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วันพุธที่ 30 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2551

A Credit Card For All Your Business Needs

A Credit Card For All Your Business Needs

by Hamm Morgan


Credit cards are not just for personal and individual use. There are credit cards for business convenience, purposes and purchases, like that emergency overseas business trip you just have to take, or all the business supplies that just have to be replenished before the end of the day. In instances like these, the business credit card is not just a luxury for your company; it becomes almost a necessity to help keep operations going.
Different types of credit cards for business are available in the market from all the finance companies. Some cards help you to keep track of your business’ requisitions and expenses by categorizing your charges on your bills. These categories are set up by you, as only you would be able to decide on which kinds of purchases are authorized on such cards. When making a transaction, your bill would automatically categorize the purchases – making it easier for you to distinguish one purchase from another, and to be kept on your toes of the other purchases made by those within the company. This helps in the justification of each of these purchases for claims and clarification when necessary.

Other credit cards may also offer you cash back rewards on your purchases. These “rewards” may give you between five and eight percent back on your monthly statements, which means every 100 dollars spent will be five to eight dollars less in your next bill. Other rewards come in the form of points which can be redeemed for specific business items like wireless services, office supplies at partnering outlets or even gas at your favorite gas station chain. Rewards can also come in the form of discounts for purchases exceeding a certain amount – this is useful particularly in a consolidated monthly statement for the business credit cards dispersed to the company, which translates into more savings for the business.

If you are in a business that requires a lot of travelling, chalk up your travel miles with a credit card that partners up with an airline, which earns you travel miles with every dollar you spend so you can exchange them for free flight tickets for your next trip.

You may well discover that the best business credit card for you is one that doubles up as a checking account as well. Although this is not offered by many credit card companies, you may find that being able to write checks for your suppliers and vendors against your credit line is a convenient business tool to have. Payments for these checks will have the same payment grace period as your credit card, as all amounts issued in the checks will be consolidated in one credit card statement. This means if you are using a card which offers you cash back rewards or rebates on your purchases, you will be saving more in your next bill as long as they are paid within the grace period.

The best business credit card is one that offers you the best of everything – no annual fee charges, cash back or rebates on your purchases, bonuses for your expenses and discounts when you shop at participating partners – while offering you a low or 0 Annual Percentage Rate (also known as 0 APR) for the initial months of using the card and allowing to make a business credit card balance transfer as well. Finding such a card may be easier than you think. Just shop online and you will find more than one which will fulfill your business needs while giving you benefits on the side.

Most business credit cards offer a twelve-month 0 APR for all retail purchases and a 0 APR for balance transfers to the card as well. This saves you lots on interest payments while helping you to manage your company expenses at the same time. Even better, source for a card which gives you a lower APR than the conventional ten to twelve-percent-per-year. Competitive credit cards usually offer a very attractive low interest rate of between five and seven percent – on top of which you will still be eligible for rebates, cash backs, rewards and discounts.

The credit line is the other thing you will need to consider in a business credit card. Depending on the size of your company, the nature of your business and number of people authorized for the cards, you may choose between a lower credit line in the proximity of thirty thousand dollars and a limitless credit card.

Naturally, having a higher credit line will mean more stringent rules for spending on only business necessities and having these expenses tied in with other benefits like travel miles and discounts at partnering providers will not just be a prudent move, but sound business sense.

วันเสาร์ที่ 26 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2551

Give Your Credit Card Processing Great Technical Support

Give Your Credit Card Processing Great Technical Support

by Jim Osterman


If you own a business online and you're looking to make the leap into credit card processing there will be several factors to consider. Among them are how much experience the merchant accounts provider has with businesses like yours, what their pricing structure is and what their references say.
But don't sign any deal until you thoroughly investigate any contending company's technical support. Having tech support is like being a member of an emergency auto club; you hope you'll never need it but when you do you are so glad you made the investment.

Because when you are processing credit cards online, if a problem ever arises this isn't like an mp3 music-downloading program you added to your computer. You're not going to be able to troubleshoot the problem on your own. Credit card online processing has too many players and too much security for you to make the repair.

If something goes wrong with your merchant services you're going to need someone who knows what to look for, how to diagnose the problem and how to fix it quickly.

Because when you don't have that here is your retailing nightmare. You have several customers shopping your site. They are gathering their purchases and head for checkout. But because of a glitch somewhere they can't pay for their purchases.

You see there is a problem and call the help desk. But you get put on hold because no one is there. Or they have gone home for the day.

Then something like the following may happen. Your customers' screen freeze and they are afraid to reboot because there is no indication on the status of the transaction. Or they try and wait it out and their session runs its course and logs them off the site.

And whether it's the above scenarios, or ones like that, the bottom line is that they are going to click over to a site that isn't having problems, and take their business away from you -- perhaps forever.

Think about it -- what will that cost you? Maybe you can't put a price on love, but a person with an online business with poor tech support can put a price on consumer anger.

So if you are considering a company for credit card online processing services you need to make sure that their technical support people are available 24/7. Your online store never closes, so the people making sure it stays online should always be there for you. And this is an area where they need to bat 1.000 -- there's no room for anything less.

It won't even hurt to see if you can't give it a test before you sign on. Make a call later in the evening or on the weekend. See how fast that call gets answered. Or do you get an automated service that tries to dance you through several prompts before you have the option to take to a real person?

You will consider a number of companies, but make sure any provider that you may sign with can prove they have superior customer service and technical support. Hopefully you will never need it, but you'll sleep better knowing its there.

วันพุธที่ 23 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2551

Your Small Business Can Accept Credit Cards in a Big Way

Your Small Business Can Accept Credit Cards in a Big Way

by Jim Osterman


a great place for those people who have always nurtured the dream of owning their own business. Instead of having to rent our buy space all one has to do is secure a domain name and sign on with a hosting service. And with drop shipping, e-store owners don't even have to maintain inventory.
Indeed, the low overhead that comes with having one's business online also makes it easier to turn a profit. And that has made the virtual world even more enticing for the entrepreneur as the financial risks and rewards are much more easy to juggle.

However, no successful business can become static or things start to erode. That is why most online business people keep an eye out for anything that will help their business grow. Perhaps a fancier site design or maybe switching some items being sold to see if that kicks some fresh energy into the mix.

One avenue they might pursue is the idea of credit card online processing services. Some might just like the idea while others have heard about all the good things that merchant services could bring. Several studies have shown that an Internet business with merchant services will see increases in traffic, repeat business, sales and profits. All great things to help anyone's business grow to the next level and beyond.

However, here is where many online shopkeepers scuttle their own efforts. They let their assumptions carry more weight than any facts they may come across as they research the ability to accept payments online.

They assume credit card processing is for bigger businesses.

They assume credit card processing costs will outweigh any financial benefit.

They assume that there isn't a plan that is structured for a business like theirs.

And they get wrapped in up in their assumptions that they start to treat them as facts and they forget about merchant services as a way to build their bottom line. And that's too bad because assumptions are hardly ever factual if any research has been added to the mix.

This is why it is so vital, no matter what size business you have that you are willing to drill down and get some facts before you make any decision that will affect your business.

It is true that there will be several merchant services providers that might think you are too small for credit card services, and most banks fall into this category, but keep in mind that any company that says you aren't big enough usually means you aren't big enough for them to offer services to and make a profit.

And that means you have to stay active and keep looking because there are a lot of great merchant account companies out there who can let you accept credit cards at a price you can live with. But it's up to you as the business owner not to be easily dissuaded, because that can mean your business might not reach the profitability that it potentially could realize.

So the key things to remember are don't confuse your assumptions with facts, and that credit card online processing services can help your small business become a big business.

วันศุกร์ที่ 18 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2551

How To Benefit From Gasoline Credit Cards

How To Benefit From Gasoline Credit Cards!

by Gary B


With the high price of fuel these days it is rare to find a gasoline company that will give you a break on the price of gasoline, but with a gasoline credit card you may be able to ease some of the expense while monitoring your gasoline spending habits.
There are two basic types of gasoline credit cards. The first is a gas company card offered to customers through certain gas companies. This kind of card is beneficial to the person who is trying to control his or her gasoline budget. It functions similarly to a credit card with monthly fees and interest. Most gasoline credit cards require you to pay the balance in full at the end of each month. Although this kind of card limits you to purchasing gas or in-store items from the station where the card was purchased, it can be helpful if you are trying to control gasoline expenditures. A gasoline credit card is also generally easier to purchase than a traditional credit card.

The second gasoline card is the gas reward card that offers incentives through credit card companies. Some credit card companies have started rewards programs with incentives that offer free gas rewards. Similar to frequent flyer miles, gasoline credit card holders can earn points every time a purchase is made. These points add up over time and can be converted into free gas.

Purchasing a gasoline credit card may also be beneficial if you maintain a good credit history. Gas companies will fight to keep you as a loyal customer and lower your interest rates if you continue to use their brand. Many gas credit cards can initially be purchased at a zero interest introductory rate. This rate will last anywhere from six to twelve months. Be careful to read over the fees and agreements before choosing your card.

There are other incentives to owning a gas card including cash back bonuses of 1-2% at grocery stores or restaurants. Some gas credit cards offer free fraud protection services if your card is lost or stolen. A little bit of research can help you find the best card.

When deciding whether or not to get a gasoline credit card, think about the benefits of a company card or a rewards card. Both will help ease the stress of making an inevitable gasoline purchase. A gasoline credit card is best for the person who wishes to maintain a budget and control expenditures whereas the rewards cards can help you save money and get free gas. You can read more on gas station credit cards here.

Be Plastic Smart: How to Save Money on Your Credit Cards

Be Plastic Smart: How to Save Money on Your Credit Cards

by Jamie Jefferson


We Americans love our plastic. The average American has four credit cards, combined to provide access to about $19,000 in credit. We use them for everything from buying groceries to paying our utility bills to fulfilling our church pledges.
And all that credit can really cost us: Credit card companies made $43 billion from such charges as late payment fees, over-limit fees, and balance transfer fees in 2004 alone. (That's according to CardRatings.com)

But if you use your cards wisely, your use of plastic can help you save money and even help you earn bonuses. Here are four tips for being smart about your use of credit cards.

1. Make sure you have the best card for you and your family. Find the credit card that will give you the best interest rates, as well as the rewards that you need. About 60 percent of credit cards on the market today have some kind of rewards feature, whether it's airline miles, cash back, money for your child's college fund, or points toward merchandise at your favorite stores. If your card isn't offering you a premium of some kind, it might be time to shop around. Just make sure to also keep an eye on your interest rates and the other fine print before you make a switch or add a card to your wallet. Do your research on this before you make decisions because you don't want to be applying for a lot of cards or switching balances around too much.

2. The best way to be a smart credit card user is to not carry a balance on your card. If you don't keep a balance, then you are able to take advantage of the convenience your plastic offers as well as the card's rewards and premiums without paying anything in interest charges. Studies show that, on average, about 39 percent of Americans do pay those cards off completely each month. That's smart credit card use.

3. If you do carry a balance at any point in time, make sure your interest rate is as low as it can go. All it takes is a simple phone call to your credit card company to see if they'll lower your rate. If you have recently received an offer from a competing card, mention it to them to see if they can match it.

4. Don't go nuts with cash advances. Unless you are faced with a genuine emergency, it's a good idea to avoid using the cash advances that your credit card may offer. It may seem like easy money, but the fine print will often reveal additional charges, fees, and stipulations. Plus, it's an easy way to run up your balance beyond what you can afford to pay in the near future. Make sure you are well versed in all the fine print that your credit card offers.

How To Benefit From Pre paid Credit Cards

How To Benefit From Pre paid Credit Cards

by Gary B


A pre paid credit card is a great way to purchase items without dealing with the hassle of a traditional no, low, or high interest credit card. There are multiple benefits to purchasing a pre paid credit card and with the simplicity and ease of adding funds it might just be the best way to deal with the credit card jungle.
Most people have had at least one traditional no, low, or high interest credit card in their credit history. For some this has not been a problem if they consistently pay off the monthly amount due or at bare minimum pay a portion of what is due, but all too often people fall victim to credit card debt and then must deal with what seems like the never ending struggle to reduce debt while fighting off higher and higher interest rates.

A pre paid credit card has none of these issues. It simply works when money is either transferred or deposited into the credit card's account. Then the pre paid card can be used like a traditional credit card in most stores worldwide as well as online or with smaller merchants. Once the deposited funds are used up the card is no longer valid and can be thrown away or more funds can be added.

The people who could best benefit from this kind of credit card are those who struggle with managing debt. A pre paid credit card will break down your purchases and allow you to see where you are spending. Parents of teenagers can use a pre paid credit card to help their children understand fiscal responsibility.

Another benefit to using a pre paid credit card is protection when traveling overseas. This card can be used at almost any store worldwide and offers protection against loss or theft. Simply purchase the card at your local drug store or privately owned mail center, add funds through your bank, another credit card, cash, or direct deposit, and you are ready to go. If more funds are needed another transfer can be conducted and you will immediately have the means necessary to make expenditures.

A pre paid credit card has many benefits. It is the best way to learn how to use credit wisely and it is also the card that doesn't discriminate if you have past credit problems. Making good decisions with your spending will help you establish better credit and may even allow you to return to a traditional credit card, but with the benefits of a pre paid card you may not want to!

You can read more about pre paid credit cards here, where you can also see what card providers are offering pre paid credit cards right now.

วันอังคารที่ 15 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2551

How To Maximize Your Cash Back Credit Card

How To Maximize Your Cash Back Credit Card

by Tom Tessin


If you're into credit cards and rewards, sometimes the best reward to get back is simply cash back itself. What most people realize is how you can benefit and get the most cash back without having to worry about overusing your credit card. I'm going to write an outline on how you can reward the most from your purchases.
Let's put everything on your card

Everyone has their monthly bills that they have to pay. From your mortgage to your car payment, let's try and put as much as we can on the credit card. If you don't know how to pay bills such as your mortgage off with your credit card, simply request checks that are pulled from your credit card account. This will still help you with your cash back rewards and will act like a credit card purchase.

We need to make a bank account for the card

Sometimes people find themselves overlooking how much they put on their card. Since, your bills usually don't change from month to month, set up a bank account that is designed for your bills only. If your monthly bills are say, two thousand dollars, you'll want to keep that much money in your account so that you can pay off your bill in full. Remember, if you can't pay your bill off in full, you won't get the most for your rewards. Instead, you're going to have a hefty interest rate applied to your unpaid balance and this can get dangerous sometimes.

Be disciplined

This one kind of rubs off the last point and you need to make sure that you remember this word every time you make your purchases. If you're going to make purchases outside of your bills, you're going to have to make sure you have enough money to pay off these purchases. The best way to keep track of these purchases is by saving the receipts and keeping them in a folder along with your bills. This way, when the bill comes, you won't be surprised with how much is on your card. Another great way to check on how much is on your balance is by logging onto your online account. Your online account is usually up to date and will show you your exact balance.

In my opinion a cash back credit card is one the best cards on the market. Let's say you get five percent back on your purchases and you have three thousand dollars in bills each month, that's one hundred and fifty dollars. If we multiply that number by twelve months, you'll have eighteen hundred dollars. This amount is almost enough to pay off one month's worth of bills. Remember, you're getting all of this by using a credit card. You're not paying any extra money; you're just using a credit card. This should show you exactly how being disciplined pays off. If this plan sounds too good to be true, it isn't! It just takes a little discipline and motivation, and you'll be getting the most cash back in no time.

Credit Cards: Fewer Lenders Offer 0% On Balance Transfers

Credit Cards: Fewer Lenders Offer 0% On Balance Transfers

by Mark Lauterwein


The credit crunch might sound like a breakfast cereal but it is still proving pretty unpalatable to those looking to save money by transferring their card balance. There are currently just nine cards that offer a 0% deal lasting 10 months or more. A year ago there were 200.
Around 716,000 customers change over to a new card every month in the UK. Typically the balance is round the £1500 mark. In view of the current uncertainty afflicting the lending market, it is unclear how many will be permitted to carry on doing this. Plainly, the reason people want to switch providers is all about saving money on interest payments. For example, a balance in the region of £2000 would inevitably yield interest payments of at least £40 a month. That is a big chunk of what a typical borrower could afford to pay back each month. It is not difficult to see how the interest payments therefore extend the term of many loans.

Yet credit cards offering 0% rates are becoming harder to find as lenders rein in on their largesse. Some truncated 0% terms last as little as three months. Another cost factor bound up with switching credit cards is the transfer fee. Clearly the customer has to calculate and compare how this transfer fee looks set against the sum of interest payments to be made were he not to switch. The best value credit cards can be sourced online and there are a number of specialist portals that can help here. It is a straightforward way of finding the best deal.

วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 10 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2551

Credit Cards, a great tool, to be used wisely

Credit Cards, a great tool, to be used wisely

by Daniel Spivey


A credit card is small plastic card that contains information such as signature or picture, authorizes the person named therein to purchase up to the limit of credit sanctioned and the billing is done periodically and the repayment is normally after 30 days or 40days from the date of purchase. Credit cards offers are plenty and extended through post, email or by phone. They are offered with fabulous gifts, discounts and exciting to read.
Before stretching eager hand and accepting the offer, some kind of self assessment has to be done. The credit card debit is a tremendous problem by habitual usage of credit cards. Some times the credit card debit is disastrous to the financial status of an individual. People should not be carried away by temptation and it is always to have low credit limit on credit cards and this restricts the frequency of usage. Once decided to go in for credit cards, it is always better to analyze the different offers relating to rate of interest on overdrafts, penalty for delayed payment etc. The card should have any long term financial plan like big loans for vehicle etc. Credit cards are great tool and like any other tool it should be issued wisely to prevent any harm. Multiple credit cards signal lenders the potential to get over head in debt fast. However, fewer credit cards help to efficiently monitor the spending. If there is need for more credit, then the credit limit of the existing card can be increased on request.

There are several credit cards are available viz., visa cards, master cards, silver and gold cards, international cards etc. Initially the Bank sanctioned certain credit limit on each card. However, on seeing the repayment history, the banker may increase the credit limit.

Though Credit cards have been around for a long time, only recently people started to use these cards for purposes other than paying for larger expenses, trips and luxury items. Credit cards are used for general shopping but now there is a new and expensive trend when it comes to credit card use. The heavy interest rates on credit cards can cause problems.. Losing a job or falling ill can make a huge difference when it comes to paying off debts and many consumers are now starting to notice that credit cards are often responsible for many financial problems. Financial experts see a rise in credit card loans and payback problems. The best way to get rid of a credit card debt is by cutting up your cards. Putting the card aside and not using it is often too tempting for people and many consumers en up sending back their card to the company that issued it, to avoid running into further debt. Successful debt elimination starts with cutting debt costs and returning the credit cards is a huge step forward. People often notice that their repayments on these cards get less gradually and as they are not able to take more money out on the card they will able to recover monetarily.

Budget Your Way Out of Credit Card Debt

Budget Your Way Out of Credit Card Debt

by Brian Miller


One of the fastest growing problems among the younger generation is credit card debt. More and more individuals are living paycheck-to-paycheck and they have to bridge the gaps in their finances by using high interest credit cards. Credit card debt is certainly not fun and it's something that can quickly ruin any hopes and dreams of becoming financial secure in your financial future. Getting out of that debt isn't easy, though. It requires meticulous planning and the ability to both create and maintain a strict budget.
When most people hear the word budget, they get scared. A budget shouldn't be a scary thing, though. Every financially responsible individual operates on some sort of financial plan in order to make sure that their finances are going the right places. In a way, a budget lets you tell your money where to go instead of, at the end of the month, wondering where it went. Here are some tips on how to effectively set up a budget to get out of credit card debt.

Write it all down

Before anything else can be done, you have to understand exactly where you're at. Lay out all of your credit card debts on a table and get the facts. Even though the numbers might be ugly and scary, it is best if you understand exactly how much money needs to be paid off. Note the total balances, the minimum payment amounts, the interest rates, and the due dates on each credit card. Once you have this information, you can move forward with a proactive budget plan.

What can you eliminate?

There are two ways to increase the amount of money that you can give towards credit card payments. Either you can make more money or you can spend less money. Since it's unlikely that your employer is going to double your salary anytime soon, the more realistic option is to eliminate some expenses. Take a look at where your money is going and try to cut the fat on some things. Are you spending an exorbitant amount of money on entertainment items? If there are things in your current spending that can be eliminated, it's your job to find them and make sure that they are discontinued.

Every dollar accounted for

Take a few hours at the beginning of each month and pull up a spread sheet. On that sheet, make note of how much money is coming in and each expense you plan on funding. This includes food, healthcare, your other bills, and any school tuition. Basically, you need to account for every dollar that is going to be spent. Then, you can have a much better understanding of where the money is going. From there, it will be easy to chart out a plan of action that will enable you to pay off those credit cards sooner.

Be Realistic

You won't pay all of your credit cards off overnight or in a lump sum. Plan how much money you can possibly pay to the debts each month. Figure out how many months it will take to get the debts taken care of on your charted plan. From there, you can make any necessary changes to your budget to make paying off the debts as easy as possible.

วันอาทิตย์ที่ 6 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2551

How to Pay Down Your Credit Card Debt

How to Pay Down Your Credit Card Debt

by J. Richard Shanley


Credit card debt hampers our lives. It gets in the way of our days, it interrupts our blissful nights, and it destroys our futures. How can you save for tomorrow when you have tens of thousands of dollars of debt to pay for first? The answer is simple: you can't. You need to eliminate your credit card debt in order to pave the way for a more tranquil, more secure future.
Why Eliminate Credit Card Debt?

You may think that your monthly payment to your credit cards are low. Why should you spend my hard-earned dollars getting rid of it? The answer is simple: The sooner you rid yourself of credit card debt, the sooner you can enjoy your life to its fullest.

It should not be that difficult to convince you to pay off your credit card debt immediately.

Let's take a look at what happens when you carry a balance on your credit card. Let's say that you owe the company $12,000. Assume you are paying back the debt at 12% interest. If you pay the minimum monthly payments, it will take 256 months to eliminate the debt. That's over 22 years! Twenty-two years! In that time, you will have paid an additional $6,500 in interest. (Please note: Even if your interest rate is considerably lower, it still takes years to pay off your payments. AND you will pay thousands of dollars in interest payments. That's money wasted!)

Ouch. Often time, the minimum payment is the only payment that individuals can afford. It is that minimum payment, though, that continues the vicious cycle of credit card debt. Credit cards--and minimum payments--keep you in financial bondage.

Now, if you were able to find a way to add an extra $100 to that payment, guess what happens? You would be able to cut the life of that loan by 19 years. Additionally, you would save over $5,000 in interest payments. Although for some, it is impossible to find an extra $100/month, for most is simply not that difficult. One-hundred dollars a month is less than spending 4 hours a week at a part time job.

It is that simple.

How Can I Find The Extra Money?

As I have just stated, it is not that hard to come up with an extra $100/month. You can find part-time work on the weekends. You can sell stuff on ebay. You can sell stuff at a garage sale. You can babysit during the weeknights or weekends for friends and neighbors. Deliver pizzas. Work at a coffee shop. You can cut out the vices and trouble spots in your budget that only prove to be a financial drain. There are more than a million ways to make an extra $1200/year.

The interesting part about it: Once you start making more money and once you start paying down that debt, you are not going to want to stop. So, take the important first steps and figure out a plan to pay down your debt and get your financial life in order.

How to Lower Your Credit Card APR

How to Lower Your Credit Card APR

by J. Richard Shanley


From time-to-time, we hear of ways to lower your credit card's APR. "Just pick up the phone and call your bank," they say. If you've tried to do lower your cards APR, you may find that it's not that easy. You do have to do the work to get your annual percentage rate lowered. The upside: you can get your rate lowered. The downside: It may not happen for a few months.

1. Maintain an excellent payment history. Make sure your payments are on time. On time payments, in my opinion, reflect positively on your ability to get your APR lowered. When talking to the customer service representative, stress the fact that you have not been late with your payments for X amount of time. Also, stress how long you've been with the company. Talk up your sense of customer loyalty.

2. Do your research. If you APR is too high and you want to take your business somewhere else, be sure you've done your research. When you're on the phone with the representative, have the most attractive offers in front of you so you can cite the reasons why you're thinking of a balance transfer.

3. Be polite. This one can not be overstated: Be polite, be polite, be polite. These men and women work hard at their jobs for hours on end. Clearly they'll respond more positively to someone who treats them with respect than they will with someone who is demanding and rude. (Plus, you have to figure that they deal with angry and irate customers all day long.)

4. Keep climbing up the ladder. Remember, these men and women are trained professionals. Be courteous and calm when they deny your request the first time (because they will). Ask for the supervisor. Often times, they're the only ones able to approve such questions.

5. Be persistent. Sometimes you'll be denied and there's nothing you can do about it. It frustrates me when this happens as I often think of myself as the customer service king. But even for those of you who don't take "no" for an answer, sometimes there's nothing else you can do. Work on getting your finances under control and make the call a few weeks or a few months down the road.

The financial gurus paint a rosy picture about lowering your APR. It's not as easy as it looks. Often times, people hang up feeling more frustrated and helpless than they did when they made the call. Be mindful of the process and the work involved.

วันเสาร์ที่ 5 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2551

Are Credit Card Loss Protection Offers Worth It?

Are Credit Card Loss Protection Offers Worth It?

by sas_upena1


I see questions and statements like this all over the Internet:
"I got a call from a woman who said I need credit card loss protection insurance. I thought there was a law that limited my liability to $50 for unauthorized charges. But she said the law had changed and that now, people are liable for all unauthorized charges on their account. Is that true?"

Don't buy the pitch - and don't buy the "loss protection" insurance. Telephone scam artists are lying to get people to buy worthless credit card loss protection and insurance programs. If you didn't authorize a charge, don't pay it. Follow your credit card issuer's procedures for disputing charges you haven't authorized. According to the Federal Trade Commission, your liability for unauthorized charges is limited to $50.

Worthless credit card loss protection offers are popular among fraudulent promoters who are trying to exploit consumers' uncertainty. As a result, the agency is cautioning consumers to avoid doing business with callers who claim that:

- you're liable for more than $50 in unauthorized charges on your credit card account;

- you need credit card loss protection because computer hackers can access your credit card number and charge thousands of dollars to your account;

- a computer bug could make it easy for thieves to place unauthorized charges on your credit card account; and

- they're from "the security department" and want to activate the protection feature on your credit card.

Consumers should never give out personal information - including their credit card or bank account numbers - over the phone or online unless they are familiar with the business that's asking for it. Scam artists can use your personal information to commit fraud, such as identity theft. That's where someone uses some piece of your personal information, such as your credit card account number, Social Security number, mother's maiden name, or birth date, without your knowledge or permission to commit fraud or theft. An all-too-common example is when an identity thief uses your personal information to open a credit card account in your name.

Remember to notify the credit card company as quickly as possible. Even if you have just misplaced your credit card, call and cancel it. It is better to get the card cancelled, find it later, and get it restored.

Keep a list of the toll free numbers that your credit card issuer has placed on the back of the card. Keep it somewhere other than where your credit cards are. I email a copy to an online email account so I can access it anywhere.

Do your best to protect your credit cards. And don't forget to report it to the credit report bureaus.

วันศุกร์ที่ 4 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2551

Using Credit Card Consolidation To Repair Your Rating

Using Credit Card Consolidation To Repair Your Rating

by Susan Slobac


If you have faced a challenging life situation that left you with a bad credit rating, there are routes back to solid ground. By starting fresh with a low APR credit card or credit card consolidation, you can actually repair and rebuild your rating. Card-issuing companies report to the three major credit bureaus each month. As you pay your bill on time, the bureaus will hear about it, and in this way you can improve your current standing.
There are a couple of steps you can take to improve your credit rating. One is to look into credit card consolidation, and the other is to compare credit cards for the best terms to help you get back on your feet.

Credit Card Consolidation Facts

One main way that people can improve out of control card balances is to consider credit card consolidation. Many people do this by taking out a second mortgage against the equity they have in their houses or their cars, and then taking that money to pay off the credit card balances. Not only does this wipe out your credit card debt, but you can then count your monthly second mortgage interest payments as tax deductible, unlike credit card interest payments.

Another advantage to credit card consolidation is that it allows you to pay one single payment rather than several smaller ones. That is a lot of time saved each and every month. Credit card consolidation can also be used to help you find a lower interest rate or to receive a fixed interest rate. Variable-rate interest cards are often based on a percentage rate plus the prime rate, so it can change from day to day due to variances in the prime rate. With a fixed rate low APR credit card, there are no surprises.

Compare Credit Cards to Find a Low APR Credit Card That is Right for You

Orchard Bank offers both MasterCard and Visa credit cards that will provide you with protection on your purchases. They also offer, in addition to monthly credit reporting, credit increases at regular intervals. They also give all their clients 24-hour online customer service, so that you can pay your bills and access your account anytime you wish.

Centennial Gold also offers a MasterCard/Visa that offers this under ten percent ow APR credit card for your purchases, and they also report to the major credit bureaus.

You will want to compare credit cards to find the best deal offered that will not only give you a low APR but will also help to improve your current credit score.

วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 3 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2551

Using A 0 Interest On Balance Transfer Credit Card For Managing Credit Card Debt

Using A 0 Interest On Balance Transfer Credit Card For Managing Credit Card Debt

by C.R. Hayes


If you carry a balance on numerous credit cards, pay close attention.
How would you like to reduce your number of monthly payments, AND eliminate possibly years worth of interest payments? You can, and managing credit card debt is quite easy this way.

For your information, you may be able to consolidate any balances you now have to a single payment (credit limit allowing), and pay absolutely no interest for up to 18 months. Do you think you can qualify? If you have a good credit score, chances are you do qualify.

Can you see how using a 0 interest on balance transfer credit card can reduce your credit card debt, and eventually totally eliminate that debt in a much shorter time frame? And, what makes it even better is that you can apply online, with no face-to-face interaction, and no waiting for a loan agent to schedule you an appointment.

This is how it works:

1. You apply online for your new card.

2. Once approved, you provide the new company with the details of other cards of which you wish to transfer the balances over to them (company, account number, account balance, etc).

After the transfer has taken place, you:

1. No longer have to make those payments to your old credit card company(s) if you paid them in full via the transfer.

2. Pay as much as you can on your new balance with this new company each month to take advantage of their interest-free loan.

This can save you an awful lot of hard earned money! Think about it, no interest to pay for the promotional period (usually anywhere from 6 to 18 months). The total amount of your payment each of these months goes directly to the principle, cutting down your payoff time anywhere from months to years.

Your new bank card may offer you a credit limit that could enable you to consolidate several different outstanding credit card debts into one. If you only eliminated one card which charged you interest your still ahead of the game.

Apply online today (we'll show you where to get the best deal) and get your 0 interest on balance transfer credit card to better manage your finances. You'll be glad you did.

วันอังคารที่ 1 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2551

Financial Benefits of Low APR Credit Cards

Financial Benefits of Low APR Credit Cards

by Susan Slobac


Low APR credit cards and low interest credit cards offer consumers the best interest rates and many other rewards in return for using these popular cards. When you are looking for a new credit card, low interest rate percentages can mean a big difference in the total amount you will pay on credit. Depending on the specific card offer, you will receive zero interest for anywhere from six to twelve months on purchases and balance transfers. In addition, many low APR credit cards also provide with rewards including cash back based on the type and amount of your purchases, as well as discounts on fuel purchases and points that can be turned in for airline travel, hotel and car reservations.
Discover Offers Low Interest Credit Cards Just Right For You

In addition to low APR credit cards from Discover, these cards also offer you a substantial cash back reward as well. For online purchases you can earn up to twenty percent cash back, and Discover works with their cash back bonus partners to bring you double rewards when you shop with them. Discover cards also come with very fast responses to your customer service questions, whether over the telephone or online, anytime it fits into your busy schedule.

Look to American Express for a Low Fixed Interest Credit Card

The Blue from American Express card is a shopper's dream. They offer these low APR credit cards for a long fifteen month grace period, and they do it with no annual fee. This is also a wonderful low fixed interest credit card for your balance transfers, where a single-digit fixed interest rate will apply for the entire time it takes to pay off the balance.

If you travel often for business or pleasure, then you would appreciate the benefits that come from having the Blue Sky from American Express card. Not only are these Low APR credit cards, but this one from American Express allows you to earn points that can be redeemed for cruises, rental cars, hotels and airline tickets with no travel restrictions or blackout dates. This card comes to you with no annual fee and also offers zero percent interest for the first 6 months.

Some low interest credit cards can literally help you save money. One from American Express will place one percent of all your eligible purchases into an insured high-yield savings account registered in your name.

Low APR credit cards not only save money on finance charges but also offer you many different and enticing rewards and benefits.

Free Yourself From Credit Card Debt

Free Yourself From Credit Card Debt

by Melissa Kellett


When you owe too much money on your credit cards and you can't meet the minimum payments. Penalty fees and interest rates start being applied and debt keeps growing at a continually increasing rate. You know you must put an end to this situation but you don't know how to do it? A debt consolidation loan can be the answer to your problems.
If you can control your spending, a debt consolidation loan will give you some space for reorganizing your finances and start reducing your debt on a continued pace. A debt consolidation loan alone won't solve your problems though. You need to have some discipline, cut your spending dramatically and stick to a budget rigorously in order for a debt consolidation/reduction plan to work.

Credit Card Debt Spiraling

The main problem with credit card debt is that due to the high interest rates that credit card financing implies, it can easily escalate and go out of control. The possibility to make only minimum payments that increase in a slower rate than the debt itself is extremely tempting but leads hopelessly to debt accumulation. Eventually, minimum payments become unaffordable and a late payment or a missed payment triggers credit cards' penalty fees and rates that boost this process even more, making debt reach new heights.

To put a stop to this, one needs to refrain from using the credit cards and start making more than the minimum payments because sometimes even the minimum payments won't cover for the amounts added due to interest, fees and other costs. However, this is not always possible and so; another source of finance must be used to cope with this problem. That's when Debt Consolidation Loans become an invaluable aid.

Consolidating Credit Card Debt

A Debt Consolidation Loans will let you cancel your credit card balances in full so they stop generating high amounts of interests. You'll only have to worry about a single monthly installment: The debt consolidation loan payment. The interest rate charged for the money will be considerably lower and the repayment program will be flexible enough so you can easily afford the monthly payments.

However, you need to be extremely careful, because, unless you stop using your credit cards, the debt consolidation loan won't be anything but an invitation to continue increasing your debt to new and higher amounts and the only solution this next time will be to file for bankruptcy. In order to avoid such situation you need to change your spending behavior.

The best thing you can do is to destroy all your credit cards but one or two. Do the same with all your store cards (store cards carry a lot higher interest rates than regular credit cards so you need to be extra careful with them). Even after getting rid of all your cards but one or two, you need to refrain from using the ones left unless the expenses are really necessary. You can use this procedure: Before buying anything think whether you have the cash to pay for it or not, if you don't then you shouldn't buy it unless it is an essential and urgent need like food or medicine.

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