Credit Card GO!

On most days I love my work as a financial advisor to my wide variety of clients. I love helping people take a serious look at their financial situation and helping them make wise financial decisions. I get frustrated, however, when my clients “put the buggy before the horse” so to speak and start worrying about things like credit problems before they have even applied for credit. I have had countless conversations about the importance of filling out a credit card application as the first step toward building credit.

It is shocking how many people forget about the credit card application as a necessary means to the end of actually having a credit card and being able to build up their credit card situation. So quite frequently I have to sit down with a client and work through the process of filling out a credit card application before we can move any further in our discussion about the importance of building up good credit for the rest of their lives.

The process of applying for credit can be rather overwhelming if you have no idea what kind of credit to apply for or what kind of credit card deals to avoid. If you’re anything like the average citizen, you receive countless credit card applications in the mail each week. How can you determine what really is a good deal and what is beneficial for your future? I’d encourage everyone to take their pile of credit card applications and make a visit to a financial advisor as soon as possible. Allow a professional to assist you in the decision making process.

The next step is just to fill out the credit card applications that you have chosen to go with and see which ones you are approved for. You might have a little trouble getting approved for your first credit card, but you’ll never know unless you actually fill out the credit card application to be approved. This is one of the simpliest yet most overlooked steps in the process of becoming people for whom getting credit isn’t an issue. So start at the beginning and do what it takes to get good credit.

Common enough today, a model of the credit card in it’s current form was first invented by a fiction writer in early 1887. Edward Bellamy, author of “Looking Backward”, mentions the credit card in the context of a utopian and socialist American society of the distant future. His hero falls into a hypnotic time traveling trance and is whisked forward through the time a full century, ending up in Boston in the year 2000, a place where he is able to make purchases using a commonly held piece of plastic. Credit however evolved long before the concept of carrying it around on a piece of plastic. Credit and debt have been the driving force behind achievements ranging from people working their way out of debt to a land-holder, etc…

The advent of wide-spread credit card use was not seen until the 1920’s. At that point in time credit cards were not recognizable as the powerful buying tool they are today. There use was fragmented, and very often just tied to specific merchants rather than specific banks or as it is today. Later, carrying and using a credit card was just a way to use your money when you were away from your banking institution, a common use today, that debit cards have largely absorbed.

Still later, came partial or revolving payments. Initially, most issuers required credit card balances to be paid in full at the end of every month or pre-determined period. With the introduction of “revolving credit” came the realization that these cards were not just convenient for the user but could provide large amounts of revenue to anyone who wanted to tap into the strong desire to consume. This desire, coupled with new products and the convenience and care-free feel of handing over a card instead of cash has led some critics to believe that credit cards may have been responsible in part for The Great Depression of the 1920’s.

Though different in many ways, the modern incarnation of the credit card relies on the same trusts and understandings as its earliest counter-parts. The card is not cash, but a representation of cash, sometime of resources that don’t exist. The credit card taps into a history of human commercial interaction, created by necessity and re-imagined hundreds of times on its way to 2007. In the future, some predict that we will be living in a paper-less world. Many people believe that every money transaction will be purchased with a credit card from a cab fair to candy from a machine. The credit card has and continues to stand the grueling test of time.

The Chase PerfectCard Is Better Than Your Gas Credit Card

The prestigious J.P Morgan Chase & Company provides global financial services. Operating in more than 50 countries, the company offers its customers a wide range of services including business, personal lending, insuranceinvesting and many other personal services.

Understanding the needs of its customers, Chase has introduced The Chase PerfectCard. The card is for the benefit of the people who have fantastic credit and make frequent gas purchases.

The Card And Its Benefits

The Chase PerfectCard enables you earn good rebates on gasoline purchase and that irrespective of brand. The oil company credit cards allow the cardholders to use their card at certain gas stations only; however, this is not the case with The Chase PerfectCard TM.

You can avail of a 6% rebate that is applicable to all gasoline purchases made in the initial period of 90 days. Thereafter, you will be allowed only 3% rebate on all gas purchases. You even earn a 1% rebate on all the other purchases, no matter where you make your purchases.

The Other Card Blessings

Apart from the rebate program, the card also offers more facilities like a maximum of 500000 in travel accident insurance, purchase protection plan, and auto rental insurance.

The card has a 0% introductory rate applicable on balance transfers as well as on purchases for the initial period of 12 months based on your credit background. The annual percentage rate (APR) rises from 0% to 14.24% after the end of the introductory period. In comparison to the other gas credit cards, the APR is quite modest. You will find it convenient that there is no annual fee associated with this card.

The card will benefit you immensely if you have plans to pay in full after the termination of the introductory period and make the maximum use of card for your purchases. This way, you will be able to avoid finance charges and simultaneously gain rewards, i.e., earn great rebates.

The credit card also comes with benefits like a purchase protection plan, auto rental insurance and travel accident insurance. The cardholders will receive lost and stolen card replacement, emergency card and cash replacement, and fraud as well as security protection services. It provides platinum benefits concerning travel and emergency assistant services.

The Chase PerfectCard enables you to enjoy a gas credit card with the rabate program making you save on fuel costs in the face of rising oil prices.

Additional Advantages

Like most of the other credit cards, the Chase PerfectCard also provides its customers different account related services, no liability for unauthorized transactions, a financial statement at the end of the year, and more benefits.

However, you need to be careful about the applicable restrictions, exclusions and limitations. Always refer to the Guide to Benefits for the details when opening an account.

The Internet is a unique beast when it comes to payment transactions. You need to accept credit cards on your site, but there is a problem given the nature of credit card protection.

The Catch-22 with Accepting Credit Cards

The number one method of payment in transactions on the net is credit card payment. You must accept credit cards or you will get nowhere with your site. While this sounds like an obvious statement, accepting credit cards raises a host of issues.

The first issue to consider with credit cards is security. Unless you have been living under a rock, you know identity theft is a major problem. Your potential clients or customers know this as well, which means you have a problem. You must convince them that they are not risking anything by paying you with a credit card. To do this, you must use secure transaction systems or a well known online payment source that has credibility. You should also offer alternative payment methods such as mail in orders and placement of orders over the phone.

An even bigger problem is the protection given by credit card companies to consumers. You have probably seen the television commercials wherein credit card companies promise zero risk transactions. This process allows consumers to dispute a charge from your site. To win the dispute, they barely have to do anything. The burden is on you to show that they received what they ordered in a timely manner. If you cant show it, the charges will be canceled, known as a chargeback. You will learn to hate this term because not only do you lose the sale, but you also often have to pay a fine! This is simply the cost of doing business if you accept credit cards.

A really nasty situation sometimes arises with less than honest credit card users. They may dispute the charges from your site for no good reason. You may have sent them the product on time and they may love it. Nonetheless, they will simply go ahead and dispute the charge because they know they can. Again, this is the cost of doing business if you accept credit cards on your site. There really isnt anything you can do about it.

So, should you not accept credit cards? You have to. Consumers expect to be able to pay with plastic and you will suffer massive losses of sales if you do not offer this payment method. Put another way, you just have to grin in bare it when some scumbag issues a dispute for no reason.

In determining which credit card to choose, its best to know the purpose of getting the card. Credit card companies may offer cards to their clients that have flexible terms with varying annual percentage rates or APRs. In choosing a credit card, an individual will need to study carefully and understand the purpose for getting the credit card.

Different credit cards have different features, APRs, annual membership fees and promotions that they provide their users.

Some credit cards may offer low APRs with no annual membership on the first few years of use although these may change to higher APRs and varying membership costs after the expiration of their waived membership fees and low APRs. In this example, the use of this particular credit card may only be applicable for short term use as there may be other credit cards available that offers fixed lower than current industrys standard APRs. There are also credit cards offered in the market that waives the annual membership fees on a longer term basis as long as the credit card user is able to meet specific purchase and payment targets.

There are credit card companies on the other hand that offers reward points that provides flexibility in choosing how the rewards will be redeemed. Rewards points accumulated from purchases can be redeemed in the form of gifts, appliances, furniture, or even travel miles. For a frequent traveler whos also a frequent credit card user, he can maximize the rewards system provided by credit card companies that offers travel perks with their frequent flyer programs.

There are merchants in the business of retail that are also offering credit cards to help promote the sales of their products. A retail company selling products on the internet may offer credit cards under major credit card companies. While the credit card is technically a standard credit card that can be used in purchases from various establishments, the retail company that provides the credit card rewards the consumer with reward points depending on the amount of purchases made. The reward points accumulated then is converted to gifts, products or redeemable check amounts that can be redeemed for products from their stores on the internet.

In choosing which credit card a person will choose, its always best to understand the purchase habits the person has. A person whos a frequent traveler can maximize his credit card use by subscribing to credit cards that offers air mile rewards. A frequent shopper on the other hand may benefit from his credit card by getting a card that his favorite merchant is offering and later on redeem the points accumulated from the merchants stores.

The Best Credit Card – Shopping For A Credit Card

Credit cards are just like any form of credit, you should shop around to find the best deal. Depending on your situation, you may want to find a card with low rates, a reward program, or a 0% APR for transfers. Make sure you look at several credit card companies to find the best deal for you.

Comparing Programs

Credit card companies offer several different types of incentives to entice you to open an account with them. These rewards can save you money or earn you trips or cash back. If you plan on always paying off your monthly balance, then a reward program, such as airline miles or cash back, may be for you.

If you plan on carrying a balance on your new credit card, then look for the lowest rate. You will want a no frills card with no annual fees. You can also choose a card with a low introductory fee, usually lasting six months to a year, if you plan to pay off the balance soon.

For transfers, look for offers of 0% APR. These offers typically last for six to twelve months, but they can save you a bundle on interest. However, be aware that rates on these cards can shoot up after the grace period.

Finding Credit Card Companies

Im sure you have received several credit card offers in the mail this week, but you can find better deals online. The major financing companies offer special reward bonuses and special programs for students or small business owners.

Look at what each credit card company is offering along with their rates. You may also want to choose a card that you dont already have. While American Express and Discover offer excellent rewards, they arent accepted by everyone. Plan on having at least two different types of cards.

Always Watch For Deals

Once you have your credit card, continue to look at credit card offers. You may find an especially low rate or a good rewards program. You can easily apply for the card, then close an old credit card account. While having several different types of credit lines are good for your credit history, too many open credit card accounts can hurt your score.

Who dislikes bonuses? People are often enticed by attractive bonus offers and credit card offers are no different. Shrewd credit card companies are using lucrative credit card rewards to lure new customers in and sustain existing customers. Reward credit cards offer several key features that attract more customers into the fold. As a potential customer your duty is to distinguish between those genuinely beneficial reward credit card offers and those less promising reward credit cards. Many credit card issuers do offer a variety of rewards programs, however, they also find an innumerable number of ways to make up for those reward payouts with fees and charges that unsuspecting customers sometimes overlook.

Reward Credit Cards

If you are in the habit of paying off your balance each month, a reward credit card is ideal for you. Reward credit cards offer myriad rewards for using their respective cards. You can very easily earn reward points for merely making purchases with your card as well as a host of incentives that are offered in the form of additional redeemable reward points.

As you might suspect, card issuers and banks offer starkly contrasting reward redemption options. Credit card issuers give you the option to redeem your points in a variety of ways. Some cards give you an option to use your reward points on other purchased items. Some reward cards offer redemption toward free travel on specific airlines, discounts on merchandise, gas rebates, free entertainment discounts, movie tickets, or even straight cash back rebates. You can even earn a substantial discount on your next automobile purchase from some reward credit cards.

Difference between Reward and Cash Back Credit Cards

Reward credit cards and cash back credit cards are very similar. However, they have several distinct features that differentiate one from the other. Quite simply, a cash back card earns you a cash back rebate that is issued in rebate check increments of 50 to 100 or as credits back to your unpaid card balances. A reward card earns you reward points that can be redeemed on a variety of products and services, however, most reward credit cards will limit the range of merchandise and services to a few select companies.

Increasing Your Reward Points

If you are married, you may request an additional reward card for your spouse this enables you to increase the amount of purchases from both you and your spouse. More than likely, you have monthly bills to cover such as gas, water, electricity, trash, phone internet and cable service. And do not forget about the mortgage or rent payment. There are several reward credit cards available currently that allow cardholders to pay these monthly bills and earn reward points in doing so, a very enticing reward program. Be sure to first with your utility service providers, landlord or mortgage lender about making your monthly payments by credit card. But you should make sure that there are no added transaction fees for paying the bills in this manner. You can also use your reward credit cards to pay for your groceries instead of paying by cash, debit card, or check. This way you can dramatically increase your reward points much faster than just using the card for large purchases.

With all of that said, keep in mind that you must be absolutely sure that you pay off your card balance each and every month and painstakingly avoid carrying any sort of card balance on reward credit cards. Carrying a balance, in many cases, will completely negate the benefit of the reward points that you earn with finance charges.

To summarize how to properly use a reward credit card, you should only use a reward credit card if you expect to pay off the balance each month. Second, be sure to select a card with a variety of reward options so you can enjoy more flexibility when you redeem your points. And lastly, always be sure to redeem your reward points before they expire, which happens to be another common pitfall of reward credit cards.

Most people do not give much thought to how much the use of credit cards really costs. While you may think you are aware of the costs of credit, there are many hidden fees and charges that often go unnoticed by consumers until it is too late. If you do not keep a very close watch on your credit card fees, you could end up paying hundreds of pounds per years without evern realizing it. If you are trying to stay within a budget, hidden credit card fees can be a real drain on your finances.

Here are some of the most common types of credit card fees and what you can do to avoid them:

Your grace period may seem to be a period of time in which you can pay your bill past the due date without accruing additional interest of fees. While this may have been true in the past, credit card companies are making it more difficult to pay your bill late without any extra charges. In previos years, if you charged the maximum on your credit card but were able to pay your balance in full before the end of the grace period, it was like a loan extension that cost you no additional money. The majority of credit card comanies have reduced the grace period to less than 25 days and some have eliminated grace periods all together. A purcahse you make at noon today will usually begin accruing interest immediately. Check the fine print on your contract with the credit card company. If you find that you have no grace period before interest starts to build, consider switching to a more user-friendly card.

Late fees can really add up. Make certain you know what the late fees are for your credit card and under what circumstances you can be charged. Late fees have increased dramatically over the past several years. This fact combined with a reduction in your grace period means a hefty profit for credit card companies. Whenever possible, send your payment the very day you recieve your credit card statement. There are several reasons to never make a late payment on your credit cards. The most obvious reason is that you will avoid any late fees. Next, a late payment can be reported to the major credit bureaus, leaving a bad mark on your credit report. There is also the possibility that by making one late payment, your interest rate can be raised permanently.

You may not be aware that even with a single late payment, your credit card company can, and most likely will, increase your interest rate. One late payment gives your credit card company the right to raise your interest rate to the maximum allowed by law. This does not just apply to your credit cards. Any late payments reported on your credit report can give all your lenders the right to raise your interest rates. A late payment means higher risk to a lender and you may find that several of your interest rates go up due to a pate payment listed on your credit report.

Keeping your interest rates low and avoiding hidden charges and fees is the best way to save money over the long-term when it comes to your credit cards. Managing your credit is one of the most important factors in your overall finaincial stability. Make sure you understand completely the terms and conditions of your credit cards and all other credit accounts you may have such as your car loan, mortgage, and any other revolving accounts. By making your payments on time, you will save hundreds or more pounds each year in interst and other fees.

Enticing credit card offers fill the mailboxes of thousands of Americans every day. Accompanied by amazing offers of zero percent interest for six months and no fees for balance transfers, 15% to 20% off your first purchase, discount hotel rates and free movie tickets, the list goes on and on. And on impulse we fall to our knees and sign on the dotted line without thinking about just how much another credit card will affect our families, our credit histories, or our financial futures. Before you sign up for another card, ask yourself what is the rule of thumb for credit cards, just how many credit cards is enough? Do you know? Is there a magical number or is it just a matter of how you manage them? If your answer to all of these questions is I dont know, read on to find out.

Most Americans carry between five to ten credit cards in their wallets, with the average household owing 12,000 in credit card debt. Considering that the median U.S. household income is only 49,772, that is 24% of the income already committed with out considering mortgages or car loans. This is a bit alarming. Especially considering that future creditors prefer to extend credit to individuals or families with a debt to income ratio of 36% or less if 24% of that 36% is already committed to credit card debt, that doesnt leave room for much else. So just how many credit cards should you have? Surprisingly there is no magic number; however, two to three credit cards is generally viewed as enough.

While there is no magic number, the single most important thing to remember when you encounter the wonderful world of credit cards is that its not the number of credit cards that you have, but your outstanding balance and the number of years that an account has been opened. You should aim for an outstanding balance between 25% to 50% of the available credit on each credit card that you have. Any more than that sends a red flag to potential creditors who see your ability to repay, in the event you are faced with a major financial obstacle, decreasing as your debt increases. Additionally, multiple fairly new accounts are viewed negatively.

Something else to consider is that the fewer number of credit cards you have the easier it is for you to keep track of them. Keeping track of them includes knowing what your interest rates and fees are and any changes that may occur with them or how they are applied. Additionally, with just two to three cards you are in a better position to know exactly where you stand with your balances and your spending. To make sure that your credit is working for you and you arent working for it, it is pays to know where you stand; fewer cards help you to stay on top of that.

So there is no set number of credit cards that you should or should not have. The key to preventing yourself from getting trapped in the rat race is having a manageable amount, perhaps two or three that you can easily keep track of. It is crucial to know the interest rates for each card, your outstanding balances, and other card features. The next thing is knowing where you stand in terms of your overall debt including credit cards, mortgage, car loans, student loans in comparison to your income. With all of that knowledge in hand, remember two important percentages, the 36% which is ideal for your debt to income ratio and 25 to 50% for your outstanding balances.

Data Sources:
1. http:moneycentral.msn.comcontentbankingcreditcardsmartsp123470.asp
2. http:advertising.washpost.comthe_markettop10income.jsp
3. http:www.wsws.orgarticles2004jan2004debt-j15_prn.shtml

Using a credit card has become a very common way for a family to pay for the items it needs and wants. According to CardWeb.com, a firm that tracks the credit industry, the typical American family of four carries about 8,100 in installment debtmost of it in credit cards. At 18% interest, that costs them nearly 1,500 a year or 125 a month they cant spend or save for anything else.

How many credit cards do you currently have?

 Make a list of all of your bank cards, travel and entertainment cards, department store cards and gas cards. Are you surprised at how many you actually have?
 Now list beside each one, who issued the credit card.

 Now list your credit limit next to each credit card.
 Now list your credit debt associated with each credit card.
 Is your total debt more than 25% of your total credit line? If so, you are using your credit cards more than you should and getting more credit cards is not the answer.

 Now list the annual fees associated with each credit card.
 Next, list the interest rate next to each credit card.
 Now, add up all of the annual fees for all of those credit cards.

 Now, for each credit card, multiply the debt on that credit card by the amount of interest rate for that credit card. Then, total that up for all the credit cards.
 Add that figure to the total amount of annual fees you are paying on all your credit cards.

 That is the amount of money you are paying out each year for the privilege of having all those credit cards.

Jennifer Tarzian, of http:youngparentsmagazine.com says one question that gets asked often is What are the advantages to having credit cards? We hear all about the disadvantages, but what are some reasons why I might want a credit card?

Credit cards can help you build a positive credit history. This can enhance your ability to receive a private student loan, buy a car, rent an apartment, get a job, and buy a house.

Security in emergencies; Im sure you know all about Hurricane Katrina that hit New Orleans and devastated so many families. Most of them were caught unaware and those that could afford to, had to scramble to find hotel accommodations for their families, food, and other necessities. In a disaster like that one, having a credit card would be essential to protecting your family and for your own survival.

Reduced need to carry cash or checks; If you are robbed or just lose your wallet, you cant call and cancel cash. A credit card or even a debit card can help you avoid carrying large amounts of cash, especially when travelling.

Enhanced personal responsibility and independence. For young parents, college students, and others just getting started, having credit cards can help you make ends meet and gives you a sort of independence and even prestige and respectability.

However, only one national card like a “Visa” or a “MasterCard” is necessary to receive these benefits. If the stores where you shop already accept the major credit cards, you do not also need a credit card for their store. This can lead to you spending more than you can afford.

At http:creditcards.youngparentsmagazine.com , Jennifer Tarzian offers help in choosing credit cards, how to reduce credit card debt, how to prevent identity theft, what to do if your credit card is stolen, and a lot more.

She advises young parents to beware of too many offers you get via mail, email, and by phone. Credit card issuers often tempt consumers into carrying more debt than their income justifies. Then, when the customer is drowning in debt — stumbling to make even the minimum payment — they will pile on late fees, jack up interest rates and begin what often becomes a crescendo of collection calls. So be very careful. You only need one or two credit cards if you plan to control how much you owe.