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Credit cards are ubiquitous in our lives.

There are three main types of credit cards that are common in America. They are travel and entertainment cards such as American Express or Diners Card. These have to be paid in full at the end of the month and are liberal on spending limits.

The second major cards are the bank cards such as Master Cards, Visa, GM, and Ford cards sponsored mainly by the banks. The bank defines spending limits, which in the bank parlance, is known as the credit lines, and each offers different terms and conditions. Banks offer a choice of payment methods, either pay the balance in full with no interest or pay a minimum part or some part of the balance with a finance charge.

The other major type of card is the retail store cards such as Sears, J.C. Penney, Shell or Mobil. These cards, known in some countries (the ones from gas companies) as fuel cards are only accepted in specific countries and usually do not have annual fees. There is a wide disparity in the terms and conditions for the cards.

Different types of credit cards offer several different options, depending on what your needs are. Some are geared toward individual consumers, while others are set up in ways that work best for small business needs. To know what type of credit card fits your needs, you should review a few of your options.

Popularity: 11% [?]

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A lot of people just look at low interest credit cards when they are looking to get a credit card for themselves. The credit card suppliers too advertise low interest credit cards more that any other kind of credit cards. However, should low interest credit cards be the only ones on your list when you are hunting for a credit card? Probably not. For some people, interest rate or the APR is probably the most important thing to look for when selecting a credit card. However, that doesn’t hold good for everyone. Low interest credit cards are good and should surely be on your list, but APR is not the only thing to look for.

Let’s start with understanding what an APR (annual percentage rate) is and where its importance lies. APR is simply the interest rate that is used to calculate interest on the balance in your credit account with the credit card supplier. There is no interest charge if you make the full payment of your credit card bill (by the due date). However, in case of a partial payment, you will need to pay an interest on whatever you owe the credit card supplier. The APR is backward calculated to get a monthly rate and the same is applied on your balance to calculate the interest for the applicable period.

That means, people who are not sure about being able to pay the full amount, every time, should surely look for low interest credit cards. A low interest credit card helps in reducing your total outgo by curtailing the interest you pay on your balance. So, low interest credit cards help in slowing down the rate at which your credit card debt builds up. Thus low interest credit cards are surely important for a particular group of people, as stated above.

Besides this group, there are others who don’t really need low interest credit cards. These people are capable of (and intend to) pay off their credit card bill in full every month. Their purpose in using a credit card is convenience and other benefits associated with the credit cards. So, be it low interest credit cards or high interest ones; it really doesn’t matter for them.

So the need for low interest credit cards is more felt by a particular group of people. However, even if you go for a low interest credit card, you need to pit the various low interest credit cards against each other (vis-à-vis the other benefits they offer) and then select the low interest credit card that is best suited to your needs.

So, first you need to evaluate whether you need to go only for low interest credit cards and then select the low interest credit card that fulfils your needs. After all, you don’t go hunting for a credit card everyday.

Popularity: 4% [?]

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You must have heard people say – ‘I got a good credit card deal’. So if you happen to be looking for a credit card at that moment, do you just go with what your friend has told you as a good credit card deal?

Let’s check what one can term as a good credit card deal. A credit card deal is good if it works for you. So, if the credit card fits into your lifestyle in a way that rakes in maximum benefits for you, that is a good credit card deal. The most important thing to realize here is the word ‘your’ as in ‘your lifestyle’. So logically speaking there is nothing like a good credit card deal. What it is – is good credit card deal for ‘you’ i.e. the individual who is going to use that credit card. This is because the lifestyle and the needs differ from person to person (and that is precisely the reason why every credit card supplier offers so many different kinds of credit cards). It might be true in some cases (where the lifestyle of two individuals/friends is similar) that the credit card deal which is good for one be good for the other too, however, this is just in a few cases.

You can always check with your friend who has recently got a credit card deal, since that might cut down the time needed for researching/hunting-for a good credit card deal. However, it’s really a matter of evaluating your own needs. If you travel a lot and to far off places by air, a card that offers you good rewards/rebates/benefits on travel would comprise a good credit card deal. Sometimes the airlines themselves have their own credit card issuing/supplying company from where you can get a good credit card deal. For people shopping at a particular retail store or a shop, a good credit card deal would be a card that offers discounts, rebates and rewards on shopping. Again, the retail stores themselves might have credit cards on offer that could be beneficial to you. Then there are credit card deals that are linked to gasoline stores or big grocery chains. If you don’t have any specific needs, you might use a general purpose credit card that gives reward points on every purchase you make on your credit card. These points can then be redeemed for cash/rewards. Hence, this card could become a good credit card deal for you.

Good, for credit card deals, is really a relative term and there is no credit card deal which is equally good for all.

Popularity: 4% [?]

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Secured credit cards are another very popular breed of credit cards. Secured credit cards, as their name suggests, are secured. Well, they are secured for the credit card supplier, really. Secured credit cards require you to open an account with the credit card supplier and maintain some cash balance in that account. This cash balance acts as a security for the supplier of secured credit card. Your credit limit is dependent on the amount you hold in the account that you have started with the supplier of secured credit card. This is generally between 50 to 100% of your account balance. So in that sense, secured credit cards are not really credit cards (since they don’t offer you any credit really). For this reason, the secured credit cards are sometimes also referred as debit cards.

Why is the concept of secured credit cards so important?

As we know, credit card debt is a raging problem which is caused by improper usage of credit cards. Such people end up spoiling their credit rating to an extent where they cannot get another unsecured credit card (that is what we call the commonly used credit cards). Even after they have paid off their dues and cleared their debt, their credit rating still haunts them. For such people, secured credit cards are a boon. Secured credit cards present them with an opportunity to not only get a credit card in the first place but also to improve their credit rating by using the secured credit card in a disciplined way (paying their dues in time, controlled spending, utilizing a maximum of 70% credit limit etc etc). As they continue with these good habits, their credit rating gradually improves over a period of time. Hence secured credit cards provide them with the means of rectifying their mistakes (credit rating).

It’s not just the people with bad credit rating who go for secured credit cards. Some people go for secured credit cards because they don’t want to bother themselves with the bills etc for credit cards. They don’t like to even fill-up application forms for unsecured credit cards.

Then there are some who just don’t like to borrow money (even if it means borrowing from a credit card supplier by using their credit card). However, such people are very rare to find.

Some people just go for secured credit cards because they have heard a lot of horrifying stories on credit card debt – maybe someone from their family or one of their friends was devastated by credit card debt and they don’t want to repeat the mistake. So they decide to go for a secured credit card.

Whatever be the reason for going for it, the secured credit cards are surely popular too.

Popularity: 4% [?]

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You go to the mail box and scan – a couple fliers (nah), your magazine subscription (yes!) and
bills (groan). Every month the bills show up and as you sigh and take out your check book you
wonder if you will ever be free.

Each month you pay the minimums and although you KNOW you’ve got a handle on it – you are
not charging your credit card or accumulating new debts anymore – it seems that you will be
paying the minimum fees forever.

Did you know that HOW you pay your debts can affect how soon you will finishing paying them
off – even if you keep paying the same amount for debt every month? Of course you might be
able to get a consolidation loan, but if you’re not eligible or are not interested then there are
several other things you can do.

It’s not always the easiest to figure out the mathematics, but there are three steps to quicker
debt relief – guaranteed.

STEP ONE – Create a list.

List your smallest debts first followed by your largest high-interest debts (credit card) and then
your largest low-interest debts (Lines of credit and taxes).
Plan to pay the minimums on all debts with these goals in mind:

STEP TWO – Small bills first.

They may not be the highest interest, but every bill that you are paying some interest on
means you are usually only paying minimal amounts on the principal. Multiple debts are also a
sure way to bring your spirits down. Paying off small debts first is a quick way to start checking
them off – and freeing your mind.

STEP THREE – Move the payments along.

When one debt is paid add the funds to the next debt. For example, say you’re making $75
payments to a small debt. When the debt is cleared add the $75 to the next debt on your list. If
the next debt had a minimum payment of $100, you will now pay $175 until it is paid off. When
that one is finished, take the $175 and add it to the next payment and so on.

STEP FOUR – Save the cash!

Don’t forget that when your debts are cleared you have set yourself up for a better financial
future. The best way to take advantage of your new situation is to use all the money you were
spending on debts and start investing or saving it every month.

With this strategy your debts will clear faster meaning you will pay less interest, you will see
progress as you clear small debts first, and you will not be tempted to use the funds for
personal use instead of debt repayment.

It is a worthwhile goal to get out of debt. Seeing that goal come sooner and teaching yourself
discipline sets you up for a brighter financial future. You OWE yourself that!

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Popularity: 5% [?]

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Credit cards have revolutionized the purchasing experience since Diners Club released the first
credit card in the year 1950.

The Diners Club credit card gave consumers limited credit that, at times, even surpassed the
personal savings of some participants. It allowed them to buy items they usually could not
afford if they were to make a straight cash purchase. It also provided the convenience and
safety of not having to carry large amounts of cash.

On average, American households possess 4 credit cards or a total of 13 payment cards if debit
cards and store cards are included. There are, actually, 1.3 billion payment cards of assorted
types in circulation in the United States.

But, if you think that credit cards have made the lives of modern American consumers easier,
you may be wrong…

Statistics show that the average credit card debt for each household in the U.S. is $4,800 per
month. Also, there were 1.3 million credit card holders declaring bankruptcy in the year 2003.

And if you still consider yourself unaffected by credit card debt, then consider this: upon
retirement, most Americans can only expect to receive about 37% percent of their annual
retirement income because of prior debt payment. This will leave many individuals depending
on the government, family and charity for economic survival.

These are some scary facts. So before you find yourself in a position of economic uncertainty, it
might be wise to evaluate your spending and current credit card debt.

If your credit card debt exceeds what seems to be a reasonable level, you may want to
consider credit card debt consolidation.

So what is credit card debt consolidation?

In a nutshell, credit card debt consolidation is taking all your credit card payments and
consolidating them into one monthly payment. This way, you don’t have to worry about
managing the payments individually. Aside from this advantage, it may also provide you with
the following additional benefits:
- Reduce interest payments
- Waive late and overtime fees
- Reduced monthly payments
- Debt relief in a shorter time
- Credit improvement
- Save more money in the long run

There are actually two major types of credit card debt consolidation…

You may want to consider a Credit Card Counseling firm. They assist consumers by
consolidating all their monthly payments into one single payment and then dispersing this to
the creditors on behalf of the consumers.

The other type is through a home equity loan or other secured loan. This is done by exchanging
an unsecured debt (such as
credit card debt) for a secured debt (a debt backed by specific assets such as real estate).
Now, credit card debt consolidation isn’t a magic balm that will drive all your credit card debt
malaise away. But, it will make paying all your debt easier and might save you money in the
long run. Definitely an alternative worth considering.

Popularity: 4% [?]

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If you’re a person who carries a balance, credit card offer might be the least thing on your mind right now. Credit card offer, no matter how enticing and convenient it might seem, may be the most expensive loans made by banks, department stores, and gasoline companies for you.

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try not to give in to the temptation the credit card offers, material cravings can sometimes be more powerful than the will of the mind. No matter how hard you try to resist the convenience and leisure the credit cards offer, you cannot help but to indulge. And the moment the credit card issuer offers you a card you can hardly wait for t to be approved and to use it to pay for items and services you fancy.

To avoid going beyond your credit limit, by now, you should know when to resist and indulge into the convenience the credit cards offer. Knowing how much the service provider or the store merchant collects from what you owe to your card issuer, you shouldn’t allow yourself spend what you don’t think you cannot pay. Or, by now, you should learn how to pay off what you owe each month, as long as you pay a minimum amount each time because this is what you get from what the credit card offers: interest on the balance you owe at the end of each period if do not pay the full balance every time your bill arrives.

If you are having problems saying “no” to credit card offers, the most effective way to prevent yourself in engaging into another compromise is a little bit of truth serum—how much credit card issuers get from the transaction you engage with them. Although credit card offers the almost priceless campaign ultimate convenience, think about this: the people who offer credit cards generate high profits from the people they have issued the card. Basically, reciprocal to what the credit card offers, is the high rate of interest. The convenience credit card offers sometimes no longer mounts up to the interest on credit cards alone but also from the bulk of accounts the bank profits for every credit card issued.

There are also those companies that charge an annual fee as part the credit card offer. But most of these companies sometimes charge late fees, over-the-limit fees, and other “miscellaneous” charges that the credit card holder often mistook as part of the service charge. Now, knowing how much you really “contribute” to the companies’ profit every time you pay what the merchant charges or every time you pay the fees to service providers—would you still be blinded with what the credit card offers?

What you can do

Wanting to breakaway from the habitual indulgence to credit card offer? Here are some tips that can help you veer away from the constant misleading promises and overwhelming credit card offer. Before you give in to what a certain credit card offers, think first what’s the purpose of filling out an application for a credit card and why do you need it and how sure are you that you can comply with the conditions of having another card. If ever your needs really demand for a credit card, then you must look for the most suitable type that will work best for your specific situation. Sometimes it is not enough to shop around for credit cards based of what they offer. More often than not, it pays to understand the terms of what the credit card offers before you getting the card. You must also take time to review the disclosures of terms and fees might appear on credit card offers you receive.

If you are really a person who cannot say “no” to numerous credit card offers, you must learn to pay bills punctually so the interest and charges are as low as possible. It also pays to read monthly statements while keeping the copies of sales receipts so you would compare the charges.
Indeed, having a credit card has become ingrained in the consumer’s psyche. That’s why it is imperative that people understand clearly the responsibilities of being a credit card holder and not just base their assumptions on what the credit card offers.

Popularity: 3% [?]

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There is a lot of truth in the advice that credit cards are not a substitute for not having money. Every time you use a credit card this should be the theme replaying in your mind. And you would do good to remember the following too.

Do’s.

Always plan for the purchases that you need and those that you want. You need the essentials, and you want everything else. The ability of making a distinction might help you plan wisely.

If caught up in financial difficulties, it’s always good to talk to the issuer who might re-schedule your payments. If you simply default, that only helps to build up an unfavorable credit history and you might find yourself being denied credit next time.

Unless it is an emergency, staying within your credit limits will help you a great deal. If you must spend over the limit, ensure you are within the manageable levels, say within 30 percent.

And if your mails are flushed with more favorite deals than you currently are enjoying, you may approach your issuer for a better deal. They want to retain you as their customer, so they will listen.

Dont’s

Do not use your credit card to make house hold purchases. It’s expensive in the long run

Do not just pay the minimal amount. You will end up paying exorbitant interest. The quicker you clear the debt the better.

Do not use the credit card to purchase things you can’t afford.

Popularity: 4% [?]

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The Chinese are credited with coming up with numerous inventions including gunpowder, umbrellas, chopsticks, paper and paper money.

Lamentably, (from Chinese point of view) the honors of coming up with plastic money went with early American capitalists.

From the time John Biggins, the inventor of a first bank issued card, had his first eureka moment in 1946, credit cards have evolved to become one of the most versatile ways of paying, and this is why.

Once issued with one, the need to carry around unsafe, dirty and bulky cash is significantly diminished. I say diminished because some small scale merchants (who perhaps are scared of technology) will still insist on being paid in cash. Further, credit cards enables you to build up a credit history, but only if you always pay on time.

In some countries such as UK, if you buy goods using a credit card and the goods turn out to be faulty, they are usually insured for a period of time, say two months, and you can be indemnified even for total loss. Credit cards are safe, and even if gun-totting miscreants help themselves to your wallet, you can make hit back by simply calling the credit card company and canceling the stolen card. Another thing going for credit cards is that you can keep track of your transactions, and it’s thus easy to keep track of your expenditure.

I could go on and on, and whatever the doomsday prophets say, plastic money is here to stay.

Popularity: 4% [?]

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Before you take out a home loan or make any major purchase, you should be aware that any prospective lender will want to take a look at your credit report. Your credit report is a record of all of your past financial dealings, and any loans, credit cards, judgements, bankruptcies or other major financial transactions are listed there. Along with your credit report will come your credit score, which is a three digit number between 300 and 850 that represents a distillation of all of the above. That score represents your entire financial life, and your ability to obtain financing for any major purchase depends on having a good one. What if you don’t have a good record? Should you go to one of those companies that promise to repair your credit? What you should do is repair it yourself.

The idea of credit repair is a myth. There is no magic solution to fixing problem credit, and any company that promises to do so is only interested in your cash. Your credit report and score are maintained by three separate credit bureaus that keep pretty accurate accounts of all financial dealings done under your Social Security number. There is no way to quickly “fix” a faulty credit report. You can, however, fix it yourself and fix it for free. It just takes time.

The way to repair your credit record is to start paying your bills on time and paying off your debt. More than one third of your credit score is determined by your past ability to pay bills and to pay them on time. Start doing so now. It may take a year or two, but steadily paying your bills without making any late payments goes a long way towards repairing a credit score. Another third of your score is determined by your ratio of debt to available credit. If your credit cards are maxed out, you need to pay off or pay down your balances. It’s tough to obtain a loan when you are already in debt to the gills.

Stop using your credit cards, if possible. Don’t cancel them; just stop using them, particularly if you have a balance to pay off. You want to reduce your debt. Pay cash when you can. And check your credit report for problems. You can obtain a copy for free from the free credit report Website.

Repairing your credit record takes time and discipline. There is no quick solution other than paying your bills, paying them on time, and waiting for the damage to heal. After that, you should be in good shape to obtain your home or car of your dreams.

Popularity: 4% [?]