Credit cards are convenient, but they're also dangerous. A lot of people ruin their financial lives by turning the phrase "charge it" into a reflex. It's a real problem, but this article explains how to make good use of credit cards and how to choose a good credit card. This information, by the way, applies both to using a credit card for personal expenses and to using a credit card for business expenses.Selecting the Right Credit CardSelecting a...more
Credit card companies are keenly aware that an increasingly perceptive consumer base is scrutinizing their services. At first glance, it may appear that all credit card offers are the same. This is hardly the case. There is much to consider when choosing a credit card. For some, an application may hinge on the desire to refrain from paying an annual fee, while for others it is all about the interest rates. It is all About the PerksFor those that...more
If you've ever experienced financial problems in the past then the chances are that any mistakes you've made (whether you know you've made them or not!) will be recorded on your credit record. In many cases these mistakes will occur as a result of financial problems you may have experienced but often you can get a bad credit history without really doing anything wrong.The majority of problems that will give you a bad credit record will happen if you have problems managing your finances. So, if you miss a credit card payment, default on your mortgage, are declared bankrupt or are given a CCJ (county Court Judgement) against you for one reason or another then this will all show up on your credit rating, for example. These kinds of issues will all count as negatives.But, other issues can give you bad marks on your credit rating. For example, simple factors like your marital status and whether you have children can give you plus or minus points. The fact is that it isn't just what you do with your money that comes up on your credit rating you can have a rating that is less than perfect from a lender's point of view even if you have never had a financial problem before in your life!But,...more
Over the last year, there's been a flurry of product launches, as lenders pile into this nascent market. Some of the new entrants in 2005 included the Bristol & West, Victoria Mortgages and Beacon Homeloans, while investment banks Deutsche Bank and Morgan Stanley are in the process of setting out their stalls. And the trend looks set to continue...more
Travel has its payback in the form of reward credit cards. Choosing the best reward credit cards for yourself can be intimidating, and you should be guided by some factors that are personal to you. How do you choose and analyze THE travel reward credit card that suits your needs and lifestyle best? How do you, in fact, analyze reward credit cards...more
When it comes to credit cards, the reward credit cards are usually much more popular because more often than not, consumers are dazzled by the concept of earning points and winning prizes for themselves just by using their credit cards. But you see, that's simply considering one side of reward credit cards and that's the nice side, by the way. The other side would be the high interest rates that reward type of credit cards charge its users. So you see, you're not winning those prizes for free or at least not completely unless you have the means to pay for your purchases before the cut-off period or before you get charged with interest.This article, however, shall enlighten consumers about the less popular type of credit card and that would be the non-reward credit card. A non-reward credit card does not allow you to earn air miles or win gift certificates and other cool prizes for yourself just by swiping your credit card as often as you can. Rather, a non-reward credit card lets you purchase everything you want with a lower interest rate compared to reward type of credit cards.Of all non-reward credit cards being offered in the market, it's the 0% intro rate credit card that...more
In these times of sky high gasoline prices and rising costs of transportation, consumers are increasingly interested in credit card services that give them discounts on gas. Instead of looking into a specific gas credit card from an oil and gas...more
If you feel bad simply because you can't meet your bills expectations at the moment they arrive, then you are not alone.Even the best of us are struggling to meet some expectation that the system has placed on us. We calculate weekly the amount we...more
The balance transfer credit card is one of the starkest examples of how competition benefits the end consumer. Consumers with good credit and high credit card usage can use balance transfer credit card to save dollars from a few hundred to much more...more
Having good credit is essential in today's world. Acceptable credit will generally get you what you want, but bad credit can be the kiss of death. If you want a house, you need a mortgage. If you want a car, you're likely going to take out a loan....more
Credit is an established part of American life. It can be a valuable tool permitting you to purchase a home or a car, finance an education, or take advantage of special sales and offers. Unwise use of credit, however, will lead to financial problems....more
Are you aware of how many ways there are for thieves to take access of your credit card accounts and make unauthorised charges against your account? Simply by rummaging through old receipts that you have thrown out or left somewhere public, or by a...more