Any Credit Card

Obscene is usually associated with pornography while credit cards enjoy a more discreet association. At least that is the perception. This article will change your perception.

It is my belief, and may become yours after you read the 7 tricks, credit card issuers should be classified with pornographers. They have, I believe, only one purpose and that purpose is to screw every consumer using their cards as the tool.

I say that not because I am anti credit card. Far from it. I have eight in my wallet and use two of them on a regular basis. I also apply the anti-dote every month to their poisonous bites. But, I am ahead of myself and will give you the anti-dote at the end of this article.

By the way, this article only covers what I classify as the top 7 obscene, nasty ways credit card issuers relieve you of money that should rightfully stay in your wallet. I cover them all in a book I wrote which is in my bio at the end of this article.

This first trick is called the universal default penalty. As you may or may not know, credit card issuers regularly check your credit report for late payments on any of your bills. Even though you have been paying your credit card bill like clockwork every month and have never been late, you still can see a spike in your interest rate because you were late with, for example, your car payment.

The UDP clause permits your card issuer to raise your rate no matter in what account you were late. This clause is found in a document called Terms and Agreement which, by the way, you were given when your card was issued. Probably came in the same envelope.

You didn’t read it. I know you didn’t because the font is about 3.5 in size and it is written in legalese. You threw it away or put it in your file cabinet or desk drawer where it is still resting today.

This doesn’t give them the right to monetarily take you to the cleaners but they know you won’t read it so they take you to the cleaners. All legal by the way because the legislation is written for them and not for the consumer.

Proof of my contention is found in your Terms and Agreement and in the credit card laws. Take the time to read one or the other and you will use stronger language than obscene or tricks when you talk about credit card issuers.

Trick two is one called the over the limit fee. Simply stated, if you charge over your credit limit, you are penalized a sum of money. As of this writing, it is between $25 and $50, depending on card issuer.

Think about this charge for a minute. Who set your limit? The credit card issuer. You didn’t. So, if you have a $1500 limit, how can you over charge given their computer is preset with that amount and is supposed to block any more charges once you hit $1500?

Since the credit card issuer imposed the limit, how can they charge you a fee for exceeding the limit? If you exceeded the limit, they had to grant permission, right? If they granted permission, than they just reset your limit to a higher amount. So, if they reset your limit to a higher amount, you can’t be over your limit, can you?

Wrong. Read the Terms and Agreement. They have a little clause permitting them to do exactly what was just described without penalty to them but with a penalty to you.

I don’t know about you, but to me this seems like a punch below the belt.

Trick three is a neat little jewel called the special delinquency rate. If you have a card with a low interest rate, you may experience a rapid rise in that rate if you are late a certain number of times in nay specified time period. One particular huge credit card issuer has set the number of times to one. Ouch!

Trick four is the transaction fee. A transaction is nothing more than an action (charging a blouse for example) between you and the merchant. This results in an activity on your card. What else could it possibly do?

Well, since it resulted in an activity, a transaction fee is imposed. But isn’t that what the card is set up to do in the first place? The answer is yes but the transaction fee increases their profits so its inherent action (an activity) gives rise to a fee.

Trick five is called a maintenance fee. You don’t even have to use your credit card and you will be charged. You guessed it. The maintenance fee rears its ugly head. I call this a privilege tax because the company is charging you just because you have their card.

Trick six is a doozy called a service charge. This is a fee for specific services or imposed as a penalty for not meeting certain requirements. For example, applying for a card is considered a service, so a service charge is applied.

Trick seven sounds like one or two of the above fees but is actually imposed on top of all the others. An inactivity charge is imposed if you haven’t used your card for a certain period. For example, let’s presuppose a six month period. You would face an inactivity charge if you didn’t use it during that six month period.

Trick eight (yes, I know the article says 7 but this one is particularly onerous too) is the two-cycle billing trick. Most of us have cards that bill on a one month basis, i.e., charge today and payment is due next month.

Two-cycle billing uses your two previous months’ balances. The math varies a little bit by issuer so rather than give one across the board example, I’ll advise pulling out your Terms and Agreement. By law, this particular deviousness must explained in detail.

If you cannot understand their terminology, math or anything else in that section, ask your banker for an explanation.

OK, now that you know eight of the time bombs your credit card issuer has placed in your wallet, you are armed to take action. When I first opened this article, I said I would give you the anti-dote to their poisonous ways.

I pay the balance in full , a.k.a anti-dote, on every credit card I placed a charge by the due date shown on that card’s statement. You see, the Terms and Agreement does do one good thing for us consumers. It says if we pay in full by the stated due date, we will not face any of their myriad charges and fees.

It is that simple. I watch how much I charge and I pay the balance in full no matter how financially painful it seems at the time.

As a famous commentator used to say, End of story.

About The Author

Tom Koziol wrote “Credit Card Capers: All Their Dirty Tricks Exposed” to level the playing field for consumers when it comes to their credit cards. For more information, visit: http://www.creditcardcapers.com.

deadrun@jps.net

Reach into your wallet or purse, pull out a card, swipe, and you’re done. It is very easy to use a credit card. The problem lies in choosing a card – and it has nothing to do with the picture on the front! Choosing a credit card that works best for you is vital to your credit rating. If you choose incorrectly, you may find yourself in deep debt trouble. Here is some basic, yet extremely important, information that will help you make the right choice.

Your Money Handling Habits

Choosing a credit card that is perfect for one person may be a dismal failure for you because your habits are different. When it comes to choosing your credit card, you need to look very closely and honestly at your habits.

For instance, do you typically carry a balance or do you pay off the card at the end of each month If you answered “yes” then you will need to shop for:

A low Annual Percentage Rate APR. The APR the interest rate you will pay on any outstanding balances each month. The higher the rate, the more you will pay in interest charges.

A fixed-low rate. This means that they will guarantee that your rate will stay low. Oftentimes, a company will offer a low introductory rate to get you signed up and then increase the rates drastically in 3, 6, or 9 months. The problem with a guaranteed rate is that an annual fee often accompanies it. You will need to decide if the lower interest rate guarantee is worth the cost of the annual fee.

If you will be paying off your card at the end of each month, you will not have to worry as much about a low APR since you will not be using it. And with no need for a guarantee, you may be able to avoid yearly fees. However, you will want to be sure to get a card with a grace period.

Grace Period: Be careful to get a card that allows you to pay off your bill at the end of the month with no finance charges. Those that don’t offer the standard grace period begin charging you interest the moment you make a purchase.

Cash Advance Fees: Be aware that most cards charge interest, and sometimes at a higher rate, for cash advances and this charge begins with no grace period even if your card offers a grace period for purchases.

You also need to decide how reliable you will be when it comes to paying on time and keeping yourself under the card limit. If you are often late paying your bills or often do not know how much credit you have left, you will want to watch out for transaction fees and other charges. Many card companies charge a late fee and an over-the-limit fee. These can be substantial. Your best bet is to pay on time and keep under the limit, however, finding a card with lower charges is a good idea.

Here is another important question to consider when looking at your money handling habits: Do you use the card rarely, occasionally, regularly, or frequently Those that use their cards for just about everything instead of using cash or checks will want to look for credit card protection. This way, if you lose your card or it is stolen, you will not be responsible for any purchases made.

Finally, consider the different benefit programs that cards are offering.

Do you travel Then consider a card with frequent travel miles as a reward. Or perhaps one that offers traveler’s insurance.

Do you use your card for large purchases like electronics You may want to consider credit card insurance that will replace your equipment for a specified period of time if it breaks down or gets stolen.

Are you saving to buy a new car There are cards that offer new car rebates.

Do you have a favorite charity Many cards now support specific charities, universities, and organizations by paying the entity a specific amount with each purchase you make.

What matters most is to find the features that fit your pattern of spending and paying. Don’t get fooled by the gimmicks or the advertisements. Know your spending habits, look at the small print, and choose the card that is best for you. With all the different cards available, you will be able to find the right fit for you.

About The Author

Wesley Atkins is the owner of http://www.credit-cards-advisor.com- which aims to get you fitted with the best credit cards to suit your situation. With numerous credit card articles and easy online credit card applications you will never choose the wrong credit card again.

Help! I’ve Been Turned Down

You received an envelope in the mail with a great offer for a low interest credit card. You read all the details, even the boring small print and decided that this card fit your needs to a tee. You filled out the required forms and anticipated the day that the card would arrive – you even got to pick which background you got. However, what came in the mail was not an acceptance and a brand new card but a denial. What is your first reaction Perhaps anger. Perhaps sadness. Perhaps fear. Yet none of these will help you get a card!

So, what should you do

1. The first thing to do is read the letter carefully. Two important pieces of information must be included in the letter you receive when youre credit application is disapproved: The specific reasons you were denied credit, or information on how to obtain those reasons, and, if a credit report was used in making that decision, the name and address of the credit reporting agency. Here are some possible reasons for denial:

Haven’t lived at your current location long enough

Haven’t been employed at your current job long enough

Your income is not sufficient to meet this particular creditor’s minimum income requirement

Information supplied by the credit bureau

2. If the reason for your denial is unclear to you, then call the company for clarification. What were the exact reasons What were the exact standards that you did not meet This information is important to know and understand. If you apply for credit again and are turned down, then this reflects poorly on your credit report. The best advice for this situation is to wait at least 6 months if you have been denied by two different companies in quick succession.

3. If youve been denied credit because of information supplied by a credit bureau, federal law requires the creditor to give you the name, address, and telephone number of the bureau that supplied the information. You should contact this agency for a copy of your credit report. Federal law states that you are entitled to a free copy if you’ve been turned down. Once you receive your report, check it for accuracy. Up to 40% of reports have errors. If you find an error, then you need to report this to the bureau in writing. Be sure to send along whatever proof you may have. Getting the credit bureau to investigate an error will not cost you anything and will save you a lot of time and frustration when it is corrected.

4. If mistakes on your report led to the rejection of your application, ask the credit bureau to send a corrected copy to the lender. Then you can ask the lender to reconsider your application. If however, you were denied because of a poor rating, only better spending habits and time will help you get the credit you desire.

About The Author

Wesley Atkins is the owner of http://www.credit-cards-advisor.com- which aims to get you fitted with the best credit cards to suit your situation. With numerous credit card articles and easy online credit card applications you will never choose the wrong credit card again.

Do you have enormous credit card debt You are certainly not alone. According to research, the average family in the United States has $7000 in credit card debt and pays about $1000 in interest each year! Throw in a late payment or two, or an over-the-limit charge, and that number skyrockets. Imagine what you could do with that $1000 if it weren’t being spent on interest.

Let’s imagine for a moment that you have $5000 debt on one credit card that is charging you 17.5% APR. Let’s also imagine that you pay only the minimum due of $25/month on this card. Guess what You will never pay it off! The interest alone on this card is $73/month!

That means that each month you get further and further into debt. By the time you have been paying on this $5000 for 10 years, assuming you have not used the card during this entire period of time, you will owe $20,385! That’s over $15,000 in interest. If you triple your payment to $75, it will take you over 20 years.

So, what do you do How do you get out of debt and use that money towards other necessities, savings, and investments Here are a few simple methods that you can use without having to go to an expensive financial counselor.

Tip #1: Cut Up Your Cards

The very best way to reduce your credit card debt is to STOP using your credit cards! There is no need to have more than one card, so pick the one with the lowest interest rate and cut up the rest. The one you keep should be deemed an ‘emergency card.” These are true emergencies, not mere inconveniences. For instance, buying a new TV would not be an emergency, but renting a car in order to get to the bedside of a dying loved one would be. You can carry your emergency card with you, but don’t make it too easy to use. One good suggestion is to cover the card tape and paper and write on it: For Emergencies Only.

Tip #2: Move Your Debt

If you have more than one credit card payment, you may want to consider moving debt from a card with a higher APR to one with a lower APR. This will lower the amount of money you are spending towards the interest and get you out of debt faster.

Tip #3: Use the Snowball Principle

List all of your credit card debts, and the amount you are paying each month. Pay off the lowest amount first. Then use that money to start paying off the second lowest amount. And then the next and the next. Let’s look at an example.

If you have a $7000, $5000, and $2000 card with payments of $150, $125, and $100, you will finish paying off the $2000 card first. Once it is paid off, you take that $100 and put it towards the $5000 credit card. That means you are now paying $225/month. You have increased your payments which will pay off that credit card sooner and will have you paying a lot less in interest. Once that is paid off, you apply the $225 to the $7000 card, making your monthly payment $375. This will greatly accelerate the payment of this card, reducing your interest payments even further. When everything is paid off, you now have $375/month extra to put towards savings or investments!

Tip #4: Prioritize Your Debt Repayment

One of the best ways to pay off your debts is to get rid of the highest interest payment first. Looking back at the snowball example, you took the lowest and paid it first. If, however, the $2000 card had the lowest interest rate, you would want to pay off the card with the highest rate first. This will save you much more in interest payments.

If the math gets too hard here, don’t despair. There are many places on the Internet where you can find good debt reduction calculators. It is then just a matter of punching in your numbers and reading the report.

Tip #5: Consider Consolidation

If you own a home, you may want to consider consolidating your debt using a home equity loan. Since a home loan is a secured loan they can take away your house if you don’t pay you have a much lower interest rate than you do on your credit cards. Paying a lower interest rate is always a good thing! Not only that, but the interest you pay on your home loan is tax deductible. This is NOT true for credit cards.

By following these tips, anyone can take control of and completely eliminate credit card debt.

About The Author

Wesley Atkins is the owner of http://www.credit-cards-advisor.com- which aims to get you fitted with the best credit cards to suit your situation. With numerous credit card articles and easy online credit card applications you will never choose the wrong credit card again.

Are you one of the thousands pulling your hair out trying to figure out how youre going to pay your credit card bills Using your credit cards wisely and sensibly will help you avoid financial problems and establish a strong credit rating, so heres some information to help you get your credit card problems under control.

Credit cards are convenient for buying things now and paying later. Credit card companies are in business to make money. Dont forget that every time you use your credit card you are borrowing money. You will pay a finance charge if you dont pay off your balance each month.

Millions of people use credit cards to avoid carrying large amounts of cash, for emergencies, to track spending, etc. However, charging more than your income allows can be worrisome and potentially devastating to your finances and your credit rating. The pitfalls of credit card use are the accumulation of large amounts of debt and the inability to make more than the minimum monthly payment.

Its important to look out for your own interests. Some credit card companies have lowered minimum monthly payments to less than two percent of the balance. It could take 30 years or more to pay off your credit cards if you pay only the minimum payment. Debit cards should not be confused with credit cards. There is no credit extended with a debit card. The money is deducted directly from your savings or checking account. The bottom line is dont spend more than you can afford to pay on a monthly basis.

Limit the number of credit card applications you fill out. There will be an inquiry into your credit report for each application you submit. Your credit report contains a record of every company or institution that has evaluated your credit. It reflects negatively on your credit score if you have an inquiry that does not lead to the issuance of a credit card. Obtaining too many credit cards can affect your ability to finance other purchases as well, such as homes or automobiles. Too much available credit can cause suspicion in the eyes of a lender as to your ability to repay your potential debt.

Consider what you are looking for in a credit card such as the interest rate, annual fee, grace period, and credit line. Be wary of companies offering cards with a low introductory interest rate that often lasts for only a brief period of time, after which they become considerably higher. The average interest rate for credit cards is over fifteen percent. Choose a credit card with no annual fee. Credit card issuers are paid a percentage from the vendor each time you make a purchase. Many companies have waived the annual fee to attract customers. Avoid cards offering a high credit limit. There is great potential to overspend. Instead, pay down your balance before using your card to make additional purchases. Send in your payment well ahead of the due date. Issuers may charge late fees, and late payments could result in a considerably higher interest rate than the advertised rate.

So the bottom line is by using your credit cards wisely you can reduce adverse effects of credit cards and maximize the benefits by spending wisely, using self-discipline, and paying off your balance as quickly as possible to avoid unnecessary fees.

About The Author

© Noel Hynes is the owner of http://1st-for-credit-cards.com. Easy online credit card applications.

There is almost nothing more troublesome than having too much debt to pay each month. Consumers incur debt for many different reasons. Sometimes illness, accidents, or just bad luck can make it seem impossible to get finances under control. Other times it is simply because we spend more money than we earn. The first step toward taking control of your financial situation is to learn how to eliminate your credit card debt.

Develop a budget. Start by listing all sources of income. First list fixed expenses such as mortgage payments, insurance premiums, and auto loans. Next, list the expenses that vary from month to month such as utility bills, recreation and clothing. If there is any hope of controlling your credit card debt you must create and stick to a budget.

There are different kinds of debts. Mortgages and auto loans are debts secured by collateral. In the event of default on a secured debt, a lender may foreclose on your home or repossess your car. Unsecured debts are loans with no collateral and often have variable interest rates and are assessed a fee for late payments. In the event of default on an unsecured debt a lender may report to a credit-reporting agency, contact the debtor repeatedly by mail or telephone, and in general make life miserable for those who find themselves in financial trouble.

If you are among the millions who have found themselves in a financial crisis, consider your options - budgeting, debt consolidation, or bankruptcy. Which works best for you It depends on your level of self-discipline, how much debt you have, and your future financial prospects. While eliminating debt may seem next to impossible, your life does not have to go from bad to worse.

Self-help may be the easiest, cheapest way to eliminate debt. First, stop charging now. Incurring more debt will only compound the problem. Make a list of all your credit card bills starting with the smallest. Pay as much above the minimum payment as you can afford on the card with the lowest balance. Continue until this debt is paid in full, and then proceed to the next card. Systematically paying off your credit cards one by one will reduce your debts dramatically. The fastest way to eliminate credit card debt is to put every penny you can towards paying off your credit cards. Do not underestimate the effect an extra five or ten dollars paid repeatedly over time can have on eliminating debt.

You may be able to reduce the amount of your combined monthly payments and lower the interest rate by obtaining a home equity line of credit or a second mortgage. Think carefully before taking this route. Your home becomes collateral with these loans. If you make late payments or miss payments you could lose your home. These types of loans may provide certain tax advantages but the fees can really add up. The same goes for debt consolidation. You eliminate or reduce interest rates and the amount of your monthly payments, but the length of the contract and the fees can be more than your original debt.

As a last resort, bankruptcy could be considered. A bankruptcy remains on your credit report for 10 years, making it difficult to obtain credit, get life insurance, or buy a home. However, it can be a fresh start for those who cannot otherwise satisfy their debts.

About The Author

Noel Hynes is the owner of http://1st-for-credit-cards.com. Easy online credit card applications.

If you’re a college student, you probably already have a credit card. If not, you may have plans to get one or more soon. So why should you read on Because financial debt is one of the main reasons that many students end up dropping out of college. Because your college years can be some of your most memorable—and some of your most costly. They don’t, however, have to be the beginning of an adult life strapped with debt. Although you may still feel in limbo between your teen years and adulthood, it’s time to take charge of your finances and manage them as an adult. The sooner you do, the sooner you’ll be able to start saving and spending your own money.

For those new to credit cards and for others who know all about credit, let’s go back to the basics.

Why do credit card companies court college students

It’s obvious by the friendly representatives who offer a free t-shirt or CD just for signing up in the student center. Or the applications slipped into bookstore bags. Or mail boxes crowded with card offers. Credit card companies want college students to carry their card.

Did you ever stop to wonder why One reason is loyalty—once a person has a card in their wallet, they are likely to keep that particular card and its upgrades for years to come. Another reason: college students are good customers.

While this may seem ironic considering that most college students are without a steady source of income, Robert Manning, Ph.D., Professor in the College of Business at Rochester Institute of Technology and author of Credit Card Nation, says this is one example of how the credit card industry has changed radically in the past decade or so. “Previously, conservative rules deemed a good customer as one that paid their bills on time,” he says. “Now, a good customer is one that can’t repay their debt.”

“Credit is no longer an earned privilege,” continues Dr. Manning. “It’s now considered a social entitlement, and the screening criteria for card applicants is weak.”

Banks make money by charging annual fees, late payment penalties and interest fees on unpaid credit card balances. Therefore, card holders with revolving debt those who do not pay their balances in full each month are desirable. NellieMae.org illustrates this point beautifully through an example of a student with a credit card balance of $7,000 at an interest rate of 18.9%. If this student faithfully makes the minimum monthly payment of 3% or $25 – whichever is higher, and does not charge anything else to the account, it will take more than 16 years and $7,173 in interest fees to repay the bill!

Additionally, Manning notes the banking industry has learned that college students will draw upon various sources of income to pay their debt—including student loans, money from part-time jobs, and as a last resort, many will ask a family member to supply the funds to get them out of debt.

How to make credit work for you, not against you

According to Nellie Mae, 81% of college freshman have at least one credit card. And for good reason. Credit cards enable online purchases—from text books to concert tickets, make it possible to rent a car, and help with medical emergencies or vehicle breakdowns. Used wisely, credit cards can be helpful throughout college, and can assist you in the development of financial management skills.

As soon as you get your first credit card or loan, you have entered the world of credit reports and scores. A credit report is compiled by credit bureaus and contains information about your identity and credit relationships, among other things. Credit scoring is a system that lenders use to help determine your ‘credit worthiness.’ Credit scores are based upon your bill-paying history, the number and type of accounts you have, late payments, collection actions, outstanding debt and the age of your accounts.

It’s vital to know that your credit score affects your ability to get loans, car loans, and home mortgages. Future jobs and insurance premiums can also be influenced by your credit score. By paying your bills in full or in a timely manner, a credit card will help you establish a good credit score. Late payment or no payment will help you earn a poor credit score. For more information on credit reports and scores and how they affect you, check out CardRatings.com.

Developing a new view about credit

Mary Ann Campbell, CFP, founder of MoneyMagic.com and a money educator, cites unrealistic expectations as a major reason for high student debt.

Campbell, who teaches personal finance courses, says “Many students’ expectations of their earning potential after college far exceeds what their actual income will be.” She notes that some students use their credit cards with abandon during college, planning to pay off their debt when they land that great job after college. Indeed, some students forget that in order to get to the top of the career ladder, there are a few rungs, i.e., less paying jobs, they have to climb first. And the expense of starting a new job and life on your own can just add to existing debt.

Manning’s website, CreditCardNation.com, contains a great resource for students seeking a more realistic view of the first few years after college. Using the ‘Budget Estimator,’ a module designed by Manning, students can identify an average yearly or monthly starting salary for jobs in their particular major. The program automatically figures in estimates for taxes and social security payments. Students can then plug in expenses for housing, car payments, utilities, food, insurance, telephone and internet bills, clothing, credit card bills, student loan payments, and entertainment, etc. The module lets you know when you have spent more money than you make, and allows you to adjust payments as necessary until you get the hang of how your money is best distributed.

Students that seem to have the most credit woes Those who believe their standard of living during and after college should not vary from when they lived at home on their parents’ income. Cable television, cell phones with cameras, and new cars become ‘necessities’ instead of nice extras.

Advice to grow on

When it comes to credit cards, students have great advice for other students. Heather, a college junior from Arkansas, recommends getting one card with a low limit. “This limits the amount of credit you have access to and therefore removes the temptation to spend more than you have or more than you can pay off immediately,” she says.

Another student recommends selectivity. “Don’t sign up for a card that charges an annual fee to use it, and read the terms of the card before applying. You wouldn’t believe how many people don’t know what an APR rate is.” For more information on finding the best rated cards, check out CardRatings.com. You can read reviews of cards from other students and get the lowdown on perks of various credit cards.

Campbell has three recommendations for students: The first is open communication. Campbell says students who are educated about financial matters seem to have a better overall attitude regarding credit cards. Students should find a trusted source to talk openly with about money issues. Second, students should switch from spending behaviors such as shopping to activities that help you achieve the same feeling of gratification or reward, such as intramurals, exercise or campus organizations.

Last, but certainly not least, enroll in a personal finance course as soon as your schedule allows. Says Campbell, “If it’s not required coursework, take it as an elective. You will learn a set of life skills that will not only help you right now, but also after college and for the rest of your life.”

About The Author

Rebecca Lindsey is a Senior Staff Writer for http://www.CardRatings.com. She began writing articles about consumer credit issues for http://www.CardRatings.com in September 2000.

Whether you have no credit or damaged credit, secured credit cards are a good tool for building a good credit history.

Several months ago Tom, a member of CreditBoards.com, filed for a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. Now he is in the process of rebuilding his credit history. It’s a task that is not easy, but with patient persistence he is seeing progress already. Daily he checks his credit score and is slowly seeing improvement. 1 In addition to correcting every mistake, even the smallest ones, on his credit report, he is using a secured credit card. 2 This secured card is an important tool in the overall process of building or rebuilding credit.

Who should consider a secured credit card

Someone who has no credit history.

Someone with a damaged credit history.

What is a secured credit card

Secured cards are credit cards opened with a deposit into a savings account, money market or certificate of deposit. The amount of deposit required varies from card to card, but generally minimum amounts range from $250 - $500. These funds are considered your security and will even earn a little interest since they are being held in a savings account. Your credit limit is determined by the amount you deposit into the savings account. Sometimes the limit will be for the full amount of the deposit; other times it will be a percentage of the total.

It is important to keep in mind that a secured card is a credit card, not a debit card. If full payments are not made each month, then interest is charged on the outstanding balance. And the lending institution uses the security money to pay off the debt only as a last resort. Even though the card is secured, it is still possible to damage credit.

What are the benefits of a secured credit card

Establishing credit. If you have never had a credit card, a good first step in establishing good credit is applying for a secured credit card. Assistant Professor of Economics at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN, Jerry Plummer says, “A secured card is most useful for the person starting out on their credit history, since it says that the person is willing to take the extra step to establish credit.”

Reestablishing credit. If your credit history is damaged, you may only be able to qualify for a secured credit card. Using this secured card appropriately and within the set parameters will help rebuild your credit and qualify you for an unsecured card. If you have had to file for bankruptcy, however, you may not qualify until it has been discharged.

Preset limit cannot be exceeded. If poor spending habits were part of the cause for bad credit, then a secured credit card will help keep spending in check.

Useful for transactions that require a credit card. Hotels and car rentals require the use of a credit card. If you don’t qualify for an unsecured card but you do for a secured card, then you are still able to make the transaction.

What should I look for or avoid when shopping for a secured credit card

Fees. This is the area you will really want to research when shopping for a secured credit card. Some cards will come with fees that run into the hundreds of dollars, eating away much of the credit you secured with the savings account. Professor Plummer says a card with no fee is the best, but a small one-time fee can be okay. Annual fees for attractive secured cards typically range from $20-$35. Be sure to watch out for hidden fees such as “registration charges” and “setup fees.”

Interest Rate. Just because you have no or poor credit doesn’t mean you have to settle for the highest interest rate. Interest rates for attractive secured cards should not exceed 19%. Shop around and get the most competitive rate available.

Read the fine print. Linda Tucker, Director of Education for Consumer Credit Counseling Service for Arkansas and Memphis, TN, stresses the importance of reading the fine print. Doing so will let you know your exact obligations to the issuing company: for example, the grace period, what happens if you don’t make a full payment, and what fees are attached if you don’t make the full payment. Understanding these details will help make sure you are not further damaging your credit.

Fraudulent Offers. As with unsecured cards you need to watch out for fraudulent offers.The Federal Trade Commission gives the following advice to protect yourself from credit card fraud: Offers of easy credit. No one can guarantee to get you credit. Before deciding whether to give you a credit card, legitimate credit providers examine your credit report. A call to a 900 number for a credit card. You pay for calls with a 900 prefix -- and you may never receive a credit card. Credit cards offered by "credit repair" companies or "credit clinics." These businesses also may offer to clean up your credit history for a fee. However, you can correct genuine mistakes or outdated information yourself by contacting credit bureaus directly. Remember that only time and good credit habits will restore your credit worthiness.

When will I qualify for an unsecured credit card

It can take several months to see an improvement in your credit history. Bankrate says it’s a good indicator when you start receiving flyers in the mail for unsecured cards that your credit is improving. However, it’s a good idea to continue taking things slowly. Using a secured card will help you learn healthy habits so that when you do get an unsecured credit card you remain in control of your spending and credit.

Where can I find a secured credit card

Most companies don’t advertise secured cards. But you can visit the Card Reports section of http://www.CardRatings.com to find out where and how to apply. Click on the link entitled “Cards for Consumers with Poor or No Credit”.

Other tips

Tom recommends sticking with only one or two cards and keeping spending to a minimum. The goal is to pay the card off each month.

Tucker emphasizes the importance of paying the amount due each month; otherwise late fees can be charged, interest rates raised, privileges lost, and credit history negatively affected.

Make sure you are getting a credit card as opposed to a gas card or a department store card.

Make sure a reputable bank or credit union, even a local one, is issuing the card. And, don’t automatically assume a bank is issuing the card.

Not all issuers report to the three major credit agencies Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. It’s important to get a card that does report to all three agencies; otherwise you will be wasting your time. Fortunately, secured cards normally report to the credit agencies just like unsecured cards you should verify this before applying.

If you have filed for bankruptcy, you may need to wait until it has been discharged before qualifying for a secured card.

Get one only if you cannot get credit, since you have no credit record; or if you have poor credit. Plummer says, “Many companies will not even count them as credit, such as automobile F&I Finance and Insurance people, although they will not admit it.” So, if you don’t really need a secured card, you will be doing more harm than good.

Finally, whatever situation you are in, no credit or poor credit, the best way to build good credit is to set up a budget and then stick with it.

1 You can pay membership fees to any one of the three credit bureaus – Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax- to be able to check your credit score online daily. Visit our Credit Information section for more details. Tom recommends purchasing Microsoft Money 2004, which comes with a one-year membership to Experian value of $99.00.

2 To find out more about correcting errors on your credit report, read our article How to Correct Mixed or Split Credit Reports.

About The Author

Amy Cooper-Arnold is a staff writer for http://www.CardRatings.com. Amy has been employed in various accounting-related positions. She will graduate this December from Austin Peay State University with a degree in English.

Sometimes life lands you in a situation that causes your credit to suffer. A job loss or illness can send your credit rating south leaving you with nothing to do about it. Some creditors may let you slide a month or two, but your records will still show a delinquency. A stolen identity can also leave you feeling violated and unable to resume a normal life with credit. It is during these times you may have to search a little harder to find companies that wan to deal with people who have bad credit. There are a handful of lenders who will help you re-establish your creditworthiness by using one of their credit cards.

The price you will pay

Searching the Internet will give you a good idea of what types of credit card companies will deal with bad credit. Companies like Capital One, Orchard Bank, Providian Financial and even Citibank have plans to help you get back on your feet again. But at what price will you have to pay The price is interest. Interest rates from these companies can be up to 25-30% annually. So it is important to manage your money and credit more wisely.

One of the many benefits of using one of these preferred lenders is that they report positively to the major credit scoring repositories. That means if you make timely payment it will be in your favor and will help boost your credit rating back up. The interest you pay is a small price to pay to get back on your credit worthy feet.

The secured credit card route

Most of the major banks and lending institutions may seek a deposit matching mechanism called a secured credit deposit before backing a credit card for you. This card is used the same way that a normal credit card is, however the cardholder must fund it before using. If the cardholder deposits $100 into the interest bearing account their credit card is funded at 100% of their deposit. Some credit cards can at their disposal issue double or triple matches to boost the amount the creditor can spend. The deposit of $100 can return $300 in credit terms. Secured credit cards also report positively to the credit agencies and will eventually become normal revolving accounts and the balances held for deposit are credited back to the cardholder’s account. A very positive way for people with bad credit to obtain the financial vehicles they need.

By Jakob Jelling http://www.cashbazar.com

About The Author

Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.cashbazar.com. Visit his website for the latest on personal finance, debt elimination, budgeting, credit cards and real estate.

With today’s credit card companies, there are many opportunities to get your cards rate of 21% or more reduced. The higher the amount of interest your card charges will cost you more for a simple purchase and ultimately may take you years to pay off instead of months, should you make the minimum payment allowed. People often just pay the minimum balance as a way to improve their credit rating; this couldn’t be a more dangerous way to increase your credit score. Leveraging the credit card company to say “Uncle” to your ability to switch over is easier than you think.

The switch over tactic

If your credit card interest rate is over 20% you should definitely seek relief in several ways. One of these ways is to let them know you are thinking of moving to a competitor’s credit card because they are offering a lower rate. They will move promptly to earn your dollars and interest. Let them know how unsatisfied you are about their ability to reduce your percentage rate commensurate with your ability to pay your bill in a timely manner. They will probably put you on hold immediately and speak with a manager to get your rate reduced.

Don’t be afraid to move to another credit card company

Some credit card companies will not budge when it comes to reducing your rate: even if you threaten to leave them. That is when you look for another credit card that meets your immediate financial needs. Shop around to the major credit card companies and seek out the best possible rates. You can also search on the Internet for sites that give the best credit card ratings. This will allow you to make a financial decision that can save you hundreds if not thousands in the long run.

There are a dozen reputable credit card companies in the market who are willing to sign you up to earn your interest. These cards will even offer to assume your previous credit card debt to help reduce the interest you are bearing on those accounts.

By Jakob Jelling http://www.cashbazar.com

About The Author

Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.cashbazar.com. Visit his website for the latest on personal finance, debt elimination, budgeting, credit cards and real estate.

Ok, let’s face it, everybody hates high credit card rates, and they drain hard earned money out of your wallet. As a valued consumer, it is apparent that you learn how to negotiate to get the absolute best rate that you possibly can. The good news however is that it doesn’t have to be a difficult or time-consuming process. In fact, it can be very easy indeed if you know what you’re doing. In this article we will discuss the ins and outs of credit card negotiating to ensure that you get the best possible rate with the least amount of effort.

First and foremost, you should figure out if you even want to continue using your current credit card company http://www.the-credit-card-centre.co.uk/best-credit-cards.html . Are you pleased with the overall service that you are receiving Do you like their benefits If the answer is yes then you can proceed. If not, you should stop reading this article and start looking for a better company.

Second, you should evaluate your paying history and make sure that it is positive before you call to negotiate. If it is positive then you have power and if it isn’t then you’ll be negotiating from a position of weakness and that might not be good. Instead, you should wait until it is more positive before you call them to negotiate rates.

Third, if you have a good history then remember this when you call. In essence, you’ll have extremely high negotiating power. The company needs your business in order to be successful and with clients they lose big time. Therefore, you should always display this “take them or leave them attitude” while conducting your negotiations.

Draft up a script and memorize it. It can be as simple as “Hello, my name is Bill and I have been a cardholder for X years and I consistently pay my bills on a time. Well recently I have been receiving all types of credit card offers from XYZ bank indicating that I qualify for an extremely low interest rate of X and am considering leaving you and going there if you can’t offer me a lower rate. Is this something that you can help me with

Practice, practice and practice some more with your script until you are completely and totally used to it. Once you are, contact the company. Read your script and see what happens.

If you get a hard nose customer service representative then don’t threaten her. Be agreeable and ask to speak to his/her supervisor. If that is not possible, be nice to her and try again she may have some leeway. If you like your present company, you can even try negotiating interest rates, annual and even those yucky late fees.

However, if you’re fed up, have an alternative company in the wings, and your current company won’t budge with their rates then be willing to take your business elsewhere. After all, you hold the power so don’t be afraid to use it! They key however is to not bluff but to follow through with your threat. Close the account, ask for them to send you notification in the mail, cancel the credit card and use another card.

In conclusion, you can be successful with the negotiating process if you follow the above mentioned tips. If your current company is unwilling to cooperate then you should simply take your business elsewhere. You’re better off with another credit card company that values your savvy negotiating skills!

About The Author

Claire Bowes is a successful freelance writer and owner of The Credit Card Centre http://www.the-credit-card-centre.co.uk where you will find further advice and tips on the best credit card deals http://www.the-credit-card-centre.co.uk/best-credit-cards.html and 0% credit cards http://www.the-credit-card-centre.co.uk/0%-credit-cards.html .

If you’re a webmaster who has been itching to start a home based business and you are experiencing some cash flow problems and are considering leaving your dreams by the wayside, don’t. Credit cards may be your answer. Now before you start feeling guilty about using your credit cards for some much needed cash flow and before you antagonize over this issue because of “debt”, let me assure you that credit cards may be your key to success when you use them wisely.

This isn’t to say that you should go out and run up your cards up to the limit simply because they are there. Instead, we’re saying that credit cards http://www.the-credit-card-shop.co.uk/ are not all bad, credit card companies aren’t the devil and if you use your cards smartly then they can help jump start your fledging business’ finances or get you out of a cash crunch. However, the key is to learn how to use credit cards to your advantage and not your disadvantage. With this in mind, we have provided you with the top five tips that will help you use your credit cards wisely:

First and foremost, you should realize that carrying cards have some advantages. Here are some major ones that you should be aware of: Credit allows you to buy needed supplies instantly instead of waiting until later; You can spread out the cost of expensive equipment like software and computers; You can learn to cleverly float cards and get months of interest free loans if you choose the right card and use it correctly; When you use cards, your purchases are insured; Credit cards allow you to keep track of miscellaneous purchases and expenses; You can earn points and other rewards simply for using the card; Credit cards help you budget your money. You get a single limit and once that is exceeded then you will be declined so you’ll be encouraged to keep track of how much limit you have.

Second, you have to find a card that has a great rate and/or the best benefits for you. For instance, if you will pay off the balance every month but travel a lot then you might want to consider a card with a higher interest rate that gives more frequent flier miles since you will not be affected by the interest rate when you can’t pay off the credit card balance every month. On the other hand, if you can’t pay your balance every month, you should consider the card with a lower interest rate. http://the-credit-card-shop.co.uk/low-interest-credit-cards.htm

Once you’ve found an appropriate card, you should make a commitment to pay your balance responsibly. That is, you should only charge the amount that you can realistically pay in a month or so and make a point not to rack up a ton of credit card debt.

You should really try and avoid using your credit card to get cash advances. This is because most companies charge cash advance fees which could hurt you. However, an exception to this would be if you have an emergency and need to handle a cash crunch then you should use the least amount possible.

Review your statements as soon as you get them to evaluate interest rates. Make sure that you don’t see any errors and if you do then report them right away.

In conclusion, you shouldn’t feel guilty about using your credit cards to help you start or finance your fledging web business. Instead, you should use the above-mentioned tips and use your cards responsibly so that they continue to be a blessing when you need them!

About The Author

Claire Bowes is a successful freelance writer and owner of the Credit Card Centre http://www.the-credit-card-centre.co.uk/ where you will find further advice and tips on the best credit card deals http://the-credit-card-centre.co.uk/best-credit-cards.html , 0% credit cards and small business credit cards. http://the-credit-card-centre.co.uk/business-credit-cards.html.

These days, people need to very carefully consider what type of credit card they will carry in their wallets. There are so many options out there, and each individual has different needs. Some of us tend to carry a balance, so we need a low interest credit card. Others pay off their card each month and so dont pay any interest. They are more concerned with having a credit card that has no annual fee.

These days, with so much competition between credit card companies, you can get so much more. You can get 0% introductory APRs, free balance transfers, and a whole host of exciting credit card rewards: travel, shopping, even points toward college tuition!

You get credit card offers in the mail every day. And you do need to make sure that you are using the credit card that is best for you. Instead of sifting through all those credit card offers in the mail, why not go online and check out the incredible offerings of credit card reward programs In addition to getting the best credit card for you, as well as any perks that come with the card, you will earn a cash reward, just for signing up for your favorite low interest credit card online!

Credit card reward programs allow you to easily view and compare all of the best deals that the major, top of the line companies have to offer. And, when you decide to complete an application, you will receive a cash reward or free merchandise through the reward programs!

You see, in exchange for connecting consumers to opportunities to do business with them, credit car companies pay their affiliates a commission. Credit card rewards programs pass most of those commissions on to you. In return, you might enjoy the great deals offered by the rewards program on a regular basis and you may just refer your friends! The bottom line is that with credit card rewards programs you get the best low interest credit card for your needs, a generous cash reward, as well as opportunities to get free merchandise, other cash bonuses and really spectacular discounts and bargains.

The process is really very simple. You create an account with a rewards program, and in most cases youll also get a cash bonus just for signing up. Thats in addition to the cash reward you get for filling out a credit card application. Once enrolled with the rewards program, you will be able to browse the excellent deals available from well-established credit card companies. As you do so, note the cash reward you will receive as an incentive for signing up. When you make your choice, simply apply online. When you receive your credit card, the rewards program will credit your account for the amount of the cash reward.

You can redeem your cash reward or free merchandise by simply verifying your reward program account usually by phone. Soon you will receive your cash bonus or free merchandise and enjoy your new low interest credit card!

You can learn more about getting credit card rewards at our credit card rewards section:

http://www.1st-in-rewards.com/credit-card-rewards.html

About The Author

Gerardas Norkus is a successful author and publisher of http://www.1st-in-rewards.com. Great tips on receiving free merchandise and money from online rewards programs.

Copyright 2004. http://www.1st-in-rewards.com all rights reserved. You may freely distribute or publish this article provided you publish the whole article and include this copyright notice and links in full.

I AM THE CONSUMER. AND I HAVE LOW-RATE SUPER-POWERS!

Note: The following is part 1 of a 5 part series. Over the course of these next 5 articles, I am going to introduce you to several methods for maximizing the use and benefits of the best Credit Cards and offers on the market today. This information, when used in conjunction with one another, is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. I like to call this approach, the “5 SuperCharged Secrets to Credit Card Utopia.” SECRET 1: I AM THE CONSUMER. AND I HAVE LOW-RATE SUPER-POWERS! SECRET 2: INTEREST BEWARE, THERE’S SAFETY IN NUMBERS! SECRET 3: TURBO-CHARGED KILLER RATE SAVING INFORMATION! SECRET 4: YOU SCRATCH MY BACK, AND I’LL BUY SOME MORE BEER! SECRET 5: LIVING IN CREDIT CARD UTOPIA

Without further Ado, let’s get started:

SECRET 1: I AM THE CONSUMER. AND I HAVE LOW-RATE SUPER-POWERS!

1 How would you like a zero interest credit card

WHAT Did you say ZERO interest That’s like 0.00%, or .0000000%, or nothing, or nada, or no interest Tom! Can’t be!!!

2 Actually, that’s exactly what I mean.

You can have zero interest on a perfect day, or, can you live with 4% interest I just received a credit card offer for 4% interest which I turned down…, but if I needed it, that is completely reasonable, don’t you think

3 You see, you are the consumer, and you have Low-Rate Super Powers!

This is a hot, credit-hungry market we’re in. There are banks and lending institutions that would do just about anything to entice you in to their little web of plastic loanery.

4 Here’s Secret #1 revealed:

Credit Card companies are competing with each other, by offering consumers like us, low-interest, to no interest, balance transfers on already existing debt. Granted, these are usually but not always… limited to a time period like 6 months…

But, what do you care 6 months of zero interest is certainly MUCH better than 6 months of 19% interest, RIGHT

5 The first, most important thing you need to do, is examine if you have outstanding balances on other credit cards. If you do, then wisen up!

Let me be your Dad for a second…”Stop being lazy!” Go shop for a new credit card, and ask them if they offer balance transfer opportunities. Virtually ALL OF THEM DO! When you get the answer you’re looking for, apply. They’ll send you a nifty letter in the mail with a bunch of blank checks. Have a feel day! Go pay off your other credit cards, transfer the balances, and start enjoying zero to low interest! Pretty cool, huh

6 But TOM, what do I do in six months

Oh please. You know what you need to do. Mark your calendar, or your Franklin Covey, or your PDA, or whatever you use, and repeat the procedure again in 6 months hot-tip: look for no-time limit zero interest balance transfers.

This is easy stuff, folks. But it does take a couple extra steps.

That’s why people AREN’T DOING IT, if you can believe that!

Well, it’s your turn to be the smart consumer, right Take this BIG, HUGE, sensible first step, and you are well on your way to the pearly gates of Credit Card Utopia!

We’ve enjoyed providing this information to you, and we wish you the best of luck in your pursuits. Remember to always seek out good advice from those you trust, and never turn your back on your own common sense.

Publisher’s Directions:

This article may be freely distributed so long as the copyright, author’s information, disclaimer, and an active link where possible are included.

Disclaimer: Statements and opinions expressed in the articles, reviews and other materials herein are those of the authors. While every care has been taken in the compilation of this information and every attempt made to present up-to-date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that inaccuracies will not occur. The author will not be held responsible for any claim, loss, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of any information within these pages or any information accessed through this site.

About The Author

Tom Levine provides a solid, common sense approach to solving problems and answering questions relating to consumer loan products. His website seeks to provide free online resources for the consumer, including rate-watch, tips and articles, financial communication, news, and links to products and services. You can check out Toms website here: http://loanresource.org, or you can email Tom at info@loanresource.org.

INTEREST BEWARE, THERE’S SAFETY IN NUMBERS!

Note: The following is part 2 of a 5 part series, Over the course of these 5 articles, I am going to introduce you to several methods for maximizing the use and benefits of the best Credit Cards and offers on the market today. This information, when used in conjunction with one another, is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. I like to call this approach, the “5 SuperCharged Secrets to Credit Card Utopia.” SECRET 1: I AM THE CONSUMER. AND I HAVE LOW-RATE SUPER-POWERS! SECRET 2: INTEREST BEWARE, THERE’S SAFETY IN NUMBERS! SECRET 3: TURBO-CHARGED KILLER RATE SAVING INFORMATION! SECRET 4: YOU SCRATCH MY BACK, AND I’LL BUY SOME MORE BEER! SECRET 5: LIVING IN CREDIT CARD UTOPIA

Without further Ado, let’s continue with Secret #2:

SECRET 2: INTEREST BEWARE, THERE’S SAFETY IN NUMBERS!

1 This secret method isn’t for everyone.

I would venture to say that this turbo-charged low rate secret is really for those with reasonably good credit.

But with that said, you may have good ENOUGH credit, and it doesn’t hurt to TRY. If you don’t succeed, then you’ve been blessed with the one thing most people don’t have, and that’s a GOAL…

You know what you want, better credit, and there are TONS of resources out there to help you get from point A to point B, much faster then you can imagine.

When you get there, this method is for you for sure! Work towards this! It’s worth it.

2 If you have pretty good credit, it’s time to use it to your MAXIMUM ADVANTAGE.

Do you like to shop at Costco® I do. I LOVE shopping at Costco®. I know it costs me a membership fee every year, but I save money like CRAZY!

Why Because Costco® can buy in bulk, and get huge deals from their merchants.

You see, there’s safety in numbers. Costco® Members enjoy the benefit of pooling together their buying power, and extracting huge savings from vendors and suppliers.

3 And here we go! Secret #2 revealed: Take that concept, and apply it to Credit Cards! Interest Rates beware, because there’s safety in numbers!

I’m talking about the big BLUE! I’m talking about American Express®.

Now, most of us who have not yet climbed on board to AMEX® are comfy with having a Visa®/MasterCard® in our wallets. I know. I was one of you at one time. You think it’s better, because Visa®/MasterCard® are more widely accepted. Right

I’ll grant you that in some smaller “ma/pa” operations, you may not be able to swipe your BLUE. But other than that, AMEX® is widely, widely accepted everywhere…Worldwide.

4 Go check it out for yourself.

AMEX® is generally available at all nationwide chains like department stores, grocery stores, restaurants, and many, many other fine establishments. My wife and I spend money, just like you do. We use AMEX® as much as we can, and we don’t have a problem with the ability to swipe it virtually everywhere.

5 I believe, firmly, American Express® is using the concept of pooled membership, to give you KILLER interest Rates, and amazing perks too.

I believe that the benefit of this pooled power is passed on to you, as a member of American Express®.

How do I know this Because I’m a member, and I can attest that the interest rates are low, low, low!

For example, as of today’s date, my American Express® Blue no annual fee, by the way is carrying a 9% interest rate I also get balance transfer checks all the time…See Secret 1.

6 Are there lower rates out there

Well, maybe. But, I don’t care. I like the fact that I don’t have to go shopping for a low rate. I just KNOW that American Express® IS the lowest, if not one of the lowest.

It’s just so much less work for me as a consumer, to be a member of AMEX®. No more shopping around.

7 Go with the Credit Card Company that takes care of the CONSUMER FIRST! .

I don’t mean to sound like a commercial. I also have a Citibank®, and other fine credit cards in my wallet, and our website provides information on ALL major credit card companies, not just AMEX®, so I have no vested interest in one over another.

But the secret knowledge here is that American Express® seems to have the BUYING POWER to consistently give consumers some of the lowest interest rates on the market, and that’s what makes them the BEST.

8 Check it out for yourself. Do your own research.

Don’t rely solely on this writer’s testimony. Go look around. Compare all the benefits, and the rates, and the rewards programs, and you’ll see. AMEX® has no competition. Not for the consumer, anyway.

And in Credit Card Utopia, we always go with the best. As powerful consumers, we come first. We NEVER settle for less.

We’ve enjoyed providing this information to you, and we wish you the best of luck in your pursuits. Remember to always seek out good advice from those you trust, and never turn your back on your own common sense.

Publisher’s Directions: This article may be freely distributed so long as the copyright, author’s information, disclaimer, and an active link where possible are included.

Disclaimer: Statements and opinions expressed in the articles, reviews and other materials herein are those of the authors. While every care has been taken in the compilation of this information and every attempt made to present up-to-date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that inaccuracies will not occur. The author will not be held responsible for any claim, loss, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of any information within these pages or any information accessed through this site.

About The Author

Tom Levine provides a solid, common sense approach to solving problems and answering questions relating to consumer loan products. His website seeks to provide free online resources for the consumer, including rate-watch, tips and articles, financial communication, news, and links to products and services. You can check out Toms website here: http://loanresource.org, or you can email Tom at info@loanresource.org.

TURBO-CHARGED KILLER RATE SAVING INFORMATION!

Let’s just take a brief moment to recap:

If you’ve been following along on this journey with me, learning the 5 Super-Charged secrets to Credit Card Utopia, then you now know 2 very important things: You now know how to take advantage of zero to low interest credit card offers. You now know that there is safety in numbers, and you know the magic “Who’s Who” of the major credit card companies. You know that one of them, in my opinion, stands out for consumers.

With me Good. These are both essential foundations that you need to follow in order to live in Credit-Card Utopia.

Now, let me flavor it up for you.

What could be better than zero interest credit cards What could be better than having the best, lowest, guaranteed credit card in your wallet

1 How about cash Would that work for you

How about a big fat check at the end of the year, in the thousands and thousands and thousands of dollars

Would you like to get PAID thousands of dollars each year, just for spending money that you ALREADY SPEND

You might realize that I’m not talking DIRECTLY about interest rates. But listen, I can’t get much lower then zero interest. I need you to think creatively with me now.

2 Rewards Cards, otherwise known as incentive-based credit cards. Let’s start there.

These are no secret. Many of us have rewards cards. I have several, in fact, and I get many rewards for spending with them. I get airline miles, and I get gas vouchers, and I get discounts at online stores…AND…I get Cash.

But let me talk about a HUGE secret that most people are not yet fully exploiting for their personal and financial gain.

3 My family and I are just now getting into making money with Cash-Back offers:

Cash rebates, Cash-Back cards, those are the ones I want to focus on with you here, for a second.

How do these cash-back cards lower your interest rate Well, at this stage, it’s a semantics game, but if you have 9% interest for example, and you use a cash-back credit card that pays you 3% on all transactions…Well, that’s like getting a 3% discount on the rate, so your charge is more along the lines of 6%. It’s not EXACTLY like that, but you get the point.

More importantly, let’s dig deeper.

4 I’m going to tell you how to TURBO-CHARGE this mechanism, and EXPLOIT IT FOR EVERYTHING it’s WORTH.

You see, your credit card company wants you to spend as much money as possible with their plastic.

Yes, they’d like to charge you interest on debt. But even if you pay it off every month, did you know that they still make a profit on the transaction from the Merchant fees

Yes, the credit card charges the merchant a fee for swiping your card. It can range anywhere from 1% to as high as 6%...

It does not impact you the consumer directly, but it does give you some insight into why you can become business partners with your credit card company.

5 Secret # 3 revealed: Here’s what my family and I are doing:

We use our cash-back credit card for EVERYTHING.

We simply have restructured our spending so that all expenses, or almost all expenses, go through our cash-back credit card.

Grocery stores, restaurants, shopping, dining, gas…Everything. In fact, as of the writing of this article, American Express® has developed a Bill-Pay type system so we are able to actually pay some of our bills using our cash-back credit card.

Can you imagine A credit card company developing online bill-pay. Now, how SMART is that

6 Let me ask you something. How much money do you spend every year on expenses

Don’t get your calculator out, because the answer is simple. You basically, spend….AS MUCH AS YOU MAKE…

The vast majority of us do. So, let me ask you the same question a different way: How much money do you make

How much is 3% to 5% of that

I’ll give you an example. If the average household income and expenses were around $50,000, then that means a savvy consumer, with a cash-back credit card, could generate a check every year of between $1500 and $2500.

7 Holly Cape Canaveral, Batman!!! That’s $2500 free cash dollars, every single year!

What would YOU do with all that free money Buy a vacation, a new TV, some jewelry

Are you getting it, now

You must start looking at the Cash-Back credit card as more then just an incentive or reward.

Frankly, it is a new source of income.

8 Now, here’s the nitty-gritty on how we do this. It’s simple.

The first step, is we gathered all our credit cards, put them in an envelope, and put that envelope in our lockbox in the attic. We replaced all our plastic in our wallet with the cash-back credit card of choice. We also put an emergency debit card in our wallet, but the primary method now for spending, is to use the cash-back card. This takes care of gas, food, restaurants, etc.

The second step, is the process of restructuring expenses through the online bill-pay system with our cash-back credit card company.

We re-route as many expenses as possible through our cash-back card. It takes a little time, and doesn’t happen in one day.

But do the legwork. Be a smart consumer like my family and I.

9 There’s a perk, too!

The perk is outstanding! Have you considered, that my family and I only really have one payment a month to make That’s the goal we’re moving towards anyway.

So, think about how many bills you pay each month. Wouldn’t it be nice to just make one payment out for all your expenses, rather then a check to the gas-card, a check to the utilities, a check to the Credit Card Company, etc.

Think of the convenience and time saved, to just make one payment out each month.

10 A lot of information to take in, yes Let’s pause here:

If you’ve followed my train of thought, then you’ve come to the Secret knowledge of how to extract and exploit the power of these cash-back cards for everything they are worth. If you do this, even just the first part, you will take a money saving incentive program, and turbo-charge it into an actual income producing technology!

Pretty, cool, huh SHHH! It’s a Utopian secret.

We’ve enjoyed providing this information to you, and we wish you the best of luck in your pursuits. Remember to always seek out good advice from those you trust, and never turn your back on your own common sense.

Publisher’s Directions: This article may be freely distributed so long as the copyright, author’s information, disclaimer, and an active link where possible are included.

Disclaimer: Statements and opinions expressed in the articles, reviews and other materials herein are those of the authors. While every care has been taken in the compilation of this information and every attempt made to present up-to-date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that inaccuracies will not occur. The author will not be held responsible for any claim, loss, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of any information within these pages or any information accessed through this site.

About The Author

Tom Levine provides a solid, common sense approach to solving problems and answering questions relating to consumer loan products. His website seeks to provide free online resources for the consumer, including rate-watch, tips and articles, financial communication, news, and links to products and services. You can check out Toms website here: http://loanresource.org, or you can email Tom at info@loanresource.org.

YOU SCRATCH MY BACK, AND I’LL BUY SOME MORE BEER!

Let’s just take a brief moment to recap:

If you’ve been following along on this journey with me, learning the 5 Super-Charged secrets to Credit Card Utopia, then you now know 3 very important things: You now know how to take advantage of zero to low interest credit card offers. You now know that there is safety in numbers, and you know the magic “Who’s Who” of the major credit card companies. You know that one of them, in my opinion, stands out for consumers. You now know how to take a low interest credit card with a rewards program, and convert it into a money making technology that could seriously improve your financial house.

With me Good. These are all essential foundations that you need to follow in order to live in Credit-Card Utopia with me.

In fact, you would think that there’s not much more that can be done.

Side note: I hope you are realizing the power of this information.

It may seem simple, but are you doing it No. So, be smart. Study this information, reflect on these insights, and move forward with them so you can truly benefit from this secret knowledge.

On to Secret, #4:

1 It’s very important that Utopians cover all bases, and leave no one behind.

The 3 secrets we’ve covered, really deal with those of us who have fairly good credit.

Now, if you don’t have “good” credit, please don’t discard these prior ideas.

I didn’t have “good credit” once. Who cares How many people, small businesses, corporations, and large industrial countries, have said the exact same thing

2 So, don’t feel left out.

Move towards Credit Card Utopia as a goal to move you into action.

Our website and many other fine websites around the internet can provide you with many, many resources to work on your debt issues, or your credit score issues, or whatever.

You might be surprised how FAST you can go from point A to point B.

Here’s a tip: Don’t waste time. Find assistance. Don’t go at it alone.

3 Getting back on track: Want a zero interest credit offer Want a low-interest, no annual fee, incentive-based offer

Well, if you’re struggling with credit or debt, then the first step is to tackle this issue from a different point of view.

Give up on Visa®, MasterCard®, and AMEX®…At least the “unsecured” kind, and at least for now.

There’s nothing wrong with applying, and trying, but if you’ve been turned down, there are other ways to go.

4 Secret #4, revealed in an analogy:

Do you live in a small town If you do, you might have a small-town pub. Does everybody know your name Does the bartender know you, and know the drink you like Do you go into your pub after work, and down a stiff one, after a long day of working in the coal mines Maybe it isn’t payday yet. Do you think the bartender cares Of course not! He wants you coming in so he can move his inventory of fine beers and spirits. He knows you. So, what does he do Let’s say this is the 1800s, and there’s no such thing as “credit cards” amongst our meager coal-working small town clan. What does he do

Right! He runs you a tab.

No interest rates, no worries, no big deal. He runs a tab. Why Because he knows you’re good for it, and he’s moving inventory. He doesn’t care about the interest, because he’s making a profit off the sale of his beer. He knows where you live, and he knows you’ll pay him back in a few days when you come in for a drink after you get paid. It’s a virtual certainty.

Now YOU, the small-town beer drinking coal worker, you’re perfectly fine with this. The drink costs you the same whether you had cash now or later, and the bartender runs you a tab, in exchange for selling you more inventory. Everyone works together.

You scratch my back, and I’ll buy some more beer.

5 This concept of free “credit” provided to purchase inventory, is not a new concept.

As you can see, it’s been around for a long, long time. However, in modern times, it has tremendous application for folks with “poor” credit issues.

The secret is that you buy merchandise On stuff you already need, or are already buying almost exclusively from merchants willing to give you credit at low to no interest.

So, while you think you are in a tough position with credit issues, you actually turn it around, and allow it to become consumer buying power.

Only shop with merchants that scratch your back.

With me

6 Now, where do you find these merchants

Well, in the real brick and mortar world, it’s not that hard.

You can start with department stores, gas cards, furniture outlets, electronics stores, jewelers, and a variety of other stores that you may do business with.

I can’t guarantee, of course, that they’ll approve you. But many of these merchants run their credit departments in-house, and like our bartender, they’re interested in moving inventory.

So, I wouldn’t take one “no” to mean that everyone will say “no”. Not true.

Many of the larger corporate chains do not offer low to no interest rates. But almost ALL of them offer huge discounts on initial purchases as incentives to get started.

As of the writing of this article, for example, JCPenney® and Target® both offer 10% discounts on “new accounts”. In addition, most of them do offer zero interest when balances are paid off each month, and some of them offer different plans to meet different customer’s credit situations.

Also, look to no-interest incentive specials that are going on for many larger-ticket items. Televisions, Furniture, etc.

You’ll also find many deferred-payment incentives that you can use to your advantage, or that you can utilize as a no-interest situation.

You just have to shop around. They are out there.

7 Now, what about cyber-space Is there a place to take advantage of this back-scratching secret in Silicon Actually, YES! There is. Check this out:

Many shopping portals online have realized the advantage of working with “poor” credit customers, and tailor-making a shopping experience that fits these specialized needs. We’ve listed several at our website, but of course, you can find them at any search-engine or at other reputable websites around the internet.

In a nutshell, the shopping website offers a membership card for making purchases on credit. You go to the online mall, make your purchases for things you would already buy anyway, and build or rebuild your credit score. The shopping portal helps you out by reporting your credit activity to the major credit reporting bureaus, which in turn, improves your credit history.

In addition, the membership benefits often times include such things as travel discounts, rental car discounts, and FREE credit reports.

They almost always advertise guaranteed credit lines of up to $7500, and incentives for joining can include free merchandise such as a free DVD player, or a merchandise voucher.

Look for 30 day money-back guarantees, and look for no annual fees, and yes, look for “NO INTEREST” on the credit.

Most of these sites will require an upfront membership fee, but then they immediately turn around and provide a merchandise voucher. For example, one portal charges $150 for the upfront membership fee, but then immediately provides a voucher of $200 for merchandise at their site.

Because their customers generally have a history of poor credit, they do sometimes require an initial payment, or “down payment” on purchases until a relationship is established, but hey listen. So what If you have credit issues, then you have to start rebuilding credit relationships somewhere. It sure beats Layaway!

What a creative way to solve this problem. Everybody wins.

You scratch my back, and I’ll buy some more beer!

Meanwhile, you’re moving closer and closer to the pearly gates of Credit Card Utopia!

We’ve enjoyed providing this information to you, and we wish you the best of luck in your pursuits. Remember to always seek out good advice from those you trust, and never turn your back on your own common sense.

Publisher’s Directions:

This article may be freely distributed so long as the copyright, author’s information, disclaimer, and an active link where possible are included.

Disclaimer: Statements and opinions expressed in the articles, reviews and other materials herein are those of the authors. While every care has been taken in the compilation of this information and every attempt made to present up-to-date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that inaccuracies will not occur. The author will not be held responsible for any claim, loss, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of any information within these pages or any information accessed through this site.

About The Author

Tom Levine provides a solid, common sense approach to solving problems and answering questions relating to consumer loan products. His website seeks to provide free online resources for the consumer, including rate-watch, tips and articles, financial communication, news, and links to products and services. You can check out Toms website here: http://loanresource.org, or you can email Tom at info@loanresource.org.

LIVING IN CREDIT CARD UTOPIA

Let’s just take a brief moment to recap:

If you’ve been following along on this journey with me, learning the 5 Super-Charged secrets to Credit Card Utopia, then you now know 4 very important things: You now know how to take advantage of zero to low interest credit card offers. You now know that there is safety in numbers, and you know the magic “Who’s Who” of the major credit card companies. You know that one of them, in my opinion, stands out for consumers. You now know how to take a low interest credit card with a rewards program, and convert it into a money making technology that could seriously improve your financial house. You now know how to work with merchants to harness your consumer buying power, even if you have bad credit, so that you can get low interest, incentives, and discounts through buying on credit.

With me Good. These are all essential foundations that you need to follow in order to live in Credit-Card Utopia with me.

And NOW…On to the FINAL, most important, MOST significant secret that I have to reveal…

Secret # 5 revealed: Living in Credit Card Utopia:

1 I live in a world where there is no such thing as interest rates. There is zero interest, zero annual fees, membership benefits, and perks.

What world do you live in

2 I live in a world where consumers are the ones in the drivers’ seat. We are powerful, powerful creatures, us buying-spending-consuming maniacs. We have the power to make our own choices about how to wield this mighty sword.

Are YOU a powerful creature

3 I live in a world where plastic is a money-making technology. I don’t live for plastic, and plastic does not own me. I am my own person, beholden to no one. But, plastic and I…We’re business partners. At the end of the year, plastic sends me a big fat check for thousands and thousands of dollars, and I take my family on a KILLER vacation.

Are you in business with plastic

4 I live in a world where nothing is impossible. Life presents obstacles, and I overcome them. NO BIG DEAL…So, while you may not be able to get into the pearly gates of Credit Card Utopia right now….Enjoy sitting on the front porch, bartering with merchants, while you get your ducks lined up in a row.

Are you lining up your ducks

5 I live in a world of goals, objectives, action plans, deadlines, and in Credit Card Utopia, good things don’t come to those who wait…Good things come to those who take ACTION, and move towards their goals.

Do you take action

Do you have goals

Are you working towards improving your life

LIVING IN CREDIT CARD UTOPIA

In Credit Card Utopia, I am totally, totally satisfied. I am at peace with my credit cards, and they love me. We are the elite few. We are the ones that enjoy low interest rates, cash-back at the end of the year, and perks, perks, perks.

And I want you here with me. There is no limit to how many of you can join me, in Credit Card Utopia…There is no population growth control, no capacity restrictions, no ceilings.

This is Credit Card Utopia. All are welcome here.

So, open your mind.

Open your creative mind, and look at your life as a template for change.

Look in every corner and every crevice, and start clearing away the cobwebs and dust-balls of your structured thinking. Find answers. Find solutions. Don’t limit yourself.

Stop thinking like a box, and start thinking like a winding, swirling, ever-changing thread of energy.

Living in Credit Card Utopia, is not about following steps 1 through 5 although I gladly provide you with mine.

Living in Credit Card Utopia, is about following strange journeys carved out by mysterious neurons in your brain, to solve problems.

I’ve given you 5 creative ways to tackle plastic. But, for my 5 super Turbo-Charged secrets, there must be thousands, thousands more.

Living in Credit Card Utopia, is about looking at your obstacles, and converting them to opportunities.

Living in Credit Card Utopia, is about taking all your assets, and maximizing them to your highest advantage.

Living in Credit Card Utopia, is EASY…If you just open your mind to the freedom of possibilities.

The only restriction you have, the only thing that prevents you from coming up here with me, the only thing that is getting in your way….Is You….

WAIT A SECOND, WAIT A SECOND!!!! STOP!!!

So what IS secret #5, Tom I’m confused. What are you saying What is this secret, “LIVING IN CREDIT CARD UTOPIA” Spell it out for me. I don’t get it…It all sounds really esoteric, and mumbo-jumbo-ish... Come down from la-la land, and tell it to us in plain, simple talk.

I hear you cry.

Let me rephrase,

Let me put it another way,

Let me finally throw all my cards on the table...

If you want to “BE” Like me,

And all us Utopians up here….

Then you need to LIVE…

More…

Like a Utopian.

Still unclear You know, there’s one person that can explain it better than I…Go ask your 5 year old daughter.

She understands. It’s the way she is learning, to be just like you.

That’s secret #5, and it truly is the most important one.

Welcome to Credit Card Utopia.

We’ve enjoyed providing this information to you, and we wish you the best of luck in your pursuits. Remember to always seek out good advice from those you trust, and never turn your back on your own common sense.

Publisher’s Directions:

This article may be freely distributed so long as the copyright, author’s information, disclaimer, and an active link where possible are included.

Disclaimer: Statements and opinions expressed in the articles, reviews and other materials herein are those of the authors. While every care has been taken in the compilation of this information and every attempt made to present up-to-date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that inaccuracies will not occur. The author will not be held responsible for any claim, loss, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of any information within these pages or any information accessed through this site.

About The Author

Tom Levine provides a solid, common sense approach to solving problems and answering questions relating to consumer loan products. His website seeks to provide free online resources for the consumer, including rate-watch, tips and articles, financial communication, news, and links to products and services. You can check out Toms website here: http://loanresource.org, or you can email Tom at info@loanresource.org.

In August, 2004, the Federal Trade Commission issued their findings of a recent study, which showed that nearly 25 million adults were victims of fraud.

Now, most importantly, If you are a victim of fraud, please do not feel like you did anything wrong. It happens to all of us at one point or another, as the FTC’s study clearly shows. Everyone likes a magic trick, and none of us are fully capable of noticing the con-artists’ slight of hand. So, if you’re a victim, take a deep breath. You’re normal.

But, there’s an old saying that goes something like this: Fool me once, shame on you…Fool me twice, shame on me!”

Here are 5 KILLER STEPS to protect yourself from Credit Card SCAMS! NATIONAL NO-CALL REGISTRY. TELEPHONE SOLICITATION 1-900 NUMBERS. ANNUAL FEES, INTEREST RATES, ETC. THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION

1. NATIONAL NO-CALL REGISTRY:

There’s nothing more annoying then those credit card offers that you get over the phone. I don’t know about you, but the last thing I want to be doing, while having dinner with my 1 year old daughter and my beautiful wife, is to be annoyed by phone calls from solicitors that just want to make money off me. Legitimate or not, these calls are a nuisance. If you’re like me, and you would rather live without dealing with these calls, then go do this:

The FTC has created the National Do-NOT-CALL registry. Go find out more information about it. The website is: http://www.donotcall.gov

If it makes sense, complete the online form.

Take a deep breath, and relax. Within 30 days, the list will start working for you. I can personally attest that, while the solicitations have not stopped completely, they have significantly, significantly decreased.

Join the FTC No-CALL-Registry, and enjoy a reduction in telephone solicitation phone calls.

2. TELEPHONE SOLICITATION:

Believe it or not, the vast majority of lenders out there are legitimate. Also, believe it or not, a lot of these lenders utilize telemarketing as a method of reaching out to potential customers.

But beware of a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Legitimate Lenders never ask for a processing fee in order to complete your application this does not include appraisals during a real estate transaction in Escrow…We are discussing credit cards here.

Keep your personal information to yourself! Don’t give out bank information, credit card numbers, social security numbers, etc., to someone you don’t know, on a telephone call. Use your common sense.

If you don’t have the offer in hand, or confirmed in writing, then don’t pay. This is fraud. Who is this person on the phone anyway Get their phone number, their address, their federal tax ID number, and then tell them you’ll call back. If they’re legitimate, they’ll give it to you. If you question them, then I say trust your instincts. You’re probably right on target.

Who is this on the phone Don’t trust people you haven’t had a chance to get to know. Don’t let one enticing offer on a phone call, be your guide...

3. 1-900 NUMBERS:

A 1-900 number is, of course, a phone number that charges the caller per minute for making the call. Whether it’s a 1-900 number, or a future manifestation of the same type of telephone service, be wary of doing business this way.

The most common Credit Card SCAM, in all of its different forms, is called an “ADVANCE FEE LOAD SCAM”. Typically, you will find these in the classified section of your local newspapers and trade magazines, and unfortunately, you’ll also see them floating around the internet.

In a nutshell, the perpetrator will guarantee you a loan, but you have to pay them an upfront fee first. The fee can range from $100 to several hundred dollars. The charges can be extracted using telephone services like 1-900 numbers. Beware of courier services, and transactions that avoid the US Postal service, often conducted so as to avoid detection. The scam is that once the fake company has your money, they disappear from the planet, leaving you a victim of their con. You are out money, and no credit card.

Now lets’ not confuse Advance Fee Load Scam artists with legitimate lenders and institutions. I can attest that there are real companies out there, trying to help you to get the credit, loans, and consumer debt services that you need. I believe in many of these services, and I believe in the convenience and power of the internet. However, use your common sense in all your business transactions in life, and that includes credit. Never give someone money without getting anything back in return. Never trust someone that you don’t know. Never get enticed into a deal that’s too good to be true.

Use your common sense, and don’t fall prey to the con artists slight of hand, such as the Advance Fee Load Scam...

4. ANNUAL FEES, INTEREST RATES, ETC.:

Credit Card Scams come in all different shapes and sizes. Many of them are, arguably, not scams at all, but let’s just call them credit card offers involving consumer unfriendly terms.

Read the fine-line. Every Credit Card Offer must provide the Consumer with written documentation on the terms of the offer.

Check the Annual Fee, the Interest Rates, the Cash Advance Fees, the Late Fees, and all other terms of the offer. c Make sure you know what you are getting. Some offers are for secured cards, some are for unsecured cards, and some offers are for shopping portals online and offline Like a department store card. So, while none of these are scams, by definition, it is important that you fully understand the terms of the credit card offer that you are agreeing to.

Be a responsible consumer, and read the terms and conditions of your credit card offer...

5. THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION::

The best place to go for direct consumer information, protection, and remedy, is the United States Federal Trade Commission...

The FTC website is: http://www.ftc.gov

The FTC can provide you with TONS of free information about Credit Cards, and other consumer related concerns. They can help you learn more about what to avoid, how to be a smarter consumer, and what to do if you believe that you are a victim of fraud, and what your remedies may be.

The FTC is there to help...

SUMMARY:

Use the No-Call Registry to cut down telephone solicitations in your home and places of business. While many legitimate lenders utilize telemarketing, be careful. Don’t give out personal information to people you don’t know, don’t pay up-front processing fees over the phone, and get everything in writing. Consider yourself an advised consumer on “Advanced Fee Load” Scams, and look out for the signs, when these scams regrettably make their way to you. Read the terms of the offers that you are considering, and utilize the FTC website for trusted information, resources, and all related materials on consumer credit card issues.

We’ve enjoyed providing this information to you, and we wish you the best of luck in your pursuits. Remember to always seek out good advice from those you trust, and never turn your back on your own common sense.

Publisher’s Directions: This article may be freely distributed so long as the copyright, author’s information, disclaimer, and an active link where possible are included.

Disclaimer: Statements and opinions expressed in the articles, reviews and other materials herein are those of the authors. While every care has been taken in the compilation of this information and every attempt made to present up-to-date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that inaccuracies will not occur. The author will not be held responsible for any claim, loss, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of any information within these pages or any information accessed through this site.

About The Author

Tom Levine provides a solid, common sense approach to solving problems and answering questions relating to consumer loan products. His website seeks to provide free online resources for the consumer, including rate-watch, tips and articles, financial communication, news, and links to products and services. You can check out Toms website here: http://loan-resources.org, or you can email Tom at info@loan-resources.org.

Copyright 2004, by Loan-Resources.Org

Chances are you have received your share of "pre-approved" credit card offers in the mail, some with low introductory rates and other perks. Many of these solicitations urge you to accept "before the offer expires." Before you accept, shop around to get the best deal.

Credit Card Terms:

A credit card is a form of borrowing that often involves charges. Credit terms and conditions affect your overall cost. So its wise to compare terms and fees before you agree to open a credit or charge card account. The following are some important terms to consider that generally must be disclosed in credit card applications or in solicitations that require no application.

Annual Percentage Rate:

The APR is a measure of the cost of credit, expressed as a yearly rate. It also must be disclosed before you become obligated on the account and on your account statements. Some credit card plans allow the issuer to change your APR when interest rates or other economic indicators - called indexes - change. Because the rate change is linked to the indexs performance, these plans are called "variable rate" programs.

Free Period:

Also called a "grace period," a free period lets you avoid finance charges by paying your balance in full before the due date. Knowing whether a card gives you a free period is especially important if you plan to pay your account in full each month. Without a free period, the card issuer may impose a finance charge from the date you use your card or from the date each transaction is posted to your account. If your card includes a free period, the issuer must mail your bill at least 14 days before the due date so youll have enough time to pay.

Annual Fees:

Most issuers charge annual membership or participation fees.

Transaction Fees and Other Charges:

A card may include other costs. Some issuers charge a fee if you use the card to get a cash advance, make a late payment, or exceed your credit limit. Some charge a monthly fee whether or not you use the card.

Other Costs and Features:

Credit terms vary among issuers. When shopping for a card, think about how you plan to use it. If you expect to pay your bills in full each month, the annual fee and other charges may be more important than the periodic rate and the APR, if there is a grace period for purchases. However, if you use the cash advance feature, many cards do not permit a grace period for the amounts due - even if they have a grace period for purchases. So, it may still be wise to consider the APR and balance computation method. Also, if you plan to pay for purchases over time, the APR and the balance computation method are definitely major considerations.

Youll probably also want to consider if the credit limit is high enough, how widely the card is accepted, and the plans services and features.

Useful Tips:

Keep these tips in mind when looking for or using a credit or charge card.

Shop around for the plan that best fits your needs.

Make sure you understand a plans terms before you accept the card.

Hold on to receipts to reconcile charges when your bill arrives.

Protect your cards and account numbers to prevent unauthorized use.

Draw a line through blank spaces on charge slips so the amount cant be changed.

Keep a record - in a safe place separate from your cards - of your account numbers, expiration dates and the phone numbers of each issuer to report a loss quickly.

Carry only the cards you think youll use.

You may freely reprint this information on your website provided the following caption remains intact.

“This information courtesy of http://www.directonlineloans.co.uk Click here to see full range of loans.”

About The Author

John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help UK homeowners find the best available online secured loan via the http://www.directonlineloans.co.uk website. To find a loan that best suits your needs visit http://www.directonlineloans.co.uk.

Have you ever looked at your credit card statement I’m not talking about just making sure that all the transactions are correct. I’m talking about looking at the finance charges. I daresay that sometimes that figure is almost as great as the minimum monthly payment you’re making. After all, as long as you can keep the creditors at bay by paying the minimum, that’s all you care about, right If you agreed, I urge you to reconsider.

I’m sure that by now, many of you realize that you lose money by buying on credit. Still, I don’t think many of you appreciate just how much your credit cards are costing you. I’d like to really drive that point home.

Let’s say that Joe decides he needs new patio furniture. He doesn’t have the $2,000 cash, so he slaps down his plastic card knowing that he can make the minimum monthly payment, no sweat. And so that’s what he does, month in, month, out, year in, year out, and pretty soon he’s been doing this for one full decade. Surely it’s paid off by now! No, not even close. In fact, if Joe continues to make the minimum monthly payment, he will be paying for that furniture for the next 38 years! And once he has made the final payment on his original $2,000 purchase, he will have paid an additional $5,300 in interest! Pretty disgusting, isn’t it And this is at 14% APR. Many cards run higher.

Some of you more savvy credit card users out there might be thinking that you already know this, so you don’t fall for that trap anymore. You only get credit cards with a much lower interest rate, right But do you notice that it’s only for a few months And do you pay attention to what the interest rate jumps to after that short introductory period You kind of have to hunt around for this figure since they don’t put it in plain view. Believe me, credit card companies are not losing money on these lower introductory rate offers.

Credit card promotions are becoming even more devious. Now the credit card companies are offering 0% interest on all balance transfers for up to 18 months! Wow, well, you’ve GOT to take advantage of that, right I’ll show you three reasons why you shouldn’t.

First, even though you might be “pre-approved”, it is in no way certain that you will actually get this low rate. The credit card companies reserve the right to reconsider their original offer based on your qualifications. They will often go ahead and issue you a credit card, but it could be at a substantially higher rate. Don’t assume that what you applied for is what you are getting.

Secondly, there are often balance transfer fees that are substantial enough to gobble up any savings you might make on a lower interest rate. Transfer rates run anywhere from 3% to a hefty 5%, with a single transaction costing as much as $65.

Thirdly, and this is the sneakiest part of all, in order to secure the 0% rate on your transfers, you are required to purchase a minimum amount on your card for several consecutive months. At first, this doesn’t sound so bad. However, the fine print tells you that the interest rate applied to these new purchases is NOT the same 0% rate, but a different, much higher rate.

What’s more, all your payments will always be allocated to the balance that will earn the credit card company the most money. This means that the balances with the lowest rates will be targeted first, while the balance with the much higher rate keeps accruing and compounding interest month after month. So, if you transfer a large sum in order to take advantage of this seemingly generous offer, you will likely be paying on it for a very long time before you ever get around to paying down the mandatory purchases, which are racking up some pretty serious charges in the meantime..

And we’ve only looked at interest rates here. There are also default penalties, late charges, over-the-limit fees, transaction fees, ATM fees, stop-payment fees, cash advance fees and annual fees, all of which are on the increase. Over half the states in the union have no limit on what credit card issuers can charge for annual fees and yearly interest rates. These companies are gouging their customers with charges that are downright outrageous, and unfortunately for us, legal.

So how do you avoid falling into these sneaky traps that the credit card companies set If you are lucky enough to not be playing the losing game of credit card roulette, for heaven’s sake, don’t start! If you are already involved, get out as fast as you can. Here are a few basic steps. Don’t carry a credit card. It’s amazing how easy it is to ignore this obvious first step. Apply any extra money to your debts first. If you’re saving a little nest egg earning at a rate of 5%, but you have debts gnawing away to the tune of 12%, it’s not difficult to see that this is a losing proposition. Target one debt for elimination at a time. Pick the one that can be wiped out the most quickly first. Take all the extra money from the first debt and apply it to your second target. Continue in like fashion until you have dug yourself out of this miserable pit.

And finally, breathe a major sigh of relief and vow never to pass that way again.

About The Author

Rosella Aranda, international marketer, writer and business mentor, collaborates with a team of experienced professionals to help people achieve financial health and peace of mind. To learn how to reduce your debt, view: http://www.FreeFreedomSeminar.com. For further information on how you can become financially independent, please visit http://www.FinancialFreedomWorld.com or write to rosella_aranda@yahoo.com.

Looking for some great credit cards Or want to pay off high-rated debt in affordable monthly installment Then you have come to the right place. At http://www.startecredit.com, we offer you the best and easiest way to secure credit cards online. Check out our wide range of credit cards and opt for your favorite one almost instantly. Just apply for a credit card online through startecredit.com; you will get your application approved promptly. Not only will we act as your credit card guide. Thanks to latest credit card reviews and experts comments and recommendations for our credit card offerings, you will be able to make the best purchase online. Check out what credit card giants like American Express, Visa, MasterCard Gold, and Platinum have in store for you. Compare their strengths and weaknesses, advantages and disadvantages before opting for the best one. We have also posted ratings on those cards. But we suggest you not to go by the ratings blindly. Different credit cards suit different people. Keep in mind what you expect from a credit card and tally your requirements with the credit card benefits. If you think you have found your card, opt for it instantly.

You will get a competitive interest rate from startecredit.com. And thanks to our competitive interest rates, you will be able to pay off high-rate credit card debt quite easily. If you get the feeling that you are drowning into the credit card debt day by day, dont delay; get in touch with us. Not only that, with http://www.startecredit.com, you can save on taxes. May sound unbelievable, but its fact, you can save up to 100% of your homes value. Count on us. Opting for startecredit.com is the smartest way to get rid of credit card debt. You loan will be paid off and you will have a complete peace of mind. We have truly made a mark in the credit card industry by offering competitive rates on credit cards. We offer exceptional credit up to 125% of the value of your home. So, if you want to get rid of credit card debt or you want to have more information on the latest credit cards, http://www.startecredit.com has to be your ultimate destination.

At startecredit.com, we would like to introduce with the wide range of credit cards of varied specifications. First of all, lets introduce with the Blue Cash® for Business Credit Card. This business credit card from the house of American Express proves extremely handy for the business owners. If you are into business and want to make the best use of the cash back reward program, opt for the Blue Cash business credit card. As a cardholder, you can earn cash back rebate of 5% on Everyday Savings. Add to that 2.5% saving for other purchases. Thanks to the Blue Cash business credit card, you will get special discounts on purchases of FedEx®, Kinkos® and Staples®. What makes the card so special The card has a 0% introductory rate for purchases for six months, a 7.99% introductory rate for balance transfers during the tenure of the loan, and no annual fee. The only chink in the armory is that the low rate not available to all applicants.

Another awesome addition to our credit card range is the Discover® Platinum Card from Morgan Stanley. People enjoying good credit and searching for a fabulous cash reward credit card can opt for the Discover® Platinum Card from Morgan Stanley. The highlight of this credit card is that the cardholder can get up to 2% in cash rebates against purchases. More you spend, more you earn rebate - thats the mantra of the Discover® Platinum Card. The card offers its subscribers travel accident insurance, auto rental insurance and different fraud and security protection services. Whats more the card has no annual fee and an attractive 0% introductory rate.

For those having problem in procuring a standard unsecured credit card, the Open Access Pre-Paid MasterCard® is too good for them. To own this credit card, you dont have to open a bank account or submit a security deposit. Instead, you have to make some payments in advance. So, if you are looking for a stored value card so that you can pay in advance for purchases, opt for this Open Access Pre-Paid MasterCard® from the house of BANKFIRST.

For college students, we have introduced the Citi® Platinum Select® MasterCard® that comprises of a variety of safeguards like travel accident insurance, auto rental insurance, fraud protection services and different travel and emergency assistance services. This card is tailor-made for students, as they dont have to pay any annual fee.

http://www.startecredit.com is the ultimate destination for any credit card buyers.

About The Author

George M Noceti, Managing Partner for http://www.startecredit.com. George has designed a web site to promote helping you find the best credit card for your situation. He can be reached at mailto:george@gotospp.com.

With graduate debt averaging over £12,000, the ability to spread the cost of further education using a student credit card is obviously attractive. Adding to their appeal is the fact that these cards are relatively easy to obtain. Unlike many standard credit cards, they are available to people who do not have a regular, minimum income and credit history. They often come with tempting offers including low rates for an introductory period, shopping discounts and free CDs. Flexing student plastic has the additional benefit of creating a credit history that can be used to support future loan and mortgage applications.

So, with no regular income and credit history, what exactly is the attraction of students for the credit card companies Well, the fact that graduates can expect to earn, on average, £400,000 more over their lifetime than the national average, means that financial institutions are eager to attract this extra earning potential. Banks and credit card providers know that the general public are reluctant to go through the hassle of changing accounts, so by attracting students early in their career, they are likely to stay with them for life.

Student credit cards can have drawbacks. If balances are not paid off in full each month, most cards aimed at students notch up higher interest charges than their regular counterparts. These additional charges often cancel out the benefits of store discounts or free CDs. Credit cards aimed at those in further education may not attract the useful bonuses that regular plastic does, for example air miles, cash back on purchases and interest-free periods.

For details on the latest offers available to students, please visit: http://www.1st-uk-credit-cards.co.uk/student_cards.html

Credit cards aren’t free money. Flashing plastic creates a debt that must be managed alongside the repayment of tuition fees, bank overdraft and student loan repayments. Handled well, a student will benefit in the future from a good credit rating. Managed poorly, students may end up with a bad history that will adversely affect subsequent credit applications.

It’s also important to note that some standard credit cards do not require the holder to have a minimum regular income or credit history. Students working part time and holiday jobs may earn enough to apply for a range of standard cards. So, it is important for students to check out all suitable credit card deals, not just the ones aimed at people in further education.

A little research before signing on the dotted line can really pay off. By taking the time to compare the deals available on all suitable credit cards, interest repayments can be minimised and the benefits of holding a card maximised. And that really is good news for students.

About The Author

Phil Edwards is a Business analyst in the city of London, freelance writer for several finance magazines and websites and co-owner of http://www.1st-uk-credit-cards.co.uk and http://www.1st-uk-loans.co.uk.

What is a credit card

A credit card is a card that allows you to borrow money to pay for things. There will be a limit to how much you can spend called your credit limit. At the end of each month you can either pay off the whole of the amount you owe or make a minimum repayment.

Other kinds of cards include:

A cheque guarantee card, issued by your bank, that you can use to ensure that your cheque will be honoured up to a certain limit.

A charge card where you have to repay the full amount at the end of each month.

A debit card, issued by your bank, where whatever you spend is immediately deducted from your bank account

Do you need a credit card

Using a credit card is a useful way of making purchases:

A credit card means you don’t need to carry huge amounts of cash around and risk losing it.

A credit card means you can buy items over the internet.

A credit card means you can make purchases abroad without having to worry about local currency.

A credit card gives the opportunity to spread the cost of a large payment over several months.

A credit card is useful in an emergency, for example, an unexpected repair to your house or car.

How do you choose a credit card

The main two UK credit card issuers are Visa and Mastercard. These are accepted in most places and in 130 countries worldwide. Beware of less well known brands that may not be accepted everywhere.

Before you choose which credit card is the best for you, remember to read the terms and conditions carefully. Never sign up for a credit card without fully understanding what you are agreeing to.

Remember that all the plus factors will be prominently displayed in large print.

You may have to study the small print carefully to discover if there are any negative factors.

What You Need To Consider:

APR Annual Percentage Rate

This is the rate of interest that you will pay on any outstanding balance.

Special Introductory Rates

You may be offered a low or 0% rate of interest for a limited time Up to 6 months when you sign up for a new card. A higher rate of interest may be charged for cash withdrawals.

Balance Transfer Rate

Card issuers may offer you a lower rate of interest if your swap your balance from another credit card to theirs.

Interest Free period

Remember to check when interest payments will begin. Will you pay interest from the day of the purchase Or will you have a number of days interest free before you begin to pay There is usually no interest free period for cash withdrawals.

Cashback and Rewards

Some cards over points or rewards for every pound spent on the credit card. Make sure that these are appropriate for you. For example, there’s no use collecting airmiles if you never fly.

Minimum Repayment

Remember to check what the minimum monthly repayment will be. If you borrow £1000 on your credit card the monthly minimum repayment will probably be in the region of £25. But if you only pay this amount each month it will take a long time to pay off the balance and cost a lot in total when you include the interest payments.

Annual Fees

This is the fee that the issuer will charge you every year for using their credit card. Not all credit cards have an annual fee, so remember to consider this when you are choosing which one is right for you.

Late Payments

There will be an extra charge, as well as the interest owed, if your payment is late. This charge may even be more than the amount you owe so be very careful to check what the charge is, and to ensure that all your payments are made on time. A good way of doing this is to set up a direct debit from your current account.

Exceeding Your Limit

You may also be charged a fee if you exceed your credit limit.

Will Your Application Be Accepted

Whether or not your application is successful will depend on your credit rating. Your credit rating depends on your credit history a record of your use of credit and is based on the record of your ability to repay debt.

You can obtain a copy of your credit file by contacting a credit reference agency. There may be a small fee for this service.

When your application has been accepted you will be given a credit limit. The credit limit will be fixed when you first apply for your card although you can ask for it to be increased or decreased later and the limit, including the amount you have left available to spend, will be shown on your monthly statement.

Insurances and Protection.

What You Can Do:

Take good care of your credit card to ensure that it isn’t lost or stolen.

To prevent misuse of your card you must report any loss or theft of your card to the issuer immediately. Many issuers allow you to register all your cards with them so that in the event of you losing a purse, handbag or wallet they can all be cancelled with just one phone call.

You must keep all your receipts and also check your statement carefully and report any suspicious transactions, for example payments that you have no record of making.

Credit card companies are now issuing cards with PIN Personal identification numbers which are known as Chip and PIN cards. Rather than signing your name you will be asked to enter your PIN onto a keypad. You must ensure that you keep this number secret.

What The Issuer Will Do

The issuer should insure you against loss, misuse or theft of your card.

The issuer may also insure your purchases for up to 100 days.

Your issuer may also provide protection against you being sold unsuitable or shoddy goods.

Important Points To Remember:

Credit cards can be a very useful tool to help you to manage your finances.

Choose your card carefully, remembering to read and understand all the terms and conditions before you sign up.

Remember to set yourself a budget and decide how much you will pay off each month.

Check your statements carefully each month.

Look after your card to prevent it being lost or stolen.

For the summary details of the latest offers on UK credit cards please visit http://www.1st-uk-credit-cards.co.uk/

About The Author

Phil Edwards is a Business analyst in the city of London, freelance writer for several finance magazines and websites and co-owner of http://www.1st-uk-credit-cards.co.uk and http://www.1st-uk-bank-accounts.co.uk.

What Are Possible Signs of Fraudulent Transactions see at Web Hosting Companies Customer wants to pre-pay for a year Domain Name Registration for 5 years or more Orders using free email address providers like Hotmail, Yahoo, etc. Usage of multiple cards to complete order. International address. AVS can not validate those international addresses. Multiple purchases in a short time period. The customer and billing addresses are different.

AMEX, VISA, and MasterCard implemented a security feature known as “CVV2” and “CVC2”. These are the three-digit or four-digit numbers printed on the back side or front side depending on card company of the card signature panel to the far right. The three/four-digit code helps to validate that the cardholder has the card in his possession. You can include the code in your transaction processing and need to receive a match to successfully complete the transaction. If you are using a shopping cart for your hosting sign-up process, make sure that it is capable of collecting and processing these numbers. IMPORTANT: The ToS of the credit companies state that you are not allowed to store these numbers.

Use Address Verification Service AVS on all US transactions to verify the billing information provided in the order with what is on file with the card issuing bank. As a bare minimum, the zip code should successfully match before the transaction is approved and you hand out the account information. You should retain the response information for some time in case of a chargeback.

The possible AVS messages are:

Y – Exact match on street address and 5 or 9 digit zip code.

A – Address matches, zip code does not

Z – zip code matches, address does not

N – No match.

U – Address information is unavailable or Issuer does not support AVS. These transactions are only applicable for Visa and the merchant isnt responsible for chargeback liability.

R – Issuer authorization system is unavailable, retry later

E – Error in address data – unable to complete check.

G – non-US Issuer not participating in AVS - Visa only. The error messages will vary from one provider to the next. Contact your provider for more information.

S – Address information is unavailable or Issuer does not support AVS - MasterCard only.

The most important warning sign of fraudulent transaction are international orders. It is very sad to be so generic with this statement but the percentage of having a fraudulent orders goes up immediately if the order comes from a non-US location. Be aware of cities or countries with high rates of fraudulent transactions. Malaysia, Indonesia, and most countries of the former Soviet Union tend to be source of many fraudulent orders.

The most effective way to help eliminate fraud or chargebacks is to simply call the customer. A confirmation over the phone is most definitely advised for any large transactions. If you process a fraudulent transaction, not only do you lose the funds, but the product/service as well. A phone - even if it is international will save you a lot of hassle in the long run.

What if you find a transaction to be suspicious Contact your authorization center and let them know you are concerned about the transaction. They will look at the transaction and may give you advice. You should also call the customer to request additional information copy of drivers license or Passport as an example. Check the IP address of the sign-up and see where it is globally. Does it matches the customers address at least by country Send a confirmation email to the customer verifying their order.

It may be a good policy to only accept orders with identical Customer and billing addresses.

Maybe you want to scrutinize international orders as your protection against these consumers is very minimal and not accepting them could be a wise choice for your web hosting business.

Placing fraudulent notices, buttons and images on your web site and order forms will help discourage any person trying to place a fraudulent order. Make sure that the customer will se upfront that you are recoding the IP address and that you will notify the law enforcement agencies if needed. It might not protect you in every case but eventually it will help to cut down the number of fraudulent orders.

This article can be published by anyone as long as a live back link to http://www.webhostingresourcekit.com is provided.

About The Author

Christoph Puetz is a successful small business owner Net Services USA LLC and international author.

Guides, Tutorials, and Articles for small businesses - http://www.webhostingresourcekit.com

One of the easiest ways to borrow money of a financial institute is to use a Credit Card, available from all banks, building societies, and other financial organisations. The choices available are enormous, with a wide variety of interest charges, annual charges, loyalty schemes, and bonus points available. However there are two broad areas that you should look at:

Annual Interest Rate

Firstly if you do not intend to pay off your Credit Card bill at the end of each month, then you should look at the Annual Interest Rate APR, this rate is typically between 13-17% at the moment, and you should be looking for a card that offers as low an interest rate as possible. You should also bear in mind that you are charged much higher rates of interest than other forms of borrowing money, so if you do not intend to pay of your bills for a long period of time, then you should seriously consider a different form of loan that is less expensive.

Extra Benefits

On the other hand if you do intend to pay off you credit card bill at the end of each month, then you should be more interested in the loyalty schemes that are on offer. These vary from being awarded points every time you purchase something these points can than me used to purchased gifts or air miles etc, to simply being given ‘Cashback’ on everything you buy typically 0.5%-1% of your purchase. You should also look at the level of service that your card company offers. They are obliged under law to offer certain protection to the consumer, but often they will increase this protection with other guarantees. Some offer extended warranties on electrical goods, extra travel insurance when you are on holiday, accidental damage insurance for any goods you buy, and even free commission on cash withdrawals when abroad.

Also some companies charge an annual fee for using their card especially business credit card accounts, so these fees should be weighed up against the cards benefits.

Even if you usually do pay off your credit card bills at the end of each month, when you open a account you may be offered 6 months interest free credit. This is often an excellent way of saving money as you are basically given an interest free loan for 6 months. It is even more useful if you are allowed to transfer some credit card debt from a different company into the interest free offer. However there is a danger of becoming trapped in a bad debit cycle here, transferring your debt from card to card until it is completely unmanageable. The best advice is to make sure you always have enough money in the bank, or in a savings account, to pay off your debt when you are taking advantage of the interest free credit period. That way you benefit from earning interest on your savings in your bank, but as soon as the interest free credit period has expired, you can pay the entire bill off without being stung for high interest charges.

So to summarize

If you are not paying off your monthly credit card bills, look for a card that offers a low interest rate

If you are paying off your monthly credit card bills, looking for additional card benefits

Interest free credit periods are good news for saving money, but beware of being caught in a debt spiral

Credit Cards are an expensive way of obtaining a loan or borrowing money, and you should investigate other cheaper forms if you intend to borrow money in the medium to long term

About The Author

Alastair Taylor runs a DIY website that tries to give the consumer the truth about how to save money on Financial matters as well as home improvement. Visit http://www.whatprice.co.uk to saves yourself time and money.

Permission is given to reproduce this article as long as the above Bio is included with the hyperlink.

Introduction

In this article, a presentation is made of the differences between major credit cards http://www.chooseacreditcard.co.uk and credit cards offered by specific stores to their customers. The purpose of this article is to provide a general overview of major credit cards and store cards to aid consumers in making decisions regarding which lines of credit lines would be the best for them in a given set of circumstances. In most situations, due to the higher rates of interest http://www.chooseacreditcard.co.uk/lowstandardapr.html charged by most store-specific cards, it is best for the budget-conscious consumer to consider forgoing those accounts in favor of a major credit card.

With that said, we are not endorsing any particular credit card brand in this article. Rather, the materials presented are for informational and educational purposes only.

General Availability

Major credit cards are accepted in a wide variety of places and venues. Indeed, the major credit card companies make it a point of promoting how wide spread card acceptance is in this day and age.

On the other hand, store-specific credit cards are good only at the issuing store.

Where to Apply

It is simple to apply for major credit cards. Nearly any bank or financial institution can provide a customer with an application for one or another of the major credit cards. Additionally, the Internet has become a handy resource for those men and women interested in applying for and obtaining a major credit card.

Store-specific credit cards only can be applied for directly at the store or shop. Additionally, if the store has an Internet presence -- and many major stores and even smaller shops do so in this day and age -- applications for store-specific credit cards can be made online.

Annual Fee and Related Charges

Many major credit cards do charge an annual fee. Some major credit cards charge an additional or supplemental membership depending on where the card was obtained.

Store-specific credit cards normally are free of annual fees and similar charges to their customers. However, store-specific credit cards carry with them notably higher rates of interest than can be found with major credit card accounts.

Common Clauses and Provisions

In the United Kingdom, and in most European Union countries, there are clauses and provisions that must be included in each and every monthly credit card billing statement -- both from major credit card companies and on store credit card accounts as well. These clauses and provisions are: A detailed listing of all credit card transactions A detailed listing of the amount owed from the previous month plus the extra amount or interest to be paid on that amount owed The total amount owed for the current month The minimum amount that must be paid during the month. In the United Kingdom, this amount is about 3% of the balance or £5 whichever is greater. An estimate of the interest payable if you do not pay your account in full. The date by which the account must be paid if interest charges are to be avoided A detailed listing of the monthly interest rate for purchases, the APR annual percentage rate and the interest rate if you have used your card for cash

Conclusion

In the final analysis, one should only have as much credit as is absolutely necessary. Generally, it is not a wise decision to rake in a bunch of different credit cards. Rather, the best policy usually is to maintain one or two major credit cards. Also consider that store cards generally do not offer the same benefits as credit cards such as balance transfers http://www.chooseacreditcard.co.uk/balancetransfers.html, although it is common to get brand exclusive reward schemes http://www.chooseacreditcard.co.uk/cashbacks.html with store cards. Finally, one must be cautious about obtaining store-specific credit cards due to the higher rates of interest that come with these accounts.

About The Author

Neil Brown is a regular contributor to Search4 Credit Cards http://www.search4-credit-cards.co.uk and Choose A Credit Card http://www.chooseacreditcard.co.uk.

Introduction

One of the easiest "things" that can happen in life is the ratcheting up of a large credit card debt. For whatever reason, making purchases with credit cards seems easier than spending cash to obtain a product or service.

Maintaining high levels of credit card debt is not prudent. The interest rates associated with most credit cards is high. In fact, many people have managed to rack their card balances up so high that only the minimum payment is made each month. As a result, these people are taking years if not decades to pay down their credit card balances, all the while wasting an incredible sum of money in interest payments alone.

In this article, a number of strategies to reduce credit card debt are presented. These tips are general in nature but will provide a person with credit card debt a solid plan for reining in credit card balances.

Overall Strategy

Target the highest rates of interest. If you can, transfer the balance to another credit card, where you will achieve a zero or low interest rate for a set period. While this balance is not costing interest you can target other debts that are. Make sure you are prepared for when the offer period runs out and have another balance transfer offer http://www.chooseacreditcard.co.uk/balancetransfers.html ready to take over. You should look to have your credit card application http://www.creditcard-applications.gb.com a few weeks before your current offer period runs out. If you cannot transfer the balance then pay off as much as you can afford, so the balance reduces as quickly as possible.

Take Advantage of Credit Card Offers

Credit card companies are very competitive and as such there are some very good 0% balance transfers http://www.chooseacreditcard.co.uk/balancetransfers.html and purchase offers http://www.chooseacreditcard.co.uk/0InterestCreditCards.html available. Look to take advantage of these, but make sure you have a plan in place on how to deal with the balance when the offer finishes. Remember that the debt has not gone away.

Debt Consolidation Loan

As mentioned previously in this article, credit card accounts usually have high interest rates. The combination of high interest rates and free spending patterns can result in the rapid escalation of credit card debt.

A debt consolidation loan can be an excellent tool to assist in the reduction of credit card debt. Consolidation loans carry interests rates far below those of credit cards. In the long run, a great deal of money can be conserved through the use of a debt consolidation loan.

Chop Up Credit Cards

While in many segments of society, the word "self restraint" is passé, out of style like last years fashions. But, in reality, the very best way of reducing credit card debt is through self restraint.

Of course, it is easy to bandy around the words "self restraint" and much, much harder to practice personal control.

Although it might seem comical on the surface, cutting up credit cards is a perfect first step to reducing credit card debt. No cards, no charging, less debt.

Automatic Monthly Payments

Many people leave the payment of their credit card accounts at the bottom of the monthly bill pile. Other primary accounts -- rent, electricity, phone, and the like -- understandably take a higher priority over credit card bills. But, oftentimes a person will spend money on incidental purchases before taking on credit card balances. In the end, the credit card account may not be paid on at all or, if so, after the deadline.

One way to ensure that credit card payments are made and one way to ensure that credit card debt is kept under some degree of control is via an automatic payment system on credit card accounts. A persons bank can arrange for the credit card account to be paid automatically each and every month.

By ensuring that at least a base payment is made on credit card accounts each and every month, accelerated interest rates and late fee penalties will be avoided.

Conclusion

In this article, three strategies for reducing credit card debt have been presented: debt consolidation self restraint automatic payments

By following one or all of these strategies, a person will work towards a more solid and satisfactory financial position.

About The Author

Neil Brown is a freelance finance writer and a regular contributor to http://www.search4-credit-cards.co.uk and http://www.chooseacreditcard.co.uk.

Everyone hates late fees and being late will cost you dearly these days. For some credit cards today, if you are late, you will have to shell out as much as $40 each time. This can put a nice sized hole in your pocket really quick.

Below, I will provide you with some tips and strategies on how to steer clear of those monstrous late fees. This will not only save you a lot of money in the long run, but it will also keep those money-hungry credit card companies, I won’t mention any names, from getting your hard earned money.

Just pay your bill. One of the easiest ways of avoiding a late fee is to just pay your bill each and every month by sending in a check, money order, or other type of payment to your respective credit card issuer. Just make sure you follow the numerous guidelines, which are usually outlined on the back of each credit card bill, on how to send in your payment. These guidelines must be followed precisely if you want to guarantee that your payment will go through on time.

Payment guidelines may include everything from a specific payment address to the time of day by which the payment must be received to be credited that day. Many issuers also stipulate that payments must arrive in the preprinted envelope sent to the customer.

While the Fair Credit Billing Act requires issuers to credit payments the day they are received, each issuer is allowed to set specific payment guidelines. If any of the guidelines are not met, the issuer can take as many as five days to credit the payment.

An on-time payment could easily become late during that five-day period, so follow those payment guidelines carefully.

Just skip the payment. One of the more rare types of methods you hear of are Skip-A-Payment services. You can use these services to skip mortgage, credit card, or loan payments. Usually you would need to get in contact with your bank just to see if you even qualify or not. There are also independent companies out there that will allow you to do the same thing, no matter what bank you are a member of. Depending on whose service you use, the fee’s associated with it vary. When you use these types of services make sure you know how much you will be charged then decide if it’s worth it or not.

Pay minimum due immediately. One of the best ways to prevent a late fee from being charged to your account is to pay the minimum due immediately. As soon as you receive your bill, send in the minimum due. This will always insure that your credit card issuer received payment. You can always send in more money later if you decide otherwise. This is a great way to avoid missing a payment because if you forget to send extra money you can guarantee that you won’t be charged a late fee because the minimum due has been already been paid.

Move your due date. Are your credit card bills due at a time of the month when youre running low on cash Many people have trouble saving money, so when it comes time to paying their credit card bills, they don’t have any cash to do so. One particular solution is to move your due date. Many credit card issuers will allow you to set your own due date to meet your specific needs. If you have trouble saving money, move your due date to a time when you do have money, like as soon as you get your paycheck. If you time your credit card bill to come the same day you get paid, you will always have cash to pay the bill.

Pay by phone. If you are one of those people that wait to the last minute to do everything or if you just forgot to send in your credit card payment early enough, you could always pay by phone. This guarantees that your payment will be on time. Just supply the representative on the other line with your checking account number and your bank routing number, which is printed at the bottom of each check. Usually the routing number is first and the account number is second. A lot of issuers allow you to pay by phone and some will charge you a pretty penny for doing so. Fee’s can range from $5 to $20.

Use other express methods. If your bank does not offer a “pay by phone” service and you need to get your payment to your credit card issuer as soon as possible, I recommend either sending your payment in by express mail or by Western Union. Either one of these services can get your payment to your credit card issuer immediately. These express methods are costly, but it will always most likely be cheaper than any fees associated with being late. Make sure you send your express payment to the proper address. Many issuers have separate payment addresses for express payments. The last thing you want to do is slow the processing of an express payment by sending it to the wrong address.

About The Author

Daryl Flagg is the founder and CEO of Next Month Online. Next Month Online is a service that allows its visitors to skip credit card payments. They can be found at http://www.NextMonthOnline.com. Sign up for free!

info@NextMonthOnline.com

SECURED CREDIT CARDS

Secured Credit Card is similar to a prepaid credit card since the funds you are using are actually yours and not the issuer of the credit card. Generally people who apply for secured credit card or prepaid credit card are people with poor credit or unemployed. Prepaid Credit Card spending limit is the amount of money you loaded to the card. There are no interest or finance charges on a prepaid card. With secured credit card, your credit line could be from 50% to 100% of your deposit depending on the institution giving you the secured credit. Therefore the company giving you the secured credit card has zero risk.

Secured credit card can be very beneficial because it gives you an opportunity to rebuild your credit history and you are able to make purchases just as if you had an unsecured credit card. Many companies require that you have a credit card to make purchases, such as car rental, airline tickets, etc. Ensure that the company issuing the secured credit, routinely reports customers payment history to any of the three main credit bureaus namely Experience, Equifax and Trans Union. This reporting to the credit bureaus will rebuild your credit history over time.

Closing unnecessary accounts and consolidating your bills to make payments more manageable could be an advantage financially. By not applying for too much credit within a short period of time is another factor that will help in rebuilding your credit rating. Additionally, even though secured credit is like prepaid cards, they do have certain fees attached. Benefits are similar to that of an unsecured credit card, such as usually being paid interest on your balance in the bank, using Automated Teller Machines ATM to make deposits, withdrawals, and making purchases at participating merchants. Following the above steps will strengthen your credit rating.

UNSECURED CREDIT CARDS

Unsecured cards are issued to individuals with good to excellent credit rating. Credit ratings depend on certain criteria, such as ones ability to repay loans. These criteria include payment history, employment history, and financial stability. Individuals with excellent credit will most likely receive a lower interest rate. A major factor in maintaining excellent credit is making your loan payments on time thus avoiding late fee penalties.

Customers should read the credit agreement to ensure that they understand their obligation to the creditor. Making payments on time will strengthen your credit rating. Unsecured credit cards has numerous advantages such as low interest rates, high credit limit, business name options, no annual fees, and low APRs on balance transfers up to 12 months. Closing unnecessary accounts and consolidating your bills to make payments more manageable could be an advantage financially. By not applying for too much credit within a short period of time is another factor that will help in maintaining a good credit rating.

REBUILDING YOUR CREDIT

It takes time, patience, and consistency. If you consistently pay your bills on time, you will see an improvement in your credit ratings over time. There are no quick fixes for improving your credit report except for mistakes or inaccuracies that can be corrected, hopefully in your favor. Your credit information is maintained by the credit bureaus namely Experience, Equifax, and Trans Union for seven years. Therefore poor credit information will remain on your report for seven years. The good thing is that as negative information disappears with positive information, this will definitely rebuild your credit rating. Closing unnecessary accounts and consolidating your bills to make payments more manageable could be an advantage financially. By not applying for too much credit within a short period of time is another factor that will help in rebuilding your credit rating.

Applying for secured credit card can be very beneficial because it gives you an opportunity to rebuild your credit history, and you are able to make purchases just as if you had an unsecured credit card. Many companies require that you have a credit card to make purchases, such as car rental, airline tickets, etc. Ensure that the company issuing the secured credit, routinely reports customers payment history to any of the three main credit bureaus namely Experience, Equifax and Trans Union. This reporting to the credit bureaus will rebuild your credit history over time.

BUSINESS CREDIT CARDS

Business credit cards are very popular for small business owners because of the many benefits they offer. Benefits includes 0% Intro APR on balance transfers, no annual fees, high credit limit, low interest rates, cash rewards, bonus miles, free online account management to choosing card design etc., At iCreditOnline.com we have some of the best business credit cards from American Express, Advanta, Chase, Bank One, Bank of America, Discover, Citibank, Household Bank and more, with online credit card approval. Why waste time going to a bank when you can get a decision in less than 60 seconds with secure online credit card application. Online Credit Card Approval with Online Credit Card Application is fast and easy!

STUDENT CREDIT CARDS

Having a student credit card while still living at home or attending school away from home can be an advantage. It gives the student the opportunity to establish credit at an early age and to start asserting their independence. It comes in handy in case of emergency, it is less trouble and safer to carry a student credit card than to carry cash. Parents find student credit cards to be very convenient. They are able to make deposits to their childrens account while they are away from home. Students should be careful with their credit card receipts to avoid identity thief.

If you consistently pay your bills on time, obtaining students credit cards is a good way to established credit rating and start building a good credit history while in school. Establishing and maintaining a good credit rating will make it easy to purchase a car, a home or obtaining a personal loan in the future. For students who are not committed to their financial obligation, getting a student credit card is not a good idea. Running up balances, finding yourself in debt, unable to make monthly payments will destroy your credit rating.

Students credit cards generally have high interest rates. At iCreditOnline.com we offer some of the best student credit cards from Chase and Discover with 0% APR introductory rate for 6 months, no annual fees and online account access. Online credit card approval with online credit card application is fast and easy!

EXPLANATIONS OF SOME OF THE CREDIT CARD TERMINOLOGY

0% Intro APR Credit Card or Balance Transfer Credit Card - gives you the benefit of using this credit card without making any interest payment on the principal for a stated period of time. This credit card is marketed to individuals with good credit rating who want to transfer balance from a high interest credit card to a 0% intro APR credit card.

Cash Rewards or Cash Back Credit Card - earns a percentage on purchases made. This reward or cash back is credited to your account.

Debit Card - takes the place of carrying a checkbook or cash. This card is used like a credit card with certain limitations, such as not being able to rent a car. Purchase transactions are contingent upon having enough funds in your checking or savings account to cover the purchase. Verification of funds requires entering your Personal Identification Number PIN at a point-of-sale terminal.

Low Interest Credit Card - saves you money. Having a good credit rating qualifies you for some of the best low APR credit card offers.

Prepaid Credit Card - spending limit is the amount of money you loaded to the card. There are no interest or finance charges on a prepaid card. Therefore the company giving you the prepaid credit card has zero risk. Generally people who apply for prepaid credit card are people with poor credit or unemployed.

Secured Credit Card - is secured by the amount of funds you have in your account. Your credit line could be from 50% to 100% of your deposit depending on the institution giving you the secured credit.

Unsecured Credit Card - is issued to individuals with good to excellent credit rating. Credit ratings depend on certain criteria, such as ones ability to repay loans. These criteria include payment history, employment history, and financial stability. Individuals with excellent credit will most likely receive a lower interest rate and can receive instant online credit card approval. A major factor in maintaining excellent credit is making your loan payments on time thus avoiding late fee penalties.

Travel Rewards Credit Card - benefits may include travel accident insurance, free rental car collision/loss damage insurance, rebate on gasoline purchases, frequent flyer points or bonus miles towards airline flights, free quarterly and annual account summaries.

About The Author

David Hall owns iCreditOnline.com. He offers free downloadable, high quality guides on credit repair, credit ratings, credit scoring, debt consolidation and more. He has tools for finding a wide range of financial services including secured and unsecure cards, student and business cards, auto loans, and more from the most reputable companies in the industry. You can also compare multiple credit card offers, securely complete an online credit card application, and receive a credit decision in less than 60 seconds. Visit Davids site today: http://www.iCreditOnline.com

Secured Credit Card is similar to a prepaid credit card since the funds you are using are actually yours and not the issuer of the credit card. Generally people who apply for secured credit card or prepaid credit card are people with poor credit or unemployed. Prepaid Credit Card spending limit is the amount of money you loaded to the card. There are no interest or finance charges on a prepaid card. With secured credit card, your credit line could be from 50% to 100% of your deposit depending on the institution giving you the secured credit. Therefore the company giving you the secured credit card has zero risk.

Secured credit card can be very beneficial because it gives you an opportunity to rebuild your credit history and you are able to make purchases just as if you had an unsecured credit card. Many companies require that you have a credit card to make purchases, such as car rental, airline tickets, etc. Ensure that the company issuing the secured credit, routinely reports customers payment history to any of the three main credit bureaus namely Experience, Equifax and Trans Union. This reporting to the credit bureaus will rebuild your credit history over time.

Closing unnecessary accounts and consolidating your bills to make payments more manageable could be an advantage financially. By not applying for too much credit within a short period of time is another factor that will help in rebuilding your credit rating. Additionally, even though secured credit is like prepaid cards, they do have certain fees attached. Benefits are similar to that of an unsecured credit card, such as usually being paid interest on your balance in the bank, using Automated Teller Machines ATM to make deposits, withdrawals, and making purchases at participating merchants. Following the above steps will strengthen your credit rating.

Unsecured Credit Cards are issued to individuals with good to excellent credit rating. Credit ratings depend on certain criteria, such as ones ability to repay loans. These criteria include payment history, employment history, and financial stability. Individuals with excellent credit will most likely receive a lower interest rate. A major factor in maintaining excellent credit is making your loan payments on time thus avoiding late fee penalties.

Customers should read the credit agreement to ensure that they understand their obligation to the creditor. Making payments on time will strengthen your credit rating. Unsecured credit cards has numerous advantages such as low interest rates, high credit limit, business name options, no annual fees, and low APRs on balance transfers up to 12 months. Closing unnecessary accounts and consolidating your bills to make payments more manageable could be an advantage financially. By not applying for too much credit within a short period of time is another factor that will help in maintaining a good credit rating.

Rebuilding your credit takes time, patience, and consistency. If you consistently pay your bills on time, you will see an improvement in your credit ratings over time. There are no quick fixes for improving your credit report except for mistakes or inaccuracies that can be corrected, hopefully in your favor. Your credit information is maintained by the credit bureaus namely Experience, Equifax, and Trans Union for seven years. Therefore poor credit information will remain on your report for seven years. The good thing is that as negative information disappears with positive information, this will definitely rebuild your credit rating. Closing unnecessary accounts and consolidating your bills to make payments more manageable could be an advantage financially. By not applying for too much credit within a short period of time is another factor that will help in rebuilding your credit rating.

Applying for secured credit card can be very beneficial because it gives you an opportunity to rebuild your credit history, and you are able to make purchases just as if you had an unsecured credit card. Many companies require that you have a credit card to make purchases, such as car rental, airline tickets, etc. Ensure that the company issuing the secured credit, routinely reports customers payment history to any of the three main credit bureaus namely Experience, Equifax and Trans Union. This reporting to the credit bureaus will rebuild your credit history over time.

Business Credit Card

Business credit cards are very popular for small business owners because of the many benefits they offer. Benefits includes 0% Intro APR on balance transfers, no annual fees, high credit limit, low interest rates, cash rewards, bonus miles, free online account management to choosing card design etc., At iCreditOnline.com we have some of the best business credit cards from American Express, Advantage, Chase, Bank One, Bank of America, Discover, Citibank, Household Bank and more, with online credit card approval. Why waste time going to a bank when you can get a decision in less than 60 seconds with secure online credit card application. Online Credit Card Approval with Online Credit Card Application is fast and easy!

Student Credit Card

Having a student credit card while still living at home or attending school away from home can be an advantage. It gives the student the opportunity to establish credit at an early age and to start asserting their independence. It comes in handy in case of emergency, it is less trouble and safer to carry a student credit card than to carry cash. Parents find student credit cards to be very convenient. They are able to make deposits to their childrens account while they are away from home. Students should be careful with their credit card receipts to avoid identity thief.

If you consistently pay your bills on time, obtaining students credit cards is a good way to established credit rating and start building a good credit history while in school. Establishing and maintaining a good credit rating will make it easy to purchase a car, a home or obtaining a personal loan in the future. For students who are not committed to their financial obligation, getting a student credit card is not a good idea. Running up balances, finding yourself in debt, unable to make monthly payments will destroy your credit rating.

Students credit cards generally have high interest rates. At iCreditOnline.com we offer some of the best student credit cards from Chase and Discover with 0% APR introductory rate for 6 months, no annual fees and online account access. Online credit card approval with online credit card application is fast and easy!

Explanation of some of the credit cards we offer:

0% Intro APR Credit Card or Balance Transfer Credit Card gives you the benefit of using this credit card without making any interest payment on the principal for a stated period of time. This credit card is marketed to individuals with good credit rating who want to transfer balance from a high interest credit card to a 0% intro APR credit card.

Cash Rewards or Cash Back Credit Card earns a percentage on purchases made. This reward or cash back is credited to your account.

Debit Card takes the place of carrying a checkbook or cash. This card is used like a credit card with certain limitations, such as not being able to rent a car. Purchase transactions are contingent upon having enough funds in your checking or savings account to cover the purchase. Verification of funds requires entering your Personal Identification Number PIN at a point-of-sale terminal.

Low interest credit card saves you money. Having a good credit rating qualifies you for some of the best low APR credit card offers.

Prepaid Credit Card spending limit is the amount of money you loaded to the card. There are no interest or finance charges on a prepaid card. Therefore the company giving you the prepaid credit card has zero risk. Generally people who apply for prepaid credit card are people with poor credit or unemployed.

Secured Credit Card is secured by the amount of funds you have in your account. Your credit line could be from 50% to 100% of your deposit depending on the institution giving you the secured credit.

Unsecured Credit Card is issued to individuals with good to excellent credit rating. Credit ratings depend on certain criteria, such as ones ability to repay loans. These criteria include payment history, employment history, and financial stability. Individuals with excellent credit will most likely receive a lower interest rate and can receive instant online credit card approval. A major factor in maintaining excellent credit is making your loan payments on time thus avoiding late fee penalties.

Travel Rewards Credit Card benefits may include travel accident insurance, free rental car collision/loss damage insurance, rebate on gasoline purchases, frequent flyer points or bonus miles towards airline flights, free quarterly and annual account summaries.

http://www.icreditonline.com

support@icreditonline.com

You have permission to publish this article free of charge as long as you do not modify the content or remove the links from this article. It would be nice to get a copy of your publication. Please send to lopel1234@yahoo.com

About The Author

David Hall owns iCreditOnline.com. He offers free downloadable, high quality guides on credit repair, credit ratings, credit scoring, debt consolidation and more. He has tools for finding a wide range of financial services including secured and unsecured cards, student and business cards, auto loans, and more from the most reputable companies in the industry. You can also compare multiple credit card offers, securely complete an online credit card application, and receive a credit decision in at least 60 seconds. Visit Davids site today: http://www.iCreditOnline.com

Have you ever wondered how much money a credit card company makes Have you ever wondered how much of that comes from late fees Everyone has and if you haven’t you should because most likely you own a credit card, which means that these late fees has or could directly affect you.

As you have probably taken notice, credit card late fees are on the rise and have been so for awhile. There is enormous competitive pressure on credit-card interest rates and annual fees, and this has given way to a fee frenzy. For credit card issuers, late fees now represent their third largest revenue stream, interest revenues and merchant fees rank first and second, respectively. In essence, those who pay late are now covering the costs for those credit card users who do not carry a revolving balance and those who file for bankruptcy.

So how much are credit card companies making from issuing late fees Over the years we have watched the number of late fees charged to consumers jump to record-high levels. Late fees can range from $10 to as much as $40. The average late fee more than doubled since 1996 from $13.28 to $29.84. In fact, many major card issuers are now charging a $35 late fee. Let’s assume that 100,000 people made late payments for a particular month and they were charged a late fee of $30 for doing so. This would add up to $3 million in revenue. As you can see, credit card companies are making a lot of money off of card holders and there is no slow down in sight regarding the increase in late fees.

Credit card companies are making a killing off the late fees they issue to their customers and they don’t mind doing it because their ultimate goal is to make money. They are like any other for-profit business in that they sell a product or service for revenue. In the case of credit card companies, the product happens to be credit. These companies aren’t just some “thing” sucking up as much money as they can. These “things” are run by man. And wherever man is involved, greed also becomes involved. These people are just like you and me. They may have a family to support, bills to pay, etc. Most people don’t work just for the pure enjoyment, but for money, a source of income. And the more income we achieve the easier and better our lives become, supposedly.

Some of you may be asking, “So what do we do about the late fees” Well there’s an article that I wrote awhile back that you may be interested in. You can find this article at http://www.nextmonthonline.com/WhitePapers/Article1.aspx . It addresses several methods and tips to avoid having to pay a late fee. One method in particular that I would like to address further in this article is the Skip-a-Payment technique. If you happen to know that you can’t pay your credit card bill for a particular month just skip it. Next Month Online is an independent company from credit card issuers. They allow their visitors to skip a payment for a nominal fee. This fee is generally 70% than your typical late fee. You will accrue no late fee and no bad mark on your credit report. Credit unions often offer this type of service for loans or mortgages, but first you have to fill out an application and then you need to qualify. With Next Month Online, there is no application to fill out and everyone qualifies as long as they have a credit card. Credit card companies are not very happy with Next Month Online because they are losing money every time someone uses the Skip a Payment service. This is by far the best service you can use if you know you will be late because you save a lot of money and avoid all the hassles that come with bad credit.

Credit card companies are not backing down from increasing fees. They, for some reason, do not see us as people who make mistakes once in awhile or people with other priorities in our lives. They want their money and they want it now! This is the reason you should not back down either. Hit them where it hurts, their pocket books. If you know you will be late for a particular month, just use a skip a payment service because the credit card companies will no longer be taking money from you, you will be taking money from them.

About The Author

Daryl Flagg is the founder and CEO of Next Month Online. Next Month Online is a service that allows its visitors to skip credit card payments. They can be found at http://www.NextMonthOnline.com. Sign up for free!

info@nextmonthonline.com

We have all heard countless stories of people over their heads with credit card debt-maxing out every card they own, then only being able to afford the minimum monthly payment. High interest payments shackle people to their debt for years, not to mention the significant income drain the finance charges have on their families.

It is unfortunate that many Americans must live with this reality, since with some financial discipline, this delimma is avoidable. When a spending plan is developed and followed, a credit card becomes no more dangerous than any other form of payment.

When credit card bills are paid in full each month, credit card fees and finance charges do not accumulate. With a little extra bookkeeping from a spending plan, a credit card is transformed from being a burden to a very rewarding financial partner-since it provides the following advantages over other forms of payment:

Rewards Programs. Many credit card companies offer loyalty programs to reward those customers who use their cards more. Rewards usually come in the form of points or cash. Depending on the company, the points can be redeemed for things like restaurant gift certificates, hotel stays, airfare, vacation packages and more. Cash cards typically pay a 1% rebate on your purchases, which makes for an extra $180 a year on monthly spending of $1,500. This level of spending is easily achieved by putting all your purchases on a credit card including utility bill payments. There are even cards that pay more than 1% for particular types of purchases like groceries or gas, such as Citis Dividend Platinum Select card.

Perpetual 0% Loan. When you use a credit card, you are using the banks money to pay the store instead of yours-for free. While youre waiting for your statement to arrive, your money can continue to work for you in an interest- bearing account, such as ING Directs Orange Savings. Unlike a debit card that continually reduces your account balance, using a credit card preserves your entire bank account balance for earning interest until your statements due date. Thats an extra $35.25 a year based on a $1,500 balance at todays rate of 2.35%*.

Fraud Protection. If your credit card number is used fraudulently, by law your maximum liability is $50. This is not true of a debit card. A perpetrator can easily use your debit card as "credit" transaction in retail stores or online. This type of transaction does not require a PIN number to be entered, and is especially dangerous since a thief can clean out your entire bank account in short order.

Loss Protection. Unlike cash which is gone for good if lost, a credit card can be replaced within days of reporting it to the issuing bank. In the meantime, youre protected against unauthorized use by anyone who finds the lost card.

Warranty Coverage. Many MasterCard credit cards warrant your purchases above and beyond that offered by the products manufacturer. Your purchases made with one of these cards get an extra level of protection for free. See MasterCards website http://www.mastercard.com for the full scoop on their coverage terms.

Purchase Protection. Another benefit MasterCard offers on most of their cards. With their Purchase Assurance plan, your purchases are automatically insured against damage or theft for the first 90 days, also at no additional cost to you.

With all of these benefits over other forms of payment, credit cards can easily become your favorite way to pay. Instead of dreading your credit card bill each month, it can become a pleasant reminder of your money mastery.

Copyright 2005, Jim Hood

About The Author

Jim Hood is a senior contributing editor at the Discount Shopping Service Guide, where he reviews credit card offers and writes about money-saving strategies for shopping online. His credit card offer reviews can be found at: ==> http://www.discountssg.com/credit-card-offer.html

Obscene is usually associated with pornography while credit cards enjoy a more discreet association. At least that is the perception. This article will change your perception.

It is my belief, and may become yours after you read the 7 tricks, credit card issuers should be classified with pornographers. They have, I believe, only one purpose and that purpose is to screw every consumer using their cards as the tool.

I say that not because I am anti credit card. Far from it. I have eight in my wallet and use two of them on a regular basis. I also apply the anti-dote every month to their poisonous bites. But, I am ahead of myself and will give you the anti-dote at the end of this article.

By the way, this article only covers what I classify as the top 7 obscene, nasty ways credit card issuers relieve you of money that should rightfully stay in your wallet. I cover them all in a book I wrote which is in my bio at the end of this article.

This first trick is called the universal default penalty. As you may or may not know, credit card issuers regularly check your credit report for late payments on any of your bills. Even though you have been paying your credit card bill like clockwork every month and have never been late, you still can see a spike in your interest rate because you were late with, for example, your car payment.

The UDP clause permits your card issuer to raise your rate no matter in what account you were late. This clause is found in a document called Terms and Agreement which, by the way, you were given when your card was issued. Probably came in the same envelope.

You didn’t read it. I know you didn’t because the font is about 3.5 in size and it is written in legalese. You threw it away or put it in your file cabinet or desk drawer where it is still resting today.

This doesn’t give them the right to monetarily take you to the cleaners but they know you won’t read it so they take you to the cleaners. All legal by the way because the legislation is written for them and not for the consumer.

Proof of my contention is found in your Terms and Agreement and in the credit card laws. Take the time to read one or the other and you will use stronger language than obscene or tricks when you talk about credit card issuers.

Trick two is one called the over the limit fee. Simply stated, if you charge over your credit limit, you are penalized a sum of money. As of this writing, it is between $25 and $50, depending on card issuer.

Think about this charge for a minute. Who set your limit The credit card issuer. You didn’t. So, if you have a $1500 limit, how can you over charge given their computer is preset with that amount and is supposed to block any more charges once you hit $1500

Since the credit card issuer imposed the limit, how can they charge you a fee for exceeding the limit If you exceeded the limit, they had to grant permission, right If they granted permission, than they just reset your limit to a higher amount. So, if they reset your limit to a higher amount, you can’t be over your limit, can you

Wrong. Read the Terms and Agreement. They have a little clause permitting them to do exactly what was just described without penalty to them but with a penalty to you.

I don’t know about you, but to me this seems like a punch below the belt.

Trick three is a neat little jewel called the special delinquency rate. If you have a card with a low interest rate, you may experience a rapid rise in that rate if you are late a certain number of times in nay specified time period. One particular huge credit card issuer has set the number of times to one. Ouch!

Trick four is the transaction fee. A transaction is nothing more than an action charging a blouse for example between you and the merchant. This results in an activity on your card. What else could it possibly do

Well, since it resulted in an activity, a transaction fee is imposed. But isn’t that what the card is set up to do in the first place The answer is yes but the transaction fee increases their profits so its inherent action an activity gives rise to a fee.

Trick five is called a maintenance fee. You don’t even have to use your credit card and you will be charged. You guessed it. The maintenance fee rears its ugly head. I call this a privilege tax because the company is charging you just because you have their card.

Trick six is a doozy called a service charge. This is a fee for specific services or imposed as a penalty for not meeting certain requirements. For example, applying for a card is considered a service, so a service charge is applied.

Trick seven sounds like one or two of the above fees but is actually imposed on top of all the others. An inactivity charge is imposed if you haven’t used your card for a certain period. For example, let’s presuppose a six month period. You would face an inactivity charge if you didn’t use it during that six month period.

Trick eight yes, I know the article says 7 but this one is particularly onerous too is the two-cycle billing trick. Most of us have cards that bill on a one month basis, i.e., charge today and payment is due next month.

Two-cycle billing uses your two previous months’ balances. The math varies a little bit by issuer so rather than give one across the board example, I’ll advise pulling out your Terms and Agreement. By law, this particular deviousness must explained in detail.

If you cannot understand their terminology, math or anything else in that section, ask your banker for an explanation.

OK, now that you know eight of the time bombs your credit card issuer has placed in your wallet, you are armed to take action. When I first opened this article, I said I would give you the anti-dote to their poisonous ways.

I pay the balance in full , a.k.a anti-dote, on every credit card I placed a charge by the due date shown on that card’s statement. You see, the Terms and Agreement does do one good thing for us consumers. It says if we pay in full by the stated due date, we will not face any of their myriad charges and fees.

It is that simple. I watch how much I charge and I pay the balance in full no matter how financially painful it seems at the time.

As a famous commentator used to say, End of story.

About The Author

Tom Koziol wrote “Credit Card Capers: All Their Dirty Tricks Exposed” to level the playing field for consumers when it comes to their credit cards. For more information, visit: http://www.creditcardcapers.com.

deadrun@jps.net

The next time you open your credit card statement, take a closer look at the small insert titled “changes to your credit card agreement”. You know the one I’m speaking about. It’s that small, folded paper written in legalese that you promise to read some other time but of course that time never comes or you just discard it with the other “junk” inserts.

First and foremost you must understand that using your credit card after you’ve received this notification results in your automatic “agreement” to the new terms in the notice. To prevent these new terms from affecting your account you must stop using that credit card immediately or by the date given in the notification statement.

The most common modifications to credit card agreements include new APR’s annual percentage rates, new fees and/or changes to existing fees, or a change to the grace period on your account. The grace period is the number of days during which any credit used for purchases may be repaid in full without incurring a finance charge.

Not knowing or not keeping track of the dollar amount limit on your card is another trap you should avoid. Credit card issuers will allow you to charge a small amount over the limit set on your account. However, don’t be surprised when you get hit with an “over limit fee”, usually around $35.00 or higher, on your next statement. Also, be prepared for your APR to be increased if you go over your credit limit.

You’ll also trigger an increase to your interest rate if you miss your payment due date. Some companies consider your payment late if not received by noon or 1 p.m. on the date due. Along with the higher rate, you’ll also pay a “late fee” of $29 on up. Be sure to use the company’s preprinted envelope when sending your payment. These envelopes allow the pre-printed bar code to be scanned by the post office so that it can be delivered more efficiently.

If you’ve counted on those few extra days from the time you mail your check and the time the check clears your bank, beware! Many credit card issuers have switched from the traditional method of processing checks to a new electronic process. This new system shaves off a day or more from the traditional method it normally takes for your check to clear by electronically debiting your account.

If you’re considering paying your credit card bills online, check to see if any additional fees will be charged for using this type of payment. I recently received an e-mail message from one of my credit card companies announcing how easy it would be to make my payments online. Included in fine print at the bottom of the e-mail was this note - “A fee of up to $14.95 may be charged for this service and will be deducted from your checking account”. Hmmm, spend 37 cents on postage and mail my payment five days before the due date or pay now and get charged an additional $14.95 fee I’ll bet you can guess which choice I made.

Taking the time to carefully read and understand your credit card agreement now will help you save money by avoiding unnecessary fees or climbing interest rates later down the road.

© 2004, http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com

About The Author

James H. Dimmitt James is editor of “To Your Credit” a FREE weekly newsletter focusing on money management news and tips. You can subscribe to his newsletter and also get a FREE copy of your credit report when you visit: http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com jimdim815@aol.com

Youre probably thinking "Tell me something I dont know" but in this time of low interest rates you might be thinking that youve got a great deal since credit card interest rates are low. Wrong. Credit card companies have a cutoff as to how low their interest rates will go. So when interest rates are low for lending, that doesnt mean your credit card rate will be low as well. If you dont know, or arent sure, if your credit card company has a minimum interest rate just look at the fine print on your next credit card bill. If you cant read that small of print, and most of us cant, give the customer service a call. If your credit card company does have a minimum interest rate then Id plan to look around and go with the credit card companies that dont. Because when the interst rates drop, you should get a break on your credit card rate.

The fixed rate on credit cards actually rose in the last twelve months. Why Because the credit card companies have been actually losing money due to record numbers of delinquencies and bankruptcies. Those who cant pay now for their purchases in the past are sticking their bill to the rest of the credit card holders.

So you may think that you want to get that credit card insurance being pushed by credit card companies that will pay your bill if you become disabled or unemployed. Not so fast. The average payout on a credit insurance policy is 30-50%. The National Association of Insurance Commissions actually recommends a payout of at least 60%. Payouts for debt cancellation and debt suspension is in the 1-3% range. Thats definitely not worth the premiums. Get enough regular life insurance and disability insurance to cover your debt as their premiums are much cheaper and have greater payouts.

Beware of a credit card company trick that I recently ran into. I mailed a payment a week early but yet was still charged a late fee. Impossible I say. I found out the payment had to be in the credit card companys processing center by a certain time on the due date. Think of my credit card payment making its way through the mail, to a P.O. box, then getting picked up, sorted, sent to the processing center, opened and recorded. And this has to be done by a certain date on the due date. Ouch. I suggest mailing in your payment at least two weeks early.

About The Author

Christine Breen is the owner of the website www.1stop-creditcards.com which helps consumers learn about credit cards and find a card to work for them.

There are many evils associated with credit cards, but there are benefits that are hard to ignore. One benefit is having the credit card company act in your behalf to recover funds from a disputed transaction. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act the credit card company has to investigate the dispute and either take the charge off your bill or explain why it is correct. Even better, you dont have to pay the portion of the credit-card bill or related interest charges while the dispute is being investigated.

The types of blling disputes/errors covered by the Fair Credit Billing Act are: Charges that list the wrong date or amount. Charges for goods and services you didnt accept or werent delivered as agreed. Math errors. Failure to post payments and other credits, such as returns. Unauthorized charges.

Before you dispute any of issues you must first contact the retailer and try to settle the dispute. If they ignore you, or the dispute is not settled then contact the credit card company. Usually you need to have your dispute in writing to the credit card company. The address for billing disputes is different then the address to send payments. The billing dispute address can be found on the back of your monthly statement. If it cannot be found, call the credit card companys customer service for the billing dispute address. You usually only have a certain number of days to dispute the billing error so make sure you mail in your dispute before the deadline.

If contacting the credit card company doesnt resolve the dispute, you may contact the Office of the Comptroller of the Currencys Customer Assistance Group. Their website is www.occ.treas.gov/customer.htm and phone number is 800-613-6743.

About The Author

Christine Breen is the owner of 1stop-creditcards.com a site helping consumers find a better credit card. kokopoko2000@yahoo.com

Some credit cards offer a cash advance option. But how good a deal is this

Not very. In fact, it can be downright expensive.

Why

Because every time you use your credit card to withdraw case, more fees kick in: Cash advances can carry an upfront fee of 2 percent to 4 percent of the amount advanced. The advances have a higher interest rate than regular card charges. Interest charges begin to mount as soon as the money comes out of the ATM. Many issuers also require you to pay down the balances for purchases before you pay down the higher-interest cash advance balance.

Heres an example of how these fees kick in:

Assume you bought a television for $500 on your card and then took out $50 in cash. Even though you pay the $50 back the next day, you still lose your interest-free period because the credit provider deems you pay the cash back last.

As a result you will still owe the $50, but you will now only owe $450 on the $500 worth of purchases.

Youll continue to forfeit your interest-free period up until you have completely paid back the full $550. Any future purchases will still be ahead of the $50 in the payback line.

The lesson is simple: Avoid using your credit card to withdraw cash wherever possible. Youll save money as a result!

About The Author

Paul Davis is financial writer and contributor to http://debt-elimination-4u.com. Stop by and pick up your FREE guide on how to get out of debt now at: http://debt-elimination-4u.com/get-out-of-debt.htm

Imagine opening your credit card statement one morning and discovering to your horror that you suddenly owe thousands of dollars - on purchases that you never made.

Impossible

Credit card fraud on the rise, so you need to treat your card and its information with extreme care.

Here are 10 tips to help insure youre not the victim of thieves and fraudsters:

1. Sign new and replacement cards immediately.

2. Destroy the old cards by cutting them into pieces and shred all old receipts and bills.

3. Dont fax your credit-card number, if possible. Remember, the faxed document could remain in sight at the other end for long periods of time.

4. Dont give your card number over the phone unless you have initiated the call.

5. Destroy any carbon paper if its used as part of the credit card transaction. Somebody can grab it and forge your signature.

6. Dont respond to any "scam" e-mails requesting your credit card number.

7. Never send your credit card number in an e-mail to anyone!

8. A good option for discouraging theft is to choose a credit card that includes your photo and signature on the card.

9. If you have questions about mistakes or unauthorized items on your statement, you have the right to challenge them.

10. If your card is lost, stolen, or you suspect fraudulent use, call your companys 24-hour hotline immediately to prevent your card from being used as little as possible. The company will block its use, and you wont be responsible for any charges made by thieves.

Youll never deter fraudsters completely. But you can certainly make life as difficult as possible for them.

About The Author

Paul Davis is financial writer and contributor to Debt Elimination 4U. Visit the site now and learn how to get out of debt forever. ==> http://Debt-Elimination-4U.com

It is often assumed if you want to accept credit cards on your website that you must have a merchant account. This is not the case. You can accept credit cards with a Third Party credit card processor.

1 What is a Third Party Credit Card Processor

A Third Party credit card processor is a company that will accept credit card payments on behalf of you or your company. The payments your customers make are processed through the Third Partys own merchant account, and you the retailer is paid minus a commission fee by the Third Party processor.

No need to pay for expensive processing software, monthly fees or minimum transaction fees. As you only pay a percentage fee on a sale, you cannot lose money.

2 Should I have a Merchant Account or Third Party Processor

For most businesses this decision will be made according to the size of the company. Most small businesses do not need their own merchant account.

Small businesses are better off with a Third Party processor. The advantage is that when you sell your products, the Third Party processor takes care of the payment by checking the card, processing it, and sending you a monthly check.

Larger businesses with a bigger turnover are likely to need a full merchant account. You will pay a bigger set-up fee for an online merchant account but pay less per transaction than with a Third Party processor. So recouping your initial outlay.

So there it is, unless you have a large business it is possible to accept credit cards online with a Third Party processor.

c John Lynch 2004

[ For details of Third Party credit card processors and online merchant accounts visit: http://www.merchant-account-service.com/credit_card_processing.html ]

About The Author

For Free review on Site Build It - the most advanced web site design software for small business go to: http://www.merchant-account-service.com/sitebuildit.html

Ok, let’s face it, everybody hates high credit card rates, and they drain hard earned money out of your wallet. As a valued consumer, it is apparent that you learn how to negotiate to get the absolute best rate that you possibly can. The good news however is that it doesn’t have to be a difficult or time-consuming process. In fact, it can be very easy indeed if you know what you’re doing. In this article we will discuss the ins and outs of credit card negotiating to ensure that you get the best possible rate with the least amount of effort.

1. First and foremost, you should figure out if you even want to continue using your current credit card company http://the-credit-card-shop.co.uk/credit-card-company.htm. Are you pleased with the overall service that you are receiving Do you like their benefits If the answer is yes then you can proceed. If not, you should stop reading this article and start looking for a better company.

2. Second, you should evaluate your paying history and make sure that it is positive before you call to negotiate. If it is positive then you have power and if it isn’t then you’ll be negotiating from a position of weakness and that might not be good. Instead, you should wait until it is more positive before you call them to negotiate rates.

3. Third, if you have a good history then remember this when you call. In essence, you’ll have extremely high negotiating power. The company needs your business in order to be successful and with clients they lose big time. Therefore, you should always display this “take them or leave them attitude” while conducting your negotiations.

4. Draft up a script and memorize it. It can be as simple as “Hello, my name is Bill and I have been a cardholder for X years and I consistently pay my bills on a time. Well recently I have been receiving all types of credit card offers from XYZ bank indicating that I qualify for an extremely low interest rate of X and am considering leaving you and going there if you can’t offer me a lower rate. Is this something that you can help me with

5. Practice, practice and practice some more with your script until you are completely and totally used to it. Once you are, contact the company. Read your script and see what happens.

6. If you get a hard nose customer service representative then don’t threaten her. Be agreeable and ask to speak to his/her supervisor. If that is not possible, be nice to her and try again she may have some leeway. If you like your present company, you can even try negotiating interest rates http://the-credit-card-shop.co.uk/low-interest-credit-cards.htm , annual and even those yucky late fees.

7. However, if you’re fed up, have an alternative company in the wings, and your current company won’t budge with their rates then be willing to take your business elsewhere. After all, you hold the power so don’t be afraid to use it! They key however is to not bluff but to follow through with your threat. Close the account, ask for them to send you notification in the mail, cancel the credit card and use another card.

In conclusion, you can be successful with the negotiating process if you follow the above mentioned tips. If your current company is unwilling to cooperate then you should simply take your business elsewhere. You’re better off with another credit card company that values your savvy negotiating skills!

About The Author

Claire Bowes is a successful freelance writer and owner of the Credit Card Centre http://www.the-credit-card-centre.co.uk/ where you will find further advice and tips on the best credit card deals http://the-credit-card-centre.co.uk/best-credit-cards.html, 0% credit cards and small business credit cards. http://the-credit-card-centre.co.uk/business-credit-cards.html

Ah, the “good old days”. If you are a baby boomer, like me, then you probably remember how important it was to rush to the bank on payday. You had to get there before the teller lanes closed so that you could have your “cash allowance” for the week. Otherwise, if you needed cash you had to write a check, then go to the bank, and “cash” the check for real cash.

Fortunately the days of the mad rush to get cash from the bank are long gone. We now enjoy the convenience of using a nearby automatic teller machine ATM or you can even get “cash back” at your local grocery, hardware or convenience store.

The card you use at the ATM is known as a debit card. When debit cards first appeared it was easy to tell them apart from credit cards. Debit cards didn’t have a credit card company logo on them; instead, they usually just had your bank name, your account number and your name.

Today debit cards look exactly like credit cards even carrying the same logos. Both types of cards can be swiped at the checkout counter , used to make purchases on the internet, or to pay for the fill-up at the gas pump.

When you use your debit card to make a purchase, it’s just like using cash. The account that is attached to your debit card, in most cases your checking account, is automatically debited when you use your debit card. The cost of your purchase is deducted from the funds you have in that account.

On the other hand, when you use your credit card to make a purchase you are using someone’s else’s money, specifically the issuer of the credit card, usually a banking institution.

In effect, you agree to pay them back the money you borrowed to make your purchase. In addition you will also pay interest on the money “loaned” to you at the rate which you agreed to when you applied for their credit card. This is known as the annual percentage rate APR.

While the two cards might act and look alike, the levels of consumer protection that each type of card provides can be different.

Under federal law, if someone steals your credit card youre only responsible to pay the first $50 of unauthorized charges. However, if you notify the credit card issuer before a thief is able to make any charges you may be free from all liability. If the credit card is not physically present when an unauthorized or fraudulent purchase is made, such as over the internet, you’re also free from liability for those charges.

MasterCard and Visa offer zero-liability protection where you won’t pay any charges if someone uses your credit card to make an unauthorized purchase.

The protection offered to debit card fraud is similar but with a few exceptions. For example, your liability under federal law is limited to $50, the same as for a credit card, but only if you notify the issuer within two business days of discovering the cards loss or theft. Your liability for debit card fraud can jump up to $500 if you don’t report the loss or theft within two business days.

And if you are the type of person that gives a passing glance to your monthly bank statement, you could be totally liable for any fraudulent debit card charges if you wait 60 days or more from the time your statement is mailed.

Visa and MasterCard zero-liability protection applies to your debit card but only for transactions that do not involve the use of your PIN personal identification number.

Additional protection against fraudulent use of your credit or debit cards may be available through your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. Check your policy or with your agent for more information about your coverage.

Also be aware that you should contact your card issuer by certified letter, return receipt requested, after you’ve contacted them by phone to protect your consumer rights.

As for which card to use for what type of purchase, most experts agree that you should use your debit card for the same type of purchases you’d make as if you were using cash. Therefore, it makes more sense to use your debit card than your credit card at the grocery store or gas station provided you have sufficient funds to cover these purchases of course.

You should avoid using your debit card for any online purchase or for something which is expensive. Why The main reason is that it is much easier to dispute a charge when you use your credit card. If your gold-plated, limited edition, hip-swinging Elvis wall clock arrives broken, your credit card company will remove the charge until the problem is resolved.

With your debit card you are stuck dealing with the merchant directly to resolve any problems with a purchase, even if your banking institution could really use a gold-plated, limited edition, hip-swinging Elvis wall clock of their very own.

About The Author

© 2003, Your Free Credit Report Now Author: James H. Dimmitt. Get your FREE credit report online now and subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter “TO YOUR CREDIT”. Visit http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com for more information. jimdim815@aol.com

You need some more money for college expenses this semester. Do you whip out a credit card to pay for your books, or do you apply for a federal or private loan Well, consider the options –

With a federal loan, your interest rate will be low around 5% and your payments will be deferred until 6-9 months after graduation.

With a private loan, the interest rate will be slightly higher than with a federal loan but will still be lower than average. In addition, you will only need to make interest payments until after graduation.

With a credit card, on the other hand, the interest rate can be as high as 21%. Interest begins accruing almost immediately, and you need to begin paying off the bill the next month.

This is not to say that credit cards do not have a place in your college life. It is good to have one national card Visa, MasterCard, Discover on hand to help you build a positive credit history and to provide security in emergencies. When you decide to apply for a card, compare annual fees, interest rates, and introductory offers. And to keep yourself out of debt, try to—

Pay your balance each month to avoid interest charges

Pay your bill on time to avoid late charges

Avoid cash advances, which come with large finance charges and interest that begins accruing immediately.

This article is distributed by NextStudent. At NextStudent, we believe that getting an education is the best investment you can make, and were dedicated to helping you pursue your education dreams by making college funding as easy as possible. We invite you to learn more on how Student loans are better than credit cards at http://www.NextStudent.com.

About The Author

My goal is to help every student succeed - education is one of hte most important things a person can have, so I have made it my personal mission to help every student pay for their education. Aside from that, I am just a pretty average girl from SD.

http://www.nextstudent.com/

There are not many of us who do not have a credit card these days. But, not all of us are as wise in the area of understanding how they work and how they make money. There are many types available to the young and old. Student credit cards even begin to get teenagers into the world of credit cards. Secured credit cards, cards that usually cant be written off, are even misleading in their name. So, what does that discover credit card in your wallet actually do for you

Even young adults are being lured into the world of credit cards. Student credit cards are widely available. Some link the parent to the card, others are geared towards college students who most of the time dont even have jobs to pay for them. They seem like a great way to pay for college expenses, but the fees can be outrageous.

A big trap is secured credit cards. While there are always options out there that are legit, there are many others that are not. Often times, people with little or no credit or even bad credit can get a secured credit card. These are credit cards that are linked to savings accounts which require a minimum balance to be kept. While this seems easy enough, if you default on it, they can claim their money through that savings account. Another aspect of these types of credit cards are the fees associated with them. They often require set up fees, sometimes in the hundreds of dollars. They may have monthly and yearly fees as well. They may seem like a great way to establish or reestablish credit, but you will need to read the fine print for the secured credit card.

The goal of any credit card company is to make money. They do this by charging you an interest rate. The rate varies greatly from one company to the next depending on your credit status and credit history. But, your goal is to find the low interest credit cards. Many times, if you are in good standing with a credit card company, you can call them and request that they consider you for an interest rate cut.

Next to paying off your entire credit card bill each month, finding the lowest rates is often very important in order to save money. With the Internet as a tool, you can search for different types of credit cards and learn which companies offer the lowest rates. Many companies are equipped to take and accept credit card applications online within minutes. But, be wise and read the fine print to avoid falling into traps and outrageous fees.

About The Author

Mike Yeager Publisher http://www.a1-loans-4u.com/ mjy610@hotmail.com

Can you encounter the number of times where a Credit Card Sale was generated, only to receive a "Refund Notification" from your contracted e-commerce processor on behalf the "customer"

Welcome to the electronic world of "cyber-shoplifting".

Unscrupulous surfers, disguised as potential "customers", systematically opt to ordering goods using credit cards in electronic form of delivery, only to request a refund minutes or days later after receiving the product.

The "cyber thieves" consent the well-known "loophole" of specific e-commerce processors who deploy a "no questions asked" refund policy.

Some... might concur to the predicament that a "liberal refund policy" boosts sales, but it is statistically verified that these claims are unthinkingly based gross sales figures, where refunds are *not* accumulated to extract the "net profit" minus refunds.

In numerous cases, the cyber thieves or else called freebie hunters automate their thievery, by using pre-made templates to ask for a refund, in order to save time and reap as many digital products as possible, for gratis.

A portion of cyber thieves, download a digital product, whether ebook or software, only to illegally sell it online at eBay or sell it in "warez sites".

Optimistically, these unprincipled pinches are either prosecuted to the fullest extend of the law, for infringement of copyrights, or face imprisonment along with heavy fines.

So if you want to avoid getting targeted by cyber thieves and losing thousands, the wisest approach is to conduct business with an e-commerce processor who will protect you against dodgy "freebie hunters" see http://traffic-engine.net/stormpay for a genuine payment processor.

After all, it is *your duty* to forming your own "refunds policy", not your processors.

About The Author

George Papazoglou is the author behind http://cyber-software.com

This article may be freely distributed / republished, as long as it contains the authors credits and the precise entirety of the provided article, titled: "How to Eliminate Credit Card Refunds from Digital Thieves".

Are you a headless newbie

I know I was when twelve month ago when I started looking into setting up an online business. Whichever way I turned people were willing to offer me advice, e-books, freebies, newsletters, amazing money making opportunities, advertising, search engine placement and much more. This was great but my head started spinning and my credit card started to melt and worst of all I wasnt making a cent.

I learnt a lot during this time and have started to see my commission cheques increase so here are my top 5 tips to help the newbie with the credit card rush to stop sit back and actually start earning some money.

1: Before you sign up for anything read the sales page fully and see what you are actually getting for your money. Many of these pages contain a lot of information and the tendacy is to skim them for the interesting parts ie: How much does it cost. This is exactly what they are desinged to do, so slow down and read everything fully. When I first started I signed up for several programs just because they seemed to offer a lot for not a lot of money, this was true but none of it was at all useful.

2: Join some relevant forums and ask questions about the affiliate programs you are interested in. People are only too happy to help and you will get some good honest feedback both good and bad.

3: When you decide on a program give it time and if it doesnt work straight away keep going. One of the biggest mistakes is to jump from program to program to find one that will work. As with any business it takes time to build and see results so stick with it and keep telling yourself what brought you to internet marketing.

4: Decide on a monthly budget and make sure you stick to it. With the ease of online credit card transactions you will often be tempted by amazing one time only offers, these are designed to get a snap decision from you.

5: Dont keep checking your emails for sign ups. Firstly you will be disappointed if you dont have any and secondly you will be sent lots of emails offering you the world. Its very easy when you are down to try something else and this often invloves your credit card.

Thats my top five but the biggest piece of advice I have been given lately is to take the odd day off and dont do anything, especially at times when you are down and nothing seems to be working. I did this recently and came back to five sign ups, the feeling was great and I went about my business with new vigour.

Copyright 2004 Marc Howlett

About The Author

Marc Howlett is a sales professional with several years experience. Currently working full time as a sales director for a large import wholesale company. I am also making a full time living working part tme online. For help and advice check out my website: http://www.cash-attack.com For personal advice contact me by email: marc@cash-attack.com

If you’re a webmaster who has been itching to start a home based business and you are experiencing some cash flow problems and are considering leaving your dreams by the wayside, don’t. Credit cards may be your answer. Now before you start feeling guilty about using your credit cards for some much needed cash flow and before you antagonize over this issue because of “debt”, let me assure you that credit cards http://www.the-credit-card-centre.co.uk/best-credit-cards.html may be your key to success when you use them wisely.

This isn’t to say that you should go out and run up your cards up to the limit simply because they are there. Instead, we’re saying that credit cards are not all bad, credit card companies aren’t the devil and if you use your cards smartly then they can help jump start your fledging business’ finances or get you out of a cash crunch. However, the key is to learn how to use credit cards to your advantage and not your disadvantage. With this in mind, we have provided you with the top five tips that will help you use your credit cards wisely:

First and foremost, you should realize that carrying cards have some advantages. Here are some major ones that you should be aware of: Credit allows you to buy needed supplies instantly instead of waiting until later; You can spread out the cost of expensive equipment like software and computers; You can learn to cleverly float cards and get months of interest free loans if you choose the right card and use it correctly; When you use cards, your purchases are insured; Credit cards allow you to keep track of miscellaneous purchases and expenses; You can earn points and other rewards simply for using the card; Credit cards help you budget your money. You get a single limit and once that is exceeded then you will be declined so you’ll be encouraged to keep track of how much limit you have.

Second, you have to find a card that has a great rate and/or the best benefits for you. For instance, if you will pay off the balance every month but travel a lot then you might want to consider a card with a higher interest rate that gives more frequent flier miles since you will not be affected by the interest rate when you can’t pay off the credit card balance every month. On the other hand, if you can’t pay your balance every month, you should consider the card with a lower interest rate.

Once you’ve found an appropriate card, you should make a commitment to pay your balance responsibly. That is, you should only charge the amount that you can realistically pay in a month or so and make a point not to rack up a ton of credit card debt.

You should really try and avoid using your credit card to get cash advances. This is because most companies charge cash advance fees which could hurt you. However, an exception to this would be if you have an emergency and need to handle a cash crunch then you should use the least amount possible.

Review your statements as soon as you get them to evaluate interest rates. Make sure that you don’t see any errors and if you do then report them right away.

In conclusion, you shouldn’t feel guilty about using your credit cards to help you start or finance your fledging web business. Instead, you should use the above-mentioned tips and use your cards responsibly so that they continue to be a blessing when you need them!

About The Author

Claire Bowes is a successful freelance writer and owner of The Credit Card Centre http://www.the-credit-card-centre.co.uk where you will find further advice and tips on the best credit card deals http://www.the-credit-card-centre.co.uk/best-credit-cards.html and small business credit cards http://www.the-credit-card-centre.co.uk/business-credit-cards.html .

When I received my first credit card in the mail at age 18 I was ecstatic, I said to myself, wow now I’m getting somewhere in life. This credit card company thinks I’m worthy of 500 dollars in credit. So I made my monthly payments like a good consumer and watched my credit limit grow. I thought boy this company must think alot of me to take such a risk. I however had no idea how the money came into existence. All I cared about was that as long as when I slapped the plastic down I was approved. Like most young people I had no idea what an interest rate even was much less how it effected my monthly payments. I was like a lot of kids in America today, my parents were not a big part of my early adult life and so I really didn’t have much guidance when it came to making financial decisions. The lessons I learned were hard and I continue to learn as each day passes.

After all what is credit When you get that “Pre-Approved” application in the mail, does that mean that the credit card companies have been watching you personally and are rewarding you for having so called “good credit,” Of course not, they are looking to make money just like any business, and they are making a lot of it.

Today there are thousands of people who are losing their homes, farms, and businesses because they do not understand the meaning of credit. This article will explain the difference between money and credit and will show you how the banks create "credit" and pretend that it is "money".

There has been a monetary debate in our country for some time now and that debate focuses on two central issues. First that only gold and silver are Constitutional money Article I Section 10 clause 1U.S. Constitution and second that the dollar is defined by the Mint Act of 1792, and that a Federal Reserve Note is not a dollar. There is a third area that is not well understood, but which is very important. It is the most important issue of all because 97% of our money supply today consists of bank credit whereas Federal Reserve Notes and coins consist of less than 3%.Today every bank loan in the United States can be legally voided because it is based on credit instead of money!

YEAH RIGHT, you say. Well I have explored that accusation for over a year now and here is what I have found. One must ask the question, “What is Credit” after all we throw the word around so freely today, but how many of us truly understand its meaning. Credit is the opposite of money. Money is legal tender for the payment of debts as defined by Congress in 31 U.S.C.A. Sec 392. This section basically describes all coins and currency issued by the U.S. government as legal tender for all debts, public and private. Many will argue that Federal Reserve Notes are Unconstitutional, but for this article it will be assumed that coins and paper currency both represent money.

Now let’s assume you are going to make a purchase say for an automobile or a living room suite. You might say that your credit is good or that your promise to pay is sufficient. In other words the seller trusts that you will pay the money back. At that point you sign a loan agreement in which you pledge the auto as collateral for the security agreement. In other words the auto dealer has accepted your credit, your promise to pay, in exchange for the auto.

Ok here is where it starts to get interesting. Now consider a bank loan. When you go to the bank for a loan, based on your promise to pay and your good credit the bank gives you the loan right The bank has accepted your promise to pay the money back, but ask yourself this question. What exactly did the bank loan you Well, the bank will invariably give you a check which is also a "promise to pay" you so many dollars, with interest. What you and the bank have is a bilateral contract when you exchange "promises to pay". In other words you have accepted each others credit, and yet no money has exchanged hands. This is an important point; no “money” has exchanged hands.

Now what do you do with the check Probably one of two things: either you deposit it in your checking account or you bring it to your car dealer. Either way, when the check gets deposited it goes directly to the banks bookkeeping department and the numbers from the check are entered into your account. Now the bank will say that its deposits have increased, still no “money” has exchanged hands.

These bookkeeping entries are called “demand deposits” meaning that the customer can walk into the bank at any point in time and demand the deposit from the vault. In accounting terms, the money is placed into the banks liabilities column because this is money that the bank owes the people.

Now what do you think the bank has for assets Well it has a small amount of vault cash which the Federal Government requires them to keep on hand and a whole lot of IOU’s for those entire loan agreements people sign their names to. The bank is gambling that not every customer will come into the bank at the same time and demand their money in cash and it’s a pretty good gamble. All those promises to pay are on paper so also are all of the bank assets.

All this amounts to is a transfer of numbers or book entries from one checking account to another. The same thing happens when you write a check. Numbers called "dollars" are transferred from your checking account to someone else’s. When a credit card is used, bank credit or book entries are created and transferred to another person at the same time.

The next question is, if it so easy for a bank to create “credit”, which is used like money, how then is this “credit”, destroyed The “credit” is destroyed when the principle of the loan is repaid. However, the interest collected by the bank on the "credit" it loaned, is transferred, to another account for distribution to its stockholders.

What happens is that because 97% of the nation’s money supply consists of credit which is all created by private corporations banks, and because interest is charged on every dollar of “credit” used, debts are constantly created for which no money or credit exists to repay these debts. Hence our money system can be best described as a “debt usury” money system, for every dollar of credit which comes into existence, a debt is created to the banks and interest usury is charged.

Under our present money system, the Federal government will never be able to balance its budget and the national debt will continue to grow exponentially. However, every bank loan made in the United States today is illegal, since all bank loans are based on “credit” instead of “money”! The words “ultra vires” are important words because they mean that “a contract made by a corporation beyond the scope of its corporate powers is unlawful.”see Blacks Law Dictionary

The courts have consistently ruled that banks cannot lend their credit, but can only lend their money and that all loans of credit are “ultra vires.” Since no bank charter gives them permission to lend their “credit”, and Congress never gave the banks permission to create money, all such loans of credit are ultra vires or unlawful. The bank, by loaning credit, has unjustly enriched itself. It pays no interest for the use of its credit but charges its customers the same amount of interest as if it loaned out its money.

These practices are a high level form of loansharking. It is deception and fraud. The collection of interest on credit is in violation of all usury laws. After all, the bank is collecting interest on money which doesnt exist. There are many programs today such as a particular program which I represent, Debt Solutions International DSI. There are over two trillion dollars worth of illegal bank loans out there waiting to be challenged. A program such as DSI’s is a much better alternative to bankruptcy since you get to keep your property and void the bank loans at the same time.

Anyone can walk off his property and let the bank have it, but to do so is to reward them for their fraudulent acts. It would be much better to sue the bank on fraud and usury charges and ask that all contracts which you signed on the day you took out the loan be declared “ultra vires”, null and void. That includes deeds of trust, mortgages, notes and security agreements, but particularly credit cards.

For a long time, patriots have been writing to their Congressmen asking them to give us an honest money system without extortionate interest rates and they have ignored us. I am not an expatriate, I still believe in my country, but our current fractional reserve banking system must be eliminated. If we do not do something our children will pay the price of inheriting our debts. I believe with the power of the internet, consumer education will become so powerful that the banks and the “powers that be” will meet their match. People will see that programs such as those offered by DSI and others are nothing to be afraid of and will become mainstream.

About The Author

I currently specialize in unsecured debt elimination particularly credit cards. If you or a loved one would like more info on these types of services visit my website at www.debtjustice.net. schraderrick@digital-link.net

Using credit cards while traveling is a good idea for a number of reasons: You have a record of your expenditures for record-keeping and tax purposes especially important if you travel for business You may get a better exchange rate when obtaining foreign currency when using your credit card. Credit card companies can refund disputed charges and may offer extra guarantees, special deals or warranties. Your liability in the case of a stolen credit card is limited to $50

But, traveling these days is often a juggling act of luggage, boarding passes, identification cards, passports and a gauntlet of security measures. These identification acrobatics can leave you distracted and even a little bit addled, perhaps putting you more at risk of being targeted by an enterprising pickpocket or purse snatcher.

And, even though your liability is limited, costs can quickly add up if multiple cards are involved. Factor in the hassle and increased risk of identity theft, and it is apparent a few preemptive measures can save you from a boatload of heartache.

Consider the following tips as guidelines to traveling safely and affordably with your credit cards….

Plan Ahead:

Anytime you travel you should make photo copies of all of your credit cards airline tickets and documents, both front and back. You should leave these photocopies with a friend or family member.

Be aware that if you make copies of your cards and documents to take with you, you may be giving thieves another opportunity to rip off your personal information. Consider blacking out details such as expiration dates, verification codes and social security numbers.

If you decide not to carry photocopies of your credit cards, be sure to have the card cancellation numbers from the backs of the cards written down and stashed in your luggage.

Leave a Paper Trail:

Save receipts and keep track of the places you used your card. Make sure receipts are stored in a safe place so they can be checked against your credit card statement to ensure unauthorized charges have not been made and/or gone unnoticed.

His & Hers:

When traveling with other family members, even spouses, bring different credit cards that are on separate accounts. When a card is lost or stolen and must be cancelled, all cards on the account are cancelled as well. Having at least two cards from separate accounts will prevent the situation from leaving you stranded.

Lighten Up:

Carry only the personal information absolutely necessary for vacation, such as a passport or drivers license. The less personal information you have, the better off you will be if your purse or wallet is stolen.

When traveling by air, always keep copies of important documents in a separate part of your luggage, such as a carry-on bag.

Keep cards on your person. Most travel stores carry small bags that you can keep cards, cash, and other items you will need to access while out and about. Consider a money belt or security wallet.

Look out for fees:

When traveling abroad and using a credit card, watch out for the conversion fee that many banks levy to convert charges in foreign currencies to dollars, generally 1% of the purchase amount. Some banks charge a fee and some don’t so, if you have several cards, its worth checking with the issuers to see which one has the best deal. Even with the conversion charge, many times ATM machines will have the best possible exchange rates and the lowest fees.

With proper planning, credit cards are a convenient, secure and cost-effective means of payment when traveling. Just keep these tips in mind, and the next time you’re balancing on one foot at the security gate, you’ll be glad you did.

About The Author

Gail Corwin is a successful author and publisher of http://www.luggage-n-travel-accessories.com. Your online resource for luggage and travel accessories, travel related information, timely articles and tips.

One of the easiest ways to borrow money of a financial institute is to use a Credit Card, available from all banks, building societies, and other financial organisations. The choices available are enormous, with a wide variety of interest charges, annual charges, loyalty schemes, and bonus points available. However there are two broad areas that you should look at:

Annual Interest Rate

Firstly if you do not intend to pay off your Credit Card bill at the end of each month, then you should look at the Annual Interest Rate (APR), this rate is typically between 13-17% at the moment, and you should be looking for a card that offers as low an interest rate as possible. You should also bear in mind that you are charged much higher rates of interest than other forms of borrowing money, so if you do not intend to pay of your bills for a long period of time, then you should seriously consider a different form of loan that is less expensive.

Extra Benefits

On the other hand if you do intend to pay off you credit card bill at the end of each month, then you should be more interested in the loyalty schemes that are on offer. These vary from being awarded points every time you purchase something (these points can than me used to purchased gifts or air miles etc), to simply being given ‘Cashback’ on everything you buy (typically 0.5%-1% of your purchase). You should also look at the level of service that your card company offers. They are obliged under law to offer certain protection to the consumer, but often they will increase this protection with other guarantees. Some offer extended warranties on electrical goods, extra travel insurance when you are on holiday, accidental damage insurance for any goods you buy, and even free commission on cash withdrawals when abroad.

Also some companies charge an annual fee for using their card (especially business credit card accounts), so these fees should be weighed up against the cards benefits.

Even if you usually do pay off your credit card bills at the end of each month, when you open a account you may be offered 6 months interest free credit. This is often an excellent way of saving money as you are basically given an interest free loan for 6 months. It is even more useful if you are allowed to transfer some credit card debt from a different company into the interest free offer. However there is a danger of becoming trapped in a bad debit cycle here, transferring your debt from card to card until it is completely unmanageable. The best advice is to make sure you always have enough money in the bank, or in a savings account, to pay off your debt when you are taking advantage of the interest free credit period. That way you benefit from earning interest on your savings in your bank, but as soon as the interest free credit period has expired, you can pay the entire bill off without being stung for high interest charges.

So to summarize

If you are not paying off your monthly credit card bills, look for a card that offers a low interest rate

If you are paying off your monthly credit card bills, looking for additional card benefits

Interest free credit periods are good news for saving money, but beware of being caught in a debt spiral

Credit Cards are an expensive way of obtaining a loan or borrowing money, and you should investigate other cheaper forms if you intend to borrow money in the medium to long term

Alastair Taylor runs a DIY website that tries to give the consumer the truth about how to save money on Financial matters as well as home improvement. Visit http://www.whatprice.co.uk to saves yourself time and money.

Permission is given to reproduce this article as long as the above Bio is included with the hyperlink.

It’s summer. And for some lucky Americans, this means going vacation to a far off land in hopes of relieving the stress of everyday life. In general, it is a very happy couple of months for the regular American family but it can also be an even happier time for credit card companies. This is because of the fact that credit card companies are making a killing off the money Americans spend on their foreign vacations through questionable fees.

Imagine this situation. You and your family are in Paris, France on vacation. Your wife sees a lovely pair of shoes that she “must have” and so being the good husband that you are, you purchase the $300 pair of shoes using your credit card. Two weeks or so later, your credit card statement shows up and instead of you seeing a charge for $300 dollars, you statement shows a charge for $309. How did this happen? The answer is that you were charge 1% foreign currency-conversion fee by Visa or Master to convert your foreign-currency purchase into American dollars and were also charged an addition 2% foreign transaction fee by your credit card issuer.

If you are form the U.S., when you make a purchase abroad with your credit card, your credit card issuer will convert the charge to U.S. dollars before it appears on your statement. Usually, this is done through the Visa or MasterCard networks, which charge a 1-percent foreign currency-conversion fee for converting your foreign-currency purchase into American dollars. According to Kristin Arnold, a writer for Bankrate.com, this is a good deal since changing your money in almost any other manner will probably cost you a lot more.

What is unsettling, however, is the additional foreign transaction fee which your credit card issuer charges. This fee can range from 2-3%. According to Linda Sherry, the editorial director for Consumer Action in Washington, "Banks have been making a profit off their customers for a long time, while providing no service." In Agreement, Ed Perkins, a syndicated travel columnist and author of "Business Travel When It's Your Money," says that these fees are “pure gouging that credit card companies know they can get away with”. Foreign transaction fees do not relate to any service that the credit card issuer provides but instead is buried deep in the fine print of the credit card agreement between the issuer and the customer. So in retrospect, while Visa or MasterCard may have done you a favor by converting your foreign-currency purchase into American dollars for a fee of 1%, your bank’s additional charges were driven by pure greed.

So what can you do to avoid these fees? The answer is to do your research. Currently there is no standard rate at which all banks and corporations charge, so you could possibly find a card that does not add on any additional fees for overseas purchases. For example Bank of America, Citibank, MBNA and JP Morgan Chase all charge 2 percent on overseas purchases while Household Credit Services, Providian Financial Corp and Capital One do not.

Another way that one can protect themselves from being overcharged is to know and keep up with the latest currency exchange rates. Visiting currency conversion sites like http://www.gocurrency.com is a great way to do this. Having a general idea of the exchange rate will help you make more informed decisions when you purchase goods and services from local vendors.

In the end, credit card companies are in the business to make money, however, it is up to you whether they get it from you honestly or through underhanded practices.

About The Author

Gerron Woodruffe is a contributing writer for GoCurrency.com. GoCurrency provides information on global exchange rates, movements and news related information.

Using credit cards while traveling is a good idea for a number of reasons:

You have a record of your expenditures for record-keeping and tax purposes (especially important if you travel for business)

You may get a better exchange rate when obtaining foreign currency when using your credit card.

Credit card companies can refund disputed charges and may offer extra guarantees, special deals or warranties.

Your liability in the case of a stolen credit card is limited to $50

But, traveling these days is often a juggling act of luggage, boarding passes, identification cards, passports and a gauntlet of security measures. These identification acrobatics can leave you distracted and even a little bit addled, perhaps putting you more at risk of being targeted by an enterprising pickpocket or purse snatcher.

And, even though your liability is limited, costs can quickly add up if multiple cards are involved. Factor in the hassle and increased risk of identity theft, and it is apparent a few preemptive measures can save you from a boatload of heartache.

Consider the following tips as guidelines to traveling safely and affordably with your credit cards….

Plan Ahead:

Anytime you travel you should make photo copies of all of your credit cards airline tickets and documents, both front and back. You should leave these photocopies with a friend or family member.

Be aware that if you make copies of your cards and documents to take with you, you may be giving thieves another opportunity to rip off your personal information. Consider blacking out details such as expiration dates, verification codes and social security numbers.

If you decide not to carry photocopies of your credit cards, be sure to have the card cancellation numbers from the backs of the cards written down and stashed in your luggage.

Leave a Paper Trail:

Save receipts and keep track of the places you used your card. Make sure receipts are stored in a safe place so they can be checked against your credit card statement to ensure unauthorized charges have not been made and/or gone unnoticed.

His & Hers:

When traveling with other family members, even spouses, bring different credit cards that are on separate accounts. When a card is lost or stolen and must be cancelled, all cards on the account are cancelled as well. Having at least two cards from separate accounts will prevent the situation from leaving you stranded.

Lighten Up:

Carry only the personal information absolutely necessary for vacation, such as a passport or driver's license. The less personal information you have, the better off you will be if your purse or wallet is stolen.

When traveling by air, always keep copies of important documents in a separate part of your luggage, such as a carry-on bag.

Keep cards on your person. Most travel stores carry small bags that you can keep cards, cash, and other items you will need to access while out and about. Consider a money belt or security wallet.

Look out for fees:

When traveling abroad and using a credit card, watch out for the conversion fee that many banks levy to convert charges in foreign currencies to dollars, generally 1% of the purchase amount. Some banks charge a fee and some don’t so, if you have several cards, it's worth checking with the issuers to see which one has the best deal. Even with the conversion charge, many times ATM machines will have the best possible exchange rates and the lowest fees.

With proper planning, credit cards are a convenient, secure and cost-effective means of payment when traveling. Just keep these tips in mind, and the next time you’re balancing on one foot at the security gate, you’ll be glad you did.

Gail Corwin is a successful author and publisher of http://www.luggage-n-travel-accessories.com. Your online resource for luggage and travel accessories, travel related information, timely articles and tips.

Using credit cards while traveling is a good idea for a number of reasons:*You have a record of your expenditures for record-keeping and tax purposes (especially important if you travel for business).*You may get a better exchange rate when obtaining foreign currency when using your credit card.*Credit card companies can refund disputed charges and may offer extra guarantees, special deals or warranties. *Your liability in the case of a stolen credit card is limited to $50.

But, traveling these days is often a juggling act of luggage, boarding passes, identification cards, passports and a gauntlet of security measures. These identification acrobatics can leave you distracted and even a little bit addled, perhaps putting you more at risk of being targeted by an enterprising pickpocket or purse snatcher.

And, even though your liability is limited, costs can quickly add up if multiple cards are involved. Factor in the hassle and increased risk of identity theft, and it is apparent a few preemptive measures can save you from a boatload of heartache.

Consider the following tips as guidelines to traveling safely and affordably with your credit cards….

Plan Ahead:

Anytime you travel you should make photo copies of all of your credit cards airline tickets and documents, both front and back. You should leave these photocopies with a friend or family member.

Be aware that if you make copies of your cards and documents to take with you, you may be giving thieves another opportunity to rip off your personal information. Consider blacking out details such as expiration dates, verification codes and social security numbers.

If you decide not to carry photocopies of your credit cards, be sure to have the card cancellation numbers from the backs of the cards written down and stashed in your luggage.

Leave a Paper Trail:

Save receipts and keep track of the places you used your card. Make sure receipts are stored in a safe place so they can be checked against your credit card statement to ensure unauthorized charges have not been made and/or gone unnoticed.

His & Hers:

When traveling with other family members, even spouses, bring different credit cards that are on separate accounts. When a card is lost or stolen and must be cancelled, all cards on the account are cancelled as well. Having at least two cards from separate accounts will prevent the situation from leaving you stranded.

Lighten Up:

Carry only the personal information absolutely necessary for vacation, such as a passport or driver's license. The less personal information you have, the better off you will be if your purse or wallet is stolen.

When traveling by air, always keep copies of important documents in a separate part of your luggage, such as a carry-on bag.

Keep cards on your person. Most travel stores carry small bags that you can keep cards, cash, and other items you will need to access while out and about. Consider a money belt or security wallet.

Watch out for fees:

When traveling abroad and using a credit card, watch out for the conversion fee that many banks levy to convert charges in foreign currencies to dollars, generally 1% of the purchase amount. Some banks charge a fee and some don't so, if you have several cards, it's worth checking with the issuers to see which one has the best deal. Even with the conversion charge, many times ATM machines will have the best possible exchange rates and the lowest fees.

With proper planning, credit cards are a convenient, secure and cost-effective means of payment when traveling. Just keep these tips in mind, and the next time you're balancing on one foot at the security gate, you'll be glad you did.

About the Author

© 2005, http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.comAuthor: James H. DimmittJames is editor of “To Your Credit” a FREE weekly newsletter focusing on managing your personal finances and credit. Subscribe and get a FREE copy of your credit report when you visit: http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com

About the Author

© 2005, http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.comAuthor: James H. DimmittJames is editor of “To Your Credit” a FREE weekly newsletter focusing on managing your personal finances and credit. Subscribe and get a FREE copy of your credit report when you visit: http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com

About the Author

Connie Gutchrif is the President of FN Credit, LLC - An excellent resource for information on credit. To learn more, be sure to visit: http://www.fncredit.com

About the Author

© 2005, http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.comAuthor: James H. DimmittJames is editor of “To Your Credit” a FREE weekly newsletter focusing on managing your personal finances and credit. Subscribe and get a FREE copy of your credit report when you visit: http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com

About the Author

Rob Mellor is the webmaster of http://www.credit-card-index.com where you can find other articles and info on credit cards.

About the Author

Richard A. Chapo is a San Diego Business Lawyer with SanDiegoBusinessLawFirm.com - This article is for information purposes only. Nothing in this article is intended to address the reader’s specific situation nor does it create an attorney-client relationship.

There are not many of us who do not have a credit card these days. But, not all of us are as wise in the area of understanding how they work and how they make money. There are many types available to the young and old. Student credit cards even begin to get teenagers into the world of credit cards. Secured credit cards, cards that usually can't be written off, are even misleading in their name. So, what does that discover credit card in your wallet actually do for you?

Even young adults are being lured into the world of credit cards. Student credit cards are widely available. Some link the parent to the card, others are geared towards college students who most of the time don't even have jobs to pay for them. They seem like a great way to pay for college expenses, but the fees can be outrageous.

A big trap is secured credit cards. While there are always options out there that are legit, there are many others that are not. Often times, people with little or no credit or even bad credit can get a secured credit card. These are credit cards that are linked to savings accounts which require a minimum balance to be kept. While this seems easy enough, if you default on it, they can claim their money through that savings account. Another aspect of these types of credit cards are the fees associated with them. They often require set up fees, sometimes in the hundreds of dollars. They may have monthly and yearly fees as well. They may seem like a great way to establish or reestablish credit, but you will need to read the fine print for the secured credit card.

The goal of any credit card company is to make money. They do this by charging you an interest rate. The rate varies greatly from one company to the next depending on your credit status and credit history. But, your goal is to find the low interest credit cards. Many times, if you are in good standing with a credit card company, you can call them and request that they consider you for an interest rate cut.

Next to paying off your entire credit card bill each month, finding the lowest rates is often very important in order to save money. With the Internet as a tool, you can search for different types of credit cards and learn which companies offer the lowest rates. Many companies are equipped to take and accept credit card applications online within minutes. But, be wise and read the fine print to avoid falling into traps and outrageous fees.

Mike Yeager

Publisher

http://www.a1-loans-4u.com/

mjy610@hotmail.com

It is often assumed if you want to accept credit cards on your website that you must have a merchant account. This is not the case. You can accept credit cards with a Third Party credit card processor.

1) What is a Third Party Credit Card Processor?

A Third Party credit card processor is a company that will accept credit card payments on behalf of you or your company. The payments your customers make are processed through the Third Party's own merchant account, and you the retailer is paid (minus a commission fee) by the Third Party processor.

No need to pay for expensive processing software, monthly fees or minimum transaction fees. As you only pay a percentage fee on a sale, you cannot lose money.

2) Should I have a Merchant Account or Third Party Processor?

For most businesses this decision will be made according to the size of the company. Most small businesses do not need their own merchant account.

Small businesses are better off with a Third Party processor. The advantage is that when you sell your products, the Third Party processor takes care of the payment by checking the card, processing it, and sending you a monthly check.

Larger businesses with a bigger turnover are likely to need a full merchant account. You will pay a bigger set-up fee for an online merchant account but pay less per transaction than with a Third Party processor. So recouping your initial outlay.

So there it is, unless you have a large business it is possible to accept credit cards online with a Third Party processor.

(c) John Lynch 2004

[ For details of Third Party credit card processors and online merchant accounts visit: http://www.merchant-account-service.com/credit_card_processing.html ]

For Free review on Site Build It - the most advanced web site design software for small business go to: http://www.merchant-account-service.com/sitebuildit.html

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Michael is an Australian Information Technologies trainer and web developer. Many other free web design, ecommerce development and Internet articles, tutorials, tools and resources are available from his award winning site; Taming the Beast.net (http://www.tamingthebeast.net)

Sony and MBNA Ireland today announces the launch of the SonyCard Credit Card (www.SonyCard.ie) in the Republic of Ireland.

DUBLIN, IRELAND July 15, 2004 -- Leading Consumer Electronics and Entertainment Company, Sony and MBNA Ireland today announced the launch of the SonyCard credit card (http://www.SonyCard.ie) in the Republic of Ireland. SonyCard rewards members with a points program – One "Pulsebeat" is awarded for every 1.5 Euro spent on the card and triple Pulsebeats can be claimed when using the card to buy Sony products. Pulsebeats can be exchanged for over 470 Sony products featured in the SonyCard online catalogue (http://www.sonycard.ie/members) including: * The latest Sony Music CDs * Columbia TriStar DVDs * PlayStation games & PlayStation consoles * Sony Electronics Products As a special bonus SonyCard gives new members 2000 FREE Sony Pulsebeats, enough to claim a Sony CD, DVD, PS One game, or a free Sony Walkman personal stereo. SonyCard also offers cardholders the chance to win Sony prizes through regular Dream Draws accessed online at the SonyCard Members website. Entrants could find themselves winning anything from an AIBO Entertainment Robot to attending the latest Hollywood film premiere! The SonyCard member's area also gives cardholder's access to the latest news from Sony and to MBNA's secure website where they can view their balance and recent transactions. SonyCard Ireland extends the current program available in the UK and Spain featuring "best-in-class" rewards programs, giving SonyCard holders many ways to earn Sony products through their everyday purchases. SonyCard is a key initiative in further strengthening the Sony-brand and enhancing its relationship with its customers in Ireland in the lead-up to Sony's 60th Anniversary in 2006. "SonyCard Credit Card & its rewards program are core components of Sony's marketing strategy to further strengthen the brand," said Takeshi Shika, Managing Director of Sony Card Europe. "Sony will use the rewards program to provide Irish customers with an extensive range of Sony electronics and entertainment products, which sets Sony apart from the competition." SonyCard uniquely brings all Sony Group companies together in one product – the Consumer Products Group (electronics), Sony Music Entertainment, Columbia TriStar Home Video - (a Sony Pictures Entertainment company) and Sony Computer Entertainment (PlayStation). Sushil Teji, General Manager of Sony Electronics Ireland said: "We are very pleased to be working with SonyCard to give our customers even more Sony for their money – the card fits perfectly with the high service levels delivered in particular through our 14 Sony Centre stores located throughout Ireland. Promoting SonyCard is yet another way in which Sony and Sony Centres maintain their service and value leadership position." SonyCard offers a competitive APR – an introductory rate of 1.9% APR on balance transfers for six months from the date the account is opened with a standard rate of 16.9%APR (variable) on card purchases. "There was a synergy in the approach to innovation between MBNA and Sony," said Ian O'Doherty, Regional Director, MBNA Ireland. "One of the MBNA's key philosophies is to create strategic partnerships with like-minded organizations. We see a great potential for SonyCard, as it touches customers daily lives in countless ways. We expect MBNA and Sony relationship to be very successful." Leading on Great Rates, Great Rewards & welcome to the World of Sony, the marketing campaign will include a Website (http://www.sonycard.ie) and Ads, Inserts in the Irish press such as the Sunday Independent, Direct Mail Campaigns, Product Inserts into select Columbia TriStar Home Video DVDs such as S.W.A.T. and Application Brochures in Sony Centres. In addition, to mark the official launch of SonyCard in Ireland, marketing activity is set to upscale over the month of July through special co-promotions with Sony Pictures for the release of "13-GOING-ON-30." About MBNA Corporation MBNA (NYSE:KRB), the largest independent credit card lender in the world and the recognized leader in affinity marketing, is an international financial services company providing lending, deposit, and credit insurance products and services to more than 50 million Customers. MBNA credit cards and related products and services are endorsed by more than 5,000 organizations worldwide. MBNA employs more than 29,000 people, each of whom is committed to satisfying the Customer. For more information, visit the company's web site at http://www.mbna.com . About Sony Sony manufactures audio, video, communications and information technology products for the global consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, games and online businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to become a leading personal broadband entertainment company in the 21st century. In Europe, Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of EUR 13.47 billion (yen 1,765 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004, based on an average market exchange rate for the same period of yen 131 to the EUR. Sony Europe, headquartered at the Sony Center at Potsdamer Platz in Berlin, is responsible for the company's European electronics business and registered consolidated sales of EUR 8.71 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004. For further information regarding SonyCard, please contact: Danielle Wood Sony Card Europe - London Tel: +44 (0) 20 7426 8778 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7426 8780 Email: Dan.Wood@eu.sony.com For further information regarding MBNA, please contact: John Greaves Head of Communications MBNA Europe Direct: +44 (0) 1244 574404 Mobile: +44 (0) 7980 723773 Email: John.Greaves@mbna.com For more information on Sony Europe, please visit http://www.sony-europe.com and http://www.sony-europe.com/presscenter or please contact: Georges Gerard          Corporate Communications Europe –London Tel: +44 (0) 20 7444 9722                    Fax: +44 (0) 20 7444 9762 Email: Georges.Gerard@eu.sony.com Shusuke Kanai Corporate Communications Europe – London Tel: +44 (0) 20 7444 9723 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7444 9762 Email: Shusuke.Kanai@eu.sony.com Sylvia Shin Corporate Communications Europe – Berlin Office Tel: +49 (0) 30 2575 5156 Fax: +49 (0) 30 2575 5174 Email: Sylvia.Shin@eu.sony.com About the author: .

WHY? Why are you still in so much debt? Look, if you live in Colorado, own a home with a little equity and have the desire to turn your life around, you HAVE TO visit our web site www.moneytreelending.org or call us! (719)391-3871 Let us consolidate all those rediculous and completely useless credit cards into 1 low tax deductible payment!

None

About the Author

Terry Rigg is the author of Living Within Your Means - The Easy Way http://www.homemoneyhelp.com/ebookadpage.html and editor of The FREE Budget Stretcher Newsletter and Budget Stretcher web site http://www.homemoneyhelp.com. He has 25 years of experience counseling individuals and families concerning their personal finances.

Fortunately the days of the mad rush to get cash from the bank are long gone. We now enjoy the convenience of using a nearby automatic teller machine (ATM) or you can even get “cash back” at your local grocery, hardware or convenience store.

The card you use at the ATM is known as a debit card. When debit cards first appeared it was easy to tell them apart from credit cards. Debit cards didn’t have a credit card company logo on them; instead, they usually just had your bank name, your account number and your name.

Today debit cards look exactly like credit cards even carrying the same logos. Both types of cards can be swiped at the checkout counter , used to make purchases on the internet, or to pay for the fill-up at the gas pump.

When you use your debit card to make a purchase, it’s just like using cash. The account that is attached to your debit card, in most cases your checking account, is automatically debited when you use your debit card. The cost of your purchase is deducted from the funds you have in that account.

On the other hand, when you use your credit card to make a purchase you are using someone’s else’s money, specifically the issuer of the credit card, usually a banking institution.

In effect, you agree to pay them back the money you borrowed to make your purchase. In addition you will also pay interest on the money “loaned” to you at the rate which you agreed to when you applied for their credit card. This is known as the annual percentage rate (APR).

While the two cards might act and look alike, the levels of consumer protection that each type of card provides can be different.

Under federal law, if someone steals your credit card you're only responsible to pay the first $50 of unauthorized charges. However, if you notify the credit card issuer before a thief is able to make any charges you may be free from all liability. If the credit card is not physically present when an unauthorized or fraudulent purchase is made, such as over the internet, you’re also free from liability for those charges.

MasterCard and Visa offer zero-liability protection where you won’t pay any charges if someone uses your credit card to make an unauthorized purchase.

The protection offered to debit card fraud is similar but with a few exceptions. For example, your liability under federal law is limited to $50, the same as for a credit card, but only if you notify the issuer within two business days of discovering the card's loss or theft. Your liability for debit card fraud can jump up to $500 if you don’t report the loss or theft within two business days.

And if you are the type of person that gives a passing glance to your monthly bank statement, you could be totally liable for any fraudulent debit card charges if you wait 60 days or more from the time your statement is mailed.

Visa and MasterCard zero-liability protection applies to your debit card but only for transactions that do not involve the use of your PIN (personal identification number).

Additional protection against fraudulent use of your credit or debit cards may be available through your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. Check your policy or with your agent for more information about your coverage.

Also be aware that you should contact your card issuer by certified letter, return receipt requested, after you’ve contacted them by phone to protect your consumer rights.

As for which card to use for what type of purchase, most experts agree that you should use your debit card for the same type of purchases you’d make as if you were using cash. Therefore, it makes more sense to use your debit card than your credit card at the grocery store or gas station (provided you have sufficient funds to cover these purchases of course).

You should avoid using your debit card for any online purchase or for something which is expensive. Why ? The main reason is that it is much easier to dispute a charge when you use your credit card. If your gold-plated, limited edition, hip-swinging Elvis wall clock arrives broken, your credit card company will remove the charge until the problem is resolved.

With your debit card you are stuck dealing with the merchant directly to resolve any problems with a purchase, even if your banking institution could really use a gold-plated, limited edition, hip-swinging Elvis wall clock of their very own.

About The Author

© 2003, Your Free Credit Report Now

Author: James H. Dimmitt.

Get your FREE credit report online now and subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter “TO YOUR CREDIT”.

Visit http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com for more information.

jimdim815@aol.com

When I received my first credit card in the mail at age 18 I was ecstatic, I said to myself, wow now I’m getting somewhere in life. This credit card company thinks I’m worthy of 500 dollars in credit. So I made my monthly payments like a good consumer and watched my credit limit grow. I thought boy this company must think alot of me to take such a risk. I however had no idea how the money came into existence. All I cared about was that as long as when I slapped the plastic down I was approved. Like most young people I had no idea what an interest rate even was much less how it effected my monthly payments. I was like a lot of kids in America today, my parents were not a big part of my early adult life and so I really didn’t have much guidance when it came to making financial decisions. The lessons I learned were hard and I continue to learn as each day passes.

After all what is credit? When you get that “Pre-Approved” application in the mail, does that mean that the credit card companies have been watching you personally and are rewarding you for having so called “good credit,” Of course not, they are looking to make money just like any business, and they are making a lot of it.

Today there are thousands of people who are losing their homes, farms, and businesses because they do not understand the meaning of credit. This article will explain the difference between money and credit and will show you how the banks create "credit" and pretend that it is "money".

There has been a monetary debate in our country for some time now and that debate focuses on two central issues. First that only gold and silver are Constitutional money Article I Section 10 clause 1U.S. Constitution and second that the dollar is defined by the Mint Act of 1792, and that a Federal Reserve Note is not a dollar. There is a third area that is not well understood, but which is very important. It is the most important issue of all because 97% of our money supply today consists of bank credit whereas Federal Reserve Notes and coins consist of less than 3%.Today every bank loan in the United States can be legally voided because it is based on credit instead of money!

YEAH RIGHT, you say. Well I have explored that accusation for over a year now and here is what I have found. One must ask the question, “What is Credit?” after all we throw the word around so freely today, but how many of us truly understand its meaning. Credit is the opposite of money. Money is legal tender for the payment of debts as defined by Congress in 31 U.S.C.A. Sec 392. This section basically describes all coins and currency issued by the U.S. government as legal tender for all debts, public and private. Many will argue that Federal Reserve Notes are Unconstitutional, but for this article it will be assumed that coins and paper currency both represent money.

Now let’s assume you are going to make a purchase say for an automobile or a living room suite. You might say that your credit is good or that your promise to pay is sufficient. In other words the seller trusts that you will pay the money back. At that point you sign a loan agreement in which you pledge the auto as collateral for the security agreement. In other words the auto dealer has accepted your credit, your promise to pay, in exchange for the auto.

Ok here is where it starts to get interesting. Now consider a bank loan. When you go to the bank for a loan, based on your promise to pay and your good credit the bank gives you the loan right? The bank has accepted your promise to pay the money back, but ask yourself this question. What exactly did the bank loan you? Well, the bank will invariably give you a check which is also a "promise to pay" you so many dollars, with interest. What you and the bank have is a bilateral contract when you exchange "promises to pay". In other words you have accepted each others credit, and yet no money has exchanged hands. This is an important point; no “money” has exchanged hands.

Now what do you do with the check? Probably one of two things: either you deposit it in your checking account or you bring it to your car dealer. Either way, when the check gets deposited it goes directly to the banks bookkeeping department and the numbers from the check are entered into your account. Now the bank will say that its deposits have increased, still no “money” has exchanged hands.

These bookkeeping entries are called “demand deposits” meaning that the customer can walk into the bank at any point in time and demand the deposit from the vault. In accounting terms, the money is placed into the banks liabilities column because this is money that the bank owes the people.

Now what do you think the bank has for assets? Well it has a small amount of vault cash which the Federal Government requires them to keep on hand and a whole lot of IOU’s for those entire loan agreements people sign their names to. The bank is gambling that not every customer will come into the bank at the same time and demand their money in cash and it’s a pretty good gamble. All those promises to pay are on paper so also are all of the bank assets.

All this amounts to is a transfer of numbers or book entries from one checking account to another. The same thing happens when you write a check. Numbers called "dollars" are transferred from your checking account to someone else’s. When a credit card is used, bank credit or book entries are created and transferred to another person at the same time.

The next question is, if it so easy for a bank to create “credit”, which is used like money, how then is this “credit”, destroyed? The “credit” is destroyed when the principle of the loan is repaid. However, the interest collected by the bank on the "credit" it loaned, is transferred, to another account for distribution to its stockholders.

What happens is that because 97% of the nation’s money supply consists of credit which is all created by private corporations (banks), and because interest is charged on every dollar of “credit” used, debts are constantly created for which no money or credit exists to repay these debts. Hence our money system can be best described as a “debt usury” money system, for every dollar of credit which comes into existence, a debt is created to the banks and interest (usury) is charged.

Under our present money system, the Federal government will never be able to balance its budget and the national debt will continue to grow exponentially. However, every bank loan made in the United States today is illegal, since all bank loans are based on “credit” instead of “money”! The words “ultra vires” are important words because they mean that “a contract made by a corporation beyond the scope of its corporate powers is unlawful.”(see Black's Law Dictionary)

The courts have consistently ruled that banks cannot lend their credit, but can only lend their money and that all loans of credit are “ultra vires.” Since no bank charter gives them permission to lend their “credit”, and Congress never gave the banks permission to create money, all such loans of credit are ultra vires or unlawful. The bank, by loaning credit, has unjustly enriched itself. It pays no interest for the use of its credit but charges its customers the same amount of interest as if it loaned out its money.

These practices are a high level form of loansharking. It is deception and fraud. The collection of interest on credit is in violation of all usury laws. After all, the bank is collecting interest on money which doesn't exist. There are many programs today such as a particular program which I represent, Debt Solutions International (DSI.) There are over two trillion dollars worth of illegal bank loans out there waiting to be challenged. A program such as DSI’s is a much better alternative to bankruptcy since you get to keep your property and void the bank loans at the same time.

Anyone can walk off his property and let the bank have it, but to do so is to reward them for their fraudulent acts. It would be much better to sue the bank on fraud and usury charges and ask that all contracts which you signed on the day you took out the loan be declared “ultra vires”, null and void. That includes deeds of trust, mortgages, notes and security agreements, but particularly credit cards.

For a long time, patriots have been writing to their Congressmen asking them to give us an honest money system without extortionate interest rates and they have ignored us. I am not an expatriate, I still believe in my country, but our current fractional reserve banking system must be eliminated. If we do not do something our children will pay the price of inheriting our debts. I believe with the power of the internet, consumer education will become so powerful that the banks and the “powers that be” will meet their match. People will see that programs such as those offered by DSI and others are nothing to be afraid of and will become mainstream.

About the Author

I currently specialize in unsecured debt elimination particularly credit cards. If you or a loved one would like more info on these types of services visit my website at www.debtjustice.net. schraderrick@digital-link.net

About the Author

Yolanda Kennedy is a mother, wife, friend and neighbor who believes education is the key to building the life you want for your family. Her business www.UnitedHomesByOwner.com helps homeowners save thousands instead of paying it to an agent.

First and foremost, you should figure out if you even want to continue using your current credit card company ( http://www.the-credit-card-centre.co.uk/best-credit-cards.html ). Are you pleased with the overall service that you are receiving? Do you like their benefits? If the answer is yes then you can proceed. If not, you should stop reading this article and start looking for a better company.

Second, you should evaluate your paying history and make sure that it is positive before you call to negotiate. If it is positive then you have power and if it isn’t then you’ll be negotiating from a position of weakness and that might not be good. Instead, you should wait until it is more positive before you call them to negotiate rates.

Third, if you have a good history then remember this when you call. In essence, you’ll have extremely high negotiating power. The company needs your business in order to be successful and with clients they lose big time. Therefore, you should always display this “take them or leave them attitude” while conducting your negotiations.

Draft up a script and memorize it. It can be as simple as “Hello, my name is Bill and I have been a cardholder for X years and I consistently pay my bills on a time. Well recently I have been receiving all types of credit card offers from XYZ bank indicating that I qualify for an extremely low interest rate of X and am considering leaving you and going there if you can’t offer me a lower rate. Is this something that you can help me with?

Practice, practice and practice some more with your script until you are completely and totally used to it. Once you are, contact the company. Read your script and see what happens.

If you get a hard nose customer service representative then don’t threaten her. Be agreeable and ask to speak to his/her supervisor. If that is not possible, be nice to her and try again she may have some leeway. If you like your present company, you can even try negotiating interest rates, annual and even those yucky late fees.

However, if you’re fed up, have an alternative company in the wings, and your current company won’t budge with their rates then be willing to take your business elsewhere. After all, you hold the power so don’t be afraid to use it! They key however is to not bluff but to follow through with your threat. Close the account, ask for them to send you notification in the mail, cancel the credit card and use another card.

In conclusion, you can be successful with the negotiating process if you follow the above mentioned tips. If your current company is unwilling to cooperate then you should simply take your business elsewhere. You’re better off with another credit card company that values your savvy negotiating skills!

About The Author

Claire Bowes is a successful freelance writer and owner of The Credit Card Centre ( http://www.the-credit-card-centre.co.uk ) where you will find further advice and tips on the best credit card deals ( http://www.the-credit-card-centre.co.uk/best-credit-cards.html )and 0% credit cards ( http://www.the-credit-card-centre.co.uk/0%-credit-cards.html ).

About the Author

Terry Rigg is the author of Living Within Your Means - The Easy Way http://www.homemoneyhelp.com/ebookadpage.html and editor of The FREE Budget Stretcher Newsletter and Budget Stretcher web site at http://www.homemoneyhelp.com . He has 25 years of experience counseling individuals and families concerning their personal finances.

About the Author

Cindy Morus (www.phelps-creek.com) is a Certified Financial Recovery Counselor, a Certified Credit Report Reviewer and Get Clients NOW!™ licensee. Contact her at 541-387-2995 or cmorus@phelps-creek.com She publishes "Financial Fitness" e-zine dedicated to helping people improve their financial fitness no matter what decisions were made in the past.

About the Author

The Credit Counseling Foundation, Inc provides web-based education and personalized consumer credit counseling to clients and the general public in an effort to help consumers use credit wisely. Visit us at www.godebtfree.com

You need some more money for college expenses this semester. Do you whip out a credit card to pay for your books, or do you apply for a federal or private loan? Well, consider the options –

With a federal loan, your interest rate will be low (around 5%) and your payments will be deferred until 6-9 months after graduation.

With a private loan, the interest rate will be slightly higher than with a federal loan but will still be lower than average. In addition, you will only need to make interest payments until after graduation.

With a credit card, on the other hand, the interest rate can be as high as 21%. Interest begins accruing almost immediately, and you need to begin paying off the bill the next month.

This is not to say that credit cards do not have a place in your college life. It is good to have one national card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover) on hand to help you build a positive credit history and to provide security in emergencies. When you decide to apply for a card, compare annual fees, interest rates, and introductory offers. And to keep yourself out of debt, try to—

Pay your balance each month to avoid interest charges

Pay your bill on time to avoid late charges

Avoid cash advances, which come with large finance charges and interest that begins accruing immediately.

This article is distributed by NextStudent. At NextStudent, we believe that getting an education is the best investment you can make, and we're dedicated to helping you pursue your education dreams by making college funding as easy as possible. We invite you to learn more on how Student loans are better than credit cards at http://www.NextStudent.com.

About The Author

My goal is to help every student succeed - education is one of hte most important things a person can have, so I have made it my personal mission to help every student pay for their education. Aside from that, I am just a pretty average girl from SD.

http://www.nextstudent.com/

About the Author

This article has been provided courtesy of Creditor Web. Creditor Web offers great credit card articles available for reprint and other tools to help you search and compare credit card offers.

About the Author

Paul Davis is financial writer and contributor to 'Debt Elimination 4U'. Visit the site now and learn how to getout of debt forever. ==> http://Debt-Elimination-4U.com

Conducting business today, whether online or offline, Is much more convenient than before using a simple and Inexpensive way by accepting credit cards by phone. This Method of accepting payments is turning the heads of Business owners and making it possible for them to Conduct business right from their phone without leaving Their home, office or vehicle.

How can accepting credit cards by phone provide convenience?

Accept by Phone is a new technology which allows a company To accept credit card payments by simply typing the card Number and sale amount into a telephone. This service is so Popular that it was featured in the September 2004 Issue of Limousine Digest, Page 14 and in the May 2004 issue of Small Business Opportunity Magazine. There's no terminal or Equipment needed. This new service gives the business owner A convenient and Inexpensive Way of accepting credit cards While Increasing Profits.

The 3 Key Reasons Include:

Convenience - Strategic Approach - Call To action

The convenience of accepting credit cards by phone is that Business owners now do not have to put the customer on hold To get back to the their home or office to accept payments For their products or services. They can stay in their Vehicle, on a job site, in a restaurant or even while at the Gym to conduct business as usual without any delay. Not only Is this good for the business owner, the customer can now Relax knowing their purchase has now been processed using a Safe and secure environment without any hassle.

Strategic approach defines the convenience of accepting Credit Cards by phone using a mind-set supported by focusing On the customer and their needs at all times. This means Getting the right products and services to the right customers In the right way at the right value, all while making a profit. Thinking about this all the time keeps your customers fresh And willing to do business with you.

Call to action helps define what business you are really in to produce results for your customers. This enables you to Close more sales faster and easier. This will also help you Pay attention to what works and what doesn't while forming A habit to be a continual contributor to your ongoing Marketing efforts. When a person is ready to purchase your Products or services, your call to action will help convince Your customer that safety and reliability is present.

When you provide a full service payment solution, with no Equipment or software. Your business is readily available To the customer at all times. No matter where you're located, You can accept payments by the touch of your phone.

About The Author

Kevin Cross is the Founder of Accept by Phone. Cross Merchant Services is a diversified financial service located in Hilliard, Ohio. Kevin has 10 years experience in the Merchant Account Industry working with seasonal businesses and independent Service professionals to increase their revenues. http://www.Accept-by-phone.com

kcross411@yahoo.com

About the Author

Tom Levine provides a solid, common sense approach to solving problems and answering questions relating to consumer loan products. His website seeks to provide free online resources for the consumer, including rate-watch, tips and articles, financial communication, news, and links to products and services. Visit: Loans-Resource.Org , or you can email Tom at info@loans-resource.org .

Do you have enormous credit card debt? You are certainly not alone. According to research, the average family in the United States has $7000 in credit card debt and pays about $1000 in interest each year! Throw in a late payment or two, or an over-the-limit charge, and that number skyrockets. Imagine what you could do with that $1000 if it weren’t being spent on interest.

Let’s imagine for a moment that you have $5000 debt on one credit card that is charging you 17.5% APR. Let’s also imagine that you pay only the minimum due of $25/month on this card. Guess what? You will never pay it off! The interest alone on this card is $73/month!

That means that each month you get further and further into debt. By the time you have been paying on this $5000 for 10 years, assuming you have not used the card during this entire period of time, you will owe $20,385! That’s over $15,000 in interest. If you triple your payment to $75, it will take you over 20 years.

So, what do you do? How do you get out of debt and use that money towards other necessities, savings, and investments? Here are a few simple methods that you can use without having to go to an expensive financial counselor.

Tip #1: Cut Up Your Cards

The very best way to reduce your credit card debt is to STOP using your credit cards! There is no need to have more than one card, so pick the one with the lowest interest rate and cut up the rest. The one you keep should be deemed an ‘emergency card.” These are true emergencies, not mere inconveniences. For instance, buying a new TV would not be an emergency, but renting a car in order to get to the bedside of a dying loved one would be. You can carry your emergency card with you, but don’t make it too easy to use. One good suggestion is to cover the card tape and paper and write on it: For Emergencies Only.

Tip #2: Move Your Debt

If you have more than one credit card payment, you may want to consider moving debt from a card with a higher APR to one with a lower APR. This will lower the amount of money you are spending towards the interest and get you out of debt faster.

Tip #3: Use the Snowball Principle

List all of your credit card debts, and the amount you are paying each month. Pay off the lowest amount first. Then use that money to start paying off the second lowest amount. And then the next and the next. Let’s look at an example.

If you have a $7000, $5000, and $2000 card with payments of $150, $125, and $100, you will finish paying off the $2000 card first. Once it is paid off, you take that $100 and put it towards the $5000 credit card. That means you are now paying $225/month. You have increased your payments which will pay off that credit card sooner and will have you paying a lot less in interest. Once that is paid off, you apply the $225 to the $7000 card, making your monthly payment $375. This will greatly accelerate the payment of this card, reducing your interest payments even further. When everything is paid off, you now have $375/month extra to put towards savings or investments!

Tip #4: Prioritize Your Debt Repayment

One of the best ways to pay off your debts is to get rid of the highest interest payment first. Looking back at the snowball example, you took the lowest and paid it first. If, however, the $2000 card had the lowest interest rate, you would want to pay off the card with the highest rate first. This will save you much more in interest payments.

If the math gets too hard here, don’t despair. There are many places on the Internet where you can find good debt reduction calculators. It is then just a matter of punching in your numbers and reading the report.

Tip #5: Consider Consolidation

If you own a home, you may want to consider consolidating your debt using a home equity loan. Since a home loan is a secured loan (they can take away your house if you don’t pay) you have a much lower interest rate than you do on your credit cards. Paying a lower interest rate is always a good thing! Not only that, but the interest you pay on your home loan is tax deductible. This is NOT true for credit cards.

By following these tips, anyone can take control of and completely eliminate credit card debt.

Wesley Atkins is the owner of http://www.credit-cards-advisor.com- which aims to get you fitted with the best credit cards to suit your situation. With numerous credit card articles and easy online credit card applications you will never choose the wrong credit card again.

About the Author

This article is supplied by http://www.credit-repair-facts.com where you will find credit information, debt elimination programs and informative facts that give you the knowledge to correct your own credit and credit report. For more credit related articles like these go to: http://www.credit-repair-facts.com/articles_1.html