Credit Card Basics Understanding Five Main Credit Card Terms

Credit cards are easy, right? You have a credit limit. As long as your balance isn’t as high as your credit limit, you can pay for things with your credit card. When you pay for something with your credit card, you don’t have to pay for it until later. You pay interest on your credit card balance and as long as you don’t go over your credit limit, everything’s fine.

Well, not quite. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about credit cards – and their answers, of course.

What’s interest?

In a nutshell, interest is money that you pay a lender for the privilege of using HIS money to buy something.

What’s this about ‘interest rates’ and percentages?

The interest rate is a way of determining how much you’re paying for borrowing money on your credit card. It’s stated as a percentage of the outstanding balance on your card, usually as an APR or annual percentage rate. The lower the APR, the less interest you’re paying on the amount you owe.

Okay – so why would anyone choose a credit card with a high interest rate?

Most people don’t CHOOSE to pay a high interest rate. The bank decides what interest rate it will charge you, usually based on how much of a ‘credit risk’ you are. They determine that by looking at your history of paying bills. If you’ve got a history of paying bills on time, then you’ll qualify for lower interest rates. If you haven’t ever had any bills to pay, or if you’ve had trouble paying your bills, that will show in your credit history, too. Since it’s a little riskier to lend you money, banks will charge a higher interest rate.

One other reason that people might actually choose a credit car with a higher interest rate is for the rewards or privileges that come with that card. If the card includes special perks that you want, they may offset the higher interest rate and make it worthwhile.

My card says that I pay interest on the ‘outstanding balance’. What does that mean?

Your outstanding balance is the amount that you owe altogether on your credit card. Credit card companies generally calculate what’s called an ‘average daily balance’ for each month and base your interest charge on that. If you had a $50 balance from the first of the month to the twentieth, then charged a $400 computer, your interest will be computed on the average between 20 days at $50 and 10 days at $450.

What’s the ‘minimum payment’? As long as I pay that, I’m fine, right?

The minimum payment is the lowest amount that the credit card issuer will accept toward your balance. It varies from month to month, depending on your balance. Paying JUST the minimum balance may keep your credit card active and keep the credit card company from reporting your account as delinquent, but it will barely make a dent in the amount you owe. Whenever possible, you should pay more than the minimum amount. In fact, it’s best to try to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid paying interest charges.

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For startup entrepreneurs having an excruciatingly difficult time raising capital for their project, borrowing against business credit cards becomes a very real temptation; and sometimes, it is the only option immediately available. The caveat is that if you do not manage your business credit cards wisely, you may end up failing in the venture that you have long wanted to establish. Without proper management, the debts that one incurs from business credit cards will simply pile up.

Business credit cards undoubtedly are very convenient to use. The moment you get approved for business credit cards, you get a guaranteed credit line that you can use virtually anywhere, anytime you need it. In spite of not having the cash, you can purchase what you need for the business with your business credit card. The convenience that business credit cards provide can also be the pitfall; and to the unwary user, business credit cards can be dangerous.

Knowing that business credit cards can be dangerous does not mean to say that you should not resort to using business credit cards to prop up your business. The key thing in minimizing the danger is to use the business credit card wisely, or to use it within bounds.

You might be too excited about a new business and get carried away about making more money and having a better life. But wait! Have you ever considered your fallback options should things not work out as you expect them to be? Remember that filing for bankruptcy is no longer an attractive option; the bankruptcy laws have been amended recently, and it is more difficult now for debtors to escape creditors in this way.

There is a way to avoid the debt trap. You should keep track of purchases you charge to your business credit card which you can easily do by logging onto your account at the business credit card issuers website. You should then work out your payment plan in advance by estimating your cash flow per month, and using this figure to calculate how much you can afford to pay against your business credit card debt. Pay off the entire business credit card balance as often as you can afford to. If that proves difficult to do, try to pay more than the minimum required payment for each month. This is the only way you can stay ahead of finance charges and the very painful bite of late payment fees and default APRs. Unless you have already arranged to remove the personal guarantee you signed in favor of your business, anything that happens to the business credit card account will have repercussions on your personal credit report.

It is necessary and quite educational, really that you do comparison shopping on trends in business credit card rates. You must educate yourself about how you can effectively use the float period on purchases, the fees for cash advances and late payments, over credit limit charges, balance transfer fees, and penalties for late payments. Then, there are also the annual fees: some business credit cards charge annual fees while others do not. There is a lot of information about business credit cards on the huge variety of websites devoted to the subject. Manage your business credit cards well, and they will help you finance your business.

When it comes to credit cards, the reward credit cards are usually much more popular because more often than not, consumers are dazzled by the concept of earning points and winning prizes for themselves just by using their credit cards. But you see, thats simply considering one side of reward credit cards and thats the nice side, by the way. The other side would be the high interest rates that reward type of credit cards charge its users. So you see, youre not winning those prizes for free or at least not completely unless you have the means to pay for your purchases before the cut-off period or before you get charged with interest.

This article, however, shall enlighten consumers about the less popular type of credit card and that would be the non-reward credit card. A non-reward credit card does not allow you to earn air miles or win gift certificates and other cool prizes for yourself just by swiping your credit card as often as you can. Rather, a non-reward credit card lets you purchase everything you want with a lower interest rate compared to reward type of credit cards.

Of all non-reward credit cards being offered in the market, its the 0% intro rate credit card that creates the most buzz because of two magic words zero percent! And thats right credit card companies kid you not with their zero percent interest rate offer! But of course, thats not all there is to it. Though we have nothing against 0% intro rate credit cards, we do suggest that you apply for a 0% intro rate credit card only when its the type of credit card that would best suit your needs.

A 0% intro rate credit card would be most suitable to a type of user who can not afford high interest rates like whats being charged by reward credit cards, thats for sure. Secondly, a 0% intro rate credit card would also be most suitable to someone who has pressing needs to buy or acquire something but has not enough money to go through with the purchase. Because of their very situation, having a 0% intro rate credit card would be of most help since even with the required monthly payments, they still wouldnt pay as much as they would with other types of credit cards.

Of course, all good things must come to an end and a 0% intro rate credit card is unfortunately no way different. As it is only an introduction rate, once the time allotted for it elapses, you shall revert to paying for normal interest rates.

But thats a long time coming and you dont have to worry about that yet. Whats important is to be able to buy what you need and applying for a 0% intro rate credit card is the key!

Credit cards are the safest way to make payments, which carry no risk of theft or anything else. To avoid credit card debt you are advised to make payment before statement date. If you are already under the threat of credit card debt then you are recommended to take credit card debt consolidation loan to consolidate credit card debt.

Here are some best methods for credit card debt consolidation.

You can apply for credit card debt consolidation through Internet or by applying to your local creditors. Both secured and unsecured forms of Credit card debt consolidation are available in market to choose from, it will be better to take an unsecured loan because a miss payment may lead you lose your security.

For credit card debt consolidation you should take loan from a single creditor because it is easy to pay to a single creditor than to pay to multiple creditors.

With credit card debt consolidation you can get better rates as your new creditor will offer you easy terms with lower monthly installments and lower interest rates.

You can make your life simple with credit card debt consolidation by paying one bill per month, which will cut a lot of stress and bill paying time.

If you are unable to take credit card debt consolidation loan at your desired low interest rates then you can borrow needed money from your life insurance policy to eliminate credit card debt.

Of course, the best method to consolidate credit card debt is to minimize the use of credit card, which is in debt, and to transfer the balance to a lower or zero interest credit card.

Credit card debt help is usually available for both personal and business debt problems at most financial services.Do not postponing taking care of your credit car debt. You can lose a lot of money!

Advanta Platinum Business Secure Business Expenses With One Credit Card

For years Advanta has ingeniously utilized its financial knowledge and great managerial, promotional and customer service expertise to erect a long-term strategic client partnership. Now, they have a special Advanta business credit card on offer.

Business owners tracking for a credit card that would take care of all their business expenses will end their search at Advanta Platinum Business Card MasterCard. Its a better alternative for your Business Card enclosing rewards youd love to add to your kitty.

Special features

Just go through the features to find out for yourself, what is so special about Advanta Platinum Business Card MasterCard

-The platinum credit card has no annual fee on the card and for the first twelve months youll get an attractive 0% introductory rate on purchases and balance transfers.

-The actual reward associated with this card is the exceptional credit line of up to $50,000. Now, this is a good option for those who charge on just about everything, yet are not willing to be restricted by lower credit line.

-When the introductory tenure ends, the interest rate is a variable 13.49% for both cash advances and purchases, although the rate for cash advances is directly tied to the cardholders credit and will be 5.99% or 12.49% plus Prime Rate.

-With minimum of $5 you can access a cash advance of 3% and with convenience checks a maximum of $50.

Supplementary Services

-Through Credit Line request you can manage your account online

-Youre given a free primary vehicle rental insurance

-Your money is secured with an automatic theft and damage protection cover

-Special Savings On Business Products and Services will help you to enjoy benefit of discount of up to 25% or more with subsequent companies and others as listed below:

1) Palo Alto Software 2) IBM 3) Ramada Inn 4) Penny-Wise Office Products and more

Additional benefits and services

Advanta Platinum Business Card MasterCard is always a handsome bargain in terms of the additional benefits and services youre allowed. If you have planned to manage maximum benefits from your credit card, scamper your eyes over the additional benefits below, which you could derive as a cardholder:

-You can do free online bill payment. So, you can save your time and money by making payments to your online Advanta account

-Have your personalized and billing date and checks.

-You can avail online Statements and Management reports

-Authentic protection for purchases and extended warranties with your card

-You are getting services and products discounts from participating retailers and merchants outlets

-Attuned to both Microsoft Money software and Quicken

These are some standard business account benefits enjoyed by any average business owner resorting to Advanta Platinum Business Card MasterCard. Even though you find the rate a little high as compared to that charged to an individual with good credit, well its sensible if your account doesnt carry a balance always.

Credit Card Balance Transfer How To Use It To Your Advantage

A credit card balance transfer is not right for everyone. Just like most of the options in the world of finance there are some definite benefits to getting your own balance transfer credit card as well as some pretty significant downsides. The key to success with any kind of balance transfer or any other financial product or service is to first learn all that you can about that particular subject before you can understand how to use it to your advantage. Never jump into getting a balance transfer credit card without all the facts, this is where so many people end up in hot water, they leap before they look and when it comes to money that is always a bad combination.

The benefits of a balance transfer are great in many cases. For example who doesnt want to be able to switch the balance from one credit card with high interest to one with no interest at all? That is exactly what you can do when you have a new credit card that is still enjoying its interest free period. Of course if you do not have one of these you may simply want to perform the credit card balance transfer in order to enjoy a lower interest rate. This can save you thousands of dollars a year if you are looking at a significant amount of credit card debt.

There is a growing movement of consumers who are getting credit card after credit card so that they can constantly perform balance transfers. This is easy to do as all you need is to make sure that you are approved for a new credit card when the interest free period of your old one runs out, ensuring that you can simply perform a credit card balance transfer to the new card and once again enjoy paying no interest. Sounds easy, right?

This kind of balance transfer is straightforward and anyone can do it if they have a halfway decent credit rating. And if you can control your spending habits it might even be a good idea as the balance transfer credit cards will allow you a nice amount of breathing room and the time you need to start paying off the principle rather than just the interest on your loan. If on the other hand, you are like most people and you find it hard to not spend money when you can, then a credit card balance transfer is probably not the best solution for you.

There is nothing more difficult than curbing spending. If you have the available space on your credit card, are you going to be able to say no to those wonderful jeans you saw in the store window? What about that fantastic stereo you just saw the other day? Can you resist them? You must be able to if you want to use this technique of avoiding interest with credit card balance transfers. If you are in doubt then find another way!

More and more balance transfer credit cards are hitting the market today because the industry is recognizing what a powerful tool balance transfers can be for consumers. Everyone wants to save some money and the sad fact is that it can be very difficult, especially since having credit cards makes it so easy to spend more than we actually have. A credit card, especially a balance transfer credit card, can be a powerful weapon in your financial management toolbox; you just need to know your limits and your weaknesses. That is the only way to avoid trouble with balance transfers.

A credit card balance transfer could be your saving grace; then again perhaps it is the wrong solution for you. The only way that you can be sure is to learn all you can about the credit card balance transfer process and all of its pros and cons.

Best reward credit cards are today sought after by many individuals for the benefits that they offer to their customers. Best reward credit cards are also known as reward credit cards in short.

Some of the best reward credit cards are offered by companies like Visa, American Express, Citibank, and Discover. All the cards come with their own benefits and conditions of carrying on transactions with the card and so the customer should check out the features of each card before selecting the best reward credit card. One can check out the offers provided by the different credit card companies, compare the costs and the features of each card and then can apply by filling out the online form or by calling the company representative.

Let us discuss further the features of credit cards from different companies.

Citibank Reward Credit Card – The reward credit card offered by Citibank is known by the name of Citi Diamond. This card carries a 0% APR for any transactions or transfers for the first 12 months. The credit card also carries reward points for purchases made through the card, which one can redeem for purchases made from grocery stores, drug stores, and departmental stores. The card carries 5 points for every $1 worth of purchase. The customer also gets a $50 gift card and they can redeem 5,000 bonus points after the first purchase that they make with the card. The card has a regular APR of 12.5% and also there is no annual fee.

American Express Reward Card – The reward card offered by American Express is known by the name of Blue. The reward credit card carries a 0% APR for the first 15 months and then the regular APR of 11.5%. There is a free credit card reward program and there is no annual free. One can apply online and can get an instant approval online.

Visa and Discover Reward Credit Cards – Visa offers the Chase reward credit card. The card carries a 0% APR for the fist 12 months and then the APR carries the rate of 13.5%. Also there is no annual free and one can redeem the points earned for merchandise and travel. One can earn a bonus of 1,000 points on the first purchase made on the card.

Discover has come out with the Discover platinum Gas Card. The card carries 0% APR for the first 12 months and there is no annual free. After 12 months, the APR rate is 11%. The benefit of using this card for gas refilling is that one can get a full 5% cash back guarantee on the bill amount and 1% cash back guarantee on other purchases. Also the cash back bonus gets doubled from $20 to $40 when one redeems the points accumulated for products at one of the 40 brand partners who have tied up with the company.

Hence we see how the different types reward credit cards offer great benefits to the customer. There are also other reward credit cards available from other banks like HSBC. Hence, it is best to compare the benefits and the prices of the reward credit cards offered by several companies before choosing the best reward credit card scheme. The ultimate purpose should be to transfer as many monthly house holding expenses to the credit card account to avail the best benefits offered by the rewards cards.

People used to think that they had enough on their benefits with their credit cards. They thought that the rewards they get and the low interest they have is already enough to last a lifetime. But times have changed and now cardholders are
wanting more. They are no longer happy receiving a toaster or a coffee pot. They want more. Like free vacations, free services and more.

However, there are instances when they get to have the chance of seeing promotions like 0% APR. Now, this is really something. But the question is, is it true? Is there a great probability that credit card companies can actually offer a 0% APR? Lets face it, credit card company’s are in business to make money not lose it.

For most financial experts, they contend that it is, indeed, possible. In fact, credit card companies would definitely go for this kind of scheme just to get the consumers on their hook.

That sounds too good to be true, indeed. But the question is how come they can offer something so good just like that?

Normally, 0% annual percentage rate or APR lasts only for 6 months. The countdown starts from the day the credit card is claimed.

In most instances, 0% APR are attractive to people who would want to have a balance transfer. This is because they would want to consolidate all of their debts into one payment only. And because they have a huge pile of debt, they would rather go to a credit company that can offer them lower interest rates. But be careful. Since the 0% APR rate usually only last for six months make sure you check the rate that is charged after the six months.

With things like 0% APR credit card, who can resist them?

Moreover, with the 6-month timeframe, people will get to have the chance of paying their standing debts for a whole six month-period only. That would be a lot of savings.

But then again, 0% APR credit cards are not at all beneficial to everybody. As they say, there is always an exception to the rule. This refers to those who do not accumulate interest charges simply because they have outstanding balance. So, they wouldnt feel the necessity of getting a 0% APR credit card.

The best credit cards for these types of people are those that offer rewards and cash backs instead of lower rates.

All of these boil down to one point, that people must be aware on how these wonderful offers can provide them the benefit that they want. With all the credit card offer being offed now days a consumer should shop around for the best deal at meets their needs.

Indeed, there are lots of rewards and 0% APR credit cards out there. But if it will not work for those who do not really need them because of the mentioned situations, then its best not to have them at all. Besides, the best 0% reward is not to have a credit card at all. And if you do have a 0% APR card don’t over extend yourself. Buy only what you can afford.

Credit Card Debt Consolidation: How To Get Out Of Your Credit Card Debt In An Easiest Way

Today, with so many growing strains, especially in financial areait is more common than ever for people to have uncontrollable amounts of debts. This kind of debts usually occurs in form of credit card bills, and it becomes a major financial problem for many individuals and families.

An ordinary people in US alone, not mention in another developed countries, has a monthly balance of about $8000 that consists of credit cards and student loans. Unfortunately, this credit cards balance have very high rates of interests, and these high rates of interests have constantly drain away cash from monthly household budgets.

If you trapped in this conditions, the only way to get rid to opt for credit card debt consolidation.

The Biggest Problem of All

Many people fail to realize that paying one credit card bills with another one is not the solution, and by doing so, only increase their debt burden at an increasing and generally uncontrollable rate.

After seeing this act only make things worse, many people turn into debt consolidation in hope there is miracle that can free them from debt instantly. However, it is not the case, debt consolidation only works as a way or plan to help people get out of debt in possible way according to those people conditions.

The Proven Way to Reduce Credit Card Debts Using Debt Consolidation Program

Having a large credit card balance not only could affect your physical condition but as well psychology condition which leads to financial and emotional acute stress. Trapping in this conditions should aware you not to increase your debt to such an extent that will become problematic to pay it off with additional interests.

Debt consolidation program could assist you to some extent by lowering your monthly debt payments, which eventually putting an end to credit harassment. They can also improve your credit rating by consolidating the debts into one monthly payment.

With all being said the best way to get out of credit card debt is to spend cautiously and consolidate your debt.

Credit cards are ubiquitous and relatively easy to obtain. The process involves filling out a credit card application form, which is a relatively straightforward process. All the same, it is advisable to have an idea of how credit cards work and the right way of filling out a credit card application.

An individuals credit history has a major bearing on the approval of his credit card application. Credit card companies can access an individuals credit history from various credit reporting companies. Applicants too should carefully read the application form and ask relevant questions about the credit card company. Unless the credit card is from a company that one is already doing business with, it is advisable to get an idea of their customer service and check for information on the Better Business Bureau. The Federal Government requires that the credit card applications elaborate the terms of credit clearly for the benefit of the applicant. This makes it easy for applicants to arrive at a decision regarding the right credit card for their circumstances.

Since credit card usage varies between people, there are different types of cards available; however, for a majority of people a low interest rate credit card works best. The credit card application mentions whether the APR is fixed or variable. The variable rate varies with the prime rate fixed by the Federal Reserve. A variable APR may not be a good idea for those who carry their credit balance forward. Other features such as the annual fees, grace period, and transaction charges should be understood. This helps in comparing offerings by the various card companies and in understanding the compatibility of these offerings with ones lifestyle.

After approval of the application, the card is mailed to the individual. It is advisable to read the accompanying literature carefully and file it safely for future reference.

In order to understand the various terms used in a credit card application and to get other helpful advice, an individual can research on various websites that offer easy-to-understand explanations.