Finding the Best Credit Card for You and Your Lifestyle.(credit card)

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Credit card companies offer potential customers a variety of different deals in an effort to gain their business. When shopping around for a credit card you will often find that various credit card companies will have different offers to make. Often times reduced rates can be found by those looking to apply for a credit card. 0 interest credit cards, low rate credit cards, and no annual fee credit cards are examples of credit card offers that help credit card companies appeal to potential customers.

0 interest credit cards are one type of offer that is frequently made by credit card companies. With a 0 interest credit card customers are offered no interest rates on the money they spend on their credit card. Often times 0 interest rates are offered by credit card companies for a limited time only. Usually credit cards offer 0 interest rates to new customers for an introductory period of anywhere from six months to a year. Typically interest rates go up slowly following the 0 interest rate period is up. However, it is important for customers who sign up and apply for 0 interest rate credit cards to read their applications carefully and be clear about the amount of time they will receive 0 interest rates and when the rates may change since interest rates can lead to credit card debt.

Some credit card customers may find it worthwhile to apply for a low rate credit card. With fixed low rates, most low rate credit cards will help you avoid getting into severe credit card debt. Low rates typically stay that way and do not increase as may happen with 0 interest rates. However, it is best to speak with a credit card company representative about rates and possible increases.

Another offer made to potential credit card customers is a no annual fee credit card. Annual fees are charged to credit card customers as a fee for being a credit card holder. Sometimes the fee is divided up and charged in smaller increments each month throughout the year but in other instances the annual fee is charged all at once and, depending on the size of the fee, may cause your bill to noticeably increase. It is important for credit card customers to be aware of annual fees, their amounts and when they will appear on the credit card bill.

However, if customers find a no annual fee credit card it may be a worthwhile credit card to consider applying for. Again, in some cases offers are only made for a limited period of time. No annual fee may apply for the first year but then come into effect following the first year. Carefully reading over your credit card application before you apply should clear up any question or confusion over special offers.

Peter Sissons, Retired Bank Manager and Best Credit Card advisor - focusing on 0% Credit Cards and Unsecured Credit Cards

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My First Credit Card.(credit card)

credit card

"How to find the right credit card?" is the question which haunts every credit card hunter. Though there is enough said and heard on why one would need a credit card, this is exactly the question that you should ask again when hunting for the right credit card for yourself. To make the things easier for you, here is the first set of questions which you need to ask even before you start hunting for your first credit card:

1. Do you need the credit card just for convenience sake or is it more out of necessity for credit? This will help you determine what aspects/features to look for in a credit card e.g. if it's just for convenience sake and you have plenty of cash in your bank, then you will probably always be making monthly payments in full (you might set up direct debit from your bank account to make your credit card payments automatically) and hence APR might not be on your priority list. However, if you are not planning to make full monthly payments all the time, then APR is one of the most important things on your list.

2. How much do you intend to spend every month using your credit card? Based on how much you intend to spend, the credit limit will become a higher priority for you. Different credit cards offer different credit limits.

3. Do you frequently shop with a big department store or do you fly a particular airlines a lot or do you have any special shopping interest? If you do, then you might like to go for a co-branded card. Most of the big department stores and airlines have such tie-ups with credit card companies where-in you get discounts or extra miles or extra credit card points when you use your card for payments.

4. Are you a student? There are special credit cards for students which are offered by various credit card companies. These are called Student credit cards. So if you wanted to start building a credit rating early in your career these are the ones suited for you.

5. Payment mode. This could be another factor influencing your choice of credit card. Whereas some companies accept almost all modes of payments, other might be choosy.

6. Your income, age and other details. When going hunting for a credit card, you need to keep these details in your mind too. Some companies keep a minimum criteria or a qualification which you need to fulfill before you can apply for a particular credit card with them. So, though it's important that you like the credit card or the credit card company, it's equally important that the credit card or the credit card company likes you too.

7. Do you travel a lot? A lot of credit card companies have specific offers for frequent travelers. Some have tie-ups with hotels or rental agencies and can get you a discount if you use their credit card. If most of your travel is to foreign lands and you intend to use your credit card in other countries, you might be interested in knowing the commission charged by the credit card company for foreign currency transactions. Be careful, some companies charge no commission but offer pathetic currency conversion rates. Also, some credit cards may have some amount of free travel insurance on them which you might want to consider as well.

8. Interest free period. Also, it's a good idea to compare the interest free periods offered by various credit cards. This, together with the APR rate, might become handy in emergency situations when you are not able to pay the full amount due on your credit card.

The time invested initially in evaluating your needs, before finalizing a credit card, will pay you rich dividends in the long run. So invest some time on this before making the move.

About the Author

Rudy Hadisentosa: CCN.com is a free online credit cards review and application website. We offer credit cards selection from visa,master cards, discover, american express and many others. We have quite some categories and hundreds of credit cards selection to fit your need. Apply for a credit card at CCN.com.

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Find The Best Credit Card Type.(credit card)

credit card

There are a variety of credit card types, each claiming to offer you the best possible deal. Finding the programs and incentives that works best for you is key to maintaining a good credit card history.

Each type of credit card offer different benefits. Some are geared toward the individual consumer, while others are set up to work for small businesses. To find the type of card that best fits your needs, let's review some of the options.

Business Cards

A business credit card offers the business owner an opportunity to keep business and personal expenses separate. The card may offer special business rewards and saving opportunities that go above and beyond what the individual card owner has. Since money management is essential for running a business successfully, this card may offer an expense management service that helps track outgoing money. You can obtain additional cards for employees who may need them for travel expenses and such. You may also have a higher credit limit than you normally would on an individual card.

Student Cards

Many credit card companies will issue student cards with lower credit limits and fewer incentives, helping new card users to keep their spending in check. However, note that many college students now graduate with credit balances averaging from $3,000 to $7,000. With high interest rates, these debts can be a real problem to pay off.

Debit Cards

Prepaid debit cards are 1 type of credit card that has grown significantly in recent years. Although it works like a traditional credit card when making a purchase, that is where the similarity ends. With a prepaid debit card, you actually set the credit limit yourself by depositing money into the debit card’s account. The amount you deposit determines the credit limit on that card. This is a great way to have the convenience of a credit card without the possibility of charging more than you can afford to pay off.

Cards for Bad Credit

Even with bad credit, it is possible to obtain a credit card. These cards come with some restrictions not typically found on other types of cards. Your credit limit will be lower and your interest rate higher. Some may require you to have a secured card, meaning you have to maintain a savings or some other type of account that will cover the expenses on the credit card. Once you have established that you will be responsible in your credit handling, some, if not all, of your restrictions may be lifted.

Cash Back Cards

Many cards will now offer you cash-back incentives for using their cards. Depending on how much your balance is, and how often you use the card, you can earn cash back for your purchases. Some companies offer 1% off your balance while others, like Sears, will offer you cash off purchases made in their store. Either way, if you are planning on using a card, finding one that will offer you a cash incentive is a smart choice.

Low-Interest Cards

One of the more recent additions to the credit card world is the low-interest credit card. These cards offer a significantly lower interest rate than most of the older cards you may already have. As balance-transfer cards, most of them offer you the option of transferring a balance from a higher interest rate card and, for a specified period of time, your transferred balance will be at either 0% interest or something quite low. This can save you a fair amount of money if your plan is to pay it off.

Reward and Incentive Cards

Since credit cards have become such a lucrative business, many corporations have jumped on the bandwagon. Even airlines now offer credit cards that come with a certain amount of frequent flyer miles attached, depending on your balance and purchases. If you do a fair amount of traveling, this can be a real bonus. Along these same lines, reward credit cards are growing in popularity. Competition is stiff, and many card companies are now offering different reward or incentive options for using their cards. Once you accumulate enough points, the rewards pour in. These can be anything from travel insurance to small appliances. If you use a card regularly, finding one with a reward program can really pay off.

Instant Approval Cards

Another form of credit card is the instant approval card. Once you fill out the application, a quick background check will be done and you will have your approval almost immediately. Regular cards can take up to 2 weeks to process. Although you can get instant approval, this does not always mean you can get instant credit. Some companies will supply you with a temporary credit card number and allow you to begin making purchases immediately, while others will not, due to an increase in credit card fraud potential.

Protect Your Credit

Since there are so many options in choosing a credit card, you should do a little research before you apply. Decide what type of card best fits your needs and apply for that one. Don't go overboard, though. Applying for too many cards will negatively affect your credit rating.

And, above all, once you get your new credit card, use it responsibly.

Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer. Visit http://www.forex4u-now.com to learn more about this fascinating trading vehicle. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_King

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How To Choose A Credit Card.(credit card )

credit card

Your credit score may just be a little number, but it packs a big punch. A poor credit score can keep you from getting a mortgage or a car loan. In addition, your credit score may haunt you for a long time if it suddenly drops. Of course, if you have a good credit score it opens a lot of doors for you. This is just one reason why it is important to think about which credit card you apply for before you do.

Every time you apply for a credit card, the company has to check your credit score. This is a bad thing. Numerous inquiries from credit card companies look bad on your credit report because it looks as though you are scrambling to open lines of credit, which can be a sign that you are struggling financially. Of course, this may not be the case. However, credit scoring companies all look at it the same way.

You can avoid scarring your credit score with credit card applications by choosing your card wisely. Choose a card that matches your lifestyle and works for you instead of against you. If you plan to pay off your balance each month, you might want a charge card instead of a credit card. American Express offers a number of charge cards with flexible spending programs that are perfect for people who plan to pay off their balance each month. They also offer some flexibility so that if you have an emergency you can use the card and pay off large charges over time. In addition most of their cards offer you reward points for using the card. On the downside, American Express charges an annual membership fee for having the card.

If you do not plan to use the card often, but plan to make large purchases on the card, which you will pay off over time you should get a revolving credit card, which allows you to carry a large balance over time. Of course there cards require you to pay interest on everything you buy. Interest expenses can get very high.

Other kinds of cards include:

1) A check guarantee card, issued by your bank, that you can use to ensure that your cheque will be honoured up to a certain limit.

2) A debit card, issued by your bank, where whatever you spend is immediately deducted from your bank account

Do you need a credit card?

a) A credit card means you don't need to carry huge amounts of cash around and risk losing it.

b) A credit card means you can buy items over the internet.

c) A credit card means you can make purchases abroad without having to worry about local currency.

d) A credit card gives the opportunity to spread the cost of a large payment over several months.

e) A credit card is useful in an emergency. For example, an unexpected repair to your house or car.

What You Need To Consider:

1) APR (Annual Percentage Rate)

This is the rate of interest that you will pay on any outstanding balance.

2) Special Introductory Rates

You may be offered a low or 0% rate of interest for a limited time (Up to 6 months) when you sign up for a new card. A higher rate of interest may be charged for cash withdrawals.

3) Balance Transfer Rate

Card issuers may offer you a lower rate of interest if your swap your balance from another credit card to theirs.

4) Interest Free period

Remember to check when interest payments will begin. Will you pay interest from the day of the purchase? Or will you have a number of days interest free before you begin to pay? There is usually no interest free period for cash withdrawals.

5) Cashback and Rewards

Some cards over points or rewards for every pound spent on the credit card. Make sure that these are appropriate for you. For example, there&'s no use collecting airmiles if you never fly.

6) Minimum Repayment

Remember to check what the minimum monthly repayment will be. If you borrow £1000 on your credit card the monthly minimum repayment will probably be in the region of £25. But if you only pay this amount each month it will take a long time to pay off the balance and cost a lot in total when you include the interest payments.

7) Annual Fees

This is the fee that the issuer will charge you every year for using their credit card. Not all credit cards have an annual fee, so remember to consider this when you are choosing which one is right for you.

8) Late Payments

There will be an extra charge, as well as the interest owed, if your payment is late. This charge may even be more than the amount you owe so be very careful to check what the charge is, and to ensure that all your payments are made on time. A good way of doing this is to set up a direct debit from your current account.

9) Exceeding Your Limit

You may also be charged a fee if you exceed your credit limit.

Choosing the right credit card is a complex decision, but it can be made easier by using the free online credit card finders at http://www.creditcardbuzz.com.

Stephen Kelly is a financial advisor and the founder of Credit Card Buzz (http://www.creditcardbuzz.com). A free site with credit card reviews, ratings, analysis and online applications.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Kelly

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