Monday, October 29, 2007

Beware! Store Credit Cards Can Suck You In!

How many times have you entered a store and saw something you just had to have. However, the price tag is not quite the amount of money you want to pay. So, you decide to budget and end up buying something similar but less expensive.

You go through the checkout and the lady says "Would you like to apply for a Store Credit Card and receive 15% of this purchase?"

Well, immediately you start thinking about the item you really wanted. You quickly do the math and you find you will end up paying less for the item than the less expensive item. You fill out the form. You are approved and you are on your way.

What should you have done? Stuck with your informed decision in the first place. What are the dangers of changing tact here? You end up with a credit card that undoubtedly you will keep putting off paying the monthly payments. You end up building up interest on the account and even worse, you buy more things with the card.

The second best option would have been to apply for the card and still buy the less expensive item. Buyer beware my friends. Don't go down the spiraling avenue of never ending credit card debt.

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Hacked I-Phones a Real Problem

Apparently there is a large availability for unlocked Apple I-Phones all over Europe. Apple in response have decided to only sell the phones to credit card holders. I think this is a way of cracking down on unauthorized resellers.

Some high flying analysts have been making crazy and off the wall statements that there is no problem with I-Phones in regards to them being hacked.

Take a look around guys! The numbers speak for themselves.

Friday, October 26, 2007

Credit Score Creditworthiness

A credit score is a three digit number that is a snapshot of your credit history and creditworthiness. The higher the score, the more likely you will be approved for loans and receive favorable interest rates. Where as a lower score can not only turn down your application for a loan, but also for an apartment or it might even happen that you lose that prized job of yours. Credit score is a pivotal point around which centers your financial as well as personal life.

A good credit score ensures better life with less care and worries. There by it is essential for the consumers to work hard to fix their credit problems. Sometimes they need professional guidance to repair their credit. A credit repair professional offers help and necessary services to help in repairing their bad credit, as well as correcting any false information that may be included in their credit report. However, it is advisable that the consumers be very cautious while selecting a credit repair company. They should be well aware of the rules that govern these companies, as well as the services provided by them.

After fixing the past credit errors, you must try your best to handle your finances efficiently and wisely. But most of the people do not understand it and jump blindly into the credit game. Nowadays debt is arising as the biggest problems. There are many ways to get out of debt; however the most effective debt management ways is debt consolidation. Debt consolidation helps people consolidate their multiple debts into one single loan with lower monthly payments. Debt is like a vicious cycle; people get into it but really struggle hard to get out of it. Thereby, it is very important to organize your debts and create a fair picture of your financial standing.

Biography: Debt Samaritans are the volunteer community members who help consumers consolidate debt and offer unbiased information on how to obtain good credit.

Gold, Silver or Platinum Credit Cards ~ Are they worthy?

It's all about status. Obtaining a credit card is easy enough. Getting a gold credit card is almost as easy. All you need is to continue paying off your debt. Doing this gives you a credibility rating. After a while the financial institution that issued your credit card will offer you an upgrade to one of these gold, silver or platinum credit cards for free.

They will reel off all the wonderful benefits these bigger and better cards will give you. However, be aware these types of cards are aimed at getting you further into debt and a hell of a lot quicker
.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Be Aware of Bad Credit Card Practices

Some things you might want to look out for when using your credit card.

Firstly, you will need to monitor where you will be using your credit card. Specifically, purchasing goods or services outside of your own country can attract extra fees. These extra fees can be in a form of a currency conversion fee.

Secondly, credit card protection agents can be quite persuasive about you needing protection. The fees are sometimes horrendous to insure against identity theft etc.. However, most people forget that Visa and Mastercard have their own insurance cover to protect you from fraud.

Finally, be very aware of the interest amounts charged to your credit card account. Some financial institutions have fraudulently charged excess interest rates yet they state they are actually charging a lesser rate. It's a good thing to get your calculator out and do a random check every now and then. If any amount charged is more than you think it should be. Contact your bank immediately to rectify the problem.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Credit Cards At ZERO INTEREST For 6 Months

These credit cards for purchase or balance transfers are what is available today. If you are looking for these types of credit cards. Then click on each of the links provided and read up on the terms and conditions applicable:

  1. Volkswagen Platinum Rewards Visa Card - Terms
  2. Pulaski Bank Gold Visa Card - Terms
  3. Chase Student Flexible Rewards Card - Terms
  4. Chase PerfectCard MasterCard - Terms
  5. BP Visa Rewards Card - Terms
  6. Blue Cash from American Express - Terms
  7. Chase Home Improvement Rewards Card - Terms
  8. WaWa Visa Card - Terms
  9. Borders 3.2.1 Visa - Terms
  10. Chase Free Cash Rewards Visa Card - Terms
  11. Amtrak Guest Rewards World MasterCard - Terms
  12. SeaMiles Visa Rewards - Terms
  13. Speedway SuperAmerica Platinum MasterCard - Terms Cards are Accepted
  14. Chase Business Card Rewards Card - Terms
  15. Discover Open Road Card for Students - Terms
  16. Subaru Platinum MasterCard from Chase - Terms
  17. Discover Student Card - Tropical Beach - Terms
  18. IN:NYC Card from American Express - Terms
  19. Toys”R”Us & Babies”R”Us MasterCard - Terms
  20. Amazon.com Business Visa Card - Terms
  21. IN:CHICAGO Card from American Express - Terms
  22. IN:LA Card from American Express - Terms
  23. Discover Student Card - Monogram Collection - Terms
  24. Discover Student Card - Terms
  25. Blue Cash for Business Credit Card - Terms
  26. Chase Flexible Rewards Platinum Visa - Terms
  27. Blue Sky from American Express - Terms
  28. Discover Student Card - Clear - Terms
  29. Starbucks Card Platinum Duetto Visa Card - Terms
Credit Cards Source

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

CardLikeMe Personalized Credit Cards

Gemalto, the world leader in digital security, announced the supply to SEB Germany of an innovative end-to-end solution for secure Internet design of personalized credit cards. 400,000 corporate customers and institutions and 5 million private customers are looked after by the SEB Group. Gemalto’s CardLikeMe™ has a user-friendly interface to upload a picture of their choice on the bank website to create a unique personal card. Gemalto developed the software solution required for processing the photograph on SEB’s website and ensured complete card personalization and fulfillment.

CardLikeMe is extremely simple for customers to design a unique credit card with a personal illustration. Users can visualize the card in real time and adjust the photograph as they wish after uploading their picture on the bank website. A wide range of attractive background visuals are offered on the online gallery.

Marc Vormann, head of product management at SEB said “Simplicity and convenience were key words when we decided to offer our customers the option to design their own credit card. Gemalto proposed an easy-to-use end-to-end solution. For SEB, working with one single company at all stages of the process simplified implementation and saved time on the overall project.”

Philippe Cambriel, executive vice-president Secure Transactions Business Unit at Gemalto said “CardLikeMe is a good example of the differentiating services Gemalto supplies to address the need for personalized solutions. Our strong local presence in Germany has allowed us to operate closer to SEB and support them all the way through the project.”

Monday, October 22, 2007

Can You Save On A Low Interest Credit Card?

You can save a lot of money by taking advantage of a low interest credit card. Obtaining a low interest credit card can be done easily by doing it via balance transfer. You can take advantage of initial low interest rates from major credit card companies. Usually, the lower rates usually last for three to six months before the nominal rate sets in.

Credit card interest rates can be as high as 27% per annum. However, shopping around can get you into a very low rate (sometimes 0% for the 1st 12 months!) that allows you time to pay off your debt quickly.

The trick is to actually pay it off and not use it to buy more goods. A lot of people fall for this and rack up even more debt than they previously had.

Transferring your balance from your existing card is a sure fire way of having a low interest rate for a period of time to get yourself back on your feet. But make sure you cancel and cut up the card you are transferring the balance from. You don't want to end up with two credit cards!

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Secured Business Credit Cards

Are credit cards just for people who can't get other financing? Can an individual less than perfect get a secured Business Credit Card? These questions must be asked to ensure options are not overlooked for business credit.

No business starts out with a credit history. Establishing credit worthiness takes just as long as graduating from high school sometimes. However, with a secured business credit card, you could possibly rule out that long wait.

A typical idea for securing a business credit card is by offering up collateral against the amount you prepare to use on your credit card. This, once secured, can give you the same power are a standard Visa or MasterCard. All transactions are no different to a standard credit card. From the outset, you can establishing and building a strong credit card history.

The very best thing to do first is to shop around for the best business credit card deal. Remember, these business credit cards are no different to the standard credit card merchants. Don't get conned into some ridiculous annual fees and interest rates. Take your time and look everywhere for the best deal that suits you.

The only difference between a standard credit card and a secured business card is only you and the credit card issuer are the ones that know the difference. All of your clients would not be able to tell the difference by looking at the card itself.

A secured business credit card is by far the best way to get your business off on the right foot and not worry about funding. Leaving you to do what you do best. Run your business successfully.