When you opened your new business, you thought that everything would be fairly straight forward. After all, businesses every day complete credit card processing, online credit card approval, and internet business. But finding the right way to set up these services for your particular business can be complex and time consuming.
How To Set Up Credit Card Processing
If you want to accept credit card online, you’ll need to set up a credit card merchant account with a reputable firm. There are countless resources available to the new business owner for just this occasion. A wide variety of them can be found online. Search for either credit card processing or credit card merchant account online and begin to visit some of the sites listed in the search results.
Each company will offer its own version of a merchant account. You will sign a contract and pay a regular fee to use the services provided. They company should provide you with all the equipment and software necessary to successfully accept credit card online.
The Options
If you are looking to set up an online account so that you may accept credit card online, you will want to establish a relationship with a reputable company that has been doing business with internet companies for a number of years. Read the testimonials and make sure that the website covers all of your questions and concerns.
Some companies will charge you set up fees or programming fees. Compare each credit card merchant account side by side to see which one charges fees for which services. If fees are waived down the line, it may because the set up fee is so high. If set up is free, you may find hidden fees that will be charged to your merchant account at a later date. Set up a comparison chart for yourself with the major features and what each company offers.
What You Need
Obviously, if you want to accept credit card online, you’ll need to have a website or at least a presence on an existing site.
Most credit card merchant account will require that you pass a credit check. Be sure that you can meet the qualifications of the company you choose. Decide on a back up company or two if you have bad credit or a history of late payments. If you are turned down by your first choice, you can apply to the second or third company on your list.
You will also need an online shopping cart for your customers to use during their visit to your website. The shopping cart stores the items they wish to purchase until they are ready to complete the transaction. With credit card processing, the shopping cart totals all merchandise, plus tax and shipping charges. The merchant service you choose should provide you with an online shopping cart.
Overall, remember to check the reputation of the company you choose and don’t settle for a credit card merchant account that doesn’t meet all your expectations. If one company doesn’t offer what you’re looking for, keep looking.
http://www.selectcreditfast.com/resource/9325550/accepting-online-credit-cards.html
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Common Credit Score Myths
A lot of credit score myths about fico score ratings get spread around and some of them are just outdated information. Sometimes even lenders can give you the wrong advice and it can get confusing. But the bottom line is bad information can cost you money no matter who you get it from.
Fico score ratings are used for most mortgage lending, which means, you need to know what will hurt or help your credit score points. To make it clear, here are some of the most common credit score myths.
* Checking your credit report will hurt your credit score
Checking your own credit report and credit score counts as a soft inquiry and does not go against your score. However, if anyone else like a lender or credit card company is checking your credit report, this is considered a hard inquiry and will generally knock off about 5 credit score points.
The credit score rating system treats multiple inquiries in a 14-day period as just one inquiry. The system ignores all inquiries made within 30 days prior to the day the credit score is computed. So if you want to minimize the damage from credit inquiries, shop for a loan in that short period of time.
* Closing old accounts will improve your credit report score
Sometimes even lenders will tell you to close your old and inactive accounts as a way for improving your credit report score. In most cases, closing old accounts will actually have the opposite effect with the current credit score rating system.
Canceling old credit accounts can actually lower your credit score because it makes your credit history appear shorter. If you want to reduce your levels of available credit, it's better to reduce or close new accounts instead. Applying for new credit is more likely to lower your score.
* You need to check more than just FICO score rating
If you ever hear this from anyone, consider it a red flag. All of the three major credit reporting bureaus offer FICO credit score ratings using the formula developed by Fair, Isaac. Even though each one gives the scores a different name you only need a fico score rating from the three major credit reporting bureaus.
At Equifax, the FICO score rating is called the Beacon credit score. At TransUnion, it’s called Empirica. At Experian, it's known as the Experian/Fair, Isaac Risk Model.
The reason each of the three major credit reporting bureaus will have three different scores is because they don’t all share the same data. So when checking your credit report, just make sure it comes from the three major credit reporting bureaus: Experian, Trans Union and Equifax.
Examine your credit reports from all three major credit reporting bureaus before you apply for a big loan like a mortgage. Fix any errors in all three reports before you shop for a loan because it takes time to correct your credit report.
* Credit counseling will hurt your score
The current FICO credit score rating system ignores any reference to credit counseling that may be in your file. The researchers at Fair, Isaac, the company that created the FICO credit scoring rating system, found that people getting credit counseling didn’t default on their debts any more often than anyone else.
However, any late payments you've had with creditors will hurt your credit score. Credit counseling can hurt your ability to get a loan because you probably have had trouble paying creditors.
Some lenders will back away if you are in credit counseling. Others may see it differently, but usually will charge you higher interest rates than if you had perfect credit.
The best way to improve your credit report score is paying your bills on time and paying down credit card debt. Check your credit report regularly for any errors and make sure you don't fall for these common credit score myths.
This article is supplied by http://www.credit-repair-facts.com where you will find credit information, debt elimination programs and informative articles that give you the knowledge to correct your own credit and credit report. For more credit related articles like these go to: http://www.credit-repair-facts.com/articles_1.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
http://www.selectcreditfast.com/resource/9325550/common-credit-score-myths2.html
Fico score ratings are used for most mortgage lending, which means, you need to know what will hurt or help your credit score points. To make it clear, here are some of the most common credit score myths.
* Checking your credit report will hurt your credit score
Checking your own credit report and credit score counts as a soft inquiry and does not go against your score. However, if anyone else like a lender or credit card company is checking your credit report, this is considered a hard inquiry and will generally knock off about 5 credit score points.
The credit score rating system treats multiple inquiries in a 14-day period as just one inquiry. The system ignores all inquiries made within 30 days prior to the day the credit score is computed. So if you want to minimize the damage from credit inquiries, shop for a loan in that short period of time.
* Closing old accounts will improve your credit report score
Sometimes even lenders will tell you to close your old and inactive accounts as a way for improving your credit report score. In most cases, closing old accounts will actually have the opposite effect with the current credit score rating system.
Canceling old credit accounts can actually lower your credit score because it makes your credit history appear shorter. If you want to reduce your levels of available credit, it's better to reduce or close new accounts instead. Applying for new credit is more likely to lower your score.
* You need to check more than just FICO score rating
If you ever hear this from anyone, consider it a red flag. All of the three major credit reporting bureaus offer FICO credit score ratings using the formula developed by Fair, Isaac. Even though each one gives the scores a different name you only need a fico score rating from the three major credit reporting bureaus.
At Equifax, the FICO score rating is called the Beacon credit score. At TransUnion, it’s called Empirica. At Experian, it's known as the Experian/Fair, Isaac Risk Model.
The reason each of the three major credit reporting bureaus will have three different scores is because they don’t all share the same data. So when checking your credit report, just make sure it comes from the three major credit reporting bureaus: Experian, Trans Union and Equifax.
Examine your credit reports from all three major credit reporting bureaus before you apply for a big loan like a mortgage. Fix any errors in all three reports before you shop for a loan because it takes time to correct your credit report.
* Credit counseling will hurt your score
The current FICO credit score rating system ignores any reference to credit counseling that may be in your file. The researchers at Fair, Isaac, the company that created the FICO credit scoring rating system, found that people getting credit counseling didn’t default on their debts any more often than anyone else.
However, any late payments you've had with creditors will hurt your credit score. Credit counseling can hurt your ability to get a loan because you probably have had trouble paying creditors.
Some lenders will back away if you are in credit counseling. Others may see it differently, but usually will charge you higher interest rates than if you had perfect credit.
The best way to improve your credit report score is paying your bills on time and paying down credit card debt. Check your credit report regularly for any errors and make sure you don't fall for these common credit score myths.
This article is supplied by http://www.credit-repair-facts.com where you will find credit information, debt elimination programs and informative articles that give you the knowledge to correct your own credit and credit report. For more credit related articles like these go to: http://www.credit-repair-facts.com/articles_1.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
http://www.selectcreditfast.com/resource/9325550/common-credit-score-myths2.html
Fun with Credit Cards
For those of us who know how to use them properly, credit cards can actually be quite fun and lucrative. To those who do not know how to use them properly, I would say that you should stop reading this column right about now, or at least I would advise you not to try any of this stuff at home. What I'm about to describe is not one of those illegal credit card schemes. Instead, I'm talking about taking full advantage of the benefits and offers that credit card companies and store chains offer their customers all the time.
I get several credit card offers each month, but I only accept those that come with no annual fee and pay me at least one percent cash back or credit on my purchases. I don't care about the interest rate. It could be some exorbitant rate like 50% for all I care, since I never carry a balance and always pay off what I owe at the end of each month. Right now, I probably have about 15 different cards, but I only regularly use three of them.
I have one card that gives me an instant five percent credit on my gasoline purchases. Therefore, I buy all of my gasoline with this card and never use cash to buy it. I have another card that gives me five percent cash back on any purchase I make at a drug store or grocery store. Needless to say, I try to use that card exclusively at those establishments. The third card I regularly use gives me a one percent instant credit on all purchases. I use it for just about everything except purchases of gasoline or purchases at drug stores or grocery stores. The more I use my cards the more credits and cash back I get. The credit card companies are, in effect, paying me to use their cards and I am more than happy to oblige.
Some credit card companies will take things one step further and even pay you to take their cards. These payments will take the form of gift certificates, bonus cash back, and/or bonus credits. There is one minor catch in that most companies will generally require that you use the cards at least once each to get those benefits. That's never a problem for me as I will use them once to get the benefits and then toss them into my "inactive" drawer.
Having lots of credit cards means I get lots of offers in the mail (and sometimes by phone) from the credit card companies in which I am asked to try out some kind of worthless subscription for 30 days. Most of the time, I just throw these offers in the trash can. However, there are some that I will try because they will "bribe" me adequately to do so. However, they must offer me at least $10 and the offer must have a free trial period. I will then cash their check, put the money in my pocket, and cancel before the free trial period ends. However, I have found that I need to be careful with these offers. Sometimes they'll offer me $10 to try something that costs $10 (or more) per month, with no free trial period. I avoid those like the plague, since the best I can do is break even.
Speaking of worthless subscription offers, most credit card companies will push some kind of credit card insurance. The way it works that you pay about half of one percent of your monthly purchase totals so that this insurance will make your minimum monthly payment in case your are disabled, laid off, have a death in the family, or suffer some other kind of qualifying malady. This insurance may be a good idea for those who run a monthly balance and only make the minimum payment, but it's worthless to those of us who pay off our balances each month. However, the credit card companies will never acknowledge this fact and will pay you to try it and will usually give you a free trial period.
I take these subscriptions only for cards that I don't use, so it never costs me anything. What's better is that when I try to cancel it, they bribe me again to keep the subscription active! The bribe is usually in the form of rebate tickets of $10 to $25 per month for about six months. When I make a purchase that equals or exceeds the face value of the ticket, I send in the receipt along with the ticket and get a cash rebate about eight weeks later for the face value of the ticket. Then, when the tickets run out and I attempt to cancel my subscription again, they offer me even more tickets to stay subscribed. Sometimes, I have tried to cancel before the six months ran out and got even more tickets for the same card in overlapping months! If you have several cards you don't use, each with one of these subscriptions, the rebates could really add up!
In addition to the cards issued to me by the credit card companies, I have several cards issued by store chains like Sears, JC Penney, Hecht's, etc. Most of the store chains that issue credit cards will offer discounts of 10, 15, 20, or even 25 percent at various times for simply using those cards to make purchases at their stores. Some will even offer a bonus discount for just signing up (and being approved, of course) to take one of their cards! They can afford to do this because they know that most people will not pay off their balance each month, but will instead make the minimum payment along with paying an ungodly amount of interest. The stores will more than make up for those discounts right there. Meanwhile, those of us who don't run monthly balances reap the benefits of discounts that other people are paying for!
What I have just described is not illegal, immoral, or unethical. Credit card companies and store chains are in the business to make money and sometimes they'll offer things that don't seem to make sense in order to maintain and/or expand their customer base. Contrary to popular belief, credit card companies do indeed make money off people like me, who never pay a dime in interest or annual fees and take full advantage of all of their offers. The money comes from the businesses that accept those cards by way of the fees they pay each I time I use one of my cards. Those businesses, in turn, are willing to pay these fees in order to attract as many customers as they can. Therefore, everyone in the credit card cycle benefits. Those who use credit cards the way I do are just making sure they are getting their piece of the pie.
Terry Mitchell is a software engineer, freelance writer, and trivia buff from Hopewell, VA. He also serves as a political columnist for American Daily and operates his own website - http://www.commenterry.com - on which he posts commentaries on various subjects such as politics, technology, religion, health and well-being, personal finance, and sports. His commentaries offer a unique point of view that is not often found in mainstream media.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
http://www.selectcreditfast.com/resource/9325550/fun-with-credit-cards.html
I get several credit card offers each month, but I only accept those that come with no annual fee and pay me at least one percent cash back or credit on my purchases. I don't care about the interest rate. It could be some exorbitant rate like 50% for all I care, since I never carry a balance and always pay off what I owe at the end of each month. Right now, I probably have about 15 different cards, but I only regularly use three of them.
I have one card that gives me an instant five percent credit on my gasoline purchases. Therefore, I buy all of my gasoline with this card and never use cash to buy it. I have another card that gives me five percent cash back on any purchase I make at a drug store or grocery store. Needless to say, I try to use that card exclusively at those establishments. The third card I regularly use gives me a one percent instant credit on all purchases. I use it for just about everything except purchases of gasoline or purchases at drug stores or grocery stores. The more I use my cards the more credits and cash back I get. The credit card companies are, in effect, paying me to use their cards and I am more than happy to oblige.
Some credit card companies will take things one step further and even pay you to take their cards. These payments will take the form of gift certificates, bonus cash back, and/or bonus credits. There is one minor catch in that most companies will generally require that you use the cards at least once each to get those benefits. That's never a problem for me as I will use them once to get the benefits and then toss them into my "inactive" drawer.
Having lots of credit cards means I get lots of offers in the mail (and sometimes by phone) from the credit card companies in which I am asked to try out some kind of worthless subscription for 30 days. Most of the time, I just throw these offers in the trash can. However, there are some that I will try because they will "bribe" me adequately to do so. However, they must offer me at least $10 and the offer must have a free trial period. I will then cash their check, put the money in my pocket, and cancel before the free trial period ends. However, I have found that I need to be careful with these offers. Sometimes they'll offer me $10 to try something that costs $10 (or more) per month, with no free trial period. I avoid those like the plague, since the best I can do is break even.
Speaking of worthless subscription offers, most credit card companies will push some kind of credit card insurance. The way it works that you pay about half of one percent of your monthly purchase totals so that this insurance will make your minimum monthly payment in case your are disabled, laid off, have a death in the family, or suffer some other kind of qualifying malady. This insurance may be a good idea for those who run a monthly balance and only make the minimum payment, but it's worthless to those of us who pay off our balances each month. However, the credit card companies will never acknowledge this fact and will pay you to try it and will usually give you a free trial period.
I take these subscriptions only for cards that I don't use, so it never costs me anything. What's better is that when I try to cancel it, they bribe me again to keep the subscription active! The bribe is usually in the form of rebate tickets of $10 to $25 per month for about six months. When I make a purchase that equals or exceeds the face value of the ticket, I send in the receipt along with the ticket and get a cash rebate about eight weeks later for the face value of the ticket. Then, when the tickets run out and I attempt to cancel my subscription again, they offer me even more tickets to stay subscribed. Sometimes, I have tried to cancel before the six months ran out and got even more tickets for the same card in overlapping months! If you have several cards you don't use, each with one of these subscriptions, the rebates could really add up!
In addition to the cards issued to me by the credit card companies, I have several cards issued by store chains like Sears, JC Penney, Hecht's, etc. Most of the store chains that issue credit cards will offer discounts of 10, 15, 20, or even 25 percent at various times for simply using those cards to make purchases at their stores. Some will even offer a bonus discount for just signing up (and being approved, of course) to take one of their cards! They can afford to do this because they know that most people will not pay off their balance each month, but will instead make the minimum payment along with paying an ungodly amount of interest. The stores will more than make up for those discounts right there. Meanwhile, those of us who don't run monthly balances reap the benefits of discounts that other people are paying for!
What I have just described is not illegal, immoral, or unethical. Credit card companies and store chains are in the business to make money and sometimes they'll offer things that don't seem to make sense in order to maintain and/or expand their customer base. Contrary to popular belief, credit card companies do indeed make money off people like me, who never pay a dime in interest or annual fees and take full advantage of all of their offers. The money comes from the businesses that accept those cards by way of the fees they pay each I time I use one of my cards. Those businesses, in turn, are willing to pay these fees in order to attract as many customers as they can. Therefore, everyone in the credit card cycle benefits. Those who use credit cards the way I do are just making sure they are getting their piece of the pie.
Terry Mitchell is a software engineer, freelance writer, and trivia buff from Hopewell, VA. He also serves as a political columnist for American Daily and operates his own website - http://www.commenterry.com - on which he posts commentaries on various subjects such as politics, technology, religion, health and well-being, personal finance, and sports. His commentaries offer a unique point of view that is not often found in mainstream media.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
http://www.selectcreditfast.com/resource/9325550/fun-with-credit-cards.html
Credit Cards or Store Cards - Which Is Better?
Introduction
In this article, a presentation is made of the differences between major credit cards and credit cards offered by specific stores to their customers. The purpose of this article is to provide a general overview of major credit cards and store cards to aid consumers in making decisions regarding which lines of credit lines would be the best for them in a given set of circumstances. In most situations, due to the higher rates of interest charged by most store-specific cards, it is best for the budget-conscious consumer to consider forgoing those accounts in favor of a major credit card.
With that said, we are not endorsing any particular credit card brand in this article. Rather, the materials presented are for informational and educational purposes only.
General Availability
Major credit cards are accepted in a wide variety of places and venues. Indeed, the major credit card companies make it a point of promoting how wide spread card acceptance is in this day and age.
On the other hand, store-specific credit cards are good only at the issuing store.
Where to Apply
It is simple to apply for major credit cards. Nearly any bank or financial institution can provide a customer with an application for one or another of the major credit cards. Additionally, the Internet has become a handy resource for those men and women interested in applying for and obtaining a major credit card.
Store-specific credit cards only can be applied for directly at the store or shop. Additionally, if the store has an Internet presence -- and many major stores and even smaller shops do so in this day and age -- applications for store-specific credit cards can be made online.
Annual Fee and Related Charges
Many major credit cards do charge an annual fee. Some major credit cards charge an additional or supplemental membership depending on where the card was obtained.
Store-specific credit cards normally are free of annual fees and similar charges to their customers. However, store-specific credit cards carry with them notably higher rates of interest than can be found with major credit card accounts.
Common Clauses and Provisions
In the United Kingdom, and in most European Union countries, there are clauses and provisions that must be included in each and every monthly credit card billing statement -- both from major credit card companies and on store credit card accounts as well. These clauses and provisions are:
A detailed listing of all credit card transactions
A detailed listing of the amount owed from the previous month plus the extra amount or interest to be paid on that amount owed
The total amount owed for the current month
The minimum amount that must be paid during the month. In the United Kingdom, this amount is about 3% of the balance or £5 whichever is greater.
An estimate of the interest payable if you do not pay your account in full.
The date by which the account must be paid if interest charges are to be avoided
A detailed listing of the monthly interest rate for purchases, the APR (annual percentage rate) and the interest rate if you have used your card for cash
Conclusion
In the final analysis, one should only have as much credit as is absolutely necessary. Generally, it is not a wise decision to rake in a bunch of different credit cards. Rather, the best policy usually is to maintain one or two major credit cards. Also consider that store cards generally do not offer the same benefits as credit cards such as balance transfers, although it is common to get brand exclusive reward schemes with store cards. Finally, one must be cautious about obtaining store-specific credit cards due to the higher rates of interest that come with these accounts.
Neil Brown is a freelance writer with regular contributions to Search4 Credit Cards and Choose A Credit Card.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
http://www.selectcreditfast.com/resource/9325550/credit-cards-or-store-cards---which-is-better.html
In this article, a presentation is made of the differences between major credit cards and credit cards offered by specific stores to their customers. The purpose of this article is to provide a general overview of major credit cards and store cards to aid consumers in making decisions regarding which lines of credit lines would be the best for them in a given set of circumstances. In most situations, due to the higher rates of interest charged by most store-specific cards, it is best for the budget-conscious consumer to consider forgoing those accounts in favor of a major credit card.
With that said, we are not endorsing any particular credit card brand in this article. Rather, the materials presented are for informational and educational purposes only.
General Availability
Major credit cards are accepted in a wide variety of places and venues. Indeed, the major credit card companies make it a point of promoting how wide spread card acceptance is in this day and age.
On the other hand, store-specific credit cards are good only at the issuing store.
Where to Apply
It is simple to apply for major credit cards. Nearly any bank or financial institution can provide a customer with an application for one or another of the major credit cards. Additionally, the Internet has become a handy resource for those men and women interested in applying for and obtaining a major credit card.
Store-specific credit cards only can be applied for directly at the store or shop. Additionally, if the store has an Internet presence -- and many major stores and even smaller shops do so in this day and age -- applications for store-specific credit cards can be made online.
Annual Fee and Related Charges
Many major credit cards do charge an annual fee. Some major credit cards charge an additional or supplemental membership depending on where the card was obtained.
Store-specific credit cards normally are free of annual fees and similar charges to their customers. However, store-specific credit cards carry with them notably higher rates of interest than can be found with major credit card accounts.
Common Clauses and Provisions
In the United Kingdom, and in most European Union countries, there are clauses and provisions that must be included in each and every monthly credit card billing statement -- both from major credit card companies and on store credit card accounts as well. These clauses and provisions are:
A detailed listing of all credit card transactions
A detailed listing of the amount owed from the previous month plus the extra amount or interest to be paid on that amount owed
The total amount owed for the current month
The minimum amount that must be paid during the month. In the United Kingdom, this amount is about 3% of the balance or £5 whichever is greater.
An estimate of the interest payable if you do not pay your account in full.
The date by which the account must be paid if interest charges are to be avoided
A detailed listing of the monthly interest rate for purchases, the APR (annual percentage rate) and the interest rate if you have used your card for cash
Conclusion
In the final analysis, one should only have as much credit as is absolutely necessary. Generally, it is not a wise decision to rake in a bunch of different credit cards. Rather, the best policy usually is to maintain one or two major credit cards. Also consider that store cards generally do not offer the same benefits as credit cards such as balance transfers, although it is common to get brand exclusive reward schemes with store cards. Finally, one must be cautious about obtaining store-specific credit cards due to the higher rates of interest that come with these accounts.
Neil Brown is a freelance writer with regular contributions to Search4 Credit Cards and Choose A Credit Card.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
http://www.selectcreditfast.com/resource/9325550/credit-cards-or-store-cards---which-is-better.html
Types of Credit Cards
There are a whole variety of different types of credit cards available which can make choosing the right one a very confusing experience. In order to help you decide, listed below is a useful breakdown of the various types of credit cards available.
Standard Credit Cards
Standard credit cards work as you might expect - with the cardholder using the card in order to pay for goods and services up to their agreed credit limit. Repayments are made once every month which must at least cover the agreed minimum repayment. These repayments will cover not only the capital borrowed but also the interest and extraneous charges payable upon the amount borrowed, usually referred to as annual percentage rate. Standard credit cards should not be confused with debit cards where transactions are charged directly to your current account.
Charge Cards
Charge cards work in the same way as normal credit cards with one difference, the balance of the charge card must be paid off in full every month. Charge cards are most regularly issued to either businesses or to consumers who may have had a bad credit history in the past. If you have a poor credit history then a charge card might be offered to you because the full monthly repayments would preclude spiralling debt. Charge cards are also popular with the wealthy consumer as this sort of card can offer credit practically without boundaries. It should be noted that if the cardholder does not pay off their balance once a month as required then they could incur very hefty fines.
Platinum and Gold Credit Cards
Platinum and Gold credit cards are only available to applicants who earn a certain level of annual income and, accordingly, offer a number of benefits to the cardholder which will vary from provider to provider. Higher credit limits are usually associated with these types of credit card. If you fall into a higher income bracket and have a good credit history then you will be able to benefit from the advantages that such a credit card offers.
Store Card
A variation on the credit card, a store card will allow the cardholder to make purchases with a particular retailer on a credit account. The cardholder can then effectively buy products without paying for them until a later date, when it is most convenient for them. You will often be offered discounts on the goods that you buy with a store credit card but it should be noted that the interest charged on such cards are usually extremely high. This is an area that you must be sure to look into with prudence if you are considering obtaining; you might find that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages.
Reward Credit Cards
Reward credit cards, or loyalty cards, operate in a similar way to charity cards except that the main recipient of any benefits is the credit cardholder. Incentives may include cash bonuses, points, discounts and Air Miles. With this type of credit card it is important that you think logically about the rewards being offered, and work out exactly how much you will need to spend on your credit card in order to reap the benefits.
Charity Credit Cards
Charity credit cards offer all the usual benefits of a regular credit card but also donates a particular percentage of what you spend to the charity to which it is affiliated. These charity donations are made at no extra cost to the cardholder and the card allows consumers to help a good cause simply by spending money in the way they always would. You can obtain credit cards for a whole range of diverse charities as well as organisations such as football clubs or universities.
You may freely reprint this article provided the author's biography remains intact:
About The Author
John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help UK homeowners find the best available loans via the http://www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
Standard Credit Cards
Standard credit cards work as you might expect - with the cardholder using the card in order to pay for goods and services up to their agreed credit limit. Repayments are made once every month which must at least cover the agreed minimum repayment. These repayments will cover not only the capital borrowed but also the interest and extraneous charges payable upon the amount borrowed, usually referred to as annual percentage rate. Standard credit cards should not be confused with debit cards where transactions are charged directly to your current account.
Charge Cards
Charge cards work in the same way as normal credit cards with one difference, the balance of the charge card must be paid off in full every month. Charge cards are most regularly issued to either businesses or to consumers who may have had a bad credit history in the past. If you have a poor credit history then a charge card might be offered to you because the full monthly repayments would preclude spiralling debt. Charge cards are also popular with the wealthy consumer as this sort of card can offer credit practically without boundaries. It should be noted that if the cardholder does not pay off their balance once a month as required then they could incur very hefty fines.
Platinum and Gold Credit Cards
Platinum and Gold credit cards are only available to applicants who earn a certain level of annual income and, accordingly, offer a number of benefits to the cardholder which will vary from provider to provider. Higher credit limits are usually associated with these types of credit card. If you fall into a higher income bracket and have a good credit history then you will be able to benefit from the advantages that such a credit card offers.
Store Card
A variation on the credit card, a store card will allow the cardholder to make purchases with a particular retailer on a credit account. The cardholder can then effectively buy products without paying for them until a later date, when it is most convenient for them. You will often be offered discounts on the goods that you buy with a store credit card but it should be noted that the interest charged on such cards are usually extremely high. This is an area that you must be sure to look into with prudence if you are considering obtaining; you might find that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages.
Reward Credit Cards
Reward credit cards, or loyalty cards, operate in a similar way to charity cards except that the main recipient of any benefits is the credit cardholder. Incentives may include cash bonuses, points, discounts and Air Miles. With this type of credit card it is important that you think logically about the rewards being offered, and work out exactly how much you will need to spend on your credit card in order to reap the benefits.
Charity Credit Cards
Charity credit cards offer all the usual benefits of a regular credit card but also donates a particular percentage of what you spend to the charity to which it is affiliated. These charity donations are made at no extra cost to the cardholder and the card allows consumers to help a good cause simply by spending money in the way they always would. You can obtain credit cards for a whole range of diverse charities as well as organisations such as football clubs or universities.
You may freely reprint this article provided the author's biography remains intact:
About The Author
John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help UK homeowners find the best available loans via the http://www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
10 Ways To Boost Your Credit Score
1. Deleting Errors in 48 Hours
This is the absolute fastest way to correct errors on your credit report and raise your credit score. However, it can only be done through a mortgage company or a bank. If you apply for a home loan and find errors on your credit report, request the loan officer to conduct a Rapid Rescore. But don't mistake it for the credit clinic tactic of multiple dispute letters.
The Rapid Rescore strategy requires proper paperwork. You need proof that the item is incorrect. It must come from the creditor directly. For example, a letter stating the account is not your account, a letter stating the account was paid satisfactorily, a release of lien, a satisfaction of judgment, a bankruptcy discharge, a letter for deletion of collection account or any relevant evidence.
This is the same documentation a bank or mortgage company would require for the credit accounts anyways. The difference is, now you can improve your credit score and receive a lower interest rate. The results are not guaranteed and will run you about $50 per account.
2. Deleting Negative Credit
This is the infamous area where you've heard of all the scams. Credit repair clinics charge "an arm and a leg" and promise a clean credit report. Sometimes even a new credit profile! People spending hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars for something they can do themselves.
Removing errors is simple. Deleting negative credit that is accurate requires advanced methods. But that is not the scope of this report. So I'll focus on the deleting the negative errors.
Credit report errors easily disappear by using a simple dispute letter. If you have the paperwork proving the error as mentioned above in Rapid Rescore, send copies of that along with the dispute letter. This will make the credit bureau's job easier and you will get faster results.
If you don't have the documentation to prove the error(s), send the dispute letter anyway. According to federal law, the credit bureau's have a "reasonable time" to validate your claim. They will contact the creditor for verification of your dispute. Then the account will be reported accurately - or deleted. It has been generally accepted the "reasonable time" to complete this task is 30 days.
If you're not the do-it-yourself kind of person. Or don't have the time. You could hire someone who is very economical.
3. PiggyBack Someone's Credit
This is a fast and great little credit score booster. But it requires a very trusting relationship. Simply put, someone else adds you to their credit account. For example, when applying for a credit card, you may have seen the section to add a card holder. If your trusting person adds you, their payment history is now reported on your credit report too. If they have perfect credit, now you have a perfect account.
To make this more effective, use an aged account. Imagine if your trusted person has a 10 year old credit card account with a perfect payment history and a balance of only 50% of the credit limit. Wouldn't you love to have this on your credit report? The easy part is your trusted person just calls the credit card company and requests a form to add a cardholder. Once completed and activated, their entire account history and future is now firmly planted on your account. Imagine if you secured 3-5 of these accounts - especially installment accounts. Your credit score could sky-rocket!
The challenging part? Finding the trusted person. Since you already have a low credit score and bad credit, how eager will someone be to make you a cardholder? Even your parents don't want you to damage their credit. But, no one says you need to possess the card! In other words, your trusted person could add you as a card holder and never give you the card or PIN or any information. Since the bills and all account information is still mailed to the trusted person's address, you won't know anything about the account. This scenario could land you many trusted persons. And you still benefit with a higher credit score.
4. Playing Round Robin
This strategy is one of the oldest credit building techniques around. It used to be accomplished with secured savings accounts. But now, it's much easier with secured credit cards. In fact, I've used this method myself.
Here's how it works: Take ,000 (or what you can afford) and get a secured credit card. Once received, get a cash advance of 70% of your credit limit. Get a second secured credit card. Once received, get a cash advance of 70% of your credit limit. Get a third secured credit card. Once received, get a cash advance of 70% of your credit limit.
Open a new checking account with the final cash advance. Use this account only for making payments on your three new credit cards. If you make your payments on time every month, your credit score will increase because you now have three new perfect payment credit cards. (Initially, your credit score might drop a few points due to the rapid, multiple accounts being opened. However, be patient because within 4 months of no new accounts or any delinquencies of any account, you will see your credit score increase. Mine increased 60 points in 60 days!!)
5. Pay on Time
This one is quite obvious. But after 12.5 years in the mortgage business, I discovered it still needs repeating. Your creditors were gracious enough to loan you money. Now pay your damn bills! If you don't, your credit score decreases. EVEN IF ONLY 30 DAYS LATE!
That's right folks. For some reason people think, "I'm only a few weeks late. What's the big deal?" Well, for the loan company, if you pay late but consistent, they make a lot more money with late fees and more interest (if a simple interest loan). For you, your credit score is damaged. If you think long-term and credit score, I'm certain you would not have a cavalier attitude.
6. Pay Down Debts
This seems like an obvious method, doesn't it? But it is not as transparent as you might think. Remember, we're playing with high-level statistics and probabilities which evaluates and forecasts trends in your behavior. Here's what you do...
Never pay off your revolving debt in it's entirety! Isn't that a surprise? Think about it. Your credit score is a reflection of your ability to manage your credit. Paying off your debt is not managing your debt. If you have a zero balance, how can you manage it? You don't. It no longer exists. And you cannot manage what does not exist, right? Therefore, in terms of credit score, you have demonstrated your ability to swiftly pay off accounts to avoid managing them. Thus, slightly decreasing your credit score.
One exception, of course, is if you're over extended to begin with. Pay off what's necessary to make your credit profile look great. Then manage the remaining credit.
7. Don't Close Accounts
Even if you pay off revolving debts, do not close the account. The longer an account is open with no negative reports, the better it reflects in your overall credit score. This is due to the weighted-average in the credit score formula. Many credit experts suggest a balance of 30% of your credit limit. That's ideal. But you can go as high as 70% and still maintain a healthy credit score.
8. No New Credit
You must be vigilant in your credit behavior if you want the best credit score. Therefore, do not get any new credit unless it is absolutely necessary. Each time you apply for credit, an inquiry is added to your report. This usually drops your credit score slightly. When you have fresh credit, there is no track record how you will manage (or pay) this account. Therefore, it's a higher risk which results in a minor drop in your credit score. Remember, your credit score is about risk assessment.
Here's what you do: obtain credit for your housing, transportation, college or continued education and 3-5 credit cards. That's really all you need for personal credit. If you want more credit, request a credit limit increase on your current cards rather than apply for new ones.
9. Maintain A Mix of Credit Types
If you show you can handle different types of credit at the same time, you are rewarded with a great credit score. In other words, get installment loans like vehicle, personal loan or mortgage. Get revolving credit like credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, Sears, Sunoco Gas, Costco. By mixing it up, you demonstrate you can manage your credit because you will have short term and long term credit with a fixed payment. As well as a "variable" monthly payment on your credit cards.
Keep these accounts open with a balance of 70% or less and paid on time and you will witness your credit score climb to great heights.
10. Don't File Bankruptcy or Foreclosure
Here's the most obvious advice: Don't file for bankruptcy or foreclosure. These stay on your credit report for 10 years and always decrease your credit score. The older the bankruptcy or foreclosure account becomes, coupled with re-built credit history, the less of an impact they play on your credit score.
Contrary to popular beliefs, you can legally delete a bankruptcy and foreclosure. It's not easy. But it's possible. See the advanced methods for that solution.
To quickly rebuild your credit history after a bankruptcy or foreclosure, use the Round Robin strategy above and get secured credit cards. Now you can even get a car loan or mortgage right after bankruptcy.
© 2004 David Czach.
-------- Editor's Note ----------
Dave Czach has 12 years experience in the mortgage business and a Bachelor's Degree in Real Estate. He can be reached at http://myLoanHero.com/go.cgi/daveczach.
This article may be reprinted without compensation provided there are no changes whatsoever to the article, the copyright notice and the complete Editor's Note. Any reprinting or duplication without these conditions is copyright infringement.
-------- Editor's Note ----------
-------- Editor's Note ----------
Dave Czach has 12 years experience in the mortgage business and a Bachelor's Degree in Real Estate. He can be reached at http://myLoanHero.com/go.cgi/daveczach.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
http://www.selectcreditfast.com/resource/9325550/10-ways-to-boost-your-credit-score2.html
This is the absolute fastest way to correct errors on your credit report and raise your credit score. However, it can only be done through a mortgage company or a bank. If you apply for a home loan and find errors on your credit report, request the loan officer to conduct a Rapid Rescore. But don't mistake it for the credit clinic tactic of multiple dispute letters.
The Rapid Rescore strategy requires proper paperwork. You need proof that the item is incorrect. It must come from the creditor directly. For example, a letter stating the account is not your account, a letter stating the account was paid satisfactorily, a release of lien, a satisfaction of judgment, a bankruptcy discharge, a letter for deletion of collection account or any relevant evidence.
This is the same documentation a bank or mortgage company would require for the credit accounts anyways. The difference is, now you can improve your credit score and receive a lower interest rate. The results are not guaranteed and will run you about $50 per account.
2. Deleting Negative Credit
This is the infamous area where you've heard of all the scams. Credit repair clinics charge "an arm and a leg" and promise a clean credit report. Sometimes even a new credit profile! People spending hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars for something they can do themselves.
Removing errors is simple. Deleting negative credit that is accurate requires advanced methods. But that is not the scope of this report. So I'll focus on the deleting the negative errors.
Credit report errors easily disappear by using a simple dispute letter. If you have the paperwork proving the error as mentioned above in Rapid Rescore, send copies of that along with the dispute letter. This will make the credit bureau's job easier and you will get faster results.
If you don't have the documentation to prove the error(s), send the dispute letter anyway. According to federal law, the credit bureau's have a "reasonable time" to validate your claim. They will contact the creditor for verification of your dispute. Then the account will be reported accurately - or deleted. It has been generally accepted the "reasonable time" to complete this task is 30 days.
If you're not the do-it-yourself kind of person. Or don't have the time. You could hire someone who is very economical.
3. PiggyBack Someone's Credit
This is a fast and great little credit score booster. But it requires a very trusting relationship. Simply put, someone else adds you to their credit account. For example, when applying for a credit card, you may have seen the section to add a card holder. If your trusting person adds you, their payment history is now reported on your credit report too. If they have perfect credit, now you have a perfect account.
To make this more effective, use an aged account. Imagine if your trusted person has a 10 year old credit card account with a perfect payment history and a balance of only 50% of the credit limit. Wouldn't you love to have this on your credit report? The easy part is your trusted person just calls the credit card company and requests a form to add a cardholder. Once completed and activated, their entire account history and future is now firmly planted on your account. Imagine if you secured 3-5 of these accounts - especially installment accounts. Your credit score could sky-rocket!
The challenging part? Finding the trusted person. Since you already have a low credit score and bad credit, how eager will someone be to make you a cardholder? Even your parents don't want you to damage their credit. But, no one says you need to possess the card! In other words, your trusted person could add you as a card holder and never give you the card or PIN or any information. Since the bills and all account information is still mailed to the trusted person's address, you won't know anything about the account. This scenario could land you many trusted persons. And you still benefit with a higher credit score.
4. Playing Round Robin
This strategy is one of the oldest credit building techniques around. It used to be accomplished with secured savings accounts. But now, it's much easier with secured credit cards. In fact, I've used this method myself.
Here's how it works: Take ,000 (or what you can afford) and get a secured credit card. Once received, get a cash advance of 70% of your credit limit. Get a second secured credit card. Once received, get a cash advance of 70% of your credit limit. Get a third secured credit card. Once received, get a cash advance of 70% of your credit limit.
Open a new checking account with the final cash advance. Use this account only for making payments on your three new credit cards. If you make your payments on time every month, your credit score will increase because you now have three new perfect payment credit cards. (Initially, your credit score might drop a few points due to the rapid, multiple accounts being opened. However, be patient because within 4 months of no new accounts or any delinquencies of any account, you will see your credit score increase. Mine increased 60 points in 60 days!!)
5. Pay on Time
This one is quite obvious. But after 12.5 years in the mortgage business, I discovered it still needs repeating. Your creditors were gracious enough to loan you money. Now pay your damn bills! If you don't, your credit score decreases. EVEN IF ONLY 30 DAYS LATE!
That's right folks. For some reason people think, "I'm only a few weeks late. What's the big deal?" Well, for the loan company, if you pay late but consistent, they make a lot more money with late fees and more interest (if a simple interest loan). For you, your credit score is damaged. If you think long-term and credit score, I'm certain you would not have a cavalier attitude.
6. Pay Down Debts
This seems like an obvious method, doesn't it? But it is not as transparent as you might think. Remember, we're playing with high-level statistics and probabilities which evaluates and forecasts trends in your behavior. Here's what you do...
Never pay off your revolving debt in it's entirety! Isn't that a surprise? Think about it. Your credit score is a reflection of your ability to manage your credit. Paying off your debt is not managing your debt. If you have a zero balance, how can you manage it? You don't. It no longer exists. And you cannot manage what does not exist, right? Therefore, in terms of credit score, you have demonstrated your ability to swiftly pay off accounts to avoid managing them. Thus, slightly decreasing your credit score.
One exception, of course, is if you're over extended to begin with. Pay off what's necessary to make your credit profile look great. Then manage the remaining credit.
7. Don't Close Accounts
Even if you pay off revolving debts, do not close the account. The longer an account is open with no negative reports, the better it reflects in your overall credit score. This is due to the weighted-average in the credit score formula. Many credit experts suggest a balance of 30% of your credit limit. That's ideal. But you can go as high as 70% and still maintain a healthy credit score.
8. No New Credit
You must be vigilant in your credit behavior if you want the best credit score. Therefore, do not get any new credit unless it is absolutely necessary. Each time you apply for credit, an inquiry is added to your report. This usually drops your credit score slightly. When you have fresh credit, there is no track record how you will manage (or pay) this account. Therefore, it's a higher risk which results in a minor drop in your credit score. Remember, your credit score is about risk assessment.
Here's what you do: obtain credit for your housing, transportation, college or continued education and 3-5 credit cards. That's really all you need for personal credit. If you want more credit, request a credit limit increase on your current cards rather than apply for new ones.
9. Maintain A Mix of Credit Types
If you show you can handle different types of credit at the same time, you are rewarded with a great credit score. In other words, get installment loans like vehicle, personal loan or mortgage. Get revolving credit like credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, Sears, Sunoco Gas, Costco. By mixing it up, you demonstrate you can manage your credit because you will have short term and long term credit with a fixed payment. As well as a "variable" monthly payment on your credit cards.
Keep these accounts open with a balance of 70% or less and paid on time and you will witness your credit score climb to great heights.
10. Don't File Bankruptcy or Foreclosure
Here's the most obvious advice: Don't file for bankruptcy or foreclosure. These stay on your credit report for 10 years and always decrease your credit score. The older the bankruptcy or foreclosure account becomes, coupled with re-built credit history, the less of an impact they play on your credit score.
Contrary to popular beliefs, you can legally delete a bankruptcy and foreclosure. It's not easy. But it's possible. See the advanced methods for that solution.
To quickly rebuild your credit history after a bankruptcy or foreclosure, use the Round Robin strategy above and get secured credit cards. Now you can even get a car loan or mortgage right after bankruptcy.
© 2004 David Czach.
-------- Editor's Note ----------
Dave Czach has 12 years experience in the mortgage business and a Bachelor's Degree in Real Estate. He can be reached at http://myLoanHero.com/go.cgi/daveczach.
This article may be reprinted without compensation provided there are no changes whatsoever to the article, the copyright notice and the complete Editor's Note. Any reprinting or duplication without these conditions is copyright infringement.
-------- Editor's Note ----------
-------- Editor's Note ----------
Dave Czach has 12 years experience in the mortgage business and a Bachelor's Degree in Real Estate. He can be reached at http://myLoanHero.com/go.cgi/daveczach.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
http://www.selectcreditfast.com/resource/9325550/10-ways-to-boost-your-credit-score2.html
Student Credit Cards 101
If you’re a college student, you probably already have a credit card. If not, you may have plans to get one or more soon. So why should you read on?
Because financial debt is one of the main reasons that many students end up dropping out of college.
Because your college years can be some of your most memorable—and some of your most costly. They don’t, however, have to be the beginning of an adult life strapped with debt.
Although you may still feel in limbo between your teen years and adulthood, it’s time to take charge of your finances and manage them as an adult. The sooner you do, the sooner you’ll be able to start saving and spending your own money.
For those new to credit cards and for others who know all about credit, let’s go back to the basics.
Why do credit card companies court college students?
It’s obvious by the friendly representatives who offer a free t-shirt or CD just for signing up in the student center. Or the applications slipped into bookstore bags. Or mail boxes crowded with card offers. Credit card companies want college students to carry their card.
Did you ever stop to wonder why? One reason is loyalty—once a person has a card in their wallet, they are likely to keep that particular card and its upgrades for years to come. Another reason: college students are good customers.
While this may seem ironic considering that most college students are without a steady source of income, Robert Manning, Ph.D., Professor in the College of Business at Rochester Institute of Technology and author of Credit Card Nation, says this is one example of how the credit card industry has changed radically in the past decade or so. “Previously, conservative rules deemed a good customer as one that paid their bills on time,” he says. “Now, a good customer is one that can’t repay their debt.”
“Credit is no longer an earned privilege,” continues Dr. Manning. “It’s now considered a social entitlement, and the screening criteria (for card applicants) is weak.”
Banks make money by charging annual fees, late payment penalties and interest fees on unpaid credit card balances. Therefore, card holders with revolving debt (those who do not pay their balances in full each month) are desirable. NellieMae.org illustrates this point beautifully through an example of a student with a credit card balance of $7,000 at an interest rate of 18.9%. If this student faithfully makes the minimum monthly payment of 3% or $25 – whichever is higher, and does not charge anything else to the account, it will take more than 16 years and $7,173 in interest fees to repay the bill!
Additionally, Manning notes the banking industry has learned that college students will draw upon various sources of income to pay their debt—including student loans, money from part-time jobs, and as a last resort, many will ask a family member to supply the funds to get them out of debt.
How to make credit work for you, not against you
According to Nellie Mae, 81% of college freshman have at least one credit card. And for good reason. Credit cards enable online purchases—from text books to concert tickets, make it possible to rent a car, and help with medical emergencies or vehicle breakdowns. Used wisely, credit cards can be helpful throughout college, and can assist you in the development of financial management skills.
As soon as you get your first credit card or loan, you have entered the world of credit reports and scores. A credit report is compiled by credit bureaus and contains information about your identity and credit relationships, among other things. Credit scoring is a system that lenders use to help determine your ‘credit worthiness.’ Credit scores are based upon your bill-paying history, the number and type of accounts you have, late payments, collection actions, outstanding debt and the age of your accounts.
It’s vital to know that your credit score affects your ability to get loans, car loans, and home mortgages. Future jobs and insurance premiums can also be influenced by your credit score. By paying your bills in full or in a timely manner, a credit card will help you establish a good credit score. Late payment or no payment will help you earn a poor credit score. For more information on credit reports and scores and how they affect you, check out CardRatings.com.
Developing a new view about credit
Mary Ann Campbell, CFP, founder of MoneyMagic.com and a money educator, cites unrealistic expectations as a major reason for high student debt.
Campbell, who teaches personal finance courses, says “Many students’ expectations of their earning potential after college far exceeds what their actual income will be.” She notes that some students use their credit cards with abandon during college, planning to pay off their debt when they land that great job after college. Indeed, some students forget that in order to get to the top of the career ladder, there are a few rungs, i.e., less paying jobs, they have to climb first. And the expense of starting a new job and life on your own can just add to existing debt.
Manning’s website, CreditCardNation.com, contains a great resource for students seeking a more realistic view of the first few years after college. Using the ‘Budget Estimator,’ a module designed by Manning, students can identify an average yearly or monthly starting salary for jobs in their particular major. The program automatically figures in estimates for taxes and social security payments. Students can then plug in expenses for housing, car payments, utilities, food, insurance, telephone and internet bills, clothing, credit card bills, student loan payments, and entertainment, etc. The module lets you know when you have spent more money than you make, and allows you to adjust payments as necessary until you get the hang of how your money is best distributed.
Students that seem to have the most credit woes? Those who believe their standard of living during and after college should not vary from when they lived at home on their parents’ income. Cable television, cell phones with cameras, and new cars become ‘necessities’ instead of nice extras.
Advice to grow on
When it comes to credit cards, students have great advice for other students. Heather, a college junior from Arkansas, recommends getting one card with a low limit. “This limits the amount of credit you have access to and therefore removes the temptation to spend more than you have or more than you can pay off immediately,” she says.
Another student recommends selectivity. “Don’t sign up for a card that charges an annual fee to use it, and read the terms of the card before applying. You wouldn’t believe how many people don’t know what an APR rate is.” For more information on finding the best rated cards, check out CardRatings.com. You can read reviews of cards from other students and get the lowdown on perks of various credit cards.
Campbell has three recommendations for students: The first is open communication. Campbell says students who are educated about financial matters seem to have a better overall attitude regarding credit cards. Students should find a trusted source to talk openly with about money issues. Second, students should switch from spending behaviors (such as shopping) to activities that help you achieve the same feeling of gratification or reward, such as intramurals, exercise or campus organizations.
Last, but certainly not least, enroll in a personal finance course as soon as your schedule allows. Says Campbell, “If it’s not required coursework, take it as an elective. You will learn a set of life skills that will not only help you right now, but also after college and for the rest of your life.”
About The Author
Rebecca Lindsey is a Senior Staff Writer for http://www.CardRatings.com. She began writing articles about consumer credit issues for http://www.CardRatings.com in September 2000.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
Because financial debt is one of the main reasons that many students end up dropping out of college.
Because your college years can be some of your most memorable—and some of your most costly. They don’t, however, have to be the beginning of an adult life strapped with debt.
Although you may still feel in limbo between your teen years and adulthood, it’s time to take charge of your finances and manage them as an adult. The sooner you do, the sooner you’ll be able to start saving and spending your own money.
For those new to credit cards and for others who know all about credit, let’s go back to the basics.
Why do credit card companies court college students?
It’s obvious by the friendly representatives who offer a free t-shirt or CD just for signing up in the student center. Or the applications slipped into bookstore bags. Or mail boxes crowded with card offers. Credit card companies want college students to carry their card.
Did you ever stop to wonder why? One reason is loyalty—once a person has a card in their wallet, they are likely to keep that particular card and its upgrades for years to come. Another reason: college students are good customers.
While this may seem ironic considering that most college students are without a steady source of income, Robert Manning, Ph.D., Professor in the College of Business at Rochester Institute of Technology and author of Credit Card Nation, says this is one example of how the credit card industry has changed radically in the past decade or so. “Previously, conservative rules deemed a good customer as one that paid their bills on time,” he says. “Now, a good customer is one that can’t repay their debt.”
“Credit is no longer an earned privilege,” continues Dr. Manning. “It’s now considered a social entitlement, and the screening criteria (for card applicants) is weak.”
Banks make money by charging annual fees, late payment penalties and interest fees on unpaid credit card balances. Therefore, card holders with revolving debt (those who do not pay their balances in full each month) are desirable. NellieMae.org illustrates this point beautifully through an example of a student with a credit card balance of $7,000 at an interest rate of 18.9%. If this student faithfully makes the minimum monthly payment of 3% or $25 – whichever is higher, and does not charge anything else to the account, it will take more than 16 years and $7,173 in interest fees to repay the bill!
Additionally, Manning notes the banking industry has learned that college students will draw upon various sources of income to pay their debt—including student loans, money from part-time jobs, and as a last resort, many will ask a family member to supply the funds to get them out of debt.
How to make credit work for you, not against you
According to Nellie Mae, 81% of college freshman have at least one credit card. And for good reason. Credit cards enable online purchases—from text books to concert tickets, make it possible to rent a car, and help with medical emergencies or vehicle breakdowns. Used wisely, credit cards can be helpful throughout college, and can assist you in the development of financial management skills.
As soon as you get your first credit card or loan, you have entered the world of credit reports and scores. A credit report is compiled by credit bureaus and contains information about your identity and credit relationships, among other things. Credit scoring is a system that lenders use to help determine your ‘credit worthiness.’ Credit scores are based upon your bill-paying history, the number and type of accounts you have, late payments, collection actions, outstanding debt and the age of your accounts.
It’s vital to know that your credit score affects your ability to get loans, car loans, and home mortgages. Future jobs and insurance premiums can also be influenced by your credit score. By paying your bills in full or in a timely manner, a credit card will help you establish a good credit score. Late payment or no payment will help you earn a poor credit score. For more information on credit reports and scores and how they affect you, check out CardRatings.com.
Developing a new view about credit
Mary Ann Campbell, CFP, founder of MoneyMagic.com and a money educator, cites unrealistic expectations as a major reason for high student debt.
Campbell, who teaches personal finance courses, says “Many students’ expectations of their earning potential after college far exceeds what their actual income will be.” She notes that some students use their credit cards with abandon during college, planning to pay off their debt when they land that great job after college. Indeed, some students forget that in order to get to the top of the career ladder, there are a few rungs, i.e., less paying jobs, they have to climb first. And the expense of starting a new job and life on your own can just add to existing debt.
Manning’s website, CreditCardNation.com, contains a great resource for students seeking a more realistic view of the first few years after college. Using the ‘Budget Estimator,’ a module designed by Manning, students can identify an average yearly or monthly starting salary for jobs in their particular major. The program automatically figures in estimates for taxes and social security payments. Students can then plug in expenses for housing, car payments, utilities, food, insurance, telephone and internet bills, clothing, credit card bills, student loan payments, and entertainment, etc. The module lets you know when you have spent more money than you make, and allows you to adjust payments as necessary until you get the hang of how your money is best distributed.
Students that seem to have the most credit woes? Those who believe their standard of living during and after college should not vary from when they lived at home on their parents’ income. Cable television, cell phones with cameras, and new cars become ‘necessities’ instead of nice extras.
Advice to grow on
When it comes to credit cards, students have great advice for other students. Heather, a college junior from Arkansas, recommends getting one card with a low limit. “This limits the amount of credit you have access to and therefore removes the temptation to spend more than you have or more than you can pay off immediately,” she says.
Another student recommends selectivity. “Don’t sign up for a card that charges an annual fee to use it, and read the terms of the card before applying. You wouldn’t believe how many people don’t know what an APR rate is.” For more information on finding the best rated cards, check out CardRatings.com. You can read reviews of cards from other students and get the lowdown on perks of various credit cards.
Campbell has three recommendations for students: The first is open communication. Campbell says students who are educated about financial matters seem to have a better overall attitude regarding credit cards. Students should find a trusted source to talk openly with about money issues. Second, students should switch from spending behaviors (such as shopping) to activities that help you achieve the same feeling of gratification or reward, such as intramurals, exercise or campus organizations.
Last, but certainly not least, enroll in a personal finance course as soon as your schedule allows. Says Campbell, “If it’s not required coursework, take it as an elective. You will learn a set of life skills that will not only help you right now, but also after college and for the rest of your life.”
About The Author
Rebecca Lindsey is a Senior Staff Writer for http://www.CardRatings.com. She began writing articles about consumer credit issues for http://www.CardRatings.com in September 2000.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
Credit Card Comparison Guide
Shopping around for a credit card can save you money on interest and fees. You’ll want to find one with features that match your needs. This information can help you
Understand the features of credit cards
Compare credit card features and costs
Know your rights when using your credit card
File a complaint if you have a problem with your credit card
How will you use your card?
The first step in choosing a credit card is thinking about how you will use it.
If you expect to always pay your monthly bill in full--and other features such as frequent flyer miles don’t interest you--your best choice may be a card that has no annual fee and offers a longer grace period.
If you sometimes carry over a balance from month to month, you may be more interested in a card that carries a lower interest rate (stated as an annual percentage rate, or APR).
If you expect to use your card to get cash advances, you’ll want to look for a card that carries a lower APR and lower fees on cash advances. Some cards charge a higher APR for cash advances than for purchases.
What’s the APR?
The annual percentage rate--APR--is the way of stating the interest rate you will pay if you carry over a balance, take out a cash advance, or transfer a balance from another card. The APR states the interest rate as a yearly rate.
How long is the Grace Period?
The grace period is the number of days you have to pay your bill in full without triggering a finance charge. For example, the credit card company may say that you have “25 days from the statement date, provided you paid your previous balance in full by the due date.” The statement date is given on the bill. The grace period usually applies only to new purchases. Most credit cards do not give a grace period for cash advances and balance transfers. Instead, interest charges start right away.
If you carried over any part of your balance from the preceding month, you may not have a grace period for new purchases. Instead, you may be charged interest as soon as you make a purchase (in addition to being charged interest on the earlier balance you have not paid off). Look on the credit card application for information about the “method of computing the balance for purchases” to see if new purchases are included or excluded. Information on methods of computing the balance is in the section “How is the finance charge calculated?”
These are just some of the considerations you will have to be aware of when choosing a credit card. The bottom line is that you should always read the small print and think about what it is you are agreeing to and whether or not this is what you need.
Joseph Kenny is the webmaster of the credit card comparison sites http://www.credit-cards-info.com/ and also http://www.creditcards121.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
http://www.selectcreditfast.com/resource/9325550/credit-card-comparison-guide.html
Understand the features of credit cards
Compare credit card features and costs
Know your rights when using your credit card
File a complaint if you have a problem with your credit card
How will you use your card?
The first step in choosing a credit card is thinking about how you will use it.
If you expect to always pay your monthly bill in full--and other features such as frequent flyer miles don’t interest you--your best choice may be a card that has no annual fee and offers a longer grace period.
If you sometimes carry over a balance from month to month, you may be more interested in a card that carries a lower interest rate (stated as an annual percentage rate, or APR).
If you expect to use your card to get cash advances, you’ll want to look for a card that carries a lower APR and lower fees on cash advances. Some cards charge a higher APR for cash advances than for purchases.
What’s the APR?
The annual percentage rate--APR--is the way of stating the interest rate you will pay if you carry over a balance, take out a cash advance, or transfer a balance from another card. The APR states the interest rate as a yearly rate.
How long is the Grace Period?
The grace period is the number of days you have to pay your bill in full without triggering a finance charge. For example, the credit card company may say that you have “25 days from the statement date, provided you paid your previous balance in full by the due date.” The statement date is given on the bill. The grace period usually applies only to new purchases. Most credit cards do not give a grace period for cash advances and balance transfers. Instead, interest charges start right away.
If you carried over any part of your balance from the preceding month, you may not have a grace period for new purchases. Instead, you may be charged interest as soon as you make a purchase (in addition to being charged interest on the earlier balance you have not paid off). Look on the credit card application for information about the “method of computing the balance for purchases” to see if new purchases are included or excluded. Information on methods of computing the balance is in the section “How is the finance charge calculated?”
These are just some of the considerations you will have to be aware of when choosing a credit card. The bottom line is that you should always read the small print and think about what it is you are agreeing to and whether or not this is what you need.
Joseph Kenny is the webmaster of the credit card comparison sites http://www.credit-cards-info.com/ and also http://www.creditcards121.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
http://www.selectcreditfast.com/resource/9325550/credit-card-comparison-guide.html
Credit Card FAQs
What are credit cards?
Credit cards let you pay later for any purchase you make. In case of any sort of emergency or urgent situation, when you may not have cash to make payments, credit cards can be helpful. Credit cards are commonly used to get fuel for cars or buying products in a grocery store. You receive a statement at the end of each month. The statement tells you of the expenditures you have done using your credit card. It also mentions minimum balance, due date, fees, etc.
What is an additional cardholder?
An additional cardholder may be anyone from your family, aged above 18. He will also be issued a credit card. You can contact your credit card company if you wish to have an additional cardholder.
What is a balance transfer?
Balance transfer means the transferring of outstanding balances of credit cards from your current credit card company to another.
What should be done on losing a credit card?
If you happen to lose your credit card, you should inform the your bank as soon as possible, as there can be chances that some one may use your credit card and you end up paying for that too. Once you notify the bank, they at once cancel your credit card and issue you another credit card.
What is an APR?
APR, or Annual Percentage Rate, is just a way of calculating cost of credit, measured as a yearly rate. You must know the APR that would be levied on your credit card before you decide to have one. All credit card companies have varying APRs. You have to see the one that suits you the best.
What is the way to choose a credit card?
This purely depends on your needs and situation. If you would be paying full bills then you need to take a credit card with a low annual fee and other charges. On the other hand, if you want to have a cash advance feature, you need to choose a credit card company with low APR. If you have any doubts and questions, always feel free to call up the credit card company.
What is the credit card grace period?
Credit card grace period is the period in which you can pay your credit card bills before the due date and avoid finance charges. You should be aware of the grace period in order to avoid any sort of finance charges.
Joseph Kenny is the webmaster of the credit card comparison sites http://www.credit-cards-info.com/ and also http://www.creditcards121.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
http://www.selectcreditfast.com/resource/9325550/credit-card-faqs.html
Credit cards let you pay later for any purchase you make. In case of any sort of emergency or urgent situation, when you may not have cash to make payments, credit cards can be helpful. Credit cards are commonly used to get fuel for cars or buying products in a grocery store. You receive a statement at the end of each month. The statement tells you of the expenditures you have done using your credit card. It also mentions minimum balance, due date, fees, etc.
What is an additional cardholder?
An additional cardholder may be anyone from your family, aged above 18. He will also be issued a credit card. You can contact your credit card company if you wish to have an additional cardholder.
What is a balance transfer?
Balance transfer means the transferring of outstanding balances of credit cards from your current credit card company to another.
What should be done on losing a credit card?
If you happen to lose your credit card, you should inform the your bank as soon as possible, as there can be chances that some one may use your credit card and you end up paying for that too. Once you notify the bank, they at once cancel your credit card and issue you another credit card.
What is an APR?
APR, or Annual Percentage Rate, is just a way of calculating cost of credit, measured as a yearly rate. You must know the APR that would be levied on your credit card before you decide to have one. All credit card companies have varying APRs. You have to see the one that suits you the best.
What is the way to choose a credit card?
This purely depends on your needs and situation. If you would be paying full bills then you need to take a credit card with a low annual fee and other charges. On the other hand, if you want to have a cash advance feature, you need to choose a credit card company with low APR. If you have any doubts and questions, always feel free to call up the credit card company.
What is the credit card grace period?
Credit card grace period is the period in which you can pay your credit card bills before the due date and avoid finance charges. You should be aware of the grace period in order to avoid any sort of finance charges.
Joseph Kenny is the webmaster of the credit card comparison sites http://www.credit-cards-info.com/ and also http://www.creditcards121.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
http://www.selectcreditfast.com/resource/9325550/credit-card-faqs.html
Simplifying Your Search For a New Credit Card
Today, selecting the proper credit card can be a bit confusing to say the least. There are literally hundreds of offers from the major institutions eagerly competing for your business. The easiest way to shop for a credit card is to break them down into categories. There are seven major categories that all credit cards fall into. Each category is listed and explained below. Once you identify the proper category, simply narrow down the offers to the ones that best suite your particular needs and lifestyle.
General Purpose/Low Interest Credit Cards:
These cards are great general purpose credit cards for those not interested in all the special features and costs associated with CashBack or Rewards cards. They feature either a low introductory interest rate, and/or a low fixed rate.
General purpose credit cards are usually favored by those who tend to carry a monthly balance on their cards. A lower interest rate can add up to substantial savings on finance charges, and be of more value than cards offering high rewards, or cash back. If you are planning a large purchase, a low introductory APR may be just what you need. You can stretch out your payments over the length of the introductory period, and save a bundle on finance charges.
Cash Back/Rebate Credit Cards:
Cash Back credit cards give you cash or rebate incentives every time you use the card. The amount given is usually a percentage of your total purchases excluding interest and finance charges. Cash back credit cards should be considered by those who tend to pay off their entire balance every month, and therefore would not realize the benefits offered by low interest rate cards. Cash back cards are always hard to beat, but others may favor a rewards program offering goods and services in place of cash. The card you choose will depend upon your particular needs and lifestyle.
Reward Credit Cards:
Reward credit cards give you points every time they are used to make purchases. The points that you accumulate can later be redeemed for goods and services. Cards offering reward points are most attractive to those who tend not to carry a monthly balance. If you pay off all or most of your balance each month, a low interest rate will be of little consequence, making reward cards the perfect solution for reaping some extra benefits out of your spending dollars. There are many cards in this category that give special rewards as incentives to shop at specific retailers. Check the terms of each card to find the one that will best suit your needs.
Airline Miles/Travel Credit Cards:
If you're an airline traveler, you should look into credit cards that offer Frequent Flier miles. You earn Mileage points as you spend on your credit card. You also earn mileage points for the miles you fly. If you took a round trip to Orlando from Washington DC you would earn 1516 mile points. If you bought the ticket on your card you would earn even more! Most Frequent Flier credit cards will give you 5,000-10,000 free miles as a sign-up bonus, as well as discounts on car rentals, free hotel upgrades, and many other perks. Be aware that there may be caps on the amount of miles you can earn in a year, as well as expiration dates for unused miles.
Business Credit Cards:
If you own a small business then you should consider a business credit card. With a business credit card, you can make purchases under your business name, allowing you to separate your business and personal expenses. Business cards can in some cases carry a higher limit than a personal card, and additional cards may be issued to executives, or employees. Most institutions offer business cardholders a special categorized statement that makes it easier to manage your company's finances and spending habits.
Student Credit Cards:
Student credit cards are available to actively enrolled College students. They are ideal for building a credit history, and teaching the principles of financial management. After graduation, the credit history established with a student credit card can be a great help when buying that first new car, or even applying for a mortgage. It pays to start early and establish yourself as a responsible person by paying your bills on time. A student credit card usually carries some restrictions not found on ordinary credit cards. A co-signer is sometimes required on the account, and in such cases, permission from the co-signer must be obtained before the credit line can be increased.
Bad/No Credit Credit Cards:
If you have bad credit, or simply no credit history at all, there are alternatives to help you build/rebuild your credit. Many institutions offer secured, or pre-paid credit cards to individuals seeking to build or rebuild their credit. A secured credit card requires that you supply the institution with some type of collateral such as a car, home, boat, or cash. They will issue you a credit card secured by the value of this collateral. It functions just like a regular credit card, except that if you default the bank can seize the collateral.
Another solution is a Pre-Paid credit card or "Debit" card. Pre-Paid cards require that you deposit funds into the card's account in advance of making any purchases. When a purchase is made, the funds are deducted from the account balance. This is not really considered a credit card since no credit is actually being granted by the institution. Debit cards are a great alternative to carrying cash, and are hence much safer.
© Written By: Michael Casamento
Michael Casamento is the founder of the Credit Card Safari web site, offering quick and easy comparisons of the latest credit card offers from top financial institutions.
For more information visit:http://www.creditcardsafari.com
This article may be freely reproduced so long as the above resource box is included in its entirety.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
http://www.selectcreditfast.com/resource/9325550/simplifying-your-search-for-a-new-credit-card.html
General Purpose/Low Interest Credit Cards:
These cards are great general purpose credit cards for those not interested in all the special features and costs associated with CashBack or Rewards cards. They feature either a low introductory interest rate, and/or a low fixed rate.
General purpose credit cards are usually favored by those who tend to carry a monthly balance on their cards. A lower interest rate can add up to substantial savings on finance charges, and be of more value than cards offering high rewards, or cash back. If you are planning a large purchase, a low introductory APR may be just what you need. You can stretch out your payments over the length of the introductory period, and save a bundle on finance charges.
Cash Back/Rebate Credit Cards:
Cash Back credit cards give you cash or rebate incentives every time you use the card. The amount given is usually a percentage of your total purchases excluding interest and finance charges. Cash back credit cards should be considered by those who tend to pay off their entire balance every month, and therefore would not realize the benefits offered by low interest rate cards. Cash back cards are always hard to beat, but others may favor a rewards program offering goods and services in place of cash. The card you choose will depend upon your particular needs and lifestyle.
Reward Credit Cards:
Reward credit cards give you points every time they are used to make purchases. The points that you accumulate can later be redeemed for goods and services. Cards offering reward points are most attractive to those who tend not to carry a monthly balance. If you pay off all or most of your balance each month, a low interest rate will be of little consequence, making reward cards the perfect solution for reaping some extra benefits out of your spending dollars. There are many cards in this category that give special rewards as incentives to shop at specific retailers. Check the terms of each card to find the one that will best suit your needs.
Airline Miles/Travel Credit Cards:
If you're an airline traveler, you should look into credit cards that offer Frequent Flier miles. You earn Mileage points as you spend on your credit card. You also earn mileage points for the miles you fly. If you took a round trip to Orlando from Washington DC you would earn 1516 mile points. If you bought the ticket on your card you would earn even more! Most Frequent Flier credit cards will give you 5,000-10,000 free miles as a sign-up bonus, as well as discounts on car rentals, free hotel upgrades, and many other perks. Be aware that there may be caps on the amount of miles you can earn in a year, as well as expiration dates for unused miles.
Business Credit Cards:
If you own a small business then you should consider a business credit card. With a business credit card, you can make purchases under your business name, allowing you to separate your business and personal expenses. Business cards can in some cases carry a higher limit than a personal card, and additional cards may be issued to executives, or employees. Most institutions offer business cardholders a special categorized statement that makes it easier to manage your company's finances and spending habits.
Student Credit Cards:
Student credit cards are available to actively enrolled College students. They are ideal for building a credit history, and teaching the principles of financial management. After graduation, the credit history established with a student credit card can be a great help when buying that first new car, or even applying for a mortgage. It pays to start early and establish yourself as a responsible person by paying your bills on time. A student credit card usually carries some restrictions not found on ordinary credit cards. A co-signer is sometimes required on the account, and in such cases, permission from the co-signer must be obtained before the credit line can be increased.
Bad/No Credit Credit Cards:
If you have bad credit, or simply no credit history at all, there are alternatives to help you build/rebuild your credit. Many institutions offer secured, or pre-paid credit cards to individuals seeking to build or rebuild their credit. A secured credit card requires that you supply the institution with some type of collateral such as a car, home, boat, or cash. They will issue you a credit card secured by the value of this collateral. It functions just like a regular credit card, except that if you default the bank can seize the collateral.
Another solution is a Pre-Paid credit card or "Debit" card. Pre-Paid cards require that you deposit funds into the card's account in advance of making any purchases. When a purchase is made, the funds are deducted from the account balance. This is not really considered a credit card since no credit is actually being granted by the institution. Debit cards are a great alternative to carrying cash, and are hence much safer.
© Written By: Michael Casamento
Michael Casamento is the founder of the Credit Card Safari web site, offering quick and easy comparisons of the latest credit card offers from top financial institutions.
For more information visit:http://www.creditcardsafari.com
This article may be freely reproduced so long as the above resource box is included in its entirety.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
http://www.selectcreditfast.com/resource/9325550/simplifying-your-search-for-a-new-credit-card.html
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