9creditcard

When Not To Use A Credit Card

Credit cards are a great convenience in our everyday lives, allowing us to easily buy products online and by telephone, and freeing us from having to carry large amounts of cash when making purchases in the bricks and mortar world. However, there’s a potential dark side to plastic, with some unfortunate account holders getting out of their depth and building up debts that become a problem and cause of worry.

This is obviously a situation that’s best avoided, and knowing when it’s a bad idea to use your card can help you avoid getting into difficulty.

- Withdrawing cash at ATMs

Most cash machines these days will let you draw out cash using your credit card. This might seem an attractive option if you’re short of cash towards the end of the month, but it’s a bad idea for two reasons. Firstly, cash withdrawals will attract a fee of a small percentage of the amount you withdraw. This in itself makes it an expensive way of getting your hands on cash, but advances are also usually charged at a much higher rate of interest than purchases.

What’s more, under a system known as ‘allocation of payments’, the repayments you make to your account are applied first to the parts of your debt which attract the lowest rate of interest. This means that so long as you are carrying some debt from purchases, your cash withdrawals will sit in the background, being charged a high rate of interest, and never getting any smaller.

- Credit card checks

These allow you to use your credit cards in situations where you normally can’t, such as paying a bill by post. However, the interest rate charged on them can be as high or even higher than with cash withdrawals. This means you should avoid them for the same reasons, as given above.

- Covering the cost of everyday bills

Paying your energy bills, for example, using your card is convenient and easy, but is only a good idea if you repay the debt in your next payment. If you’re using your card because you can’t afford to pay the bill, this is a clear sign that you need to take a harder look at your personal budget.

- Expensive impulse purchases

Of course, we all like to treat ourselves from time to time, and no one would begrudge that. However, before handing over your card, bear in mind that the interest you’ll pay over the months it takes to repay the debt will make your impulse buy much more expensive than it appears. Is it still worth it?

- To make repayments on other debt

Credit cards aren’t usually the cheapest kind of borrowing available, so you should never use your card to service another, cheaper debt. The only exception to this is if you make use of a balance transfer facility, either to get a 0% rate for a limited number of months, or to lock in a permanently low rate.

As we can see, most of the above advice is simply common sense, but following these rules will give you the best chance of staying in control of your credit card, and avoiding running up unneccessary or excessive debts.

What You Should Know About Using Your Credit Cards

Today, almost everyone is in possession of one or more credit cards. But does everyone understand how the credit cards should be used? ; doesnt seem so. Some credit card holders only know how to spend on their credit cards till the credit limit is reached. Others know only about using credit cards for shopping and bill payments. Still others are too afraid to use their credit card. A lot many are unaware about the ways to protect their credit cards.

So what is it that you should know about using credit cards?

The first thing is the fact that whenever you use your credit card to make a payment, you are borrowing that amount from someone (credit card supplier in this case). Thus you will need to return this borrowed money to the credit card supplier within a specified period of time failing which you will incur a late fees and interest on the borrowed amount. So, you should be careful about your credit card payments. Besides the late fee and interest, they also affect your credit rating and we know how important the credit rating is. A bad credit rating can lead to rejection of mortgage applications, loans, subsequent credit cards and even a job application. You should also make it a point never to exceed 70-75% of the credit limit on your credit card. Not only does this shield you from getting into a credit card debt trap but also protects your credit rating.

Credit cards need protection against fraud and every credit card user should be aware of the ways to protect their credit card(s). There are generally a set of very simple precautions that the credit card holder need to follow. All the credit card companies supply instructions to this effect at the time of credit card delivery. These include things like signing at the back of credit card, reporting theft, PINPassword protection etc.

Besides the security related instructions, its also important to read through the instructions related to the benefits on your credit card in order to realize the full potential of your credit card. These include discounts on shopping, travel, car rentals etc. Then there are cash back options as well which have become very popular lately. There are some really good benefits for travelers too. These include things like free travel insurance and baggage protection. Besides the regular benefits, the credit card suppliers generally include some joining benefits too for the new customers. The joining benefits are generally in the form of discount vouchers.

Another important thing to note is the various kinds of fees and commissions charged by your credit card supplier. Besides the annual fees and APR there are other services too which attract a fee or commission e.g. there is a fee associated with cash withdrawals; similarly there is a commission associated with foreign exchange transactions. All these charges are clearly mentioned in the instructions booklet that you receive with your credit card and any changes to these are separately communicated by the credit card company.

Credit card suppliers keep coming up with a lot of different offers throughout the year. Be on the lookout for these offers. Some of them might be of interest to you. Generally, you will receive intimation about these offers at your billing address or your email address too.

Almost all credit card companies have a membership rewards program too wherein you earn points for any payments made using your credit card. Once you have accumulated enough points, you can exchange them for free gifts. Very often the catalogue of these gifts is also supplied at the time of you joining the membership reward programs. Its important to note that there might sometimes be an annual fee associated with the membership rewards program.

So just learn more about your credit card and make full use of its capability.

What You Should Know About Switching Credit Cards

With U.S. credit card debt at an all time high, many savvy consumers and investors are renewing their commitments to rid themselves of this burdensome and in most cases, unnecessary debt. In doing so they are constantly searching for the next best credit card with higher credit limits, lower annual percentage rates (APRs), and zero balance transfer offers. In fact switching credit cards has become as common as changing the battery in the fire alarm for some people and it has actually worked. So if you are amongst the thousands of Americans who are thinking of making a switch to improve your financial picture, before you do there are a few things that you should consider. They include how multiple inquiries for credit will affect your credit score and if the APR that applies to balance transfers after the introductory grace period still makes it a good deal. In addition to these two things you should also, as with everything you do, conduct your own research to find the best solution to meet your needs.

It makes sound economical sense to switch credit cards to save money in interest charges and fees. Especially when you consider the fact that for most credit cards the minimum monthly payment is so low that it barely covers the interest charges reducing your outstanding balance by just a few measly pounds from month to month. Its no wonder then that we jump at any new offer that comes our way. When deciding whether to switch cards though, you should keep in mind that every time you apply for a new credit card an inquiry from that particular creditor goes on to your credit file whether you receive the credit or not. Additionally, multiple inquires by different creditors negatively impacts your credit score and any account whether closed or unused remains on your credit file for at least seven years. Last thing, switching cards and closing accounts immediately after the switch also impacts your credit score.

When considering whether to take advantage of a 0% balance transfer offer, you should consider the amount of time that youll have before the normal APR applies to that balance and whether youll be able to pay that in full before the grace period is over. Additionally, in the event that you arent able to pay off the balance prior to expiration of the grace period, you should consider if the new APR that kicks in will be a significant savings from the card that you are considering transferring balances from and whether interest will be charged on just the remaining balance or the entire amount that you initially transferred.

To ensure that you are getting the best deal, you should do a thorough search of available credit cards before making a final decision on which institution to submit a new application for credit to. By doing so you will know upfront exactly what you are getting and whether there are cost savings to be realized, leaving very little room for surprises.

Switching credit cards is a smart choice for consumers who are trying to manage and conquer their debt. For the disciplined person, this is a very effective strategy to help you reduce your debt load. If you find yourself in the situation where you are presented with an opportunity to switch credit cards, please keep in mind the negative effect that multiple inquiries will have on your credit score as well as the opening of new accounts while simultaneously closing others. When done wisely, after conducting a thorough search of available options, switching credit cards can definitely help you to achieve your financial goals.

What You Should Know About Credit Card Terms

Credit card companies keeps pushing hard to get more customers daily by giving pre-approved card offers to would be clients through mail. Chances are youve gotten one of this offers in your mail in recent days. Such promotion has being in existences long before now. Though getting such card is good to some extent and getting one will be helpful however, you dont have to rush getting one without considering the plan terms associated very well.

There are lots of plan terms that you really need to study very well while shopping for credit card if you are not ready to put yourself in financial prison. These terms affect your overall cost. In this article we will take a look at some of this credit card plan terms you need to consider before choosing a company to deal with. Get a cup of coffee while we discuss each of terms you need to consider.

Consider a company that gives free period or grace period over others. Because without free period, the card issuer may impose finance charge from the date you use your card or from the date each transaction is posted to your account. Free period allow you to pay back your balance in full before due date in other to avoid finance charges and its usually mail at least 14 days before the due date, giving you enough time to pay.

Another very important term to take note of is APR (Annual Percentage Rate) which is the measure of the cost of credit, expressed as a yearly rate. APR often changes when there is a change in interest rates or other economic indicators. Still companies must disclose this before you open the account and on your account statements.

Apart from the annual percentage rate, you need to consider how much the issuers charges for membership fee. The annual membership or participation fees varies, its often between 25 and 100.

You also need to know about method issuers will use in calculating your finance charge if you dont have a free period, or if you are expected to pay for purchases over time. Knowing this will help you keep your finance charge low by measuring your buying patterns and paying back on time.

Some card issuing companies charges transaction fees and other minor charges when you make late payment, get advance cash with the card or exceed your credit limit. As a matter of fact some even charge monthly fee whether or not you use the card.

What You Should Know About Credit Card Jargon Buster

Credit cards, as part of the financial industry, use a massive array of jargon. You cant be expected to recognise all these technical terms, and some of them are quite important so heres a quick guide, in alphabetical order.

Affinity card. This is a credit card that gives a certain amount to a charity of your choice, depending on how much you spend. It is generally best to avoid any charity that wants you to sign up for such a card dont let guilt lead you to a high interest rate.

APR. Annual Percentage Rate. This is your overall interest rate, calculated yearly, and given as a percentage of your balance.

ATM. Automated Teller Machine. A cash machine. It will give you money when you put your credit card in, but will probably charge an extra fee.

Balance transfer. This is when you transfer your debt (balance) from one credit card to another. The usual reason for this is to try and keep as much debt as possible on a lower-interest card.

Credit limit. Your credit limit is the maximum amount you can spend or withdraw from your card. Going over your credit limit will result in your card no longer being accepted, and you being charged an over-limit fee.

Fixed rate. A fixed rate card is one where you are given a rate when you sign up for the card and that rate, at least in theory, stays the same for the whole time you have the card. In practice, though, interest rates can be changed for almost any reason.

Grace period. Your grace period is the amount of time between when you spend money and when you start paying interest on it. Good cards can have a grace period of up to two months bad ones might not have one at all.

Minimum payment. A minimum payment is the absolute lowest amount you can pay back to the credit card company each month you should pay more, but you dont have to. Minimum payments are usually around 2% of your balance.

Sub-prime. This is a phrase used in the industry to describe customers who are a bad credit risk, but are seen as worth lending to anyway. If you are identified as sub-prime, youll start getting offers for loans secured on your property they know that if you cant pay, theyll get their money anyway.

Teaser rate. A special offer low rate, usually written in enormous letters. You will see many offers with LOW 4.9% APR in inch-high letters, followed by for first six months, 21.9% thereafter in microscopic ones. Teaser offers can sometimes be worth taking, but not if they tie you in for longer than the period of the offer.

Variable rate. This is an interest rate that is worked out by adding a certain amount to the current base rate. Taking this option will allow your credit card to be affected by changes in national interest rates a good idea if you think they might go down, and a bad one if theyre on the way up.

What you should know about Airline miles credit cards

Some of the things that you should know about airline miles credit cards may be a little surprising and they may not be to you. One thing that you should know about the airline miles credit cards is that you are going to more than likely need to pay an annual fee to receive the airline miles credit cards. There may be some credit card companies that will not charge you the annual fee if you are using your credit card to purchase your airline tickets.

One of the disadvantages of the airline miles credit cards is that if you do not use your credit cards often it could take you a couple of years to acquire enough points to be able to take a trip with your airline rewards. When it comes down to it you can actually purchase an airline ticket more than once before you actually have enough airline miles so that you are able to take a trip with your miles. There are a few other things that you are going to want to make sure that you are checking out as well with the airline miles credit cards. You should know if there are any seating restrictions, expiration dates, or any black outs that will be assessed to any airline rewards credit card you may choose.

One of the big advantages of the airline miles credit cards is that if you are in need of an airline ticket at the last minute and you have enough points to purchase one you are not going to have to fork out the high cost of a last minute ticket. We all know that the airlines will raise their rates when you are purchasing a ticket at the last minute and when you are going to fly in the high season of the year. One other advantage of the airline miles credit cards is that some of the different credit card companies will give a new card holder bonus miles for becoming a new credit card member.

You are going to want to take your time and check out all the different offers that the credit card companies are going to give you with the airline rewards that they are offering. That way there you are going to defiantly receive the best airline miles credit card that is going to work for what you are in need of.

What to Look Out for in Low Interest Rate Credit

What to Look Out for in Low Interest Rate Credit Cards

When looking for low interest rate credit cards, there are many factors you need to take into consideration in order to ensure you are really getting a great deal. Many people do not realize that low interest credit cards may not really be as low as they think they are. In fact, these supposedly cheap credit cards may be costing your more than you think.

Finance Charge Calculations

So, you think you have found a great credit card with a low interest rate, right? Well, this might be true, but it may not be as cheap as you think it is. Be sure to read the fine print on the credit card and learn more about how the finance charges are calculated. The traditional method for determining finance charges is the Average Daily Balance method. This method best when it comes to saving you money. The Two Cycles Average Daily Balance method, however, can become quite costly if you carry a balance on your card from month to month. And, since you are looking for low interest credit cards, you most likely intend to carry a balance.

With the Two Cycles Average Daily Balance method, finance charges are determined two times during your billing cycle rather than just once. Therefore, you are actually accumulating finance charges twice in your billing cycle. So, while the APR may be low, your finance charges are not because you are paying twice.

Pay Attention to the Grace Period

The grace period is how long you have to pay back what you have borrowed from the credit card before finance charges start adding up. Therefore, the longer the grace period, the less finance charges you have to pay. When looking at low interest rate credit cards, be sure to find out how long your grace period is before you have to start paying. Twenty-day grace periods are the most common. So, if you find a credit card with a low interest rate that provides a grace period for this long, or longer, then you have probably found a good card. If the grace period is shorter than this, continue your search until you find one with an acceptable grace period. Obviously, a low interest rate doesn’t do you a lot of good if the finance charges begin piling up from the instant you make a purchase!

Consider Annual Fees

Some low interest rate credit cards have annual fees. This is the credit card company’s way of compensating for the low interest rate it provides. For the most part, paying annual fees to receive a low interest credit card is not worth it to the cardholder. Shop around some more and see if you can find some cheap credit cards with the same APR that do not include an annual fee. Chances are, you will be able to find one that doesn’t make you pay to be a cardholder.

If you cannot find a low interest credit card with the same low interest rate, then you might want to take a closer look at the card charging an annual fee. In this case, you will have to weigh the annual fee payment against your potential interest rate savings. If the annual fee and interest rates are both low enough, then it might be worth your while to apply for the card. Be sure to provide yourself with an honest assessment of your spending habits and how much money you will be able to send to the credit card each month in order to pay off your debt. The last thing you want to do is just give your money away to a credit card company in the form of an annual fee if it doesn’t ultimately benefit you financially.

What To Look For In A Balance Transfer Credit Card

What To Look For In A Balance Transfer Credit Card

When shopping for a new balance transfer credit card, take the time to compare a number of credit cards, as the terms and conditions of these offers varies greatly. There are numerous things to consider before you take this step of choosing a new card. Be sure to read the fine print.

First, you need to have a plan on why you’re applying for this new balance transfer credit card. If it’s to consolidate two or three credit card balances from higher interest credit cards to a card offering an introductory 0% APR, there’s more you need to know. Some issuers charge a fee for each balance transfer transaction. This can amount up to 3%, or a flat fee of 35.00 for each transfer. So if you have a number of account balances you want to consolidate, you need to figure this charge in also.

Some financial institutions only offer the 0% APR on the balance transfer amount and not on new purchases. So if you’ve transferred balances to this new credit card, and then you use the credit card for new purchases, when you make a payment it is applied toward the lower APR balance and you’re assessed interest on your new charges. It isnt until the balance with the lower interest rate is cleared, that your payments are then applied toward the newer charges with the higher interest rate.

Another thing to take into consideration is the balance limit on the new balance transfer credit card. Is it enough to cover those other credit card balances you want to consolidate? If the credit limit isn’t high enough, they won’t transfer the whole amount. In addition, you wouldn’t be able to use the credit card as it would take you over your credit limit. Again, read the fine print. Going over your credit limit would take you out of the terms and conditions of the credit card, thus voiding the special introductory offer. The penalties can be steep.

You also need to know if there is an annual fee for this new balance transfer credit card. If there is a fee, that would have to be taken into consideration when determining any savings you might realize by consolidating your debts into a new balance transfer credit card.

Now, don’t get me wrong, a balance transfer credit card can be a good thing and work to your benefit. With a definite purpose of eliminating some of your debt and then sticking to your plan, a balance transfer credit card with a 0% APR valid for several months, can save you a lot of money in interest payments.

What To Expect When You Complete A Credit Card Application

What To Expect When You Complete A Credit Card Application

You can find a credit card application in your daily postal mail, in your email and you will find all types of credit card applications online. If you want a credit card, if you want a new credit card or even if you are seeking another credit card for your wallet, you can find credit card applications for that particular type of card you want to get. Complete a credit card application to obtain a new line of credit for yourself, your business or even for a child you are sending off to college.

You should know there are different types of credit card applications, such as balance transfers, low interest rate, and you will find special cards for special rewards and needs. Some special reward cards are travel rewards; cash back rewards and low interest rewards. You will find credit card applications for those with bad credit, or you can also find credit card applications for those who are seeking high credit lines. A credit card application can be used to obtain the type of credit card you want to have for your financial security and future.

A credit card application should be filled out completely. You will need to include your name, address, phone number, work information, information about your wages, and your annual income. You will need your credit card information if you are going to transfer balances, and you will need to have your spouse sign the application if you are opening a joint account. A credit card application is not going to take more than a few minutes to complete, online, offline, or in person.

You can complete a credit card application without waiting on the phone or online, and you will get a response to your credit card application in just seconds. When you mail in a credit card application, you have to wait a longer time to get a response, which is generally about two weeks. A credit card application does not take long to fill out, but you determine which method you would like to complete to get a new credit line.

After applying for a credit card, and you find that you are denied, you will get a letter stating that you are not eligible, or perhaps you will get a reply stating that you are qualified but only for a certain savings deposit type credit card. You will on that letter, find a name and address of a company where you can request a free copy of your credit report. You are entitled to that free credit report because you were denied credit, and this is the law.

If you were accepted, you will receive a letter, stating what your new credit line is, what type of credit card you are being issued, and you will be notified in a separate letter with your actual credit card. In still another letter, you should receive your pin number for that credit card. These separate letters are for your protection, so that in case the card was stolen, the person will not have the pin number. If you receive one letter without receiving the others, you should call the credit card company and tell them that there is a problem with that account, and they will reissue you a credit card, and cancel the one that is lost so there is no problems at all with your new account.

What to do when you loose your credit card?

There had been a huge rise in the use of credit cards because of the fact that instead of paying cash people find it easier to use a plastic card to charge. At the same time credit card provide you the convenience and security to carry lot of cash and also you dont need to leave home while you go out to shop.

Sometimes it happens that you loose your credit card that contains cash that is likely for you to get in most of the cases whereas if you had a credit card that you find missing you can easily launch report for it. You need to act wisely to get out of this trouble before anyone finds your credit card information and misuse it. The following tips shall help you as such:

1. You should cancel your credit card as soon as possible because the sooner you cancel, the less are the chances of anyone misusing it. You should also keep your credit card company numbers at number of locations so that you can ring the company even if your wallet is stolen.

2. Its not necessary that you review your statements in case your credit card is stolen but you should review it on regular basis because if someone gets hold of your credit card number he can purchase things on your behalf and you will be the ultimate payer. If you find anything suspicious you should contact your card issuer immediately.

3. You have to be careful with any paperwork that is related to your credit card and should keep it at safe and secure place. If you throw out old statements make sure that you dispose them properly and the best way is to shred the bank information so that people dont get your account information.

4. You have to be much careful with your PIN number because if you have a secure pin number the person who gets your card wont be able to use it. Never writer down your pin number at any unsafe piece of paper or dont make the mistake of giving it to your relatives and friends.

5. Get your credit card insured that is going to be the best way you can insure the recovery of any loss if your card is stolen. If you are using an independent company then you can register all your cards with them so that you can report multiple losses at once.

6. Make a habit to carry only what is necessary for you as such dont carry all your credit cards when you go out for shopping. This way you wont have to worry for all cards that could be stolen.

Lastly dont panic if your card is stolen instead remain calm and follow these steps then you can get a new card in around a week.

For further details, visit our recommended website www.credit-card-debt-consolidation-guide.infocredit-card-debt-consolidation-guide.info