About the Author
Anne is the owner of two websites http://www.ebooksbargains.com which has a huge range of books on a variety of subjects and http://www.therepairables.com that is a site which can help you in times of financial problems.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Common Drawbacks of Using a Credit Card
successful items in the financial industry is the credit card. In the past few decades, they have grown from one general purpose card invented in the late 1950s to a huge array of cards available. It is true that few adults live without at least one credit card and some people have several of them. These plastic cards can be very convenient for people who want to shop online or by telephone or mail order. They are also great for shopping offline as there is no need to carry cash. There have been some security scares with credit cards but, in many ways, they are more secure than cash. Unfortunately, there is a downside to the credit card despite what the glossy advertisements may say. They make it very easy to accrue large debts and often, it is difficult to see much for the money spent. The interest rates are amongst the highest in the credit finance industry so the debt just keeps on building up unless you use the card responsibly. Irresponsible use may lead to huge problems including bankruptcy. Having said that, there are some ways that you can use a credit card without inviting trouble. Beware the impulse spending. It’s easy to get carried away with spending when you’re not handing over that hard earned cash. However, when your statement arrives, you may find you spent more than you really should have. Try to resist the temptation to put things on your card because you may regret the decision when it comes time to pay. Don’t use your credit card for everyday costs or to pay your bills. This is a quick way to run up your credit card debt and is merely a Band-Aid solution to a poorly developed budget. There are other ways to borrow and many have cheaper interest rates. You can even withdraw cash on your credit card these days but be very careful. The interest rates are usually even higher than on purchases so it can add up very quickly. Also, there is no interest free period on cash withdrawals so it is still going to cost you a lot more. One of the most important steps you can take to minimize your debt is to pay more than the minimum each month. If you don’t, you will continually be paying mostly interest charges and so forth and never making much of a dent in the actual debt. By paying only the minimum, it may take years to pay off the debt not to mention that you will have paid a huge sum of interest. Try to pay as much as possible each month to reduce your debt. Finally, it is wise to organise an automatic payment from your bank to repay your credit card so that you don’t overlook any payments. Credit card issuers will happily accept more of your money by hitting you with expensive late payment fees. Don’t give them the pleasure. Keep your money and use your credit card wisely. This way, you should be able to stay out of trouble. Anne is the owner of two websites http://www.ebooksbargains.com which has a huge range of books on a variety of subjects and http://www.therepairables.com that is a site which can help you in times of financial problems.
Identity Theft - What You Can Do To Prevent It!
Identity theft is the new world of organized crime. The best way to protect yourself from this crime is to prevent identity theft from happening to you. This starts with finding out what identity theft is, and where and when it could happen to you!
Defining Identity Theft
What is identity theft? Identity theft is any time someone without your knowledge or consent, uses your personal or financial information. This can range from steeling your passport to travel illegally, to gaining financial information to make fraudulent purchases. But the majority of identity theft cases involved identity theft of credit card information.
How It Works
Identity theft with your credit card information occurs any time someone gets a hold of your credit card number. This often happens online. You might receive an e-mail warning you that something is wrong with your credit card, and you click on a link and are directed to a place where you are required to put in your credit card information to "fix" the problem. This is a scam known as phishing, where the criminal is looking to gain those numbers for their own use. And just because you are not online, doesn't mean your information is not! If you register your car or pay a speeding ticket, important parts of your identity, often including credit card numbers, are automatically put online!
Your Identity is Stolen - Now What?
Once the criminal gets a hold of your information, they will probably make purchases using your credit card number. It does not matter that they do not have the physical card in their hands, since the world of online shopping does not require seeing the card, just entering the numbers. When you notice fraudulent charges on your credit card statement, it is time to take action.
Start by contacting your bank. Often your bank will be willing to put a freeze on your account. Also, most credit cards have policies that do not hold you liable for purchases made by an identity thief, but you have to catch them! The card will be frozen, and you will be given a new card.
http://www.adviceoncreditcards.com/creditcards-articles/prevent-identity-theft.htm
Defining Identity Theft
What is identity theft? Identity theft is any time someone without your knowledge or consent, uses your personal or financial information. This can range from steeling your passport to travel illegally, to gaining financial information to make fraudulent purchases. But the majority of identity theft cases involved identity theft of credit card information.
How It Works
Identity theft with your credit card information occurs any time someone gets a hold of your credit card number. This often happens online. You might receive an e-mail warning you that something is wrong with your credit card, and you click on a link and are directed to a place where you are required to put in your credit card information to "fix" the problem. This is a scam known as phishing, where the criminal is looking to gain those numbers for their own use. And just because you are not online, doesn't mean your information is not! If you register your car or pay a speeding ticket, important parts of your identity, often including credit card numbers, are automatically put online!
Your Identity is Stolen - Now What?
Once the criminal gets a hold of your information, they will probably make purchases using your credit card number. It does not matter that they do not have the physical card in their hands, since the world of online shopping does not require seeing the card, just entering the numbers. When you notice fraudulent charges on your credit card statement, it is time to take action.
Start by contacting your bank. Often your bank will be willing to put a freeze on your account. Also, most credit cards have policies that do not hold you liable for purchases made by an identity thief, but you have to catch them! The card will be frozen, and you will be given a new card.
http://www.adviceoncreditcards.com/creditcards-articles/prevent-identity-theft.htm
The Credit Card Question
Practically every online business accepts credit cards, and so should yours. But you should be prepared to shop around and ask questions before settling on a provider for your credit card merchant account. This article lets you know what to expect.
Maybe you haven’t been in business long enough to have to confront this issue yet, especially if you started small. Sooner or later, though, you will have to face the fact that customers prefer to make purchases using their credit cards. What’s more, when they can use their credit card, customers tend to buy more. To someone who sells anything online, be it web hosting services or collectibles through eBay, the implication is plain: you need to be able to accept credit cards.
Maybe you’re still fighting it. To be able to accept credit cards, you know that you need to get a merchant account. Maybe you think it will be too expensive, or too complicated, or that you won’t qualify. While it is a good idea to shop around for an account, and there are certain questions you need to ask, it’s a relatively easy process – certainly much easier than running a business!
Still not convinced? Let me give you a few points to think about. The average customer won’t take you seriously as a business unless you accept credit cards. Even arts and crafts vendors at malls take credit cards; you’re trying to sell goods and services over the Internet! Most people who buy anything online do it with a credit card; they won’t be inclined to change their habits just for you.
You may have conducted some business via Western Union or PayPal. Those methods aren’t enough. Too many people are unfamiliar with Western Union. As to PayPal, there are still too many horror stories circulating about it. What it comes down to is a matter of trust. If you can accept credit cards, this means you have a merchant account, which means your name, address, and social security number are on file with a bank somewhere – so you’re not a fly-by-night. From your customer’s point of view, you’re less likely to be a crook.
For argument’s sake, let’s say that you have been conducting business via cash, check, and PayPal up to this point. When should you get a real merchant account? Look at your PayPal receipts. When your monthly sales volume reaches $1,000 or more, it’s time to get real. You might even consider making the move before that point if your sales are showing a consistent upward trend.
http://www.itswebrelated.com/resources/ecommerce/credit-card-processing/the-credit-card-question-20.html
Maybe you haven’t been in business long enough to have to confront this issue yet, especially if you started small. Sooner or later, though, you will have to face the fact that customers prefer to make purchases using their credit cards. What’s more, when they can use their credit card, customers tend to buy more. To someone who sells anything online, be it web hosting services or collectibles through eBay, the implication is plain: you need to be able to accept credit cards.
Maybe you’re still fighting it. To be able to accept credit cards, you know that you need to get a merchant account. Maybe you think it will be too expensive, or too complicated, or that you won’t qualify. While it is a good idea to shop around for an account, and there are certain questions you need to ask, it’s a relatively easy process – certainly much easier than running a business!
Still not convinced? Let me give you a few points to think about. The average customer won’t take you seriously as a business unless you accept credit cards. Even arts and crafts vendors at malls take credit cards; you’re trying to sell goods and services over the Internet! Most people who buy anything online do it with a credit card; they won’t be inclined to change their habits just for you.
You may have conducted some business via Western Union or PayPal. Those methods aren’t enough. Too many people are unfamiliar with Western Union. As to PayPal, there are still too many horror stories circulating about it. What it comes down to is a matter of trust. If you can accept credit cards, this means you have a merchant account, which means your name, address, and social security number are on file with a bank somewhere – so you’re not a fly-by-night. From your customer’s point of view, you’re less likely to be a crook.
For argument’s sake, let’s say that you have been conducting business via cash, check, and PayPal up to this point. When should you get a real merchant account? Look at your PayPal receipts. When your monthly sales volume reaches $1,000 or more, it’s time to get real. You might even consider making the move before that point if your sales are showing a consistent upward trend.
http://www.itswebrelated.com/resources/ecommerce/credit-card-processing/the-credit-card-question-20.html
UK database tackles credit card fraud
Fraud protection specialist The 3rd Man has acquired online credit card fraud company Early Warning UK, and has called on internet traders to share data about fraud detection.
Early Warning's CardAware database will be added to The 3rd Man's SuperSearch system, which enables retailers to share information on high-risk transactions.
The companies anticipate that the move will provide online traders with a powerful UK-based fraud protection service.
"E-commerce figures suggest that 95 per cent of all online fraud detected involves more than one retailer. It is clear from this figure that the way forward for web traders is to share their data," said Paul Simms, chief executive at The 3rd Man.
Early Warning UK was set up by internet fraud victim Andrew Goodwill in 2002, and provides fraud-busting services to a wide cross-section of online retailers.
The service allows traders to post details of actual or attempted internet crimes, and to find out whether others have had similar experiences. Fraudsters are subsequently exposed through a network of data sharing.
The 3rd Man provides fraud screening services to over 18,000 retailers, claiming to save them in excess of £10m a month.
The firm also operates SuperSearch, a national card-not-present fraud file which enables retailers to share and monitor information on high risk transactions deemed to be fraudulent.
Corporate SuperSearch users include JJB Sports, Woolworths, Ticketmaster, Halfords, Argos and many other leading businesses.
"By bringing Early Warning under The 3rd Man umbrella our aim is to develop a massive and dynamic system of information sharing for retailers to protect themselves and their genuine customers," said Simms.
"The ability to share fraud data with Early Warning and learn from their experiences is a major boost in the fight against card crime."
http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2203089/uk-anti-fraud-database-unveiled
Early Warning's CardAware database will be added to The 3rd Man's SuperSearch system, which enables retailers to share information on high-risk transactions.
The companies anticipate that the move will provide online traders with a powerful UK-based fraud protection service.
"E-commerce figures suggest that 95 per cent of all online fraud detected involves more than one retailer. It is clear from this figure that the way forward for web traders is to share their data," said Paul Simms, chief executive at The 3rd Man.
Early Warning UK was set up by internet fraud victim Andrew Goodwill in 2002, and provides fraud-busting services to a wide cross-section of online retailers.
The service allows traders to post details of actual or attempted internet crimes, and to find out whether others have had similar experiences. Fraudsters are subsequently exposed through a network of data sharing.
The 3rd Man provides fraud screening services to over 18,000 retailers, claiming to save them in excess of £10m a month.
The firm also operates SuperSearch, a national card-not-present fraud file which enables retailers to share and monitor information on high risk transactions deemed to be fraudulent.
Corporate SuperSearch users include JJB Sports, Woolworths, Ticketmaster, Halfords, Argos and many other leading businesses.
"By bringing Early Warning under The 3rd Man umbrella our aim is to develop a massive and dynamic system of information sharing for retailers to protect themselves and their genuine customers," said Simms.
"The ability to share fraud data with Early Warning and learn from their experiences is a major boost in the fight against card crime."
http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2203089/uk-anti-fraud-database-unveiled
Earn Your Free Holidays With American Express Air Miles Credit Card - Article
Frequent flyer programs have come a long way since American Airlines introduced these in 1981. Since then, the concept of frequent flyer programs has been embraced by others and is no longer the exclusive domain of airline companies. One of the credit card companies that embraced this type of reward scheme is American Express. Many of their products, such as the American Express AIR MILES credit card, now include the ability to earn miles.
Simply by using your American Express AIR MILES credit card for your daily purchases, you get the chance to earn your free airline tickets to and from any destination in the world. If you have a dream to someday view Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower or to revel in sultry Rio de Janeiro, the American Express AIR MILES credit card could help fulfill that wish. American Express is able to offer this kind of product through its tie-up with AIR MILES, hence the name American Express AIR MILES credit card.
If you choose to link your American Express AIR MILES credit card to the regular AIR MILES program card you may already have, you can accumulate additional rewards miles. For instance, when you shop at a grocery store which is a participating sponsor of AIR MILES, you can charge your purchases to your American Express AIR MILES credit card and ask the merchant to also scan your regular AIR MILES loyalty card. In that way, you earn rewards miles twice — once for the charge in your American Express AIR MILES credit card, and once on
your AIR MILES card.
When you have accumulated enough rewards miles, you can redeem these for free airline tickets to a destination of your choice. Should you have lots of miles, you can get your entire holiday for free. This could include a paid hotel stay, and a paid car rental. Free holidays do not come along too often. But it can be made possible with your American Express AIR MILES credit card.
You will get a free 100 rewards miles when you sign up for an American Express AIR MILES credit card. Note, however, that the 100 bonus rewards miles will only be credited together with the first purchase you make with your American Express AIR MILES credit card. When you have your credit card replaced or renewed, or if you receive supplementary cards, the 100 bonus mile offer does not apply.
On top of the rewards program tie-up with AIR MILES, the American Express AIR MILES credit card provides the usual package of benefits and services from American Express, including free insurance cover for auto rental, travel accident, and the important purchase and fraud protection services. You will also have access the company’s InfoAssist service where you can keep a secure record of sensitive information and documents.
Air Canada, Canadian North, American Airlines, Northwest Airlines, CanJet, Calm Air, KLM Royal Dutch and Lufthansa are the airline companies where you can obtain your free airline tickets by redeeming rewards miles in your American Express AIR MILES credit card. So, if seeing the world is a dream, perhaps this is one way of turning your dream into a reality!
http://www.discoveryarticles.com/articles/12509/1/Earn-Your-Free-Holidays-With-American-Express-Air-Miles-Credit-Card/Page1.html
Simply by using your American Express AIR MILES credit card for your daily purchases, you get the chance to earn your free airline tickets to and from any destination in the world. If you have a dream to someday view Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower or to revel in sultry Rio de Janeiro, the American Express AIR MILES credit card could help fulfill that wish. American Express is able to offer this kind of product through its tie-up with AIR MILES, hence the name American Express AIR MILES credit card.
If you choose to link your American Express AIR MILES credit card to the regular AIR MILES program card you may already have, you can accumulate additional rewards miles. For instance, when you shop at a grocery store which is a participating sponsor of AIR MILES, you can charge your purchases to your American Express AIR MILES credit card and ask the merchant to also scan your regular AIR MILES loyalty card. In that way, you earn rewards miles twice — once for the charge in your American Express AIR MILES credit card, and once on
your AIR MILES card.
When you have accumulated enough rewards miles, you can redeem these for free airline tickets to a destination of your choice. Should you have lots of miles, you can get your entire holiday for free. This could include a paid hotel stay, and a paid car rental. Free holidays do not come along too often. But it can be made possible with your American Express AIR MILES credit card.
You will get a free 100 rewards miles when you sign up for an American Express AIR MILES credit card. Note, however, that the 100 bonus rewards miles will only be credited together with the first purchase you make with your American Express AIR MILES credit card. When you have your credit card replaced or renewed, or if you receive supplementary cards, the 100 bonus mile offer does not apply.
On top of the rewards program tie-up with AIR MILES, the American Express AIR MILES credit card provides the usual package of benefits and services from American Express, including free insurance cover for auto rental, travel accident, and the important purchase and fraud protection services. You will also have access the company’s InfoAssist service where you can keep a secure record of sensitive information and documents.
Air Canada, Canadian North, American Airlines, Northwest Airlines, CanJet, Calm Air, KLM Royal Dutch and Lufthansa are the airline companies where you can obtain your free airline tickets by redeeming rewards miles in your American Express AIR MILES credit card. So, if seeing the world is a dream, perhaps this is one way of turning your dream into a reality!
http://www.discoveryarticles.com/articles/12509/1/Earn-Your-Free-Holidays-With-American-Express-Air-Miles-Credit-Card/Page1.html
Earn Your Free Holidays With American Express Air Miles Credit Card - Article
Frequent flyer programs have come a long way since American Airlines introduced these in 1981. Since then, the concept of frequent flyer programs has been embraced by others and is no longer the exclusive domain of airline companies. One of the credit card companies that embraced this type of reward scheme is American Express. Many of their products, such as the American Express AIR MILES credit card, now include the ability to earn miles.
Simply by using your American Express AIR MILES credit card for your daily purchases, you get the chance to earn your free airline tickets to and from any destination in the world. If you have a dream to someday view Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower or to revel in sultry Rio de Janeiro, the American Express AIR MILES credit card could help fulfill that wish. American Express is able to offer this kind of product through its tie-up with AIR MILES, hence the name American Express AIR MILES credit card.
If you choose to link your American Express AIR MILES credit card to the regular AIR MILES program card you may already have, you can accumulate additional rewards miles. For instance, when you shop at a grocery store which is a participating sponsor of AIR MILES, you can charge your purchases to your American Express AIR MILES credit card and ask the merchant to also scan your regular AIR MILES loyalty card. In that way, you earn rewards miles twice — once for the charge in your American Express AIR MILES credit card, and once on
your AIR MILES card.
When you have accumulated enough rewards miles, you can redeem these for free airline tickets to a destination of your choice. Should you have lots of miles, you can get your entire holiday for free. This could include a paid hotel stay, and a paid car rental. Free holidays do not come along too often. But it can be made possible with your American Express AIR MILES credit card.
You will get a free 100 rewards miles when you sign up for an American Express AIR MILES credit card. Note, however, that the 100 bonus rewards miles will only be credited together with the first purchase you make with your American Express AIR MILES credit card. When you have your credit card replaced or renewed, or if you receive supplementary cards, the 100 bonus mile offer does not apply.
On top of the rewards program tie-up with AIR MILES, the American Express AIR MILES credit card provides the usual package of benefits and services from American Express, including free insurance cover for auto rental, travel accident, and the important purchase and fraud protection services. You will also have access the company’s InfoAssist service where you can keep a secure record of sensitive information and documents.
Air Canada, Canadian North, American Airlines, Northwest Airlines, CanJet, Calm Air, KLM Royal Dutch and Lufthansa are the airline companies where you can obtain your free airline tickets by redeeming rewards miles in your American Express AIR MILES credit card. So, if seeing the world is a dream, perhaps this is one way of turning your dream into a reality!
http://www.discoveryarticles.com/articles/12509/1/Earn-Your-Free-Holidays-With-American-Express-Air-Miles-Credit-Card/Page1.html
Simply by using your American Express AIR MILES credit card for your daily purchases, you get the chance to earn your free airline tickets to and from any destination in the world. If you have a dream to someday view Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower or to revel in sultry Rio de Janeiro, the American Express AIR MILES credit card could help fulfill that wish. American Express is able to offer this kind of product through its tie-up with AIR MILES, hence the name American Express AIR MILES credit card.
If you choose to link your American Express AIR MILES credit card to the regular AIR MILES program card you may already have, you can accumulate additional rewards miles. For instance, when you shop at a grocery store which is a participating sponsor of AIR MILES, you can charge your purchases to your American Express AIR MILES credit card and ask the merchant to also scan your regular AIR MILES loyalty card. In that way, you earn rewards miles twice — once for the charge in your American Express AIR MILES credit card, and once on
your AIR MILES card.
When you have accumulated enough rewards miles, you can redeem these for free airline tickets to a destination of your choice. Should you have lots of miles, you can get your entire holiday for free. This could include a paid hotel stay, and a paid car rental. Free holidays do not come along too often. But it can be made possible with your American Express AIR MILES credit card.
You will get a free 100 rewards miles when you sign up for an American Express AIR MILES credit card. Note, however, that the 100 bonus rewards miles will only be credited together with the first purchase you make with your American Express AIR MILES credit card. When you have your credit card replaced or renewed, or if you receive supplementary cards, the 100 bonus mile offer does not apply.
On top of the rewards program tie-up with AIR MILES, the American Express AIR MILES credit card provides the usual package of benefits and services from American Express, including free insurance cover for auto rental, travel accident, and the important purchase and fraud protection services. You will also have access the company’s InfoAssist service where you can keep a secure record of sensitive information and documents.
Air Canada, Canadian North, American Airlines, Northwest Airlines, CanJet, Calm Air, KLM Royal Dutch and Lufthansa are the airline companies where you can obtain your free airline tickets by redeeming rewards miles in your American Express AIR MILES credit card. So, if seeing the world is a dream, perhaps this is one way of turning your dream into a reality!
http://www.discoveryarticles.com/articles/12509/1/Earn-Your-Free-Holidays-With-American-Express-Air-Miles-Credit-Card/Page1.html
Credit card only works when spoken to
A credit card that will not work unless it hears its owner's voice could become an important weapon in the fight against fraud.
The card requires users to give a spoken password that it authenticates using a built-in voice-recognition chip. The idea is to prevent thieves using a stolen card or fraudsters using someone else's credit card details to buy goods online.
A prototype built by engineers at Beepcard in Santa Monica, California, represents the first attempt to pack a microphone, a loudspeaker, a battery and a voice-recognition chip into a standard-sized credit card.
They are not quite there yet: the card is the length and width of an ordinary credit card, but it is still about three times as thick. Alan Sege, Beepcard's CEO, says the company now plans to use smaller chips to slim it down to normal thickness.
Squawk signal
The voice card is based on an earlier Beepcard technology designed to prevent fraud in online transactions. This earlier card has no microphone, but has a built-in loudspeaker that it uses to "squawk" an acoustic ID signal via a computer's microphone to an online server.
By verifying that the signal matches the card details, the server can establish that the user is not simply keying in a credit card number but actually has the card to hand. The ID code changes each time the card is used in a pre-ordained sequence that only the server knows.
This prevents fraudsters recording the beeps, noting the card details and then playing back the audible ID when they key in the details later. But this earlier technology cannot prevent fraudulent use of stolen cards. The new one can.
The new voice card also identifies itself by its ID squawk, but it will not do this until it has verified the legitimate user's spoken password. Thieves will be unable to use the card because even if they knew the password they would have to be able to copy the owner's voice with a high degree of accuracy.
Diminutive battery
Simple voice-recognition systems are already used in cellphones to provide voice dialling. The challenge for Beepcard has been to develop voice-recognition and audio circuitry that can be powered by a diminutive battery embedded in a credit card.
To maximise battery life, the electronics are only switched on when the card is being used. Pressing a button on the card's surface prompts it to utter "Say your password" in a stern American-accented female voice. If its voice-recognition software authenticates the password, it emits its ID squawk which the server then identifies, allowing to transaction to proceed.
The company is aiming to make the voice card capable of 10 transactions per day for two years before its non-replaceable battery runs out. But the capacity of the battery is not the only problem. It also has to be robust and flexible enough to survive in a credit card. Beepcard has tried to address this by putting the battery in the corner of the card, which is less likely to get bent than the centre.
While credit card giant Visa of Foster City, California already offers voice recognition to boost security on some telephone transactions, the company has not explored the idea of building voice authentication into the card, says spokesman Colin Baptie. "It's an interesting idea but the transaction has got to be user friendly. You wouldn't want to increase the time it takes," he says.
But writing in his computer security newsletter, Cryptogram, last week, security expert Bruce Schneier was enthusiastic about Beepcard's technology: "It's a physical authentication system that doesn't require any special reader hardware. You can use it on a random computer at an internet cafe. You can use it on a telephone. If the price is cheap enough, Beepcard has a winner here."
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn4900.html
The card requires users to give a spoken password that it authenticates using a built-in voice-recognition chip. The idea is to prevent thieves using a stolen card or fraudsters using someone else's credit card details to buy goods online.
A prototype built by engineers at Beepcard in Santa Monica, California, represents the first attempt to pack a microphone, a loudspeaker, a battery and a voice-recognition chip into a standard-sized credit card.
They are not quite there yet: the card is the length and width of an ordinary credit card, but it is still about three times as thick. Alan Sege, Beepcard's CEO, says the company now plans to use smaller chips to slim it down to normal thickness.
Squawk signal
The voice card is based on an earlier Beepcard technology designed to prevent fraud in online transactions. This earlier card has no microphone, but has a built-in loudspeaker that it uses to "squawk" an acoustic ID signal via a computer's microphone to an online server.
By verifying that the signal matches the card details, the server can establish that the user is not simply keying in a credit card number but actually has the card to hand. The ID code changes each time the card is used in a pre-ordained sequence that only the server knows.
This prevents fraudsters recording the beeps, noting the card details and then playing back the audible ID when they key in the details later. But this earlier technology cannot prevent fraudulent use of stolen cards. The new one can.
The new voice card also identifies itself by its ID squawk, but it will not do this until it has verified the legitimate user's spoken password. Thieves will be unable to use the card because even if they knew the password they would have to be able to copy the owner's voice with a high degree of accuracy.
Diminutive battery
Simple voice-recognition systems are already used in cellphones to provide voice dialling. The challenge for Beepcard has been to develop voice-recognition and audio circuitry that can be powered by a diminutive battery embedded in a credit card.
To maximise battery life, the electronics are only switched on when the card is being used. Pressing a button on the card's surface prompts it to utter "Say your password" in a stern American-accented female voice. If its voice-recognition software authenticates the password, it emits its ID squawk which the server then identifies, allowing to transaction to proceed.
The company is aiming to make the voice card capable of 10 transactions per day for two years before its non-replaceable battery runs out. But the capacity of the battery is not the only problem. It also has to be robust and flexible enough to survive in a credit card. Beepcard has tried to address this by putting the battery in the corner of the card, which is less likely to get bent than the centre.
While credit card giant Visa of Foster City, California already offers voice recognition to boost security on some telephone transactions, the company has not explored the idea of building voice authentication into the card, says spokesman Colin Baptie. "It's an interesting idea but the transaction has got to be user friendly. You wouldn't want to increase the time it takes," he says.
But writing in his computer security newsletter, Cryptogram, last week, security expert Bruce Schneier was enthusiastic about Beepcard's technology: "It's a physical authentication system that doesn't require any special reader hardware. You can use it on a random computer at an internet cafe. You can use it on a telephone. If the price is cheap enough, Beepcard has a winner here."
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn4900.html
Wireless computer shrunk to smaller than a credit card
Compulab recently announced a computer that manages to cram a complete PDA into a device two-thirds the size of a credit card.
The CM-X270L measures just 4.4 x 6.6 cm. In comparison, a MiniPCI wireless card is 6.0 x 4.4 cm - just half a centimetre thinner.
In this space, the CM-X270L somehow manages fits in an Intel (should that be Marvell?) XScale chip running Windows CE or Linux, half a gig of flash, 128MB of RAM, AC'97 sound and a Philips 802.11b wireless interface, as well as some things you wouldn't find on a PDA, such as a PCI bus, 4 USB host ports and wired networking.
You can pick one up with prices starting from $47 (provided you want 10,000), although you may need something to plug it into.
http://www.theinquirer.net/en/inquirer/news/2006/06/28/wireless-computer-shrunk-to-smaller-than-a-credit-card
The CM-X270L measures just 4.4 x 6.6 cm. In comparison, a MiniPCI wireless card is 6.0 x 4.4 cm - just half a centimetre thinner.
In this space, the CM-X270L somehow manages fits in an Intel (should that be Marvell?) XScale chip running Windows CE or Linux, half a gig of flash, 128MB of RAM, AC'97 sound and a Philips 802.11b wireless interface, as well as some things you wouldn't find on a PDA, such as a PCI bus, 4 USB host ports and wired networking.
You can pick one up with prices starting from $47 (provided you want 10,000), although you may need something to plug it into.
http://www.theinquirer.net/en/inquirer/news/2006/06/28/wireless-computer-shrunk-to-smaller-than-a-credit-card
Wireless computer shrunk to smaller than a credit card
Compulab recently announced a computer that manages to cram a complete PDA into a device two-thirds the size of a credit card.
The CM-X270L measures just 4.4 x 6.6 cm. In comparison, a MiniPCI wireless card is 6.0 x 4.4 cm - just half a centimetre thinner.
In this space, the CM-X270L somehow manages fits in an Intel (should that be Marvell?) XScale chip running Windows CE or Linux, half a gig of flash, 128MB of RAM, AC'97 sound and a Philips 802.11b wireless interface, as well as some things you wouldn't find on a PDA, such as a PCI bus, 4 USB host ports and wired networking.
You can pick one up with prices starting from $47 (provided you want 10,000), although you may need something to plug it into.
http://www.theinquirer.net/en/inquirer/news/2006/06/28/wireless-computer-shrunk-to-smaller-than-a-credit-card
The CM-X270L measures just 4.4 x 6.6 cm. In comparison, a MiniPCI wireless card is 6.0 x 4.4 cm - just half a centimetre thinner.
In this space, the CM-X270L somehow manages fits in an Intel (should that be Marvell?) XScale chip running Windows CE or Linux, half a gig of flash, 128MB of RAM, AC'97 sound and a Philips 802.11b wireless interface, as well as some things you wouldn't find on a PDA, such as a PCI bus, 4 USB host ports and wired networking.
You can pick one up with prices starting from $47 (provided you want 10,000), although you may need something to plug it into.
http://www.theinquirer.net/en/inquirer/news/2006/06/28/wireless-computer-shrunk-to-smaller-than-a-credit-card
Authorizing Your Credit Card
We attempt to authorize your credit card when you first place your order - in fact, we can't actually process your order until this authorization is complete. If for some reason your credit card provider does not authorize the charge from us, we'll let you know by sending you an email - typically within 24 hours. Your credit card is never billed until your order, or items in your order, have been processed and shipped.
We accept MasterCard, Visa and American Express. For your protection, all credit card information submitted is encrypted on our secure server.
Why didn't my credit card go through?
Sometimes, credit card authorizations fail because of an incorrect expiry date or a mis-entered digit in a credit card number. If you've saved credit card information previously in your account settings, check to make sure the information is correct, then re-submit your order. If all your billing information looks correct, and your order fails to authorize, please contact your credit card provider for further assistance. Or, you can place your order again using a different credit card.
http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/Authorizing-Your-Credit-Card/auth_credit_card_en-art.html?pticket=jv1l4dvtscxuev5554w23r553vvpr16qDxeySZfr0ZjpuTeWp04%3d
We accept MasterCard, Visa and American Express. For your protection, all credit card information submitted is encrypted on our secure server.
Why didn't my credit card go through?
Sometimes, credit card authorizations fail because of an incorrect expiry date or a mis-entered digit in a credit card number. If you've saved credit card information previously in your account settings, check to make sure the information is correct, then re-submit your order. If all your billing information looks correct, and your order fails to authorize, please contact your credit card provider for further assistance. Or, you can place your order again using a different credit card.
http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/Authorizing-Your-Credit-Card/auth_credit_card_en-art.html?pticket=jv1l4dvtscxuev5554w23r553vvpr16qDxeySZfr0ZjpuTeWp04%3d
Credit Cards And Your Credit Report
A credit card is a great financial tool. It can be more convenient to use and carry than cash and it offers valuable consumer protections under federal law.
At the same time, it’s a big responsibility. If you don’t use it carefully, you may owe more than you can repay, damage your credit rating, and create credit problems for yourself that can be difficult to fix.
You're Responsible
While a credit card makes it easy to buy something now and pay for it later, you can lose track of how much you’ve spent by the time the bill arrives if you’re not careful. And if you don’t pay your bill in full, you’ll probably have to pay finance charges on the unpaid balance. What’s more, if you continue to charge while carrying an outstanding balance, your debt can snowball. Before you know it, your minimum payment is only covering the interest. If you start having trouble repaying the debt, you could tarnish your credit report. And that can have a sizable impact on your life. A negative report can make it more difficult to finance a car or home, get insurance, and even get a job.
Get Help
Whether you’re looking to buy your own home, get a new car, or just need another credit card, your lenders will be checking your credit report. Do you know what your credit report says? Sign up for a no-risk free trial of the Credit Check Monitoring Service and you can find out first hand with your FREE credit report! But the CreditCheck Monitoring Service doesn’t stop there! It keeps you on top of your credit position and alerts you to additions and changes made on your credit report. That way, you’ll be both knowledgeable and confident come time to meet with your lender. Consider it your personal credit consultant, complete with valuable information, tools, and tips for success! And you won’t find a better deal with the FREE trial and FREE credit report!
http://www.creditcarecenter.com/cards/using_credit_cards_responsibly.htm
At the same time, it’s a big responsibility. If you don’t use it carefully, you may owe more than you can repay, damage your credit rating, and create credit problems for yourself that can be difficult to fix.
You're Responsible
While a credit card makes it easy to buy something now and pay for it later, you can lose track of how much you’ve spent by the time the bill arrives if you’re not careful. And if you don’t pay your bill in full, you’ll probably have to pay finance charges on the unpaid balance. What’s more, if you continue to charge while carrying an outstanding balance, your debt can snowball. Before you know it, your minimum payment is only covering the interest. If you start having trouble repaying the debt, you could tarnish your credit report. And that can have a sizable impact on your life. A negative report can make it more difficult to finance a car or home, get insurance, and even get a job.
Get Help
Whether you’re looking to buy your own home, get a new car, or just need another credit card, your lenders will be checking your credit report. Do you know what your credit report says? Sign up for a no-risk free trial of the Credit Check Monitoring Service and you can find out first hand with your FREE credit report! But the CreditCheck Monitoring Service doesn’t stop there! It keeps you on top of your credit position and alerts you to additions and changes made on your credit report. That way, you’ll be both knowledgeable and confident come time to meet with your lender. Consider it your personal credit consultant, complete with valuable information, tools, and tips for success! And you won’t find a better deal with the FREE trial and FREE credit report!
http://www.creditcarecenter.com/cards/using_credit_cards_responsibly.htm
Credit Card Interest Rates
What do personal bankruptcies have to do with bank card interest rates?
In an attempt to reduce credit card losses, several major banks are now tying bank card interest rates to the credit records of applicants.
This means that if you have a sterling record, you'll get a better rate than if you've missed a few payments or bounced checks in the past.
Banks are getting tough because delinquent payments and bankruptcies are reaching record highs. In order to stem the losses, banks are now using your credit history to determine the amount of interest you'll be charged on your bank card, particularly important if you carry a balance from month to month.
One major problem with this system is that it makes it difficult if you are trying to shop for a card with the lowest possible interest rate since you won't know what rate you're getting until the application has been processed.
The best deal is a credit card that's available without an annual fee; or, if you carry a fee, a card that offers low interest rates.
http://www.creditcarecenter.com/cards/card_interest_rates.htm
In an attempt to reduce credit card losses, several major banks are now tying bank card interest rates to the credit records of applicants.
This means that if you have a sterling record, you'll get a better rate than if you've missed a few payments or bounced checks in the past.
Banks are getting tough because delinquent payments and bankruptcies are reaching record highs. In order to stem the losses, banks are now using your credit history to determine the amount of interest you'll be charged on your bank card, particularly important if you carry a balance from month to month.
One major problem with this system is that it makes it difficult if you are trying to shop for a card with the lowest possible interest rate since you won't know what rate you're getting until the application has been processed.
The best deal is a credit card that's available without an annual fee; or, if you carry a fee, a card that offers low interest rates.
http://www.creditcarecenter.com/cards/card_interest_rates.htm
If You Pay Off Your Credit Card Balances Each Month--
If you are one of the 36% of all cardholders who pay off your entire balance on time each month to avoid finance charges, you may soon be penalized. For Instance GE Rewards MasterCard holders who pay off their balances each month are charged an annual $25 penalty fee. Industry analysts predict that more credit card issuers will follow GE's lead.
Why are credit card companies doing this? Because 75% of their revenues come from finance charges, and conscientious users who pay their balances in full each month are in effect using the cards for free. This can be extremely unprofitable for credit card companies.
Some credit card companies are imposing penalties that affect all customers, including:
* Eliminating the 30-day interest-free grace period following a purchase.
* Charging an over-limit fee if you exceed your credit limit by as little as $1, even if your purchase has been approved over the phone by the store.
* Imposing a late fee of up to $20 if you miss your monthly payment date by one to three days.
* Increasing your finance charge if you don't pay on time twice in one year. Some punitive finance rates range from 24.9% to as high as 32.6%.
How You Can Avoid Credit Penalties
* Use fewer credit cards. This way you won't need to keep track of multiple bills or multiple credit terms.
* Carefully read the fine print. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of your credit card. Read any new or undated information that is sent to you.
* Pay off your balance each month. If you are unable to pay the balance in full, try to pay more than the minimum balance. The sooner you pay off your balance, the more money you save in finance charges.
* Prudently shop for cards. Credit card issuers will send you credit agreements before you apply for credit. Use them to study and compare terms and conditions before you apply for credit.
See where your credit stands by monitoring it the easy way with a 30-day free trial of the CreditCheck Monitoring Service! Enjoy exclusive tips on building a solid credit rating and valuable Neighborhood and Home Sales reports. Plus, Get Your Free Credit Report! just for trying the service!
http://www.creditcarecenter.com/cards/credit_card_penalties_fees_and_late_charges.htm
Why are credit card companies doing this? Because 75% of their revenues come from finance charges, and conscientious users who pay their balances in full each month are in effect using the cards for free. This can be extremely unprofitable for credit card companies.
Some credit card companies are imposing penalties that affect all customers, including:
* Eliminating the 30-day interest-free grace period following a purchase.
* Charging an over-limit fee if you exceed your credit limit by as little as $1, even if your purchase has been approved over the phone by the store.
* Imposing a late fee of up to $20 if you miss your monthly payment date by one to three days.
* Increasing your finance charge if you don't pay on time twice in one year. Some punitive finance rates range from 24.9% to as high as 32.6%.
How You Can Avoid Credit Penalties
* Use fewer credit cards. This way you won't need to keep track of multiple bills or multiple credit terms.
* Carefully read the fine print. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of your credit card. Read any new or undated information that is sent to you.
* Pay off your balance each month. If you are unable to pay the balance in full, try to pay more than the minimum balance. The sooner you pay off your balance, the more money you save in finance charges.
* Prudently shop for cards. Credit card issuers will send you credit agreements before you apply for credit. Use them to study and compare terms and conditions before you apply for credit.
See where your credit stands by monitoring it the easy way with a 30-day free trial of the CreditCheck Monitoring Service! Enjoy exclusive tips on building a solid credit rating and valuable Neighborhood and Home Sales reports. Plus, Get Your Free Credit Report! just for trying the service!
http://www.creditcarecenter.com/cards/credit_card_penalties_fees_and_late_charges.htm
American Express Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card - Article
American Express and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. launch the Starwood Preferred Guest Business Credit Card for small business owners and the enhanced Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card for consumers.
Cardmembers can take advantage of greater benefits and richer rewards, making it easier than ever for consumers, and now small business owners, to earn free nights at more than 825 Starwood hotels and resorts around the world and award flights with more than 30 airline partners.
Credit Card Features:
10,000 Starpoints bonus with first purchase ? enough for up to three free nights(1)
Double Starpoints on stays at participating Starwood Hotels & Resorts and purchases at select Starwood retail outlets, such as Bliss Spa and more(2)
Automatic upgrade to Gold Preferred Guest membership status by spending $30,000 on the Card in each calendar year. Access to private sales with select Starwood retail outlets.
The new Business Card incorporates all of the improved benefits of the Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card, as well as programs and services tailored specifically to the needs of small business owners, including the OPEN Savings(SM) program which was designed specifically for small businesses and gives automatic discounts on purchases at OPEN Savings(3) partners, such as Delta, FedEx Kinko's and JetBlue. In addition, the Business Card provides expense management reporting, an online spend tracking system and spending limits on additional cards that aid in better managing employee spending.
Credit Card Benefits:
One (1) Starpoint for every eligible dollar spent on the Card
Redeem Starpoints at over 825 participating Starwood hotels and resorts in 95 countries with no black out dates? if there's a standard room it's yours.
Transfer Starpoints to over 30 frequent flyer programs, most on a one-to-one basis
Receive 5,000 Starpoint bonus when you transfer 20,000 Starpoints to miles(4)
First year fee-free, and $30 annual fee thereafter; fee-free additional cards
Automatic enrollment as a Starwood Preferred Plus member
Receive a 50% off certificate, good towards a Starwood hotel stay, upon Card approval and annual renewal
No limit on the amount of Starpoints a Card
member can earn
Competitive Introductory purchase Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for six (6) months
Retail and travel protections such as Global Assist, Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance, Purchase Protection Insurance, Travel Accident Insurance, American Express Card Baggage Insurance, Buyers Assurance Plan, Express Cash Emergency Card Replacement, Emergency Check Cashing, and 24-hour customer service.
The new Starwood Preferred Guest Business Card and enhancement to the Consumer Card are an expansion of the existing relationship between Starwood and American Express. The new Cards make it easier than ever for consumers and small business owners to quickly earn exceptional travel rewards through spending on their cards. Starwood and American Express have enjoyed a strong cobranded card partnership since 1996, when American Express first launched the ITT Sheraton ClubMiles Card.
Credit Card Benefits Eligibility Requirements:
(1) To be eligible to receive 10,000 bonus Starpoints, you must make your first purchase with the Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card within one year of Card approval. Bonus Points will appear on your Starwood Preferred Guest statement 8-12 weeks after your first purchase. Bonus Starpoints are for first-time Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Cardmembers only. You may have more than one Starwood Preferred Guest account, however, if you have or had any such account you are not eligible to receive bonus Starpoints you may be offered for any other such account.
(2) You will receive one additional Starpoint for each U.S. dollar of Eligible Spending charged on your Card Account at Starwood branded hotels and resorts then participating in the Starwood Preferred Guest loyalty program, and at stand-along retail establishments and on-line stores that, in each case, are wholly-owned by Starwood Hotels and resorts Worldwide, Inc.
(3) OPEN Savings(SM): Payment must be made with an American Express Business Card. Savings will be credited to your American Express Business Card billing statement. All savings referenced are in addition to any offers made by participating companies. Participation and offers are subject to change without notice. Terms and conditions apply.
(4) A 5,000 Starpoint bonus is based on airlines with a 1 Starpoint to 1 mile conversion rate; equivalent bonus will be awarded in accordance with other airline conversion rates.
All rights reserved. Article may be reprinted as long as the content remains intact and unchanged and all links remain active.
http://www.discoveryarticles.com/articles/13524/1/American-Express-Starwood-Preferred-Guest-Credit-Card/Page1.html
Cardmembers can take advantage of greater benefits and richer rewards, making it easier than ever for consumers, and now small business owners, to earn free nights at more than 825 Starwood hotels and resorts around the world and award flights with more than 30 airline partners.
Credit Card Features:
10,000 Starpoints bonus with first purchase ? enough for up to three free nights(1)
Double Starpoints on stays at participating Starwood Hotels & Resorts and purchases at select Starwood retail outlets, such as Bliss Spa and more(2)
Automatic upgrade to Gold Preferred Guest membership status by spending $30,000 on the Card in each calendar year. Access to private sales with select Starwood retail outlets.
The new Business Card incorporates all of the improved benefits of the Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card, as well as programs and services tailored specifically to the needs of small business owners, including the OPEN Savings(SM) program which was designed specifically for small businesses and gives automatic discounts on purchases at OPEN Savings(3) partners, such as Delta, FedEx Kinko's and JetBlue. In addition, the Business Card provides expense management reporting, an online spend tracking system and spending limits on additional cards that aid in better managing employee spending.
Credit Card Benefits:
One (1) Starpoint for every eligible dollar spent on the Card
Redeem Starpoints at over 825 participating Starwood hotels and resorts in 95 countries with no black out dates? if there's a standard room it's yours.
Transfer Starpoints to over 30 frequent flyer programs, most on a one-to-one basis
Receive 5,000 Starpoint bonus when you transfer 20,000 Starpoints to miles(4)
First year fee-free, and $30 annual fee thereafter; fee-free additional cards
Automatic enrollment as a Starwood Preferred Plus member
Receive a 50% off certificate, good towards a Starwood hotel stay, upon Card approval and annual renewal
No limit on the amount of Starpoints a Card
member can earn
Competitive Introductory purchase Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for six (6) months
Retail and travel protections such as Global Assist, Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance, Purchase Protection Insurance, Travel Accident Insurance, American Express Card Baggage Insurance, Buyers Assurance Plan, Express Cash Emergency Card Replacement, Emergency Check Cashing, and 24-hour customer service.
The new Starwood Preferred Guest Business Card and enhancement to the Consumer Card are an expansion of the existing relationship between Starwood and American Express. The new Cards make it easier than ever for consumers and small business owners to quickly earn exceptional travel rewards through spending on their cards. Starwood and American Express have enjoyed a strong cobranded card partnership since 1996, when American Express first launched the ITT Sheraton ClubMiles Card.
Credit Card Benefits Eligibility Requirements:
(1) To be eligible to receive 10,000 bonus Starpoints, you must make your first purchase with the Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card within one year of Card approval. Bonus Points will appear on your Starwood Preferred Guest statement 8-12 weeks after your first purchase. Bonus Starpoints are for first-time Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Cardmembers only. You may have more than one Starwood Preferred Guest account, however, if you have or had any such account you are not eligible to receive bonus Starpoints you may be offered for any other such account.
(2) You will receive one additional Starpoint for each U.S. dollar of Eligible Spending charged on your Card Account at Starwood branded hotels and resorts then participating in the Starwood Preferred Guest loyalty program, and at stand-along retail establishments and on-line stores that, in each case, are wholly-owned by Starwood Hotels and resorts Worldwide, Inc.
(3) OPEN Savings(SM): Payment must be made with an American Express Business Card. Savings will be credited to your American Express Business Card billing statement. All savings referenced are in addition to any offers made by participating companies. Participation and offers are subject to change without notice. Terms and conditions apply.
(4) A 5,000 Starpoint bonus is based on airlines with a 1 Starpoint to 1 mile conversion rate; equivalent bonus will be awarded in accordance with other airline conversion rates.
All rights reserved. Article may be reprinted as long as the content remains intact and unchanged and all links remain active.
http://www.discoveryarticles.com/articles/13524/1/American-Express-Starwood-Preferred-Guest-Credit-Card/Page1.html
American Express, Kingfisher launch co-brand credit card
American Express has tied up with Kingfisher Airlines to launch the American Express Kingfisher First Credit Card in association with Airtel.
The card allows members to get two or more round trip flights with Kingfisher Airlines every year through their everyday spend on the card.
Airtel gives the members opportunity to convert calls into free Kingfisher flights.
"This new launch heralds the broadening of our existing relationship with American Express and will cater to the evolving lifestyle aspirations of a young and vibrant India. The introduction of this new offering will strengthen our franchise amongst both business and leisure travellers,"
Kingfisher Airlines Chairman and CEO Vijay Mallya said in a statement.
A customer can earn tickets faster by simply charging their spend on services provided by Airtel. It also offers over 500 retail and dinning Platinum partners.
It comes with privileges such as Kingfisher Airlines King Club Gold Tier membership and special benefits from Airtel, a company release said.
In the first year itself, the card will offer a premium value of more than Rs 50,000.
"In 2006, leisure travel in India totalled USD 350-400 million and air travel increased by 45 per cent over the previous year. The card will provide the solution for affluent consumers in meeting their travel and spending needs," American Express India Vice-President and Country Manager Rob Hennin said.
http://www.financialexpress.com/news/American-Express-Kingfisher-launch-cobrand-credit-card/235256/
The card allows members to get two or more round trip flights with Kingfisher Airlines every year through their everyday spend on the card.
Airtel gives the members opportunity to convert calls into free Kingfisher flights.
"This new launch heralds the broadening of our existing relationship with American Express and will cater to the evolving lifestyle aspirations of a young and vibrant India. The introduction of this new offering will strengthen our franchise amongst both business and leisure travellers,"
Kingfisher Airlines Chairman and CEO Vijay Mallya said in a statement.
A customer can earn tickets faster by simply charging their spend on services provided by Airtel. It also offers over 500 retail and dinning Platinum partners.
It comes with privileges such as Kingfisher Airlines King Club Gold Tier membership and special benefits from Airtel, a company release said.
In the first year itself, the card will offer a premium value of more than Rs 50,000.
"In 2006, leisure travel in India totalled USD 350-400 million and air travel increased by 45 per cent over the previous year. The card will provide the solution for affluent consumers in meeting their travel and spending needs," American Express India Vice-President and Country Manager Rob Hennin said.
http://www.financialexpress.com/news/American-Express-Kingfisher-launch-cobrand-credit-card/235256/
Cherish Your Credit Card
Holding one or more credit cards accounts can be a very convenient way of handling your finances in today's society, and while there are definite advantages to having the extra credit facility, it is important to exercise a level of control in the way you use these accounts. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind when using a credit card account is to never owe more on your card than you can easily pay off within three months. Now that level of commitment can change month to month so it's worth while to fluctuate your own maximum use of the card even if the issuer has given you a higher threshold. 'Maxing up' your credit card is never recommended for the simple reason that once you are unable to use the card for the reasons it was intended, then making the payments on it will hurt you that much more.
Impulse spending, simply because you have space on your credit cards can lead you into a very dangerous financial mess, and you therefore need to avoid the self indulgence, and stop buying things you didn’t know you wanted until you saw them on display in a store. You really should have a good idea of how much you have used the card during each month even before your credit card bill arrives on your doorstep. If you are ever surprised at how much more you charged to the card than you thought you had, that is usually a good sign that you are using it too much.
It is always tempting when we look at how much 'space' we have on our credit card, to regard that as money to be spent, and feel obliged to indulge ourselves, often buying goods we don't need and would never have purchased with money saved in a savings account. You should also remember that any amounts you are obliged to spend on your credit card bill payments, will often prevent you from increasing your savings for more important things like holidays, a new house or car or even your retirement.
Here are a few good guidelines to implement when using your credit card facility. Keeping these suggestions in mind will ensure that you don't create problems that may affect your lifestyle to say nothing of your credit score.
1.) When using your credit card to pay for any item, simply ask yourself if you really need it, or just want it. Separating needs and wants is an important spending issue and all your purchases should be justified, at least in your mind.
2.) When you go shopping, make a list of what you need and either take only enough cash to pay for what you have planned to buy, leaving your credit cards at home, or decide what you will charge to the card before you leave home, and stick to that figure.
3.) If you see something you think you really need, give yourself two weeks to decide if it is really something you do need or something you can easily do without. Very often, you will decide during that grace period that you didn't really need the item in mind, and your life will roll on just as well without it.
4.) Discipline yourself into not buying anything whilst you are out shopping that you didn't think about before you left home.
5.) Remember that you will be under great pressure to charge your card to it's limit, not only from the advertisers who want you to buy their products, but also from the issuers who make money every time you use your card. Always resist the temptation! You must set some financial goals and stop spending money on items that really don’t matter in the long run.
6.) Don't use your credit card to draw cash either from a bank or ATM unless it is absolutely necessary, as this is a very expensive way of putting cash in your pocket. Make sure you read and fully understand the small print with regard to use of your credit card, and in particular, the charges your issuer will impose on cash withdrawals.
The pressures created by credit card debt are enormous. Impulse spending can have an adverse effect on your health, your relationships and your creditworthiness, and you owe it to yourself to treat all three with total respect. Try to just use your card for items you know you can afford to pay for when the card bill comes in at the end of the month. That way your card facility will often cost you nothing. Paying the minimum payment on a credit card is fraught with danger and will cost you dearly.
If you follow these basic rules when using your credit card account, you will protect your lifestyle and relationships and at the same time, keep your credit score safe.
Trevor Taylor writes of his experiences in the Credit Card and Real Estate arenas.
http://www.apply-online-4a-credit-card.com/
http://www.theforeclosurecompendium.com/
http://www.florida-real-estate-investments.co.uk/
http://www.articles-hub.com/Article/174477.html
Impulse spending, simply because you have space on your credit cards can lead you into a very dangerous financial mess, and you therefore need to avoid the self indulgence, and stop buying things you didn’t know you wanted until you saw them on display in a store. You really should have a good idea of how much you have used the card during each month even before your credit card bill arrives on your doorstep. If you are ever surprised at how much more you charged to the card than you thought you had, that is usually a good sign that you are using it too much.
It is always tempting when we look at how much 'space' we have on our credit card, to regard that as money to be spent, and feel obliged to indulge ourselves, often buying goods we don't need and would never have purchased with money saved in a savings account. You should also remember that any amounts you are obliged to spend on your credit card bill payments, will often prevent you from increasing your savings for more important things like holidays, a new house or car or even your retirement.
Here are a few good guidelines to implement when using your credit card facility. Keeping these suggestions in mind will ensure that you don't create problems that may affect your lifestyle to say nothing of your credit score.
1.) When using your credit card to pay for any item, simply ask yourself if you really need it, or just want it. Separating needs and wants is an important spending issue and all your purchases should be justified, at least in your mind.
2.) When you go shopping, make a list of what you need and either take only enough cash to pay for what you have planned to buy, leaving your credit cards at home, or decide what you will charge to the card before you leave home, and stick to that figure.
3.) If you see something you think you really need, give yourself two weeks to decide if it is really something you do need or something you can easily do without. Very often, you will decide during that grace period that you didn't really need the item in mind, and your life will roll on just as well without it.
4.) Discipline yourself into not buying anything whilst you are out shopping that you didn't think about before you left home.
5.) Remember that you will be under great pressure to charge your card to it's limit, not only from the advertisers who want you to buy their products, but also from the issuers who make money every time you use your card. Always resist the temptation! You must set some financial goals and stop spending money on items that really don’t matter in the long run.
6.) Don't use your credit card to draw cash either from a bank or ATM unless it is absolutely necessary, as this is a very expensive way of putting cash in your pocket. Make sure you read and fully understand the small print with regard to use of your credit card, and in particular, the charges your issuer will impose on cash withdrawals.
The pressures created by credit card debt are enormous. Impulse spending can have an adverse effect on your health, your relationships and your creditworthiness, and you owe it to yourself to treat all three with total respect. Try to just use your card for items you know you can afford to pay for when the card bill comes in at the end of the month. That way your card facility will often cost you nothing. Paying the minimum payment on a credit card is fraught with danger and will cost you dearly.
If you follow these basic rules when using your credit card account, you will protect your lifestyle and relationships and at the same time, keep your credit score safe.
Trevor Taylor writes of his experiences in the Credit Card and Real Estate arenas.
http://www.apply-online-4a-credit-card.com/
http://www.theforeclosurecompendium.com/
http://www.florida-real-estate-investments.co.uk/
http://www.articles-hub.com/Article/174477.html
Chase BP Visa Credit Card
If you buy gas from BP gas stations, you should be using the Chase BP Visa Rewards Credit Card. You could be saving up to 10% on purchases made at participating BP gas stations! You could also be saving money almost everywhere else that you shop.
The 10% in rebates does only apply to the first 2 billing cycles/months. During that 2 month introductory period, the Chase BP Visa Credit Card can also save you 4% on eligible travel and dining purchases and 2% rebates on other purchases.
After the 2 month introductory period, the rebates are cut in half. So you would get 5% on BP purchases, 2% on dining & travel and 1% on all other eligible purchases. Get out a calculator and estimate how much you would save each month.
One exception is that purchases made at competing gas stations are not eligible for rebates with this credit card. With some discipline you could limit yourself to just buying BP gas. You could also get a different rewards credit card for non-BP gas purchases.
Once you accumulate at least $25 in rebates, you decide how and when to redeem your reward. Redeem for your choice of:
•A BP Gift Card
•A check made payable to you
•A donation to The Conservation Fund, an environmental charity
There is also no limit to the number of rebates that you can earn. So you could use the Chase BP Visa Rewards Card almost everywhere you shop and save hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Plus the card has no annual fee! As an added bonus there is a 0% APR for the first 6 months on purchases and balance transfers.
This credit card is a must have for anyone who regularly buys gas at BP gas stations. Gas prices are at an all time high. Fight back with the Chase BP Visa Rewards Card. Apply today.
Source: Articles Universe: http://articlesuniverse.com
Check out www.GasolineCreditCards.net for a comparison of different gas rebate credit cards, including The Chase BP Visa Rewards Card. Click for more card details and a secure online application.
http://www.articlesuniverse.com/Article/Chase-BP-Visa-Credit-Card/31856
The 10% in rebates does only apply to the first 2 billing cycles/months. During that 2 month introductory period, the Chase BP Visa Credit Card can also save you 4% on eligible travel and dining purchases and 2% rebates on other purchases.
After the 2 month introductory period, the rebates are cut in half. So you would get 5% on BP purchases, 2% on dining & travel and 1% on all other eligible purchases. Get out a calculator and estimate how much you would save each month.
One exception is that purchases made at competing gas stations are not eligible for rebates with this credit card. With some discipline you could limit yourself to just buying BP gas. You could also get a different rewards credit card for non-BP gas purchases.
Once you accumulate at least $25 in rebates, you decide how and when to redeem your reward. Redeem for your choice of:
•A BP Gift Card
•A check made payable to you
•A donation to The Conservation Fund, an environmental charity
There is also no limit to the number of rebates that you can earn. So you could use the Chase BP Visa Rewards Card almost everywhere you shop and save hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Plus the card has no annual fee! As an added bonus there is a 0% APR for the first 6 months on purchases and balance transfers.
This credit card is a must have for anyone who regularly buys gas at BP gas stations. Gas prices are at an all time high. Fight back with the Chase BP Visa Rewards Card. Apply today.
Source: Articles Universe: http://articlesuniverse.com
Check out www.GasolineCreditCards.net for a comparison of different gas rebate credit cards, including The Chase BP Visa Rewards Card. Click for more card details and a secure online application.
http://www.articlesuniverse.com/Article/Chase-BP-Visa-Credit-Card/31856
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