Advantages and disadvantages of credit cards

“Christmas Time, Mistletoe and Wine” How many times have you heard this so far and its only November? A few I’ll bet, but with Christmas seemingly becoming earlier to us each year, we will no doubt feel the need to get ahead with our present and food buying. This though only leads to us spending more than we should. This is because with the shops full of decorations and Christmas tunes, the stores are dictating to us that we have to buy our gifts now, which will mean by the time December has come and gone. We would have spent more over the 2-month period that the shops have been full of Christmas cheer.

 This is not all bah! Humbug.

 Personally for the occasion alone and seeing the kids faces when they open their presents on Christmas morning, as Christmas is a special time of year that for the day makes all the preparation and spending all worth while.

 But that doesn’t mean that it comes without cost and in some cases more of a cost than folk can ill afford. For all of its pomp and occasion, Christmas can come at a heavy price to bear for a lot of people who, rather than let their children and family down, will turn to the promise of riches that credit cards and store cards offer.

 Don’t get me wrong, credit cards and even store cards, have their uses. This is only true though, if you only use them to your advantage, to get the best out of them. If you are thinking of taking one or the other, then the only suggestion that I can make is to plump for the credit card, over the store card.

 We all want to enjoy this time of year, so by getting all that you want to do this and in doing so, save cash and not to fall heavily into debt, will make the festivities all the more enjoyable. So by giving you a few advantages and disadvantages, which credit cards and store cards entail, will hopefully go a long way on helping you make the right decisions.

 Firstly the advantages of credit cards:

•   More favourable interest rates than a store card.
•   Many offers on the market, which are giving you an interest free period.
•   Some come with money back schemes that give you a percentage of your expenditure back to you. (Usually between 0.5%- 2%)
•   Will protect your gifts, as soon as you have bought them.
•   Lets you buy now and pay at a later date, only on what you have spent without incurring any interest charges.

 Now the disadvantages:

•   Can lead you to spend more than you can afford to pay back, which in turn will lead to the interest being charged to your account.
•   They can come with a heavy hit in the pocket, with charges for late payments and going over your credit limit.

 Advantages of the store card:

•   Can use them as soon as you are accepted for the card.
•   Initial discount (normally 10% off you first purchase) will give you a saving straight away.

 Disadvantages:

•   Overly high interest rates, which are well above those of a credit card. Some can be as much as 30%.
•   Can lead you quickly to debt, if they are not cleared at the end of each month.
•   Sold to the customer, by assistants who know absolutely nothing about what they are selling.

5 sure fire ways you can avoid costly credit card late fees

Credit card late fees are a fact of life for some consumers, but they don’t have to be for you. Legally, credit card companies can hit you with pretty much whatever fees they want. On the other hand, you don’t have to pay them, but only if you avoid them in the first place. Here are five sure fire ways you can avoid costly credit card late fees:

 1. Pay Before the Due Date

Of course, this makes the most sense. However, this is also the single most important reason why people get socked with fees: they receive their bill and immediately forget about it! When you get your bill, open it up and pay it promptly. Waiting means forgetting and forgetting about your credit card bill will cost you money.

 2. Pay on the Internet

If you have access to a computer, then paying online is the best way to make certain that your payment gets to your credit card provider on time. Be careful, as there is still some lag time from when you authorize funds to be released from your checking account and when that payment is finally credited to your credit card account. The gap between the two can be as long as one week!

 3. Schedule Automatic Payments

Some credit card providers allow for you to set up a scheduled deduction from your checking account which is then automatically sent to your credit card provider. You should set it up to take money out of your account well before the due date to ensure that your funds are received on time. You can always send in a separate, extra payment if you want to pay down your debt faster too.

 4. Question a Late Payment

Even if the credit card company claims that your payment was late, it doesn't mean that you must be charged a late fee. Contact the company and ask them to reverse their charge –- which usually runs between $29 and $39 -- and to expunge their records of your tardiness. You not only want to avoid any fees, you want to avoid their possible notification of your lateness to the three major credit report agencies [Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax]. Any information supplied to the credit reporting agencies can work against you in the form of higher interest rates on current cards as well as on future loans!

 5. Go with the Citi Simplicity Credit Card

Now, consumers have a new option to help them avoid late fees: Citi’s new Citi Simplicity card doesn’t charge late fees. Please click the link below for more information about this breakthrough card.

 Taking the appropriate action can help you to avoid late fees and allow for you to keep more of your money in your pocket. Become better informed and start saving money today!

7 things you need to consider when you take out a credit card

How many times have you taken out a credit card based purely on its current interest rate or balance transfer option?

 You may be surprised to note there are at least 7 elements worthy of consideration when you take out a new credit card. To judge a new credit card on just one or two options could easily result in a bad deal for you. You need to consider the following 7 options when you take out a credit card:

 1. The Initial Concessionary Interest Rate And Period

 Many credit cards offer a 0% interest rate on purchases for a limited period, usually six to nine months. This option can be very attractive particularly when you do not repay the balance in full each month.

 After the initial period the rate reverts to the standard rate, usually in the 10 to 16% range although this can be considerably higher.

 Some cards however have no interest free offer but have a much lower permanent rate, from about 6.9% (although it will vary in line with general interest rate charges).

 If you are likely to have a long term balance (if you are unable to pay off the debt within the first 6 to 9 months) this option could save you money in the medium to long term. You will not be able to switch to this rate if you have taken the 0% initial rate offer.

 2. A Monthly Interest Free Period On New Purchases

 This relates to the period between your purchase of an item and when you will be charged interest on that purchase amount. Many cards have a policy of only charging from the payment date after the item appears on your card statement.

 The effect of this is to give you between approximately 25 days and 56 days interest free credit on all purchases. Clearing your balance within this period will result in no interest being charged.

 Some cards will charge interest immediately from the date of purchase and are therefore not suitable if you clear your balance each month.

 3. The Annual Fee

 Many cards have now implemented an annual fee. This fee is chargeable whether you clear the debt each month or if you roll over your debt.

 4. 0% Balance Transfers

 When taking out a new credit card you will normally have the option of transferring any outstanding balance to your new card with no interest charged for a specified period.

 Although marketed as a "0% balance transfer" many are not totally free of charge. An increasing number now charge a one off charge of 2-3% of the amount transferred as an "administration chearge" for handling the transfer.

 This is legally not an interest charge but it amounts to the same thing - you are charged a fee by your credit card company based on the amount transferred.

 The availability of true 0% balance transfers is disappearing and in all likely hood will completely disappear sometime soon. If a 0% balance transfer is important to you take advantage soon, however be aware that many of these cards have higher subsequent interest rates.

 5. The Availability Of Cashback

 Many cards now offer cashback on purchases. This is usually is between 1/2 and 1% of new purchases (excluding balance transfers and cash withdrawal). If you do not repay your account in full each month take this into account when considering the interest rate chargeable.

 It is only where you repay the card in full each month that this is a true cashback on purchases and if you do repay in full each month you may choose to make this a priority.

 6. The Rewards And Discounts Offered With Your Credit Card

 Rewards are where you can purchase goods or services at a discount by using your credit card, or you have free insurance on purchases made using your credit card.

 In the credit card business nothing is free. If there are rewards offered the cost will be built in somewhere (usually a higher interest charge) so compare with other cards not offering the same rewards.

 7. Credit Card Payment Insurance

 Whether you take this option or not most cards now offer some sort of payment protection insurance in the event of sickness and disability. In the past this cover was limited to paying the minimum monthly payment however many cards now pay 10% of the balance on the card at the time your claim commences and may be worth considering.

 Be very careful with this insurance as it will exclude any condition you suffer from when the cover commences and similarly any redundancy announced before the cover commences.

 Taking out a new credit card is more complex than it seems at first. As you can see when considering a new credit card there are a number of aspects which must be taken into account and t can be very difficult choosing a new card.

 There are many comparison services available that can help you cut through the confusion and I suggest you consult one or more before making your decision.

 In all cases prioritise your requirements and only apply for the credit card which best matches your circumstances. Don't just pick the card with the longest balance transfer period or lowest interest rate as it may cost more in the longer term.

5 ways to get a higher credit card limit

A lot of credit card holders aspire for a higher credit card limit.

 But: credit card holders need to remember that to get a higher credit card limit, they must abide by the terms and conditions of the credit card company or their bank.

 Here are 5 ways to get a higher credit card limit:

 1. Prove your credit worthiness

 The most important thing to do for getting a higher credit card limit is to prove your credit worthiness. This is the first thing that banks and companies look for when giving a higher credit limit.

 2. Attract positive attention from the credit card company

 At least: try to attract positive attention by paying finance charges once in a while. Obviously, this is not advisable on a repeating basis and should only be used as a last resort to increase your chances of getting a higher credit limit.

 Proving to credit card companies and banks that you are good "borrower" can be a convincing way to get a higher credit limit. But be careful because this strategy also means that you will be paying finance charges which can accumulate in a hurry.

 3. Always spend within your credit card limit

 Doing so means that you are capable of controlling your expenses.

 4. Use your credit cards regularly

 Don’t keep your cards for emergency use only. If you use your credit cards sparingly, banks and credit card companies will be unable to understand your spending and pay-back behavior. Under these circumstances, most banks and credit card companies will be reluctant to give you a higher credit card limit.

 5. Avoid late payments as much as possible

 This technique will not only increase your payment increase, but you may also have to pay an additional fine for not clearing bills on time. This will also dim your chances of getting a higher credit card limit.

 The bottom line is that your performance in the records of banks and credit card companies will determine whether you’ll get a higher credit card limit or not.

Why Poor Credit Scores Could Be Costing You Money?

Most of us want a good credit report to obtain automobile financing, credit cards, and to purchase a home. But, beyond these consumer loans, your credit report can cost you in everyday living expenses. What you don't know about your credit could be costing you money.

 Having a credit card means that you can order tickets, rent a car, and reserve hotel rooms. Besides these conveniences, your credit report can mean that you must pay higher deposits and fees for everyday services.

 Did you know that your credit history can keep you from getting utility connections, good telephone rates, the best auto insurance, home owner's insurance, or even keep you from getting hired?

 1. Some utility companies set minimum standards for service connections. If your report shows collection accounts for prior utility bills, you may not be eligible for service at all. And if utility companies do agree to connect your service, you'll need to pay a higher deposit than another customer with good credit who may not need to make any deposit.

 2. The same requirements exist for telephone services. People with a good credit history don't need to pay deposits for home telephone or cell phone services. When we first got a cell phone with poor credit scores, we had to pay a $300 deposit, for one cell phone. After fixing our credit, we got eight cell phones for our business, with zero deposits.

 3. What many people don't realize is that good credit enables them to get better insurance rates. High-quality, low-cost home owners’ insurance, auto, and life insurance companies set minimum credit standards for their policy holders; this means that consumers with poor credit have to pay more for less coverage. Many automobile insurance companies now base your monthly premiums on your credit score; these companies offer a 17% discount if your score is over 625 and a 25% discount if your score is over 725. Why? Because according to their studies, people who are careful with their credit are also careful with their property and careful drivers.

 4. Bad credit can cost you a job. More and more employers run an applicant’s credit report and hire the person with better credit, assuming that better credit equals better integrity and character. A friend of mine with a Master's Degree and a 4.0 grade average did not get hired; she was told her credit score didn't meet their minimum standard and that they hired another person with less education.

 5. Poor credit scores means you pay more for your home financing. Mortgages cost more in upfront fees and interest rates for those with low credit scores. How much can you save? A mortgage loan of $150,000, 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage, interest rate of about 5.72 percent costs around $870 a month; poor credit scores raise the interest rate over 9 percent and the payments over $1,200. As you see from these payment differences, good credit means that you can finance a more expensive house with the same income, or save $330 each month.

 Boost your credit score so you can save money on everyday expenses, get high-quality insurance, and the best mortgage financing.

Few things you should know before making a card application online or by phone

At the rate how mailboxes are bombarded with credit card offers, it’s probably amazing for anyone not to have considered these cards at least once. Nonetheless, credit card companies now make it even easier for consumers to apply for a credit card through instant approval card applications. There are a few things you should know before actually making a card application online or through the phone.

1. You need a good credit history

In order for quick approval, it is essential for a potential user to possess a good credit history. This means that the user pays his bills on time and does not have any financial hiccups in his credit report. The credit report is obtainable from a credit bureau, which will be contacted by the card company at the time of the application. If all goes well, the credit card will be approved within minutes.

2. Interest rates corresponds with the health of your credit report

If your credit history is not something you are proud of, there is a slight possibility that your application will not be instantly approved. You don’t have to worry if this occurs though, as these companies may make allowances for you due to high competition in the credit business. Most of the time, they will just charge you higher interest rates as you are of a greater risk. Also, due to the extra qualification process, the arrival of your card may be delayed.

3. You need to wait a few days for the card to arrive

A common misconception with these cards is that the applicant will instantaneously receive the card upon approval. No matter how fast your Internet connection is, the card is delivered in an envelope, not in bytes. Thus, it is not a very good idea to have an urgent transaction depend on these card applications.

4. You need to do your research 

Do not let the convenience of getting a quickly approved credit card cloud your judgement on your selection of a credit card. It is not worth making higher payments in exchange for a shorter wait for a credit card.

5. You need to find a secure connection to submit your personal information.

As with all forms of online transactions, you should never use a public computer to submit your personal information. With the recent spat of identity thefts, it is wiser to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to credit cards. 

Some new and interesting credit cards

In this day and age, a large number of the population is in possession of a credit card, sometimes even numerous credit cards! Banks and businesses are becoming more and more aware of consumer’s desires for specialised credit cards, and have thus introduced a myriad of credit cards that are joint ventures between banks and businesses. There are credit cards aimed at men, and credit cards aimed at women.

 If you’re a sports fan, for instance, then you can’t go past the NASCAR credit card. Or there’s the NFL credit card, the World Series of Poker credit card, the MLB credit card, and the Bass Pro Shops credit card. People who love to travel would be interested in the British Airways credit card, or the World Perks credit card. If you like your cars, then the Subaru credit card, or the Volkswagen credit card is for you.

 With the price of gas escalating out of control in the current world climate, gas reward credit cards are in big demand! Two such cards available at the moment are the Speedway SuperAmerica credit card, which lets you earn up to an 8% rebate on all gas and merchandise purchased at Speedway, SuperAmerica, and Rich Oil locations; and the HESS credit card, which lets you earn up to a 10% rebate on all HESS purchases.

 For women, the Starbucks credit card is bound to be a favourite! As is the Borders and Waldenbooks credit card, for all people who enjoy reading. There are even credit cards for entertainment – both the Sony credit card and the Universal Entertainment credit cards provide fantastic rewards programs. If you have children, there’s also a credit card for you – the Toys "R" Us credit card can earn you awesome rebates!

 Of course, when it comes to choosing a credit card suitable to your needs, it is important to read the fine print, and not just choose a card because it looks 'pretty'.

Why low interest or 0% APR credit cards can be a much better solution for your debt?

Low interest credit cards are available as alternatives to those with middle-of-the-road to very high interest rates. If you have a credit card with a high interest rate anywhere from 17% to 24% or higher, then you may not realize that it is costing you hundreds and even thousands of dollars every year in interest alone. Once you understand your credit and how it is impacting your debt situation, you will see how low interest or even 0% APR credit cards can be a much better solution.

 Gather Your Statements

 Collect your statements for all high and low interest credit cards. Include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, department stores, retailers, grocers and any other revolving accounts. For each bill, make a record of the total balance, minimum payment amount and interest rate. You might also want to include your estimated monthly payment (if it's more or less than the minimum) and the monthly finance charge.

 Compare Cards

 If you compare the numbers for each card, you will be able to see which ones are costing you the most money. The higher the APR and the higher the balance, the more you will end up paying in interest in the long run. And, if you only pay small amounts of what you owe, you can go on paying for over 20 years. Now you can see the benefit of having a low interest credit card.

 Categorize Your Debt

 Once you've figured out which are the low interest credit cards and which are high, you need to categorize them from highest to lowest. Then reorder them, if necessary, based on the estimated amount of interest you would pay for the entire year. In other words, if you have a high rate card with a low balance, the overall interest may be less than a low interest credit card with a very high balance. This step will help you to focus on the cards that are taking the most of your hard earned money.

 Negotiate With Your Bank

 Before you cut up your plastic or send it through the paper cutter, call you current credit card company. Many consumers don't realize it, but companies would rather lower your interest rate than lose your business. Tell them that you've been offered a better deal on a low interest credit card. They may just match that offer, saving you the time and effort used to close and open a new card.

 Shop Around For 0% APR Credit Cards

 Some banks just won't budge. You may have to do some digging to get a low interest credit card. Check online, talk to your local bank and sort through those direct mail offers. Ask your friends, family, co-workers and other acquaintances to learn about the cards they use.

 Carefully Read the Fine Print

 Many cards look too-good-to-be-true - 0% interest on transfers, lifetime low rate, frequent flyer miles, insurance benefits, etc. Often times, the offers are just that. 0% offers may only be applied to a limited amount or during a specific time frame. Fixed rates may increase if you so much as miss a single payment and so on. Pay close attention to all terms and policies, making sure to read the fine print. Don't accept a low interest credit card until you are sure you understand all that is involved.

 Maintain Good Credit

 Now you can stop throwing money down the drain. Treasure your low interest or 0% APR credit card and maintain your good credit rating. Pay more than the minimum amounts and don't get behind. Just as fast as you were able to lower your APR, it could jump up to astounding numbers.

Few things to maximize the effectiveness of 0% APR credit cards

The era of 0% APR credit cards is still with us. Yes, you can obtain a spanking new credit card featuring a very low introductory interest rate and take advantage of what amounts to "free money" for you for up to one year. You can use your new card to your advantage, but you must be careful that you fully understand how a 0% APR credit card works to order to maximize its effectiveness. I will show you how, so please keep reading for all the informative details!

 Soon after the new millennium started, interest rates began to drop to historically low levels. By 2002, loan rates for government funds dipped to just less than one percent, pushing consumer loan rates down with it as well. Credit card providers, seeing a terrific opportunity unfolding, immediately began to offer 0% APR credit cards to new card holders and even extended the offer to their current customers.

 Today, interest rates have been climbing for two years, but 0% APR credit card offers are still available to you. Quite frankly, the entire lending business is very competitive and credit card providers are willing to forego interest for up to twelve months in order to get your business.

 To maximize the effectiveness of 0% APR credit cards, there are a few things that you must know:

 Limited Time Offer

0% APR credit cards contain an introductory period lasting typically from six to twelve months. This means that anything you charge during that time will not accumulate interest. Go ahead and spread out your payments over several months: If you purchase something for $1000, you can make four equal payments of $250 interest free. Keep earning interest on your savings and let the credit card company fund your purchase!

 Transfer Balances and Save Big!

Many 0% APR credit card offers will allow you to transfer balances from your existing credit cards to your new card and waive transfer fees. If you owe $3000 on your current credit cards and are paying 19% interest on your balances, you could save nearly $600 in interest payments over twelve month's time!

 Pay On Time

Do not be lulled into thinking that a 0% APR credit card doesn't require monthly payments. If you miss a payment or are late, you could find that your remaining balance is subject to interest charges and penalties as your card shifts to a default rate. Pay on time or kiss your 0% APR credit card rate goodbye!

 Pay It All Off

In some cases, you must pay off your balance before the introductory rate period expires. If you don't, the default rate kicks in. Make certain that you clearly understand your card's terms.

 Clearly, a 0% APR credit card has strong advantages for the person seeking to make new purchases as well as someone who wants to transfer their balances. Use a 0% APR credit card to your advantage and put some money back in your pocket!

About 0% APR credit cards and all of their benefits

What Is A 0% APR Credit Card? Many of us have heard about them, but has anyone every explained 0% APR credit cards to you? Well, for starters, the APR or annual percentage rate is the rate of interest credit card companies charge on outstanding payments. The amount you are charged depends not only on the rate of interest, but also on the method of calculation of rates of interest. 0% APR credit cards are credit cards that charge you no interest on credit, for a specified period of time. The best 0% APR credit cards offer 0% APR’s to customers for up to 12 months. After 12 months the credit card issuer charges you at the normal rate. The card issuer assumes a risk by offering you interest free credit for such an extended period. They balance that risk by offering 0% APR credit cards to only customers with the best credit.

 What Determines Your Credit?

 Your credit depends on a number of factors. Your credit score, also known as the FICO score is widely used as a credit rating for Americans. Since your credit rating will determine whether you are issued a 0% APR credit card, knowing what goes into the score helps a great deal. Your credit score is determined based on five parameters. The most important among these parameters is your current debt and your history of repayment of debt.

 The other three parameters for calculation of credit score are the length of your credit history, amount of new credit and types of credit used. Based on these five parameters, the individual is given a score ranging from 300 to 850. This is indicative of the credit worthiness of the person at a particular point of time. People with credit scores above 770 usually qualify for a 0% APR credit card. However scores above 700 are also considered good. 0% APR credit cards typically require, at a minimum, very good credit and often will require excellent credit.

 One method used by customers to avoid interest is balance transfer credit cards. It is possible to shift from a credit card that charges interest to a 0% APR credit card using a balance transfer, provided you have the requisite credit. Once the introductory period of the card expires, people often shift to other 0% APR credit cards using the balance transfer method. Doing this however harms your credit rating and can hurt your prospects of receiving good credit in the future.

 Prudence Pays

 It is good to be informed of clauses like the universal default clause. This clause states that if you default on your payments to one creditor, for example a bank, it affects your credit rating and can increase the rate of interest you are charged elsewhere. Responsible vendors realize that informed customers make for the best customers in the long run.

 0% APR credit cards sometimes come topped with other offers. You can find a variety credit card offers online that come at 0% APR from the best companies. Choose the 0% APR card that makes the most sense financially and functionally. And always try to maintain you good credit rating that got you your 0% APR credit card in the first place.

Things Need to Know About 0% Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Have you ever been attracted to a credit card because it promises you an outstanding interest rate that seems just too good to be true? Most of us have at some stage jumped for one of these attractive offers. There are a growing number of credit card providers out there that will offer you 0% deals on either balance transfers or purchases, and sometimes they just seem too good to resist.

 Particularly if you have a large outstanding credit card balance that you are currently paying a lot of interest on, these offers will be very tempting. In fact, many 0% balance transfer offers will save you hundreds of pounds on interest that you would otherwise have had to pay on your credit card balance. But no matter how attractive such offers may appear at the time, you should only ever take on another credit card if you have taken the time to review your finances and are satisfied that it is the right financial move for you at this time.

 To look at a typical example, suppose you have one thousand pounds outstanding on a credit card that charges 10% APR. This means that over the course of a year, this balance will cost you 100 pounds in interest charges. Now suppose you find a credit card that offers you 0% on balance transfers for six months. Well it is pretty obvious that 0% is better than 10 and if you were to take up this offer, assuming there are no balance transfer fees, then how much will you have saved over the six month interest free period? The answer is 50 pounds. However, what will the interest rate revert to once the interest free period has come to an end? This is something you should be thinking about before you opt for the credit card, and not when the interest free period is about to expire and everything is more urgent. Suppose, for the sake of our example that the interest rate reverts to a rate of 25%. This means that over the next six months you will pay £125 in interest.

 While this is a very simple example, it illustrates an important point when it comes to 0% balance transfers. In the example above if the customer had stayed with his 10% card, he would have paid £100 in interest over a 12 month period. In the same period, by opting for a 0% balance transfer for six months that then reverted to 25%, he ended up paying £125.

 The point to remember is that just because a credit card offers you 0% does not mean it is the best deal out there. Look at the long term rates that the card will offer you, and compare these to the rates you are already getting from your credit card. If your existing rate is better than the rates that you will get from the new card once the introductory offer expires, then maybe you should remain loyal to the card you have.

 So while this is going on you will not be spending on the new credit card, but you will be safe in the knowledge that you are saving the interest payments on the old debt.

Are 0% Credit Cards Worth It?

Credit card jumping has become a common practice. The term refers to the habit of moving debt balances from card to card to take advantage of preferential rates. But just how worthwhile is credit card jumping for consumers?

 UK consumers have staggering levels of debt. Consumer borrowing has grown by more than 50% in five years. It's no wonder that people are looking for new ways to ease the debt burden. Credit card jumping offers one possible solution.

 Money Saving Device

 People who are carrying large amounts of debt can save hundreds of pounds in interest simply by taking advantage of the latest credit card balance transfer deals. Many of these offer a 0% interest rate for a fixed period, such as three, six, nine or even 12 months.

 As well as transferring balances from other credit cards to a 0% credit card, consumers are sometimes able to transfer balances from store cards and even outstanding loan amounts. It is worth checking to see if these transactions also benefit from the 0% balance transfer rate.

 Transferring a balance to a 0% credit card means that any payments made are paying off the principal rather than the interest. This reduces the amount owed, which is good news for those using this as a debt management method. Many card issuers do charge a balance transfer fee to curb the practice of credit card jumping, so it is worth looking around for the best deal.

 Getting The Best From Credit Card Jumping

 To get the best from 0% credit cards, many savvy consumers move from card to card when the preferential rate period expires. This requires some organization, but credit card jumping can mean that debt balances continue to go down as consumers move money (or rather, debt) from card to card. Those who don't move their debt at the right time often find they are paying a much higher interest rate – and the debt is not being cleared. This strategy works best when consumers pay on time. Late payment can result in fees that increase consumers' level of debt.

 Consumers who are using many credit cards to manage their debt should consider creating standing orders to manage payments automatically. It is also worth using a spreadsheet or calendar program to keep track of when it is time to move to the next credit card.

 Other Incentives

 Credit card jumping can be an effective way of reducing debt, providing consumers do not add any new debt. There are also other incentives for using 0% cards, such as charitable contributions, rewards points, air miles, travel insurance and much more. It is worth shopping around to get a reward as well as the interest-saving rate.

 Summary

 Credit card jumping can be a good strategy for people who are:

 1. organized about managing debt
 2. trying to clear a large debt
 3. prepared to shop around for the best balance transfer deals
 4. able to pay on time consistently so as not to damage their credit rating.

The truths and traps of a 0 APR credit card

If you are struggling with ever-increasing credit card debt, a 0 APR credit card could be the magic wand for you. There are a number of 0 APR credit cards in the marketplace. These 0 Interest credit cards offer cardholders zero percent on new purchases and certain 0 APR credit card offers also allow balance transfers, lowering the interest burden even further.

 The Truth About 0 APR Credit Cards

 These types of 0 APR credit cards are offered by popular credit card lenders including American Express, Citibank, Chase, HSBC, and Discover. These cards have many benefits to offer if you have a good to excellent credit rating.

 Keep in mind, that the zero percent offered with these cards is not permanent. It is an introductory rate and is typically offered for ninety days to as long as 12 months. At the end of the interest-free or zero percent periods, cardholders will have to pay a higher ongoing interest rate. Generally, these rates could vary between 10 % - 14% and sometimes can be as high as 24%.

 A 0 APR credit card is ideal when you want to purchase something expensive but cannot find another way to finance it. There will be no interest charges for the in and you will have the introductory buffer period to pay off the expense. But buyer beware ... make sure you can pay the purchase off before the introductory APR expires.

 Most 0 Interest credit cards allow balance transfers from your existing higher interest cards and many will waive the transfer fees. This is one of the best methods to pay off debts at a faster rate, leading to substantial savings on the interest charges incurred.

 It is possible that a single credit card can have multiple APRs including the following:

1. One APR for balance transfers, one for purchases, and one for cash advances – the APR normally would be higher for cash advances compared to balance transfers and purchases.

2. Tiered APRs – Different APR levels can be assigned for different account balance levels or tiers, e.g., 15% for balances between $1 - $500 and 17% for balances higher than $500, etc..

3. Introductory APR – 0 APR as the introductory offer and a higher rate upon expiration of the introductory period.

4. Penalty APR – A penalty APR rate may apply if you are late with your payments.

 The Traps to Watch Out For

  A 0 APR credit card is an attractive proposition, and often is too tempting an offer to resist. However, it is essential to be informed about the often-untold catches in these lucrative offers.

 1. The 0 APR is a Limited Time Offer – In general, the 0 APR offered is only for a limited period. The period could vary from 3 months to 12 months. This implies that purchases made during this period will not attract any interest. You need to be cautious about the expiry period and remember to pay off before the period ends inorder to avoid hefty interest charges.

 2. Once the introductory period is over, the 0 APR credit card may have a ridiculously high interest rate like 20% or higher.

 3. On-Time Payment – Most of these 0 Interest credit cards require you to pay the minimum payment on time every month during the introductory period. Late payments will result in penalties that include shifting the remaining balance to a much higher APR.

 4. Complete Payment – Certain 0 APR cards require you to pay off the balance entirely before the expiration period of the introductory offer. If not, the default high interest rate could be applied to the entire balance. Ensure that you understand these credit card terms clearly.

 5. Applicability of the 0 APR – Most of the 0 Interest cards offer the 0 APR on new purchases and balance transfers in the introductory period. However, there are some cards that offer 0 APR on balance transfers only with higher applicable APR's on new purchases.

 6. Other Fees – Some credit card companies compensate the 0 APR by charging high annual fees or transfer fees on balance transfers.

 7. Cap on Balance Transfer – Certain cards may have a cap or limit on the balance transfer amount. This means that the 0 APR will apply only for the amount within the cap limit and anything more will be charged the default higher APR.

 While it may be an attractive offer to go for 0 APR credit cards, it may not be a wise decision in certain scenarios. So, before you seriously consider a 0 APR credit card, it is essential to compute credit balances, interest rates, and your pay off capability. Read the terms and conditions carefully to avoid credit traps. Understanding the fine print could have substantial savings apart from trouble free credit rating.

Understanding of 0 APR Credit Cards

How many pieces of plastic do you have? Are you a credit card fanatic? You know, one of those individuals that acquire as many credit cards as possible? Now, first of all, this may get you into a serious financial bind. Sure, credit cards are a great way to deal with an unexpected expense, and can no doubt save your butt at times. However, these tricky little cards can also dupe you into spending carelessly. We all know their typical spiel.

Those clever credit card companies know just what you want to hear. That's why your mailbox is consistently filled with offers for 0 apr credit cards. They love to pitch that; don't they? Let's face it; we all light up at the number 0. It immediately tells us that we won't lose anything. Ha, that's a good one. But, while these 0 apr credit cards start out benign, they soon turn sinister. Suddenly the apr is through the roof, and you're shelling out tons of cash for interest rates every month.

 When you checked your mailbox today, were there any pitches for 0 apr credit cards? I'm going to go ahead and guess there was at least one. Now, the question is; are you going to rip it open and read the whole deal, or simply tear it apart and throw it away? Don't get me wrong, we all like to have a credit card or two in our wallets and purses. Those 0 apr credit cards can come in handy if we get in a bind. The trick is using it wisely. This basically translates as not using it unless you have to. And I mean have to! There's no reason to stick something on your 0 apr credit cards if you can already pay cash.

Why grapple with the monthly credit card payment? Or maybe you're one of those rare individuals who pay their credit cards off completely each and every month. If you are, then many congrats to you. You're one of few. Although many of us, or probably most of us claim that this is how we will do it, we actually don't. Believe me, the credit card companies count on this. In the end, you'll probably want one of the 0 apr credit cards for some emergencies. The trick is staying strong and not using it for random shopping. If you are in search of current deals on 0 apr credit cards, then I suggest you get online. It's easy to pop open Google and do a quick search regarding 0 apr credit cards. However, be prepared, because loads of them are about to pitch to you.

5 of the most common credit score myths

Your credit score is an integral part of your financial life. It is important that you understand what it's all about. Lenders, landlords, insurers, utility companies and even employers look at your credit score. It is derived from what's in your credit reports, and it ranges between 300 and 850.

 Yet, according to a survey that was recently conducted, nearly half of all Americans don't know how these scores are derived or even what factors are used to come up with them.

 For example, if your credit score is 580 you are probably going to pay nearly three percentage points more in mortgage interest than someone who had a score of 720.

 Or another way of looking at it, if you had a $150,000 30- year fixed-rate mortgage and your credit score was good enough to qualify for the best rate, your monthly payments would be about $890. This is according to Fair Isaac, the company that created the FICO score and who the rate is named afte (Fair Isaac COrporation). If your credit is poor, however, it is very likely that you would have to pay more than $1,200 a month for that same loan.

 With so much depending on the credit score, it’s important to understand what it is all about and what are the things that affect it.

 Unfortunately, people commonly have a lot of misinformation and misunderstandings about their credit score. Here are five of the most common credit score myths and along with it the true facts:

 MYTH #1: The major bureaus use different formulas for calculating your credit score.

 FACT: The three major credit bureaus - Equifax, TransUnion and Experian -- give the score a different name. Equifax calls their score the "Beacon" credit score, Transunion calls it "Empirica" and Experian gives it the name "Experian/Fair Isaac Risk Model." They all use different names for the credit score, but they all use the same formula to come up with it.

 The reason that the credit score you receive from each bureau is different is because the information in your file that they base the score on is different. For example, the records that one bureau is using may go back a longer period of time, or a previous lender may have shared its information with only one of the bureaus and not the other two.

 Usually the scores are not too far from each other. Unless there is a big difference between what each bureau says is your credit score, many lenders will just use the one in the middle for the purpose of analyzing your application. So, for this reason alone it is a good idea to correct any errors that exist in each of the three major credit bureaus.

 MYTH #2: Paying off your debts is all you need to do to immediately repair your credit score.

 FACT: Your credit score is mostly determined by your past performance more than your current amount of debt. It will definitely be very helpful to pay off your credit cards and settle any outstanding loans, but if yours is a history of late or missed payments, it won’t remove the damage overnight. It takes time to repair your credit score.

 So definitely pay down your debts. But it is equally important to consistently get in the habit of paying your bills on time.

 MYTH #3: Closing old accounts will boost my credit score.

 FACT: This is a common misconception. It's not closing accounts that affects your credit score, it's opening them. Closing accounts can never help your credit score, and may actually hurt it. Yes, having too many open accounts does hurt your score. But once the accounts have been opened, the damage has already been done. Shutting the account doesn’t repair it and it may actually make things worse.

 The credit score is affected by the difference between the credit that is available and the credit that is being used. Shutting down accounts reduces the amount of total credit available and when compared with how much credit you can use your actual credit balances are made to seem larger. This hurts your credit score.

 The credit score also looks at the length of your credit history. Shutting older accounts removes old history and can make your credit history look younger than it actually is. This also can hurt your score.

 You generally shouldn't close accounts unless a lender specifically asks you to do so as a condition for them giving you a loan. Instead, the best thing you can do is just pay down your existing credit card debt. That's something that definitely would improve your credit score.

 MYTH #4: Shopping around for a loan will hurt my credit score.

 FACT: When a lender makes an inquiry about your credit, your score could drop up to five points. Some borrowers think that if they shop around by going to a number of different lenders that each time a lender does an inquiry it will generate another reduction in the credit score. This isn’t true. For credit score purposes, multiple inquiries for a loan are treated as a single inquiry, as long as they all come within a 45 day period. So it is best to do your rate shopping within this 45 day window.

 MYTH #5: Companies can fix my credit score for a fee.

 FACT: If the credit bureaus have accurate information, there’s nothing that can be done to quickly improve your score if in fact you have a history of not handling your debts well. The only way to have an effect on your credit score is to show that you can manage your debts in the future.

 Also, if there are errors in your file, you can contact the bureau yourself. You don’t need to pay someone else to do it. Each of the major credit bureaus has a website which clearly explains what you need to do to correct an error.

 So, the best ways to improve your credit score are: pay down the debt, pay your bills on time, correct existing errors on your credit reports in each of the three bureaus and apply for credit infrequently.

How to secure your credit card?

Ultimately keeping you credit card safe is you responsibility. Indeed, in a worst case scenario, if it can be proven you may have been negligent in keeping your credit card safe, you may find yourself liable for the cost of all transactions made fraudulent on your account should you lose the card. To help you avoid this, here are 5 basic credit card safety tips:

 Never have more cards than you need

 While it is always advisable that you have more than 1 credit card, in case it gets lost, you should never have more credit cards than you actually need to use. The principal reason why this is the case is because it becomes harder to keep a track of which cards you have and where you have kept them with the more cards you have.

 Always keep a photocopy of your cards

 How many times have you been asked what you card number is only to find yourself looking for your card to get the number? Now, what happens if you have a card stolen and no credit card statement to-hand? You have a problem! For this reason, it is always best practice to take photocopies of you credit cards to so that always know where to find the number should anything unfortunate happen to your card.

 Always keep your receipts separate

 Among the most important of the basic credit card safety tips you’ll receive is never to keep your credit cards and credit card purchase receipts in the same place – because likely as not if you have lost your card, or if it is stolen, then you’ll have lost or stolen the receipts as well. Now there is no way for you to vouch which transactions were yours and which where not – or, there is no way to tell which was the last genuine transaction you made.

 Moreover, never keep a record of your PIN with your card, this is only asking for trouble!

 Never give your account number to someone you don’t know

 If you are ever asked to give your credit card details to someone you don’t know, or who as initiated a discussion with you (rather than the other way round) over the phone or via email, you should always refuse. Worst come to the worst, phone the card issuer and ask them if it is okay for you to divulge the information or phone the enquirer back. If the enquirer seems reluctant to accept this, you have to ask yourself why!

 Never leave your account details open to public viewing

 It may sound rather basic to say you should never let ‘Joe public’ see your credit card account details, but ask yourself this question: “How often have you received a publication subscription form in postcard format?” Now, suppose you complete this with your credit card details filled in. Suddenly half the world has access your credit card number, expiry date and signature!

 Although the above may sound like 5 basic credit card safety tips you already know, you would be surprised to see how many people fail to follow one or all of them!

How to create a shining credit profile?

As a consumer you’ve learned the importance of establishing a good credit rating with your lenders. Whether you are shopping for a new home or auto, or searching for the best deals on insurance, your credit worthiness will be judged by your credit rating or credit score.

 A bad credit history or bad credit habits will place “black marks” on your credit profile. These include things such as late payments, having an account assigned to a collection agency, and of course bankruptcy.

 Establishing good credit habits and therefore a good credit rating will improve your credit worthiness. This will be reflected in potential lenders offering you substantially lower interest rates and better deals on credit offers.

 Here are 4 tips to help you create a shining credit profile:

 1) Pay Your Bills On Time

 Lenders only have your past payment history on which to decide the type of credit risk you present to them. How you pay off your debts now indicates to them how you will pay off future debts.

 2) Don’t Use Too Many or Too Few Credit Cards

 How much is too much ? How little is too little ? Many credit experts and financial planners suggest two to four credit cards is just the right mix.

 3) Pay At Least The Minimum Due

 Always pay at least the minimum due payment, but never less. And remember, just paying the minimum payment means it will take you years and years to pay off that credit card.

 Example: Paying off a $2,000 credit payment at 18% APR with a minimum monthly payment of 2% ($40 dollars or less) will take you 30 years to pay off the amount plus interest.

 4) Review Your Credit Report Regularly

 Monitor your credit report from all three major credit bureaus - Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax - on a regular basis. Check your credit profile at least annually. Review it carefully and make sure that any past mistakes or disputes have been corrected.

 Also, if you notice an account listed that you know that you have not personally opened, contact that creditor and the credit bureaus immediately. This could be a sign that you’ve had your identity stolen. Request to have a fraud alert placed on your profile and account to protect yourself and your credit. Identity theft is the fastest growing consumer crime in America, with an estimated 1 million people victimized each year.

 Establish good credit habits early in life and reap the benefits that your good credit rating will provide you for the rest of your financial future.

How to choose a reputable Credit Repair company?

If it's been a while since you've looked at your credit report, you may be surprised to find errors, mistakes, or even a black mark or two. Fortunately, a Credit Repair Company can help you fix those mistakes and erase those black marks. Watch out for scammers, though, and choose a reputable Credit Repair Company with these tips:

 Don't pay anything up-front

 Avoid a Credit Repair Company that wants you to hand over a fee or payment before they meet with you. Reputable companies will first talk to you, assess your credit report and discuss your current situation before asking for any type of payment for their services. An up-front fee is a red flag that the company will probably take your money and run. And no matter what type of charges you may incur, be sure they aren't exorbitant. If a Credit Repair Company claims your case will cost thousands of dollars, look for another one.

 Watch out for "re-inventors"

 Some companies will tell you that you can wipe your credit slate clean by "re-inventing" yourself with a new social security number. But that's not true! In most cases, what they plan to do is get you a new credit report by applying for an Employee Identification Number (EIN)--used by businesses--which resembles a social security number, and you're told to use it as such. But this practice, known as "file segregation," is a scam, and it's also illegal! Avoid any Credit Repair Company that suggests this practice.

 Look for one that helps you help yourself

 A good Credit Repair Company will tell you (for free!) what you can do yourself, such as writing letters to creditors and contacting the credit reporting bureaus about errors. Avoid any Credit Repair Company that encourages you to do anything illegal or unethical--such as disputing a legitimate charge or fee on your credit report.

 Before signing up with any Credit Repair Company, make sure you check with the Better Business Bureau. They'll have records of any formal complaints against the company, so you can avoid scammers and rip-off artists.

4 key principles to help you guard against running into credit card debt trouble

Business people usually cash in on the holiday seasons to maximize their sales and profits. It will be high season for them. They will stock up, price up and smile all the way to the bank. They know that people will be less restrained in their suspending than at any other time. It possible that you may be among the many who have suffered post-holiday season financial stress, and want to make sure it does not happen again. Your success in this will be determined by how well you control three critical factors: your increased rate of spending, the manner in which you finance that spending, and the heavy financial demands that follow in the subsequent month.

 Financing Using Plastic

 With holidays like Christmas or the New Year seeming to come round too quickly, people often find they have not saved up enough for their celebrations. Moreover, budgeting is an alien concept during this and spending can spiral out of control. To cover the inevitable shortfall in resources, the credit card is an obvious attraction. There are advantages to using the card to finance your expenditure:

 i) It gives you free access to about a month’s credit.

 ii) It gives you the temporary ability to spend beyond your current means.

 iii) It allows you to track your expenditure.

 iv) You do not have to carry lots of cash around with you.

 Use of credit card, how ever, does carry with it significant dangers if it is not carefully controlled. Research indicates that spending could increase by up to 35% when using a credit card compared with using cash. Here are some key principles to help you guard against running into credit card debt trouble.

 1. Spending Plan

 If your spending is going to exceed your income for the festive month, consider cutting intended festive expenses, or other expenses, to stay within your income. I am assuming you have drawn up your spending plan for that period. That’s where a credit card comes to the rescue. Though not readily apparent, the use of your credit card can create distortions in the management of your finances. Unless you are monitoring your spending in both cash and credit, there is a danger that you will be uncertain whether or not you are living within your means. It would therefore be unwise to begin using a credit card if you are not in control of your finances, that means using a spending plan.

 2. Debt to Income Ratio

 Do not forget that use of your credit card adds to your indebtness. In managing your financial affairs, one of the key indicators to watch is your debt-income ratio. This is monthly debt repayment as a percentage of your monthly after-tax income, and raises a red flag when you tinker with too much debt. A ratio of over 20% is becoming unhealthy. If you already have credit card debt that is overdue, do not add to it.

 3. Bridging Finance

 Use of a credit card is ideally a means of short- term financing of your operations. That means settling any debt incurred using your card within days. Paying the minimum balance will not do. If you are not confident that you can pay it off in full, you wound do yourself a huge favor by not using a credit card. Should you decide to go ahead and use a card, you need to be prepared for extra costs in interest and penalties associated with extended credit. This adds to your expenses, and you need to be ready to be ready to reduce other regular expense to accommodate this, otherwise you run the risk of creating ongoing hard-core debt

 4. Net Worth

 Credit card debt incurred during the festive season is usually for consumer spending- paying for your holiday, buying gifts, entertainment, traveling expenses, etc and creates what is known as consumer debt. This kind of debt adds to your liabilities, but contributes nothing to your assets. Your net worth is reduced to the extent of consumer debt incurred. Shrinking net worth is not good for your financial health. So do have yourself a happy holiday. But as you go about it, finance it in a way that gives you the comfort that you won't be debt-laden the following month.

What to look for in an Airline credit card?

Airline credit cards have steadily been gaining popularity in the past few years. Airlines and other companies related to the travel industry benefit as customers utilize their services more frequently; brand loyalty is strengthened as well. Consumers with a good credit history gain by obtaining greater value from their credit cards. Fundamentally, airline credit cards operate in a similar manner; purchases charged to the credit card earn travel points for the card holder, these points can be redeemed in various ways, for example contributing toward free travel, hotel stays, service at a car wash, etc. Four key features to consider while selecting an airline credit card are given below.

 Low Interest Rate: The cost of credit is measured in terms of the annual percentage rate (APR). A good credit profile helps to obtain a low APR, i.e. prime + 4%. Most credit cards offer a “variable rate” plan in which the APR changes with certain economic indicators. The interest rates vary with the cards and are influenced by other offerings such as the grace period, annual fee, bonus points, etc. A card holder who does not carry a monthly balance need not really worry about interest rates; however, people who do carry their balances forward can select from a number of airline credit cards that charge a low interest rate. Some cards offer an introductory rate of 0% interest on balance transfers over a period of time, which is typically 12 months.

 Preset spending limit: The spending limit in airline credit cards can vary from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. The minimum monthly payment is liable to increase with higher spending limits. Some cards allow users to spend over the credit limit, the amount over the limit and the resulting penalty are settled in the subsequent month’s payment. Credit card bills can quickly balloon to unmanageable proportions. Therefore, inveterate spenders are well-advised to carefully consider the preset spending limit before settling on an airline credit card.

 Compatibility with other frequent-flyer programs: It is important to check whether an airline credit card offers this feature; portability of miles points is desirable as it allows one the freedom to use the services of more than one airline for redeeming the points. By not being tied down to one airline, users have an increased number of destinations to choose from. Bank-sponsored airline credit cards offer greater compatibility with other frequent-flyer programs as compared to airline-sponsored credit cards that usually focus on a single airline.

 Annual fees: There are several airline credit cards that do not charge an annual fee. Non-airline credit cards that allow users to accumulate miles are usually fee-free. The purpose behind fees is to try and defray the costs of the free miles and other freebies. The average annual fee for airline credit cards is around $ 70. Frequent fliers stand to gain more by using cards that charge a fee because with these cards the airline miles benefits are more as compared to cards that are free. Moreover, if the card is used for business-related travel, the annual fee can also be tax deductible.