized purchases. Remember, you're not reliable for the purchases you don't make on your card.

Overlooking the terms - Before you apply for a card, make sure you know exactly what your card is and how it works. Some people apply for a card, get it and realize it's not what they wanted. One of the biggest mistakes comes with a cash back card. For example, a card might put a limit on the card saying you have to pay x amount of dollars before you get cash back. This is a term and condition that most people pass up.

There are so many mistakes that all of us make but if you can see these mistakes before you apply, you can save yourself from making them. As long as you use your head and follow these tips, you will be on the right path to a great credit future.

The Differences With Gas Credit Cards

The Differences With Gas Credit Cards

by Tom Tessin

If you're looking to save on gas and you haven't heard of a gas card yet, you may want to do a little research into them. In the meantime, I will give you a quick summary on how they function so that you can better understand this article. A gas card is simply a credit card that will allow you to get rebates on the pump. Every card is different and that is why I'm writing this little article today. I'm going to show you what the differences are with all the cards on the market.

The rebates at the pump - All credit cards are not created equal and when it comes to saving on gas, the rebate is probably the most important part of the card. The rebate is what you're going to get back per gallon. This number generally ranges anywhere from one to ten percent. A lot of the times, the rate may be an introductory rate; you will have to keep your eye open for these types of things.

How you get credit - When it comes to getting your rebate, you probably won't get the rebate right away the pump or on your bill. Instead you're going to have to wait until you get your statement in the mail. Now, the question is, "how do I get my rebate back?" This once again will depend on the card carrier. In most cases, you'll get it back as a statement credit but some companies will give you back rebates in the form of "points". These points can then buy statement credit, gift cards, etc.

Usability - This part is usually the most important part when it comes to applying. Where is your card going to be accepted? Some cards on the market will only allow you to use them at particular gas stations while the rest will let you use them at any gas station in the United States. Generally, you will find that the cards that can only be used at one gas station have a high rebate rate. This once again varies, so make sure that you do your research.

Annual fees, etc - Like any card out there, you have to read the terms and conditions to make sure that you're aware of all the fees. You will find that some cards have an annual fee while others don't. The same goes with the APR, etc. When you apply for your card, make sure that you look for all the fees and if there are any hidden fees associate with them, you won't be surprised once you start using your card.

By now, you probably have noticed that every gas card will vary. It's up to you to do your research online. I highly suggest you find a website that offers a list of cards that will help you save on gas. You'll be surprised on what's out there. As long as you don't abuse your card, you will be set to save money on gas.

Protect Your Identity and Credit Card Details When Shopping Online!

Protect Your Identity and Credit Card Details When Shopping Online!

by William Wakowski

Shopping online is convenient and fun too! It is undoubtedly the rage of this generation and will continue to be so for many years to come. We love to shop online but are 24/7 concerned about someone stealing our identity and credit card details. This is also one of the reasons why lot of people all over the world are restricting themselves from shopping online. We always keep wondering if someone might actually find out our names and other personal information like social security numbers and open up new credit card accounts.

Identity theft occurs when someone uses our personal information to commit fraud. This online fraud can happen when people give out their personal information like credit card details, social security numbers, birthdates and other personal details.

The thieves who steal our identities could not only use our credit cards or even open another credit card account in our names but also open cell phone accounts, get loans on our names or get employed using our names.

There are certain methods that will help online shoppers protect their identity and credit card details from being utilized by online criminals.

Protect your identity and credit card details by following these crucial guidelines:

Encryption: It is important to know the merchant you intend to do business with. It is equally important to check if their website is secure. This means that when you send your credit card details to an online merchant over the web, the information should be encrypted. It has to be turned into a secret code when it is sent over.

This encryption is an icon of either a padlock or a key at the bottom of the browser window. If these symbols are found, then be sure the site is secure enough to consider.

Safe web browser: Another way to protect your identify and credit card details from being misused would be by having a secure web browser. Simply run a browser check and find websites that will help detect and fix security problems. A hacker should be prevented from detecting cookies otherwise they can easily learn off the various online activities you are usually involved in and these websites help fix such security problems and give no chance to hackers.

Keep proofs, always! Always print out a record of the purchase you are making. Take a print out of their complete contact address including telephone numbers and emails addresses. This will be of immense use in case of any future problem!

Strong password: If your online merchant requires you to provide PIN, then never use common names or dates. Create your own strong password always!

Get suspicious: Nobody in the online world will lend any help to you. Be your own fighter! Make sure you never provide personal information more than you have to. Also never encourage unnecessary emails. Sense the fishy attitude of fraud websites!

Contact Credit Bureaus: If you think you were made a victim of identity stolen case just moments back then all you have to do is contact the chief credit bureaus, the very moment!

Conclusion: Prevention is anytime better than cure! An old saying but 100% true especially in the case of the internet. Such precautions will save years of problems and prevent your accounts from being misused! Following them will take little time but its results will leave your hard-earned money being valued for life!

Applying for a credit card online is faster and convenient

Applying for a credit card online is faster and convenient

by Ankit Sharma

Plastic card i.e. the credit card has brought a great change in people’s life. For many of us credit card has made traveling, shopping and paying for services easy. In fact the credit card has completely changed the way of thinking and the lifestyle of the people. More and more people especially today’s generation prefer carrying credit card than cash.

The basic method to get credit card is to go to the bank and fill up the form manually. To make it easy for their customers and to meet the demand most of the banks have set up online applications format for credit card and other banking products. Use of internet in banking industry has made the process of getting a credit card faster and more convenient.

To motivate customers to apply online for credit card, banks are offering low interest rates on balance transfer, then giving discounts on various services attached to the credit cards and even giving reward points also.

Basically online credit card applications are similar to actual paper work. The basic requirements are same. Before starting to fill up an online application you must have all the needed information ready with you. To apply for a credit card whether online or manually, the minimum age requirement is the same, 18 years old. Though some of the banks have raised the minimum age up to 21 years old. For some cards like student credit card, cards are issued to the students only when their parents have signed as guardians in the application form.

The next important requirement for applying the card is citizenship. For example you must be an Indian citizen or a permanent resident for applying a credit card. However you will be able to use the credit card across the country and overseas. Then you must have a permanent address. Banks use this address to establish the identity of the applicant and your credit card statements and other communications are sent on this address.

Then you have to fill in the information about your employment, income, email id and the bank account number. While filling up your personal details especially the account number make sure with the bank that the website is fully secure.

Most of the credit card issuing companies and banks are checking the credit score of the applicants because of the increase in the number of defaulters. Most of the people take loan or get credit cards but do not repay loan amount or the credit card charges.

An online credit card application is usually processed quickly. The processing speed depends on how fast the applicant fills out the form and the appropriateness of the information provided in the application. If bank find anything doubtful in your information then the processing gets delayed unless the doubt is cleared.

Go Direct With Prepaid Credit Cards

Go Direct With Prepaid Credit Cards

by Henry Switzer

A credit card is a basic requirement in today's world. Almost anything is possible when you have one, but without it, some things are definitely not possible. In order to take advantage of car rentals and even hotel reservations they are required. In fact there is little in life that does not take or require the use of one anymore, including shopping online.

Of course, it is not exactly easy to obtain a credit card either. This is especially true if you have bad or no credit. Maybe you were just trying to avoid getting one altogether to avoid the debt? The good news is that there is an answer, prepaid credit cards. With this method, you do not have to deal with credit at all. In fact, the credit bureaus never even come into the issue. You can still get a card, a prepaid one, whether you have good, bad, or no credit at all.

Why should you consider prepaid as an option? Well essentially, they are less hassle and so much easier to manage than traditional credit cards. But, like most things in life, they have their disadvantages and advantages.

Lets have a look at the advantages first. First, debt will not become a factor with prepaid credit cards. You have a specific balance on these cards, what you decide to deposit. You can never spend more than is on the prepaid card. Once you use the balance, it is finished, unless you have a reloadable card and deposit more money.

Second, you do not have to deal with interest rates. Unlike traditional credit cards, prepaid ones do not require any type of interest rates; this is because there is no balance outstanding. This saves you both money and worries.

Third, they both work very similarly. Traditional and prepaid credit cards work in the same general way. When you are shopping and ready to check out, just give your card to the cashier and the amount of the purchase will be deducted from the balance. It is as easy as that.

Some disadvantages to having prepaid credit cards include:

They do not carry a credit limit over what you have deposited. If you need to make a purchase that is more than the balance on the card, you will not be able to do so. Furthermore, they may not be accepted in certain establishments. It is important to take a look at all policies of any retail establishment to ensure that they will indeed honor your prepaid credit card.

Prepaid credit card companies do not always report to credit bureaus, so they may not be helping to rebuild or establish your credit. You can still work to rebuild or establish your good record at the same time. Some prepaid credit cards do still report to the credit bureaus, but in positive ways. This means that if you are making your payments, the credit bureaus will be advised, and see that you are working to rebuild or establish your financial position.

Your Free Credit Score Determines Your Best Credit Card

Your Free Credit Score Determines Your Best Credit Card

by Henry Switzer

You might not believe that your free credit score and the best credit cards have anything to do with each other, but in reality they have a lot to do with one another. Your free credit score has everything to do with your ability to get approval for the best credit cards. The best credit cards are ones that offer the best in rewards, incentives, and benefits, as well as interest rates.

Your free credit score will help you understand where you stand financially and how likely you are to gain approval for the best credit cards. Even though your credit score may be just three solitary numbers, they have a large bearing on your life all the way around. This one score gives creditors the ability to understand everything about you and can affect the outcome of your applications for rentals, loans, credit cards, or even getting yourself a new job.

Your credit score will work in your favor or not in these elements. However, it may also determine what types of interest rates you receive with any of these elements. Make sure you get a copy of your free credit score so you have the same information as the creditors. Plan your applications and purchases according to this score, doing what it takes to improve it.

To be perfectly honest with you, in order for you to get the best credit cards, your credit will likely have to be perfect or as close to perfect as one can get. This is the only way to get the best cards, deals, and interest rates. Knowing your credit score and understanding it as well is your best defense in your financial affairs.

Getting your free credit score is the first step to ensuring that you are doing everything you can to improve and maintain a good credit score. When you get your score, be sure that you analyze everything written on the credit report. Be sure that you do not have any errors or fraudulent activity. This can really damage your credit score. If you do find errors or fraudulent activities, you should contact the credit bureaus immediately and take the necessary steps to remove these from your credit history.

How can you fix your free credit score? You can pay off your debt, fix any errors that you may find, make your payments on time, and eliminate debt altogether. These are all great way to boost your credit score and give you the ability to eventually qualify for the best credit cards.

Why do you want the best credit cards? Because they have lower interest rates, excellent benefits, fewer fees, some of the best rewards, and so much more. These cards are made for everything you could ever want out of a credit card, and more. Therefore, in order to qualify for the best credit cards, make sure you get a copy of your free credit score each year and monitor it throughout the year.

Credit Card Turndowns: Getting A New Chance!

Credit Card Turndowns: Getting A New Chance!

by Lara Sawyer

After taking your time to apply for the credit card you desire, probably after a long period of time comparing different offers, credit limits, rates, reward programs, etc. you got declined right away without much explanation? Do not despair, it is still possible to get approved for the credit card product that you need and want without much sacrifices. But in order to obtain your most wanted credit card, you must prepare yourself and follow this advice carefully to achieve your goal without much delays or hassles.

Find Out Why You Were Declined

Contact the credit card issuer and ask them why you where declined and what kind of requirements you failed to meet. You will need this information to evaluate your possibilities and make the necessary changes to get approved the next time. Though the company may not be required to tell you why you where declined, they are obliged to provide you with the name of the credit bureau from which they obtained your credit report. At least with that information, you will be able to uncover the reasons of your credit card application decline.

Obtain a Copy of Your Credit Report

Get a copy of your credit report from the company that provided the information to the issuer that declined your credit card and also from the rest of the credit bureaus because other credit card companies may request information from different bureaus. You can easily obtain a free copy of your credit report by requesting it by mail to the credit bureaus as legal regulations oblige them to provide you with one at least once a year upon your request. With the copies of your credit report in hand, you need to analyze which negative marks have produced an impact on the credit card issuer’s decision.

After evaluating your credit report you will surely know the reasons for your decline or at least some suspected basis for the decline. Depending on the reasons, you may need to improve your credit and wait before applying. Late payment and missed payments can be compensated with a reasonable period of timely payments on your debt. Other delinquencies are more serious and will not be erased so easy but you can still get approved for a credit card if you accept lower credit limits, slightly higher interest rates and so on.

Insist, But Smartly

Do not give up right away, you can get approved and you should apply again but do it smartly. Start by asking yourself why you applied with that specific card. If you did so because it provided the lowest rate and the most advantageous conditions and reward programs, it will probably have harsher requirements than the rest. Thus, you should try and apply to less known credit card issuers or less demanded products. If your credit score is not that good, do not apply for that gold credit card with the mileage reward program. Instead, try that regular card with a cash back program or gas reward program. In any case, you should not give up and take your time to try again. Remember that too many applications within a short period of time will damage your credit. Therefore, do it calmly and consciously.

Your Credit Card Options With A Poor Credit Rating

Your Credit Card Options With A Poor Credit Rating

by Michael Strauss

Having bad credit is never a good situation to face, however, for the one fourth of UK borrowers that face adverse credit, there is hope. Credit markets have become extremely competitive as more and more companies are looking to tap into ever-increasing credit balances being carried by consumers. This competition has helped make credit card application processes more efficient, rates and terms more advantageous, and products for bad credit borrowers more available.

Amazingly, many borrowers with bad credit are actually finding credit card offers within a few percentage points, or less at times, of offers made to borrowers that have excellent credit. As the market for cards tailored for excellent credit borrowers becomes more saturated, card providers have started to turn their attention to the large and growing segment of the population that have experienced some type of adverse credit.

The higher risk posed by bad credit borrowers has limited some lenders from aggressively pursuing this audience in the past. However, market factors have forced them to do so in today's market. Many credit card providers are marketing themselves as a leading provider to borrowers with bad credit.

Bad credit borrower do have to realize there are some protections that companies still regularly use to reduce their risks of offering credit. Most card companies require some type of up front or annual fee for cards used by these borrowers. This is a way to help cover the costs of a higher risk of non-repayment of card debt by spreading the risk out over the bigger group. Some companies also offer smaller credit lines and limit daily spending amounts. However, as with other components of cards for bad credit borrowers, these features have been improved significantly in favor of the borrower.

Finding and obtaining a credit card with bad credit is very simple in the internet-driven economy of today. Bad credit borrowers, like those with excellent credit, can often fill out an application online and receive an instant approval decision. Card processing is also fast. Another advantage of the current credit environment is that an influx of independent loan and card brokers has given card shoppers an easier way to compare cards and offers. Brokers collect the best offers from various companies and present those to consumers after collecting basic information and background details. This has also increased card competition, and simplified finding a good credit card offer for bad credit borrowers.

Using credit cards for holidays

Using credit cards for holidays

by nancy

Yes, you read that right! Though many financial experts usually suggest that you limit the use of your credit cards, there are still some advantages to using your credit card on your holiday. With the summer holidays fast approaching, I am sure that many of you have plans to take a break from the mundane activities that you engage in all year round. However, with the economic crisis hovering above everyone's heads, there are more to consider when it comes to planning your holidays. For one, statistics show that more and more people are breaking away from the custom of patronising travel agencies and their packages. Instead, they are coming up with their own holiday plans DIY holidays, I guess we can call them. With the various options available to us, this activity comes as no surprise. Budget airlines, online bookings, and so on these could really cut down on our holiday costs. Yet this also has a downside to it, namely, the fact that travel protection is not always included in DIY bookings. If you book holiday packages through a licensed travel agency, you are guaranteed cover by the Air Travel Organisers' Licensing (Atol). If you plan your own trip, however, you may not be covered. Is there a way out of this dilemma? You bet! Use your credit card! Using your credit card to purchase airplane tickets, hotel accommodations, and other purchases for your holiday is a good idea because if you suffer from misrepresentation by the travel firms that you deal with, the credit card company will be jointly responsible to cover the cost. That is, if your purchase is more than £100 and less than £25,000. More than this, you can actually find good deals for credit cards when it comes to travel related purchase. For example, look for introductory card deals wherein you wouldn't have to pay interest for a specific period of time. There are many of these promos going on. What happens is that you make a purchase and you do not pay interest on your purchase for say, 10 months. Of course, after this period, you would have to pay for the full APR. Also, it is important to note that you have to pay your bill in FULL in order to avoid additional charges. Another thing to look for are cash back cards. Using these cards will actually put some money back in your hands every time you make a purchase. Considering that relatively large amount of money that you will probably be spending on your holiday, it is a good idea to use cash back credit cards. More so, there are cards which operate jointly with specific airlines and hotel bookings. If you use these cards, you can get perks such as discounts, rebates, and the like. You can also use your credit card for purchases while on the trip. In most cases, it is a good idea since you will be sure to get a better exchange rate. However, you have to make sure that your credit card company does not charge extra for international use. Many cards actually do charge a fee although there are some that do not.

Choosing a Credit Card For Your Needs

Choosing a Credit Card For Your Needs

by Ajeet Khurana

Many people assume that all credit cards are equal, but did you know that there are significant differences between cards? Some may be a better fit for you than others, and this is why it is really important when you are looking into plastic money to compare all of the features of each card with those of the others.
Doing a bit of comparison shopping will ensure that you get the best deal for you possibly saving you a lot of money in the process.

How To Shop For Credit Cards?

When you are shopping for debt cards you need to think about how you will use the card. Do you just need a regular old card that will allow you to make charges when you need to and pay them off? Do you use cards mostly for gasoline purchases, or do you like to earn points or airline miles when you buy things with your card?

Are you a student, a business owner? These are all questions that you need to ask yourself because they will affect the type of card that you should choose based on use.

If you just want a no frills credit card than you will find that you may be able to get a traditional charge card that has a very low interest rate and a high credit limit. This will allow you to make all of the charges that you need and you needn't worry about extra fees or anything associated with other cards that have more bells and whistles.

If you use your cards mostly for gas, then you may want to look into one of the many gas debt cards that are out there. These are specifically for gas purchases and you may be able to save on gas as well as on the charges that would come with other cards that have more offers associated with them.

If you like to accumulate travel miles or points toward travel than you may want to look into one of the credit cards that will allow you to earn these things every time you make a purchase.

You can accumulate these points or miles very quickly and it will give you the money that you need to make those trips that you like to make. These cards are not right for everyone, but for those that like to travel; this could be a great way to make traveling affordable.

When you are a student or a business owner you will find that there are debt cards that are just for you. These usually have lower interest rates and the perks that you are more likely to want or need to take advantage of.

It's important to choose the card that is right for you, whatever it is that you are looking for. Comparison-shopping doesn't have to take that long, you simply need to get it done to be certain that you are getting the best interest rates and the best deal for you.