Thursday, February 3, 2011

An Assessment of the Benefits of Rewards Credit Cards

Many people have enjoyed the benefits of having a rewards credit card. They get excited about new privileges and rewards programs that allow them to earn more points for every time they make a credit card purchase.  The different benefits attract more people to apply for a rewards credit card.
______________________________________________________________

Attractive Rewards

A rewards credit card has become one of the top things that people want to have these days.  Despite the costs of using such a credit card, many people are still interested to have one in their wallet.  Aside from being a convenient tool to use when making purchases, rewards credit cards enable cardholders to maximize the use of a credit card by letting them earn points in exchange for something of value.  Credit card providers use rewards credit cards as a loyalty program to increase and retain their customer base.

Rewards can be in the form of a cashback bonus, frequent flyer miles, special store discounts and merchandise.  These rewards are indeed attractive to anyone.  However, you must remember that these are not given for free.  Credit card companies want you to spend first before giving you something exchange.  If you don’t have a problem controlling yourself when you do use your credit card, choosing a rewards credit card will be of use to you.  Do not be carried away with charging everything on your credit card just to earn the rewards you want.  You are only putting yourself in more debt when you get into this kind of habit.

Matching Rewards with Needs

Before getting a rewards credit card, you need to ask yourself if having such a card will be beneficial in your life.  If the rewards credit card will let you earn frequent flyer miles, you can surely benefit from this reward if you are a frequent traveler.  Cashbacks are also offered as rewards by some credit card companies.   A cashback bonus is like a rebate based on a percentage amount of your purchases.  Cashbacks are usually credited to your balance either every month or every year.  Cashbacks are particularly useful when you plan to carry a balance on your rewards credit card.  Cashbacks that are credited monthly can help you repay some of the interest charged on your balance. 

Another form of rewards program is the store discount.  Some credit card companies may offer special discounts for a minimum spend using your rewards credit card.  The discount is considered a privilege since only cardholders can avail of it.  Be sure that when you avail this type of rewards program, you can make the most of the discounts provided.  Otherwise, you need to find another rewards program that best fits your preferences and spending habits.         

Since there are many different types of rewards out there, you need to find a rewards credit card that lets you enjoy all or at least most of the rewards.  A rewards credit card is useless if you don’t use it as often earn points.  Comparing rewards credit cards and their benefits can help you with your goal of maximizing the potential of rewards programs.   
______________________________________________________________
Are you in search of a reliable solution to your credit or personal finance concern? Then look no further - we have exactly the answer. Credit Card Comparison helps you make not jut the right choice but also the perfect pick for a credit card provider. We offer reviews and comparisons of the best credit cards, plus tips, guides and other helpful information on balance transfer credit cards, low interest credit cards, fees, and rewards. We have everything you need to know about credit cards.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Choosing the Best Airline Credit Card

An airline credit card is best for people who travel frequently in one month.  Credit card providers usually offer rewards programs for airline credit cardholders.  Points for frequent flyer miles can be earned for every dollar spent on purchases.  Some airline credit cards have other existing promotional offers with certain merchants as an added bonus.  Whatever the airline credit card, it is important that you know which one matches your travel needs. 
_________________________________________________________________
Making the right decision in choosing an airline credit card can prove to be difficult if you don’t have all the details.  Knowing what credit card features you want will make it easier for you to choose.  Aside from the features of airline credit cards, you need to know the interest charges.  Beware of high interest rates since this might prove to be a liability in the future.  You don’t want to sink in too much credit card debt by paying off high interest rates. 

American Express Platinum Card

The American Express Platinum Card is an airline credit that offers users with domestic and international travel insurance.  This feature will make you feel safe and secure every time you use your credit card for travelling.  If you want this type of feature, check with other issuers for credit card comparison before making your final decision. 

Citibank Gold Card

This credit card offers cardholders complementary rewards programs and access to Citibank World privileges.  Citibank credit cards have certain perks reserved only for their users.  Just like the American Express Platinum credit card, Citibank Gold also offers cardholders with international travel insurance. 

Virgin Flyer Credit Card

The Virgin Flyer credit card earns frequent flyer miles that can be availed through Virgin Airlines.  When you choose this airline credit card, you can avail of the cheap annual fee of just $99.  You also get to enjoy promotional offers like a free second seat when you buy one seat on Virgin Blue. 

Take advantage of credit cards that offer low interest rates during the first year.  Chances are, low interest rates will also be applied during the next year.  Ask first before filling out a credit card application form.  Some credit card issuers will not let you pay an annual fee during the first year.  This is a marketing move to target first-time credit cardholders.  Waived annual fees will save you more money.    

Don’t be fooled by credit cards that offer lots of promos right away.  Some offers might be misleading since they are only available for a limited amount of time.  You may have filled out an application because you like to avail of a certain special promo.  But once, you get the chance to make a purchase, the promo is no longer available.  Avoid this kind of disappointment by choosing only a credit card that lets you enjoy long-term benefits such as frequent flyer miles.  You can earn as much points as you want as a reward for using your airline credit card. 

Do you have a favorite airline for traveling?  Ensure that the credit card you choose lets you earn frequent flyer miles for your preferred airline.  This will keep you from the inconvenience of unfamiliarity and discomfort of traveling with an airline you dislike.  This can also be a problem for people who are loyal to a certain airline.  If you fly from one international destination to another as part of work or business, an airline credit card is the right one for you.  Just think of the flyer miles you will earn every time you use your credit card.  You might get to enjoy a free round-trip international flight with the right credit card.    
_________________________________________________________________
Are you in search of a reliable solution to your credit or personal finance concern? Then look no further - we have exactly the answer. Credit Card Comparison helps you make not jut the right choice but also the perfect pick for a credit card provider. We offer reviews and comparisons of the best credit cards, plus tips, guides and other helpful information on balance transfer credit cards, interest rates, fees, and rewards. We have everything you need to know about credit cards.
    

Common Credit Card Mistake: Failing to Check the Credit Card Statement

Credit card mistakes can be very costly. The cost does not necessarily mean monetary. Often, those mistakes also affect the borrower’s credibility which is often reflected in his credit record. A negative credit record affects the borrower’s chance of getting in the future a mortgage or a loan for something big, like a car. Hence it is best to avoid mistakes whenever possible.
_______________________________________________________________
There are credit card mistakes that are difficult to deal with. Some will take so much time and effort to resolve. There are also mistakes that are easy to deal with, even avoidable. One of these is the mistake of failing to review the statement regularly.

What happens when you, the borrower, fails to check your statement regularly? It will cause you a lot of problem, and when left unattended, those problems carry with them serious and expensive consequences, such as fees and charges that may end up too heavy for you to settle.

Here are tips, suggestions and recommendations for you so you can be sure that your statements are reasonable and accurate:

Check for Unusual Activity.

When you check your credit card statements, observe and take note of any unusual activity. Check each item meticulously, never mind if it is time consuming.

Items to watch out for: Unauthorized charges.

If there are items that you know are unauthorized charges, is it possible that your credit card information was stolen? It is possible that you are a victim of identity theft. If you are really sure, get in touch with your credit card company immediately.

Generally, if it can be proven that it’s an unauthorized charge, the credit card company can issue a charge back. If your identity was indeed stolen, normally credit card companies freezes the card so it becomes unusable to the thief.

Honest Billing Mistakes
   
This is understandable, and forgivable. There will always be times when occasional honest billing errors are made. Mistakes are common specially when making purchases online; for example double clicking on the pay button more than once.

This is primarily the reason why it is very important to pay close attention to your credit card balance and charges because when you do, it’s not difficult to spot these irregularities.

Delaying actions can be very costly. If you wait too long before you settle anything irregular, there is a chance you might exceed a company’s return period. If it was their error, definitely they will attend to the problem right away. But if it was your error and it was technically a justifiable charge, you might find yourself carrying the burden of loss if you procrastinate.

Fees and Charges You Know Nothing About

If you are familiar with your transactions, and you regularly check your credit card statements, there’s no need to worry about fees and account changes you’re not aware of.

Most common situations include a payment that was not processed correctly. When this happens, you will be charged a late fee. If you do your part and counter check everything, this will not be hard to see. You can immediately call the credit card company and have it corrected.

Another situation might be that you availed of a temporary introductory offer on balance transfers. Your billing statement will show you when that offer expires. This will then tell you to settle your account to avoid the interest charges.

So, it is always best to check and review your monthly credit card billing statement immediately the moment you receive it. Verify charges against your own records, like purchase receipts. 
________________________________________________________________
Are you in search of a reliable solution to your credit or personal finance concern? Then look no further - we have exactly the answer. Credit Card Comparison helps you make not jut the right choice but also the perfect pick for a credit card provider. We offer reviews and comparisons of the best credit cards, plus tips, guides and other helpful information on balance transfer credit cards, interest rates, fees, and rewards. We have everything you need to know about credit cards.

Best Credit Card Features

Like any other decision in life, comparing credit cards will only be easy if you know the advantages and disadvantages of each option.  Credit cards have many features to choose from. You can use credit card features as your point of reference when choosing the best credit card.  Start by conducting a research on the best known features of credit cards. 
_______________________________________________________________

Low Interest

Credit cards have interest charges when credit cardholders fail to pay off their outstanding balances on the due date.  One of the worst things you can experience when having a credit card is paying high interest rates.  This can increase your credit card debt if you don’t know how to manage your finances well.  Some banks and other credit card issuers can charge a very high interest rate.  You will be surprised to know that once you take a look at your credit card statement.  One sure way of avoiding this precarious situation is choosing a credit card with low interest rates. 

Getting a low interest credit card is a wise idea for first time credit card users.  Starting out with this type of credit card can save you a lot of money over time when you pay for your purchases.  Low interest credit cards are generally known as the best credit cards due to the low interest fees on all credit card purchases. 

When a credit card provider, offers you a low interest credit card, there are a few important things that you should know before filling out an application form.  Most banks offer an introductory interest rate for a certain period. This is an introductory offer enjoyed by credit cardholders with some banks offering 0% Annual Percentage Rate or super low interest rates than other credit cards.  After the introductory period expires, the credit card provider will revert to the prevailing interest rate which is usually higher than the initial rate.  In order to verify this limitation, you must read the terms and conditions of the policy thoroughly before making your decision.  Find out how long you can enjoy the low interest rate and how high it will be after the stated period. 

Rewards Program

Some may even call this type of credit card feature a loyalty program.  The idea here is that frequent usage of your credit card lets you enjoy perks or rewards as an incentive for your loyalty.  This feature is often used by credit card issuers to attract more customers.  This has been a common practice since banks are always in competition with one another.  Choosing a credit card with this feature entitles you to potentially great deals depending on how a certain rewards program works. 

Some rewards credit cards offer cash back incentives for using your credit card for each month.  Cash backs are calculated on a percentage basis.  For example, you can get a 5% cash back bonus depending on the amount you spent using your credit card. Other rewards also offered are lifetime low interest rates.  These types of rewards cards are essentially desirable because you can save money for every usage.  Other attractive rewards include frequent flyer miles, special store promos and merchandise as incentives for the credit cardholder.  Before you select the best credit card, you must understand how these credit card features work for you.  Assess each credit card feature according to its level of importance to help you choose your credit card wisely. 
_______________________________________________________________
Are you in search of a reliable solution to your credit or personal finance concern? Then look no further - we have exactly the answer. Credit Card Comparison helps you make not jut the right choice but also the perfect pick for a credit card provider. We offer reviews and comparisons of the best credit cards, plus tips, guides and other helpful information on balance transfer credit cards, interest rates, fees, and rewards. We have everything you need to know about credit cards.  

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Learning Necessary Things To Know About Credit Cards

Almost everybody lives a fast paced life nowadays, which makes the demands for the use of credit cards extremely high. Most people are aware that credit cards provide exceptional benefits and services to their consumers, and many are just desperate to apply for one. There are lots to choose from, and first time applicants need to sort out all the options available.

Significant Things To Know About Credit Cards

It is important for someone who is planning to have a credit card to learn everything there is to know about credit cards, not only limiting their knowledge to its benefits, but including its terms and conditions as well.

For starters, the first thing that you should ask when still deciding which credit card to go for is what your needs and goals are. These things are supposed to influence your decision in choosing a credit card in order to land with the best one available.

The Benefits

The second thing that you need understand is that there are many credit card categories out there. The credit card industry is highly competitive that each company comes up with a different strategy in order to win over a huge percentage of the credit card market. They try to outdo each other by attracting consumers with flashy new features, incentives, and rewards. Some may include travel perks, special discounts, cash return, freebies, and other benefits. These offers are surely enticing enough to make you want to get up on your feet and immediately head to the nearest bank to file an application.

The Catch

However, there is mostly a catch to these features. Alongside with these credit card rewards are interest rates and annual fees. For someone who is still searching for his or her first ever credit card, it may be relevant to look into a credit card’s interest rates, annual fees,  possible penalties, and other charges, prior to making a final decision.

Applying For A Credit Card

These details may not be initially disclosed by the credit card issuer, but they can all be found in the credit card agreement form. That is why reading through the fine print is also crucial. It serves as a legal contract between you and the creditor, and there are things about it that you need to comply with. There, you will also find out that activating a credit card will automatically bind you with the agreement, whether you have understood the stipulations or not.

So once again, read through the agreement form before signing into the contract and make sure that you pick a card that has the most suitable benefits, low interest rate, reasonable fees and charges.

Learning all these factors is the best way to determine which among the available credit cards out there is the most suitable to your needs. Once you finally go through these things successfully, you will be able to enjoy the true benefits of credit cards and maximize their potentials to your own advantage.

_____________________________________________________________
To make the most of your credit card experience, you should find one that's right for you. And for you to get the best deal around, compare credit cards and pick out the one which offers the lowest interest rates, an excellent rewards program and the best protection against fraud. At Credit Card Finder, having the best credit card has never been this easy. 

Understanding Introductory Rate Credit Cards

An introductory rate is an interest rate that is usually below-market and is offered for the initial billing cycle(s) of the credit card. Introductory rates are also called teaser rates and honeymoon rates.


What is a Credit Card Honeymoon Period?

A credit card honeymoon period gives you a reduced interest rate for the select “honeymoon” or introductory period. During this period, which is normally between six (6) months to a year, annual and regular account keeping fees may also be suspended.

What Are Introductory Rate Credit Cards or Honeymoon Credit Cards?

Introductory Rate Credit Cards or Honeymoon Credit Cards are actually marketing strategies adopted by lenders to attract customers. After this period expires, the rate reverts to a higher interest rate. The revert rate is usually the credit card’s purchase rate, although some lenders will default to the cash advance rate after an introductory low rate, which is usually higher than the purchase rate.

How does a low introductory rate help?

If you have a large credit card debt, a honeymoon period can alleviate the burden and help you pay everything off during the honeymoon period.

For example, if at present you are paying huge amount of money because of the high rates on your outstanding balance, what you can actually do is to transfer the balance to a lender offering a low introductory rate. Doing so would dramatically reduce the amount of interest you are paying on your debt. Moreover, if you are wise enough to put your interest savings towards your balance each month, then before the low rate expires, you have reduced significantly your debt.

The introductory rate can be speedily expired if you're more than 60 days late on your credit card payment. When this happens, your credit card interest rate may increase to the default rate, which is the highest interest rate charged on the credit card. This will not do you any good.

To enjoy the benefits of credit cards, always ensure to pay it off in full every month so that you avoid interest charges. If, however, you have not done this in the past, and now you’re finding yourself overburdened with interest charges and ballooning credit, a honeymoon period might help you get back on track.

Other Things to Consider

Introductory Rate Credit Cards or Honeymoon Period Credit Cards are very attractive, but remember that, like normal honeymoons after the marriage ceremony, it ends, or the good times end.

Prepare for the honeymoon period to end. But don’t forget to take advantage of all the nice things about the honeymoon period: the low interest rates plus the suspended annual and regular account keeping fees.

Here are things worth looking into prior to committing yourself to this type of credit card. Again, be aware of the traps placed to ensnare naïve borrowers who never look into the details. Find out as much as you can about the following:

o        What will be the interest rate after the honeymoon period ends?
o        What does the reduced rate apply to? Some providers only apply the reduced rate to the balance you are transferring over. For every cent you spend over the original balance amount, a higher interest rate may apply;
o        Are there penalties for late payment? If you are late in paying a repayment amount, even by a day, some providers will revert your account to their standard interest rate and will disallow you from reverting back once you’ve paid.

So, before you decide to take advantage of a honeymoon period, be sure to read the fine print. Ask for clarifications if there are things you don’t really understand. Find someone you trust and seek advice. Think hard and think well before making any decision. Make an informed decision.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Balance Transfer Credit Cards with Zero Percent Interest Rates

The rapid increase of interest rates in Australia just made it more painstaking to look for a reasonable balance transfer from a credit card. More credit card providers are on the rise. Hence, offers become more competitive each time. Having said this, the process of selecting the right card remains highly important.

The Advantages of Having Your Own Balance Transfer Credit Card

There are banks that offer interest rates that can be as low as zero percent. You should consider taking a look at these offers and see if they are the solutions that you have been searching for. Many people can benefit from a balance transfer card because not only does it allow you to pay incurred debts with lower interest rates. You are also able to pay outstanding balances much faster and more easily than usual.

Interest rates are surprisingly high, most of the time. Just take a look at your current credit card statement and notice how much interests are charged onto your monthly balance. If you find these charges unreasonable or quite heavy for your pocket to handle, you always have the option to avail the benefits of a balance transfer credit card.

Zero Percent Interest Rate

The beauty of having a zero percent balance transfer card is you do not have to worry about paying for interests that add onto your debt per month, because there will be none.

Whenever you have high interest rates, you can always transfer the balances to from your current credit card to a new card with lesser charges. Thus, there will be no need to pay rates that are as high as it should be.

However, keep in mind that zero percent balance transfers are usually valid for a certain period only. As an introductory offer, most banks make this offer valid for six months. That same card will then charge you with a higher interest rate after the offer has expired.

It is just a matter of handling your funds responsibly. If you shop wisely and do not make purchases upon impulse prior to having a zero percent card, then you are likely to find a card that can still provide reasonable interest rates even after the introductory period comes to an end.

Allot some time to check if you are charged with a balance transfer fee. See to it that the amount being charged to you is correct. It is a percentage of your money transfers from the old card to the new card that can be added onto your current debt.

Another important factor to look at when searching for a good balance transfer credit card is the annual fee. There are banks that offer zero percent interest rates. However, there are also some that may impose high fees per annum as a strategy to gain more revenue for their companies.
With all these in mind, always check your options when it comes to choosing a zero percent balance transfer card. Understanding what you are applying for can help you save a lot of money, and pay for debts much faster than usual.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Identifying Credit Card Providers in Australia

Most people have heard about credit cards and the wonders that these pieces of plastic can do, but to those who are still unfamiliar with the term, this is your chance to find out why credit cards are quite popular these days. There are hundreds of them available and you need to study your options carefully when choosing the perfect card.


________________________________________________________________

A Guide on How to Select the Most Suitable Offer

Credit card is a form of technology which provides credit to their rightful owners via lenders such as banks and other financial institutes. Selecting a credit card should highly depend on your personal needs. You may identify which one is the most suitable for you based on their offers and features.

Applying for a credit card involves integrity, and a whole lot of personal, as well as professional details, to showcase that you are worthwhile the risk. You need to gain the confidence of the lender by providing them with your personal information, employment details, credit score, and other documents that can attest to your credibility.

As an applicant, you might want to select among the highest ranking banks in Australia, namely, Westpac Bank, ANZ Bank, Commonwealth Bank, and St. George Bank. These four are among the leading banks in the country which attained the highest level in terms of credit rating, in other words, a triple A (AAA).

However, no matter how reliable these banks may seem due to their security system, you still might want to consider smaller banks that can give you good offers and services just the same.

There are different types of credit cards. One is called the debit card. This is one of my personal favorites as it does not promote debt to accumulate in my finances. You can consider it as a prepaid card wherein all purchases that you make gets paid automatically with a swipe. It is important to note, however, that transacting via debit card instantly reduces money from your account.

Other credit cards offer features that can be extremely advantageous to frequent travelers. Once concept is that the more you travel, the more you earn points from it. As you reach a certain amount of points, a free-mile incentive will be given to you. You have the option to use this to fly for free, while some banks are open to allowing you into converting the points into hard cash.

Another type of credit card feature also rewards its consumers with points, which they can trade for services or goods within a given period. Frequent users of the card are the ones who can benefit optimally to this offer.

Enticed much? Now remember, prior to filing an application for a credit card, you need to keep your credit history in check. The better your financial record is, the greater your chances are when it comes to having an application approved.

________________________________________________________________
Are you in search of a reliable solution to your credit concern? Then look no further - we have exactly the answer. Credit Card Comparison helps you make not jut the right choice but also the perfect pick for a credit card provider. We offer reviews and comparisons of the best credit cards, plus tips, guides and other helpful information on balance transfer credit cards, interest rates, fees, and rewards. We have everything you need to know about credit cards.




High Competition Among Credit Card Providers in Australia

Managing your budget well can be the most systematic way to make a dramatic decrease in your requirement to borrow or utilize credit. The more you regulate your budget, the more you can keep yourself on the right track. You can pay bills on time, and prevent debts from accumulating in your finances.

Tips on Selecting the Best Card Available

Selecting the most favorable credit card is not a simple endeavor. Though, many people may think that it is. However, there are those who still those who either get their applications turned down, or end up taking an offer that does not offer the most reasonable rate.

The first basic factor that an applicant must check when it comes to selecting the best credit card is their interest rates. Some banks offer low rates that can be valid for a given period only. Usually, six months would top. This introductory offer may only be a bank's strategy to entice their customers in utilizing their cards frequently.  However, the said consumers may then be charged with higher rates after the “honey moon” period expires. Some banks also include additional fees like annual fees, membership fees, annual fees, etc. These details might not be disclosed by the bank initially. So, be sure to ask, and try to gauge if you are indeed capable of covering these charges once you have come to a final decision regarding your credit card options.

Also, take a look at the different offers. See to it that the benefits that come with the program are worth the charges that you will be asked to pay.

Some Best Credit Cards Offered in Australia

To give you an idea about the different credit cards of Australia, here are some examples which you may choose from:

Aussie- Aussie Mastercard is great for first applicants as it offers interest rates that can be as low as 9.99%.

ANZ- ANZ Mastercard offers an interest rate of 11.9%. Cash advances have interest rates of 19.99%. This card provides fifty-five days free of interest on purchases, and zero percent interest rate on balance transfers for half a year.

Citibank- Citibank Clear is highly applicable to people who have established a superb credit card history. They have a competitive rate of 2.49% with zero percent interest on balance transfers for the first six months, and no interest on purchases made for the first fifty-five days.

St. George- St. George Vertigo Mastercard offers one of the lowest interest rates at 11.89% only. It also provides a zero percent rate on balance transfers for the first six months. Once you become a member, you will then become privileged to receive various discounts and more benefits.

There are still many to mention on the list. Clear enough, there are so many different options to choose from. You just need to make the right choice. However, as stated in the aforementioned list of banks, the most competitive in the industry are Aussie Mastercard, ANZ Mastercard, Citibank Clear, and St. George Vertigo Mastercard. You can start the selection process by looking at these four highly respected banks in Australia.

__________________________________________________________
Are you in search of a reliable solution to your credit concern? Then look no further - we have exactly the answer. Credit Card Comparison helps you make not jut the right choice but also the perfect pick for a credit card provider. We offer reviews and comparisons of the best credit cards, plus tips, guides and other helpful information on balance transfer credit cards, interest rates, fees, and rewards. We have everything you need to know about credit cards.

The Best Times to Use a Credit Card

Credit cards have become high commodities ever since they were launched by the banking industry and other lending institutes. However, a credit cardholder isare oftentimes too complacent with the purchasing power of it that the holder end up making too much credit card transactions. To stay on track with your budget, you need to know the best times to swipe your card.

Spending Wisely

The usage of this piece of plastic already became a habit to some. Yes, it does provide convenience, which is why frequent users even utilize their credit cards on a daily basis. However, this behavior also ensured incurred debt to pile up in your account further. Not only can this ruin your credit history, but you also put yourself to the risk of gathering debt more than what your income can cover. Another sad thing about this fact is that many people end up this way by making unnecessary purchases. If you do not want this kind of thing happening to you, then you better start spending your money the right way from hereon.

Credit cards should only serve as an alternative to cash. Say, you cannot make cash payments because you left your wallet at home. However, other small purchases such as grocery items, gasoline refill, or regular shopping, are advisable to be made through cash. High expenditures such as buying a car or a new television set are the ones applicable to credit card transactions.

Charging your household purchases to your credit may seem like you did not spend any money at all, since you did not shell out hard cash during the actual purchase. However, you should always remember that any purchase you make through your credit card is already considered a debt, and you will be asked to pay for it later on in time. Aside from that, the more you will delay your payment, the more the interest rate of your debt will grow bigger. You should know these things the moment that you file for a credit card application.

Carrying a credit card may tempt you twice as much as when you are only carrying cash. Some people may feel as though they are free to get anything they want with just one swipe of the card. They decide to deal with the debt incurred by their purchases later on in time. This is bad behavior can really get you into a great deal of trouble.

Considering these, planning your budget and knowing the right circumstances to use a credit card becomes highly important. Restrain making purchases from impulse. Prior to making any transaction, first, you need to ask yourself a couple of times if the item you are planning to buy is really necessary. Also, only choose items or services that are not beyond your budget limit.

Credit card is definitely a great and helpful tool, especially if it is put into proper use. The main purpose of a credit card is to give one convenience, anyway, not put the owner into further financial burden.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Getting Through the Credit Card Application Process

Credit card applications require every credit card applicant to go through an assessment stage wherein the person will need to exhibit his or her credit-worthiness. Clearly, the application process is pivotal in acquiring a credit card successfully. Hence, it is also necessary to learn the basics about the proper way of filing an application.

Grasping the Application Process

Most banks and lending institutions have similar requirements and expectations from their credit card applicants. However, it is still highly essential to get into the details and completely understand how an application process works. Credit card providers always make a background check on all applicants, and they can be extremely particular when it comes to an applicant’s social status, paying behavior, etc. In order for a person to get through the process fast and effectively, one must need to take some time to prepare.

List of What Credit Card Issuers Might Check

Credit card issuers may scrutinize their applicant’s way of living. The first thing that they might check is your residential status. They will try to find out whether an applicant lives in his or her own house or is renting out a place.

The second thing that they might delve into is the person’s employment status. It is more advantageous if the applicant is currently employed than otherwise. However, these things have to be told truthfully. Do not alter any details about yourself even if you are an interested applicant who has a low monthly income. Instead, you can try to get a part time job in order to increase your earnings. It is important to declare your true salary to the credit card issuer. They might also verify this information with your employer to see if the details are aligned.

Another significant part of a credit card application is the amount of household income that everybody in the house generates. Not only will this information determine whether an applicant will be granted with the desired credit card or not, but it will also serve as the basis of how much credit limit an applicant will get. IAs much as possible, you need to include every amount made by your family members or house mates. It will help you obtain the maximum credit limit there is.

Credit card issuers also want to find out your paying behavior. They will ask you to declare all your incurred debts, both paid and unpaid. It will be quite impressive if all debts are paid exactly on time.

They will also find out if you have applied for any other credit card for the past half of the year. It will appear better if you have not applied for multiple credit cards in a short span of time. Filing an application for different credit cards simultaneously may raise some concerns among creditors. They might have the impression that you are desperate of borrowing money, and this may raise some suspicion. If this is the case, then a good explanation might be necessary.

Remember to tell the truth all the time. Fabricating your answers may only result to more damages in your credit reputation. Honesty is the first characteristic that you can establish here. Just convince the credit card provider that you are trustworthy and responsible enough. Anyway, all they need to know is that their money can be safe in your hands.

___________________________________________________
Are you in search of a reliable solution to your credit card concern? Then look no further - we have exactly the answer. Credit Card Comparison helps you make not jut the right choice but also the perfect pick for a credit card provider. We offer reviews and comparisons of Australia's best credit cards, plus tips, guides and other helpful information on balance transfer credit cards, interest rates, fees, and rewards. We have everything you need to know about credit cards.

Securing a Credit Card In spite of Having a Bad or Zero Credit Score

Credit card companies always ensure that their credit recipients are trust and credit-worthy enough. That is why they always make an assessment of people applying for credit. People with no credit scores or have bad credit histories oftentimes find it a challenge to secure a credit card of their own. These situations may seem hopeless to some. Nonetheless, there are still solutions for such cases.

What is a Credit?

A credit is equivalent to cash which a person can borrow from a credit card company, but must also be paid off later on in time. A contract is made to serve as an agreement and a bond between the credit card provider and its consumer. This means that a credit cardholder is always required to comply with the credit card provider’s terms and conditions.

Assessment Process

Every credit card issuer subjects its applicants to some serious assessment. They want to determine whether a person is credit-worthy and responsible enough or not. When a person is proven to be worth the risk, only then will a creditor consider issuing the credit card.

Credit Repair

Now, you might be wondering, what if a person has a bad credit rating? Is it still possible to acquire a credit card? Of course, it is. There is a process called “credit repair”. This process allows a person to re-establish and improve his or her credit-worthiness.

There are companies that repair bad credit for people. However, one may rectify a credit status on his or her own if preferred.

With better credit, a person may find it easier to obtain reasonable interest rates, and higher credit limits, than otherwise.

In order for a credit to be repaired, a person must take things one step at a time. There are many factors that affect a person’s credit rating. First, the interested applicant must find out what his or her credit score is. This will allow one to understand his or her weak points, and how they can be addressed.

Why is it Important to Fix a Credit Report?

A credit report is a collection of a person’s credit history. It will exhibit a person’s financial information such as past transactions and payments made. There are agencies designated to collect these credit reports, and credit card issuers consult these credit reporting agencies to ensure that their applicants are worthy of the risk.

Lending money can be a huge risk even to leading banks and other lending institutions. Basically, a credit card company just wants to see proof that their credit card applicants are people whom they can entrust their money with.

Selecting a Credit Card

When an applicant finally passed the assessment process, a person may then begin to select a credit card that he or she finds best. There is a wide selection of credit cards nowadays, especially since the competition in the lending industry is turning into an overdrive. They all provide different offers, but each one can be just as attractive as the other. Hence, it is essential to examine which credit card suits one’s needs best.

________________________________________________________
Are you in search of a reliable solution to your credit card concern? Then look no further - we have exactly the answer. Credit Card Comparison helps you make not jut the right choice but also the perfect pick for a credit card provider. We offer reviews and comparisons of Australia's best credit cards, plus tips, guides and other helpful information on balance transfer credit cards, interest rates, fees, and rewards. We have everything you need to know about credit cards.

Preventing Oneself from Becoming a Victim of Identity Theft or Fraud

There are so many things that can be done via the internet nowadays. Sometimes, it is no longer necessary to leave the comfort of one’s home. As a matter of fact, shopping can be easily done on the web via the purchasing power of credit cards. Such a system can provide convenience to a person. However, it may also pose some threat. Cardholders can become extremely vulnerable to identity theft and fraudulent practices if preventive measures are not taken.

The exposure of credit card accounts in the World Wide Web makes it conducive to cyber crimes. The victims to identity theft and fraud have increased tremendously ever since the flexibility of credit cards online has boomed.

Preventive Measures

Do not fall as a victim of such unlawful deeds. Protect yourself and act upon precaution. Here are some advices on how to avoid an identity from being copied or stolen.

Making purchases online is quite simple, but detecting a reliable seller can be a bit tricky. Hence, a credit cardholder must first ensure that the sites that he or she visits are secure enough. One tell-tale sign that a web page is legitimate is when a padlock icon is present at the right side of the screen. Details about the seller must also appear when the padlock sign is clicked. Most of all, the URL must begin with https://, instead of just http://.

Cyber criminals sometimes put up a legitimate-looking website. They obtain sensitive pieces of information from people by asking those who log in to provide their personal and security details. This is known to many as called “phishing”. That is why people who often use their credit cards online are recommended to put up firewall or a virus scanner detects potential threats.

Beware of messages that often contain offers and alerts through email. Try to avoid opening links that appear strange and dubious.

Choose an internet browser that provides more security. Some of which are Firefox, Google Chrome, Opera, and Safari.

There are banks that utilize a scrambler for pins, which activates whenever a credit card user logs in. This will confuse any keyboard reader that tries to decode one’s pin number online. The scrambler will rearrange one’s pin upon entry.

Another great way to prevent identity theft and fraud is by keeping one’s security details private. These things must not be shared to people who are not trustworthy. Also, documents like bank statements and others that contain sensitive information should be shredded prior to being disposed.

Check every data for errors or mistakes. There are companies and merchants that make plain mistakes sometimes. However, if one detects a discrepancy with a credit card transaction, one must try to resolve it from the source immediately. If things still seem unmanageable, then that might be the time to contact the credit card issuer.

It is highly necessary to take such preventive measures. These are the best ways to avoid having losses and other financial problems online. These will also help one enjoy the buying capacity of credit cards further.


__________________________________________________________
Are you in search of a reliable solution to your credit card concern? Then look no further - we have exactly the answer. Credit Card Comparison helps you make not jut the right choice but also the perfect pick for a credit card provider. We offer reviews and comparisons of Australia's best credit cards, plus tips, guides and other helpful information on balance transfer credit cards, interest rates, fees, and rewards. We have everything you need to know about credit cards.

Getting One’s Own Credit Card

The process of acquiring a credit card may seem intricate because it consists of a lot of factors. As a matter of fact, many people find their applications turned down by the issuer. However, getting one’s own credit card can be quite simple, as long as one is completely prepared when it comes to filing an application.
__________________________________________________________

Filing for an Application

A person may visit the nearest branch of his or her preferred lender and file an application there. If the interested applicant does not want to leave the comfort of one’s own home, then he or she also has the option to submit an application online. Many credit card issuers put up a secured website with forms that need to be filled up. The feedback may take at least an entire month if the result is positive, but if the application is denied, then it may take about two weeks or so.

The actual card will be sent to one’s address when an application is finally approved. This will also come with a contract that should bind the customer to the credit card issuer’s terms and conditions. The terms may come in forms of annual percentage rates, interest rates, possible penalties, and other fees. Once a person activates or starts utilizing the card, it automatically means that he or she also agrees to everything that is stipulated in the contract. Therefore, the credit cardholder must begin to comply with the agreement.

Selecting a Credit Card

There are many available cards out in the market nowadays. They also present a variety of offers that appear attractive and enticing. Some may even seem too-good-to-be-true. However, there are also banks that provide high interest rates and unreasonable annual percentage rates. Hence, one must allot an ample time to compare the different cards in the selection, in order to determine which one is the best.

Ideal Criteria of an Applicant

It will be a great advantage if a person has a good credit score. Not only can one get approved easily, but he or she can also obtain a high credit limit. Banks may base one’s credit limit on the amount of income that an applicant is generating. It will appear better if the person applying for the card earns a decent amount. If you think that you still have a low income, you can try to secure a part time job to increase your total salary before applying for a card.

Credit card issuers may also take a look at an applicant’s paying behavior. They might want to see all the debts you have incurred, and their status. They want to see which ones are paid and unpaid. It is important to exhibit a good paying habit to the credit card provider that you are applying at. However, fabricating such details is not recommended. You have to be completely honest when you are applying for a credit card. Otherwise, your credit rating and reputation might invoke damage.

The best way to win a credit card issuer’s favor is to be consistent with the information that you are providing them. At the end of the day, you need to prove to the creditor that you are credit-worthy and responsible enough to handle credit.

__________________________________________________________
Are you in search of a reliable solution to your credit card application concerns? Then look no further - we have exactly the answer. Credit Card Comparison helps you make not jut the right choice but also the perfect pick for a credit card provider. We offer reviews and comparisons of Australia's best credit cards, plus tips, guides and other helpful information on balance transfer credit cards, interest rates, fees, rewards, and applications. We have everything you need to know about credit cards.