Sep 29

Low Interest or 0% APR Credit Cards Take Your Pick

While many credit cards offer rates hovering between 20% and 24%, some of their competitors offer far lower interest rates, including introductory offers of zero percent interest and ongoing rates below 10%. These rates, obviously, make it much simpler to transfer and pay off balances quickly. Low interest credit cards are in high demand currently and credit card providers have provided a wide variety of low interest and 0% APR offers to keep their place within the steep competition in the credit card market. You could even find some retailers offering 0% APR credit cards, often including purchase rebates and/or discounts. Some credit card providers even offer the 0% APR for up to 15 months. Utilizing a low interest credit card offers an excellent opportunity when making large consumer purchases as well.

Because the market for consumers with excellent credit is so competitive, low interest credit cards are often available with no sign up or annual membership fees. Many times, these fees will keep the cream of the crop credit customers from applying for their cards. If your credit is unblemished, you can take your pick off offers and you should never have to pay a fee to acquire a low interest credit card or 0% APR credit card ever. The fees are only for those with poor credit, who are a significant risk for nonpayment. Shop around until you find a credit card company that is willing to compete for your business by eliminating fees.

The obvious benefit of a low interest credit card is that you will spend a lot less money over time on interest and fees. One thing to watch is the length of the introductory period. Many cards offer low or zero percent interest for several months, and then the interest rate jumps directly up to 20%. Make sure you read the fine print of any credit card offer before you sign up. The more information you have about your credit card upfront, the fewer unpleasant surprises you will face down the road.

One of the most popular ways to save money with 0% APR credit cards is to transfer a balance from a higher interest loan to a new credit card account. Sometimes, the introductory credit card rates are even better than auto loan rates, so there are some who would transfer their remaining car loan debts onto a new credit card and save on interests, knowing they can pay off the balance of the car before the introductory period expires.

Be aware that cash advances may come with their own fees, and with their own correspondingly higher interest rates. There may be separate interest rates for balance transfers, new purchases, and cash advances. While one way low interest credit card companies make money is from the percentage they gain from retailers and merchants, they also make a significant amount of money from people who do not take the time to read all of the specific terms and conditions that go along with their new low interest credit cards. Again, read the fine print before signing up!

Properly researching the card offer in advance will definitely save you a lot of headaches in the future. Do not be one of the many victims of credit card debt; instead, use your low interest credit card to your financial advantage. The key is to find and utilize the available information. The more information you can gather, the better decision you would make. It would be a shame to rejoice over a newly gained low interest or 0% APR credit card, just to open up your bill after the first month of purchases to find an unpleasant surprise. Low interest credit cards could be a real financial lifesaver, but they could easily become a trap for the unaware. Stay ahead of the game, and know what you are getting into before you apply.


Sep 27

Compare and Find the Best Deal on Business Credit Cards

The internet search engines are making it increasingly easier to obtain relevant information about financial products such as business credit cards. By opting to compare the different options you have at your disposal online, you are saved from the trouble of physically having to request or even worse, having to fetch the different brochures and leaflets from business credit card issuers.

You will come across a number of available websites, each containing a broad selection some for specifically for small business credit cards and some for corporate business credit cards. A couple of web sites are purely informational, offering reviews about the many brands of business credit cards, and providing the pros and cons of each. There are also sites that allow you to compare up to four business credit cards side by side, making it possible for shoppers to juxtapose the corresponding business credit card features.

Among the features of business credit cards, you should consider comparing the business credit cards annual percentage rate (APR). Although it may not be your intention to carry a balance on the business credit card bill from one month to the next, good sense will in all likelihood dictate that you may have to if your business gets into an unexpected cash flow squeeze. It is essential that you look for low or zero percent APR business credit card offers, in case circumstances only allow you to pay partial amounts as opposed to the full balance due on your business credit cards.

Another thing you may want to take into account is the fees related to obtaining a business credit card. At the time you do your comparative shopping, you should make sure that the business credit card companies do not cancel out the rewards and bonuses they offer with their products after you have filed your business credit card application.

In case you still do not find the right business credit cards to match your business needs, you may consider approaching the banks that issue business credit cards. You can call your own local bank, where you keep the deposit accounts and maintain the line of credit for your business, first. Then compare their business credit card offers with the business credit card products of the big national banks. Most banks would be happy to keep you as one of their valued business clients and may offer special rates on business credit cards.

Comparing different types of business credit cards may be tedious and time consuming, but it is time worth spent. You should be able to locate a business credit card that does not only provide substantial savings but also maximum benefits for your business. Business credit cards can help you gain an edge over your competitors: Your business should be more able to take on larger deals, and subsequently expand due to the guaranteed credit line and other financing features of your business credit cards.


Sep 27

Choosing a Business Credit Card – Comparing Business Credit Card Applications

Does your business pay too much for its credit card? Too many businesses just settle for a basic credit card from their local bank. Those businesses end up paying too much interest or high annual fees. For the money you already give the bank, doesn’t your business deserve better?

A smart business compares available credit card offers to find the card that best suits them. Just because you have a bank account just down the street, it doesn’t mean
you’re stuck choosing from their credit cards. Check what the other banks have to offer.

First you should decide what is important to your business. Do you just want the lowest interest or do you want the best rewards? Analyze your credit card use to see what
saves you the most money. Look at factors such as:

  • monthly credit card spending totals
  • average running balance
  • payment habits
  • where you spend the most

Those factors and more will determine which credit card type is right for your business:

Low Interest Business Credit Cards

If you keep a running balance on your credit card, a low interest rate should be top priority. Make sure that the card doesn’t have a high annual fee that offsets the
low interest rate. Also remember to check both the intro apr and the standard rate.

Cash Back Business Credit Cards

Get cash back on all your credit card purchases with a card offering this feature. Get a percentage discount everywhere you use these cards. Does your current business
credit card give you 5 – 10% back on all your business expenses?

Airline Miles Business Credit Cards

If you need to travel you should consider a credit card that offers travel rewards. You can earn free flights or other rewards. These cards offer rewards for either
a certain airline or for most major airlines.

Balance Transfer Business Credit Cards

Do you owe money on your business credit card? You can transfer that balance to another credit card that offers a special balance transfer interest rate. For their
introductory period you can get interest as low as 0%. After that period you could even transfer the balance to your old card.

A lot of the best business credit cards will offer a few of those features. Consider your priority of these features when comparing card offers. You don’t necessarily
need a card that has all of those features. Your business may only need a card that concentrates on one reward. Compare the best offers and then apply online for fastest
approval. If you are paying too much for your current credit card, you want to start saving today.


Sep 26

Credit card debt consolodation
The benefits from Credit card debt consolodation

Credit card debt consolodation seems to be the most talked-about term in the world of credit cards. Its true that credit cards have been very useful and convenient for us and we, in fact, treat the credit cards as a necessity. However, with every good you have evil too. In the world of credit cards, Credit card debt is that evil and Credit card debt consolodation is often regarded as a medicine for treating credit card debt.

Anyone who has read any newspaper articles on Credit card debt would already know what credit card debt consolodation is. However, just for the benefit of others, credit card debt consolodation, in simple terms, is the process of consolidating debt which you hold on various high APR credit cards onto just one low APR credit card. Thus, the main benefit of credit card debt consolodation is realised in terms of APR reduction (and hence reduction in credit card debt growth rate). This is touted as the most important benefit (and sometimes the sole benefit) from credit card debt consolodation. However, credit card debt consolodation comes with few more benefits as well. Some of these credit card debt consolodation benefits are widely publicised by the credit card suppliers and some not so much:

1.Initial APR: As mentioned above, lower APR is the biggest benefit from credit card debt consolodation. Since credit card debt consolodation is used by credit card suppliers as a tool to attract consumers, they generally offer a 0% APR for a initial period of 6-9 months of you joining their credit card debt consolodation programme i.e. first few months after you get the new credit card.

2.Standard APR: Lower standard APR (i.e. the long term APR) is the other important benefit from credit card debt consolodation. Though not all credit card suppliers offer a lower standard APR with credit card debt consolodation some do design credit card debt consolodation programmes with good standard APR. These credit card debt consolodation programmes offer a trade-off between initial and standard APR rates.

3.0% on purchases: This is another common benefit from credit card debt consolodation. The 0% interest (or some lower percentage) on purchases is offered as an incentive for credit card debt consolodation. This credit card debt consolodation benefit is again applicable only for a short initial period.

4.Easy management: This credit card debt consolodation benefit is not as discussed as others. However, one benefit of credit card debt consolodation (from multiple to single credit card) is the fact that you need to track and manage a lesser number of credit cards.

5.Other benefits: The credit card debt consolodation exercise might bring you some more benefits in terms of rebates, discounts and reward points (especially if you move to a co-branded card as part of credit card debt consolodation)


Sep 23

What Is Phishing?
All new technologies come with their drawbacks and it is no different with credit cards. One of these drawbacks goes by the name of Phishing. When a person uses a fraudulent email or online shopping site to get hold of information about your credit card or bank, it is called phishing.

Phishing is easy which is why it is so popular with thieves. In the first instance, it begins with a cleverly phrased email that seems to come from your credit card company or your bank. It usually asks you to provide confidential details for verification. It may also threaten to close your account unless you give the necessary information. Another popular method is to set up fake shopping websites that only accept online credit card payment. You will never get the goods that were displayed. If you comply in either instance, you will end up with a highly inflated credit card bill and a sadly depleted bank account statement.

How To Protect Yourself From Phishing?

The best way to protect your credit card from phishing is to reveal information only after cross checking. Often, all you need to do is contact the concerned bank or company and confirm the email. A detailed scrutiny of the email before dashing off a reply also helps. Such emails usually do not have a salutation like ‘Dear Customer.’ The name of your Credit Card Company or bank will also be spelt incorrectly. Since anti-phishing scanners search text messages, phishers may enclose the message as an image. If your credit card requests are contained in an image, be doubtful.

In case of online shopping sites, beat the tricksters at their own game. For a first time purchase, use a credit card that is about to expire and has minimum credit. If the purchased item does not land at your doorstep within the promised time, at least your losses will be limited and you can be sure that the information cannot be used to perpetuate a bigger fraud.


Sep 21

Teen credit card debt statistics
What do the teen credit card debt statistics tell?

Well, you dont really need to look into the teen credit card debt statistics to tell whats going on. The teen credit card debt statistics would probably look very similar to any other. I think I read somewhere about teen credit card debt statistics and those teen credit card debt statistics indicated that a lot of teens in US had a significant amount of balance on their credit cards; something which they shouldnt have (considering their limited needs for credit). Though these teen credit card debt statistics would give you a fair idea of how our teens are faring in the world of credit cards its really not so important to talk about teen credit card debt statistics as it is to talk about the ways of bettering the teen credit card debt statistics (I mean bettering the teen credit card debt statistics in a positive way).

So how do you better teen credit card debt statistics?

Well, the bettering of teen credit card debt statistics would, as you must have guessed, start with education. This education has to start early in the life of the teens. Here we are not talking about just credit cards related education but the education about managing their finances in general. Teen credit card debt statistics cannot be improved without explaining the actual value of money to the teens (and also teaching them how to use it). So, for bettering teen credit card debt statistics, we need to give them an all round education on managing money and finances. This can start with asking them to maintain a record of their pocket money and how they spend them. Also, engage them into education related to money management (of course, you have to customize the discussion to suit their level of knowledge and maturity). The next step would be to open a bank account for them and teach them the various aspects of managing it. Teach them what debt it and when it is considered bad. Debit card could be the next step for them. Once they start becoming comfortable with doing their bank transactions by themselves, you can get a prepaid credit card for them (something that has a preset limit of $200-250). You could also use a low limit credit card (with $250 credit limit) and teach them how to use it.

Thus you can follow a step-by-step approach to ensure that your teens learn the best practices (and hence you can keep them out of those horrifying teen credit card debt statistics, thereby contributing to bettering the teen credit card debt statistics).


Sep 21

Low APR Credit Cards or 0 APR Introductory Which is Better?

Comparing low APR credit cards to all the 0 APR Credit Cards can be a long and troublesome chore and you may still have problems deciding which one to choose from. When you see all of the various incentive programs, rewards, and, of course, the 0 APR feature you may think you should jump in and get that card before the offer expires. But are the benefits really worth the price you will have to pay after the introductory offer expires or are low APR credit cards instead a better choice?

First, look at the incentive programs offered by the various companies. If you do not travel all the time, then one with rewards of air miles is one you can ignore, and so on and so forth. If you are just trying to decide on a regular credit card without all the free incentives that you can earn and you just desire to learn if low APR credit cards or 0 APR Credit Cards are better, then you can now compare these two types of offers.

So ask yourself these questions:
-Do you wish to have a credit card to purchase something expensive that you cannot afford without putting it on credit?
-How long will the 0 APR last?
-After the introductory period ends, how will the APR change?
-Are there membership fees, annual fees, etc?

If you really need to buy something expensive then the 0% APR can look very appetizing, however if you will not be able to pay off your purchase by the end of the introductory special, you may learn that you will be paying more in the long run with higher interest rates. If you buy something expensive with a low APR credit card, of course you will have to pay interest, but the APR will not rise drastically after the introductory special. This can make a big difference if you do not pay off the debt within the timeframe of the introductory offer only to be left with a much, much higher APR to pay off. The low APR credit cards have the advantage of a sustainable APR and may even save you more money over time.

Remember, the introductory special will not last forever, most credit cards companies have introductory APR offers that last from 3 months to as long as 15 months. Then you will go to a higher APR. Therefore, low APR credit cards might, in fact, be a better solution for some consumers.

The best way to decide is to calculate the big purchase that you wish to make, see how much balance you will have left on your card when the special APR is gone and then see if it is still lower than what you will pay with low ongoing low APR credit cards.

Most importantly, regarding any credit card offer, you need to learn to ask questions and read the fine print. Are there any other fees that apply with low APR credit cards? It is always best to choose a credit with lower fees, lower interest rates and of course one that will fit your needs. Low APR credit cards do not change once the introductory time period is over which is a very big plus.


Sep 21

Like the other players entering this market, their business credit cards too are designed to help small business owners free their personal credit cards from the burden of business related expenses whilst offering them a fresh source of purchasing power.

There are a number of business credit cards in their repertoire. Since many small business owners find rewards and discounts to be attractive features in business credit cards, Chase issues several different versions of these. The more interesting offers include cash back features ranging from 3 to 5 percent on the purchases that small business owners typically make on a day to day basis. Chase business credit cards with premier cash rebate, give 3 percent cash back on purchases of gasoline and office supplies, and those purchases made at restaurants, hardware stores, and home improvement centers; all other purchases give one percent cash back.

The cash rewards business credit cards offer 5 percent cash back on purchases from all merchants. Such a substantial cash back feature will doubtlessly induce greater spend on this business credit card.

They have an interesting flexible rewards platinum business credit card, allowing a choice between four kinds of rewards. The business earns 1 point for every dollar spent on this business credit card and the points accumulated are redeemable in the form of cash back, travel, merchandise or gift certificates, from 2,500 points upwards.

Chase also issued business credit cards in partnership with other companies, including Amazon, Bell South and others. Professionals get some special treatment with their own business credit card product, aptly named the Chase Professional card.

In what could well become quite popular, Chase released a purpose designed business credit card for contractors. These business credit cards are issued under the Visa signature business credit card series, which means that there are no pre-set spending limits enforced.

The contractor business credit cards allows for some elbow room on cash flow by giving 60 days of same-as-cash credit for certain qualified construction purchases. Within the 60 days and at a 0 percent APR, the business will not be required to make payments against qualified construction purchases charged to the business credit card. Bear in mind though, that the purchase must exceed the $1,000 mark.

It is important to note, that those in default on their business credit card payments for due balances, will lose the special privilege. Those balances above the revolving credit amount will be subject to finance charges, which will be included in the minimum payments due.

Contractor business credit card holders get 2 percent cash back on all material and supply purchases and 1 percent on all other purchases. The eligible business credit card purchases will include those made at retail stores or with other contractors recognized by Chase. Business credit card purchases made at warehouse clubs, discount stores, and superstores will not be eligible for the 1 point for every $1 purchase feature.


Sep 17

Credit card debt elimination
Taking a step towards credit card debt elimination

So you have decided to go for credit card debt elimination and are wondering on what the methods for credit card debt elimination are. As they say, lets take the bull by its horns and lay it all flat on the ground. There are generally 2 recommendations that are most common for credit card debt elimination: controlling the expenditures and consolidating debt. Lets check both of these credit card debt elimination recommendations and check the list of things that you can do for achieving credit card debt elimination using these recommendations:

1.Control your urge to spend: The first thing to do for credit card debt elimination is to control your expenditures. Here we are talking about the payments you make using your credit card. Remember that the main reason being your getting into credit card debt is uncontrolled expenditures using your credit card. So if you are really serious about credit card debt elimination, this is one thing that will help in credit card debt elimination by preventing accumulation of further debt. Here is what you can do to control your expenditures:
a.You need to stay away from attractive offers that are put-up by various shops and stores. Dont buy anything that you dont really-really need. After all you are looking for credit card debt elimination not supplementation.
b.Leave your credit card at home. If you really-really need something, then you can fetch your credit card from your house. This will prevent you from yielding to the too-attractive-to-resist sale offers (that are actually there all the year round). This credit card debt elimination technique, again, works on the principal of prevention is better than cure. This will prevent unplanned expenses from happening.
c.Prepare a monthly budget and stick to it. This is really a very important credit card debt elimination measure. This budget will form the basis of your credit card debt elimination plan. So if you deviate from your budget, your credit card debt elimination plan will go for a toss.

2.Debt consolidation: Debt consolidation or moving from high APR credit cards to a low APR one is generally the first step (the first reactive step) for credit card debt elimination. Here are a few things that you need to do:
a.Do not go for the first balance offer you come across. Analyse various offers and choose the one that best suits you. This will be an important thing on you credit card debt elimination plan. Initial APR, Initial APR period and standard Apr, all need to be considered.
b.Read the fine print on the balance transfer offer and check the terms and conditions on these. These might affect your overall credit card debt elimination plan.
c.Compare other benefits e.g. rebates, reward points, etc, before you actually decide to go for one of the offers.

Credit card debt elimination is about proper planning and discipline. So make your credit card debt elimination plan and stick to it.


Sep 16

Millions of Americans have credit cards, using them almost every day for everything from mundane things like groceries to exciting purchases like vacations. But unless you already have a 0 APR Visa, Mastercard, or Discover credit card, chances are youre still looking for one. Who wouldnt want a credit card that offered 0 percent APR?

The APR is the annual percentage rate, and it determines how much interest you pay on your credit card. No-interest credit is the best, obviously; a credit card with no APR means youre paying back only the amount you borrowed, with no additional charges. When the bank makes you a 0 APR credit card offer, youre liable to jump at the chance! But you dont need to wait for the bank or credit card company to come to you. You can get a 0% APR credit card yourself.

First youll need to check your credit score. The credit card companies are more likely to give you a low-repayment credit card as a reward for being a low-risk consumer. Get a copy of your credit report from one of the online sources available — youre entitled by law to one free credit report per year — and see if there are any blemishes that might prevent you from getting a 0 APR credit card. You should check your report even if youre sure youve never done anything to earn bad credit, because mistakes can creep into your report. The last thing you want is to be denied an interest-free credit card because of something you didnt even do!

Once youve confirmed your credit report is solid, or done whats necessary to clean it up, you can apply for a credit card with confidence. There are two ways you can go about getting no-interest credit. One is to approach your current credit card companies and request a lower interest rate. Tell them youd like to do a balance transfer, point out your positive credit history, and ask for zero APR credit. Many times, they will give you 0 APR for a period of six months or a year, which is fine: Before the time is up, you can set up 0 percent APR on a different card and transfer the balance. If your credit stays good, you could move your balance from one card to another indefinitely, thus keeping 0 APR credit for the life of the loan.

Another option is to open new credit cards that have 0 APR offers. These are easily found online, and the 0 APR credit card is usually an introductory offer, which means it switches to a higher APR after six months or a year. The same procedure applies: Take advantage of the offer, and then transfer the balance to another 0 APR credit card before the time is up. Before you get any new credit cards, though, be sure to check into their policies on balance transfers. Some have different APRs for balance transfers as opposed to purchases.

With a little work and careful spending habits, its possible for anyone with good credit to get a 0 APR credit card. Why should the credit card company get all your hard-earned money with its fees and APRs? No-interest credit is the way to go. Good luck, and happy spending!