Any Credit Card

About the Author

John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help UK homeowners find the best available loans via the www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.

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, ca