People tend to use credit cards for their financial transactions without using any money. It comes with the power of currency to enable you exchange goods and services without using money. You probably have received a number of attractive and unsolicited offers through mail from financial institutions. But how do you choose a best offer as you have so many options?
Besides receiving offers from your banks, you can also find great credit card deals online. Sometimes you can get better deals than those in the envelopes. However, not all of offers you find on the Internet are genuine.
You need to be very clear on what the offer is exactly. You need to establish your own benchmark to determine a great offer. Before you start comparing the deals online, determine how much you can pay every month. Don't spend more than what you earn. Use the credit card as if you already have the cash.
Then check the interest rates. Every offer comes with a different rate. You can bargain for a lower rate if you can show an impressive credit score.
You may want to transfer the balance from your present cards to the new credit card to enjoy lower higher interest rates. Check their introductory offers. Usually the interest rates are low for a certain period. Ask them how long can it last. The longer the period, the better for you.
Be careful with zero annual percentage rate (APR) offers. They do have some hidden traps. Even though they don't add any interest during the introductory period, you better read their terms especially the fine prints thoroughly.
Some deals come with rewards and benefits. For example, you will receive a check as a rebate when you spend a certain amount of dollars. They also allow you to accumulate bonus points to redeem an exchange gift. This would benefit you if you spend a lot of money on your credit card. Otherwise, don't expect a good return.
To find a great credit card deal online is like looking for a pot of gold. Therefore, to find a card that suits your needs, you need to compare all the offers. You may find it hard to pass up a good deal. Nevertheless, your need a right combination for your situation. Using the guidelines above, you can definitely find at least one credit card that you are looking for.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
What are the main elements of consideration when you take out a new credit card ?
1. The Initial Interest Rate And Period
Most of the credit cards offer a 0% interest rate on purchases at the begining for a limited period, about six to nine months. This option can be very attractive when you do not repay the balance in full each month. After the initial period the rate reverts to the standard rate, usually in the 10 to 16% range although this can be considerably higher.
Some cards however have no interest free offer but have a much lower permanent rate. If you are going to keep a long term balance, this option could be useful in the long term. Consider your payment ability before selecting the interest rate type, because you won't be able to switch rates.
2. A Monthly Interest Free Period.
This relates to the period between your purchase and when you will be charged interest on that. Many cards charge from the payment date after the item appears on your card statement. The effect of this is to give you between about 25 to 50 days interest free credit on all purchases. Paying off your balance within this period will result in no interest being charged.
3. Annual Fee
Many cards charge an annual fee. This fee is added whether you clear the debt each month or if you dont.
4. Transferring Balance
When signing up for a new credit card you will usually have the option of transferring any outstanding balance to your new card with a small percentage of interest charged for a specified period.This is actually not an interest charge but it makes no difference - you are charged a fee by the company based on the amount you have transferred.
5. The Availability Of Cashback
Many cards now offer a small percentage of cashback on purchases. This is usually is between 0.5% to 1% of new purchases, and they do not include balance transfers and cash withdrawal. If you do not repay your balance in full each month, take this into account when considering the interest rate chargeable.
6. Credit Card's offers - Rewards and Discounts
Rewards are where you can purchase at a discount by using your credit card, or you have free insurance on purchases made using your credit card.
Like in every other business, There is nothing free In the credit card business as well. If there are rewards offered, its likely the cost will be added somehow to your bill. So compare several cards who are not offering the same rewards.
7. Insurance for the Credit Card Payments
Most cards offer some sort of payment protection insurance in the event of disability or so. Most of the cards pay 10% of the balance on the card at the relevant period and may be worth considering.
Taking a new credit card is something that you should take a good consideration. There are many service providers available that can help you to select the correct Credit Card for you.
Most of the credit cards offer a 0% interest rate on purchases at the begining for a limited period, about six to nine months. This option can be very attractive when you do not repay the balance in full each month. After the initial period the rate reverts to the standard rate, usually in the 10 to 16% range although this can be considerably higher.
Some cards however have no interest free offer but have a much lower permanent rate. If you are going to keep a long term balance, this option could be useful in the long term. Consider your payment ability before selecting the interest rate type, because you won't be able to switch rates.
2. A Monthly Interest Free Period.
This relates to the period between your purchase and when you will be charged interest on that. Many cards charge from the payment date after the item appears on your card statement. The effect of this is to give you between about 25 to 50 days interest free credit on all purchases. Paying off your balance within this period will result in no interest being charged.
3. Annual Fee
Many cards charge an annual fee. This fee is added whether you clear the debt each month or if you dont.
4. Transferring Balance
When signing up for a new credit card you will usually have the option of transferring any outstanding balance to your new card with a small percentage of interest charged for a specified period.This is actually not an interest charge but it makes no difference - you are charged a fee by the company based on the amount you have transferred.
5. The Availability Of Cashback
Many cards now offer a small percentage of cashback on purchases. This is usually is between 0.5% to 1% of new purchases, and they do not include balance transfers and cash withdrawal. If you do not repay your balance in full each month, take this into account when considering the interest rate chargeable.
6. Credit Card's offers - Rewards and Discounts
Rewards are where you can purchase at a discount by using your credit card, or you have free insurance on purchases made using your credit card.
Like in every other business, There is nothing free In the credit card business as well. If there are rewards offered, its likely the cost will be added somehow to your bill. So compare several cards who are not offering the same rewards.
7. Insurance for the Credit Card Payments
Most cards offer some sort of payment protection insurance in the event of disability or so. Most of the cards pay 10% of the balance on the card at the relevant period and may be worth considering.
Taking a new credit card is something that you should take a good consideration. There are many service providers available that can help you to select the correct Credit Card for you.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Before You Accept a New Credit Card ..
Before You Accept a New Credit Card ..
It's becoming difficult to survive today without a credit card – or at least a debit card with a credit card logo. Travel arrangements, restaurant reservations, online business transactions and placing orders by telephone all require the use of a credit card. Here are some things to consider before signing your name to a new credit card application,
Avoid Too Many Cards
There is no good reason for a person to have a wallet overflowing with multiple credit cards. You only need one or two credit cards. Be selected and choose cards that will work best for you and pay them back. Too much credit availablity can lead to bad financial decisions and then unmanageable debts.
Take a good look at your expenditure habits
Just because you have four credit cards offered in your mailbox every day does not mean you can afford to. In fact, credit card companies tend to target individuals who are most likely to build up big balances because they'll make the most interest off you.
Don't Fall For Promotional Rates
Many credit cards do their best to entice new customers through promotional rates. These are typically lower than average interest rates on new purchases or balance transfers that apply for a limited time. But then once that time is up, the interest rate rockets. These are also cards that often send your interest rate skyward if you make a payment late. The permanent interest rate on a credit card is much more important than the temporary promotional offer you get; unless you are using the card to pay off a higher interest account or will have the balance completely paid in full before the promotion ends.
Look for More Than the Interest Rate
While the interest rate is an important consideration before accepting a new card, it's not the only thing that matters. The interest rate actually only matters if you carry a balance from one month to the next, because if you pay the balance off in full within the stated period, there is no interest charged. Also, when you make a decision for a credit card based solely on the interest rate, you might be very disappointed when the interest rate climbs up a few months after you get the card. Even the fixed rate interest cards can differ their interest rates.
How the Credit Card Billing Cycle works
Knowing the cards billing method is important. Will the interest be applied to your purchases from the day you use the card, or is there a grace period available? How many days do you have between billing cycles to pay off the balance before interest is formed? Know exactly how long this grace period is because your lender is likely to mail the bill out late in the billing period, giving you just a couple days in which you can get your payment out before it falls outside that grace period.
Study Late Payment Charges and Penalties
Read the credit card terms carefully to understand how late payment charges and penalties are added to your account if you made a payment late. See if a late payment will also cause an interest rate hike. Most credit cards apply the late payments and penalties to the card balance, and therefore you end up paying interest on these if you don't pay the balance of your card off in full before the end of the billing cycle.
It's becoming difficult to survive today without a credit card – or at least a debit card with a credit card logo. Travel arrangements, restaurant reservations, online business transactions and placing orders by telephone all require the use of a credit card. Here are some things to consider before signing your name to a new credit card application,
Avoid Too Many Cards
There is no good reason for a person to have a wallet overflowing with multiple credit cards. You only need one or two credit cards. Be selected and choose cards that will work best for you and pay them back. Too much credit availablity can lead to bad financial decisions and then unmanageable debts.
Take a good look at your expenditure habits
Just because you have four credit cards offered in your mailbox every day does not mean you can afford to. In fact, credit card companies tend to target individuals who are most likely to build up big balances because they'll make the most interest off you.
Don't Fall For Promotional Rates
Many credit cards do their best to entice new customers through promotional rates. These are typically lower than average interest rates on new purchases or balance transfers that apply for a limited time. But then once that time is up, the interest rate rockets. These are also cards that often send your interest rate skyward if you make a payment late. The permanent interest rate on a credit card is much more important than the temporary promotional offer you get; unless you are using the card to pay off a higher interest account or will have the balance completely paid in full before the promotion ends.
Look for More Than the Interest Rate
While the interest rate is an important consideration before accepting a new card, it's not the only thing that matters. The interest rate actually only matters if you carry a balance from one month to the next, because if you pay the balance off in full within the stated period, there is no interest charged. Also, when you make a decision for a credit card based solely on the interest rate, you might be very disappointed when the interest rate climbs up a few months after you get the card. Even the fixed rate interest cards can differ their interest rates.
How the Credit Card Billing Cycle works
Knowing the cards billing method is important. Will the interest be applied to your purchases from the day you use the card, or is there a grace period available? How many days do you have between billing cycles to pay off the balance before interest is formed? Know exactly how long this grace period is because your lender is likely to mail the bill out late in the billing period, giving you just a couple days in which you can get your payment out before it falls outside that grace period.
Study Late Payment Charges and Penalties
Read the credit card terms carefully to understand how late payment charges and penalties are added to your account if you made a payment late. See if a late payment will also cause an interest rate hike. Most credit cards apply the late payments and penalties to the card balance, and therefore you end up paying interest on these if you don't pay the balance of your card off in full before the end of the billing cycle.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Non reward Type Credit Cards vs Reward Type
You've finally come to that stage in life when you can afford to own a credit card, not as a supplementary cardholder but as the principal cardholder. Finally, you've earned the right to have a credit card in your own name and to be able to purchase whatever you want without having to ask anybody else's permission. But now that that time has come, you find yourself in a quandary - what type of credit card should you apply for?
There are just two basic choices for you - do you want a credit card that offers rewards and one that doesn't?
The Non Reward Type of Credit Card
These credit cards do not offer you any reward points or bonuses no matter how many times you use their credit cards or how prompt you are when it comes to credit card payments. Instead, this type of credit cards allow you to waive interest charges for a certain period of time or avail of lower interest rates than those offered by reward types of credit cards.
Basically, there are two choices that you're given when it comes to the non reward type of credit card. The first one would be a credit card that offers 0% APR intro rates. When you get yourself this kind of credit card, you'll be able to purchase anything without having to worry about contending with high interest rates. But the 0% APR is only applicable for a certain period of time because it's an introductory offer. Once it's over, the APR will revert to normal.
The second type of non reward credit card is the low interest ongoing APR credit card. Although it's not 0%, the interest rate may be lower than what the new APR would be for a credit card with 0% APR intro rates.
The Reward Type of Credit Card
If you don't find yourself excited with all those low interest rates being offered by non-reward types of credit cards then perhaps you'll find your heart racing with credit cards offering rewards.
With this type of credit card, the interest charge is usually higher but you really don't care about that, do you, if it means being able to win a iPod Mini later on, does it? With reward types of credit cards, frequency of use and promptness of payment matter a great deal. There are also a whole variety of rewards being offered so you're surely be able to choose one that you truly desire.
There are just two basic choices for you - do you want a credit card that offers rewards and one that doesn't?
The Non Reward Type of Credit Card
These credit cards do not offer you any reward points or bonuses no matter how many times you use their credit cards or how prompt you are when it comes to credit card payments. Instead, this type of credit cards allow you to waive interest charges for a certain period of time or avail of lower interest rates than those offered by reward types of credit cards.
Basically, there are two choices that you're given when it comes to the non reward type of credit card. The first one would be a credit card that offers 0% APR intro rates. When you get yourself this kind of credit card, you'll be able to purchase anything without having to worry about contending with high interest rates. But the 0% APR is only applicable for a certain period of time because it's an introductory offer. Once it's over, the APR will revert to normal.
The second type of non reward credit card is the low interest ongoing APR credit card. Although it's not 0%, the interest rate may be lower than what the new APR would be for a credit card with 0% APR intro rates.
The Reward Type of Credit Card
If you don't find yourself excited with all those low interest rates being offered by non-reward types of credit cards then perhaps you'll find your heart racing with credit cards offering rewards.
With this type of credit card, the interest charge is usually higher but you really don't care about that, do you, if it means being able to win a iPod Mini later on, does it? With reward types of credit cards, frequency of use and promptness of payment matter a great deal. There are also a whole variety of rewards being offered so you're surely be able to choose one that you truly desire.
How to Get a Credit Card
Banks and their marketing associates and divisions are vying with one another to capture a thick slice of the "credit card pie." Offers by phone and mail of free credit cards, pre-approved credit cards, cards with special bonanzas, money back schemes, low introductory rates, and umpteen other perks pour in tempting you everyday.
A credit card is just a form of borrowing that does not come free. Credit terms, interest rates, fees and more can lay a stress on your bank balance. Credit cards are a temptation to spend now and pay later. What invariably happens is that people spend more than they can handle.
Informed consumers must always weigh carefully the pros and cons and compare different options before deciding on a credit card.
Before you decide find out
The advantages of a credit card are that it is a safe alternative to cash. Prevents loss as well as theft of cash. Using a card wisely can build a good credit history which helps when you need a loan or subsidy. It is useful in emergencies like accidents, urgent hospitalization, and unavoidable circumstances like natural calamities and so on. It grants a breather and gives you time to pay the bill. Some memberships offer travel or accident insurance to the card owners at no cost. They also offer privileges like discounts at restaurants, shopping malls, and holiday packages.
The other side is that you can get carried away and live beyond your means, ultimately falling into debt.
To be eligible you need:
To be at least 18 years old.
Have some income or the backing of credit worthy parents.
Have an operational bank account.
A telephone.
A good credit rating. Your monthly expenses must not equal or exceed your income. Ideal expenses must account for approximately 50% of your income.
To get a Visa or Master card your income must exceed US$ 12,000 a year. Or, you need to apply for a secured credit card where you pay upfront a certain amount of money as security deposit.
There are many kinds of credit cards to choose from. Unsecured standard and classic cards are those with a credit limit of US$ 2000 and generally charge higher interest rates and offer lower or less favorable terms than the platinum and gold cards. Unsecured platinum and gold cards are for people with high credit ratings, and the limits for these cards are between US$ 2000 to US$ 100,000.
Here are a few links that will give information and opportunities to apply for cards online: Visa at www.usa.visa.com/?country=us&ep=v_gg_new provides information, gives tips, and has listed a number of financial institutions that offer Visa cards and a wide range of services. One can apply for a card online.
MasterCard International at www.mastercard.com/index.html is comprehensive with information, advice, and options of choosing and applying for a card online. They have an online form which when filled will give information of which card would be ideal and a channel which provides instant comparison of various card options.
CreditCards.com at http://www.creditcards.com/ has articles, FAQs, a site map, and online application channels.
Tips:
Pick a card because it has the lowest APR.
Pick a card because all its terms and conditions have been carefully vetted by you. Read the fine print.
Never pick a card because it is free for a year or life.
Do not choose a card because it offers a low introductory rate.
Do not choose a card because it has a cash back policy or great rewards programs.
Choose wisely and live debt free.
A credit card is just a form of borrowing that does not come free. Credit terms, interest rates, fees and more can lay a stress on your bank balance. Credit cards are a temptation to spend now and pay later. What invariably happens is that people spend more than they can handle.
Informed consumers must always weigh carefully the pros and cons and compare different options before deciding on a credit card.
Before you decide find out
The advantages of a credit card are that it is a safe alternative to cash. Prevents loss as well as theft of cash. Using a card wisely can build a good credit history which helps when you need a loan or subsidy. It is useful in emergencies like accidents, urgent hospitalization, and unavoidable circumstances like natural calamities and so on. It grants a breather and gives you time to pay the bill. Some memberships offer travel or accident insurance to the card owners at no cost. They also offer privileges like discounts at restaurants, shopping malls, and holiday packages.
The other side is that you can get carried away and live beyond your means, ultimately falling into debt.
To be eligible you need:
To be at least 18 years old.
Have some income or the backing of credit worthy parents.
Have an operational bank account.
A telephone.
A good credit rating. Your monthly expenses must not equal or exceed your income. Ideal expenses must account for approximately 50% of your income.
To get a Visa or Master card your income must exceed US$ 12,000 a year. Or, you need to apply for a secured credit card where you pay upfront a certain amount of money as security deposit.
There are many kinds of credit cards to choose from. Unsecured standard and classic cards are those with a credit limit of US$ 2000 and generally charge higher interest rates and offer lower or less favorable terms than the platinum and gold cards. Unsecured platinum and gold cards are for people with high credit ratings, and the limits for these cards are between US$ 2000 to US$ 100,000.
Here are a few links that will give information and opportunities to apply for cards online: Visa at www.usa.visa.com/?country=us&ep=v_gg_new provides information, gives tips, and has listed a number of financial institutions that offer Visa cards and a wide range of services. One can apply for a card online.
MasterCard International at www.mastercard.com/index.html is comprehensive with information, advice, and options of choosing and applying for a card online. They have an online form which when filled will give information of which card would be ideal and a channel which provides instant comparison of various card options.
CreditCards.com at http://www.creditcards.com/ has articles, FAQs, a site map, and online application channels.
Tips:
Pick a card because it has the lowest APR.
Pick a card because all its terms and conditions have been carefully vetted by you. Read the fine print.
Never pick a card because it is free for a year or life.
Do not choose a card because it offers a low introductory rate.
Do not choose a card because it has a cash back policy or great rewards programs.
Choose wisely and live debt free.
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