Do This Before You Apply Online For A Credit Card

August 15, 2008

Do you have credit issues in your past? Before you apply online for a credit card you need to know how your credit is right now. This may mean getting your credit up to date by improving it. Let’s talk about that. Improving your credit is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. Improving your credit will not be easy at the start but will be worth it. It does take a lot of time though, so you will have to be patient. Read more

Getting to Know a Bit About Credit Cards

August 6, 2008

For those cash-strapped individuals or for those who do not like the idea of stuffing their wallets or purse with wads of bills, credit card is the name of the game when it comes to contemporary shopping and dining.

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Should You Transfer Your Credit Card Balance?

July 30, 2008

When forming a plan to eliminate your debt, transferring your credit card balance from a higher interest rate card to one with a lower rate can make your debt repayment move a lot faster. The lower your interest rate, the lower the finance charges and the faster you can pay it off.

There are a lot of 0% and low introductory rate credit card offers out there. If you are like me, you probably receive quite a few of them in the mail each month. However, finding a good card can take a bit of work.

When you are looking for to pay off your debt, time is often quite important. But you should take the time to find the best credit card balance transfer for your financial situation.

Most credit card issuers will offer you a 0% or a very low introductory interest rate on balance transfers. These intro rates often last for a period of time between 6 months and 12 months. After the intro period is over, the interest rate will increase. Some cards will offer an extension on the introductory rate as long as you make regular purchases on the card. Some are even beginning to offer a fixed interest rate on the balance transfer until it is paid off.

Take the time to shop around for the card that offers you the lowest interest rate, the longest introductory time period and the fewest extra conditions. You absolutely must read the fine print; it can contain provisions that affect your balance transfer, such as the fee of 3%-5% of the total amount transferred. The fee will be charged to your account as a purchase, which means you will pay interest on it.

Keep in mind that opening a new credit card account can temporarily lower your credit score, as will closing your old account. This can affect your ability to borrow other money or find affordable insurance premiums. You should thoroughly consider your financial goals before you open new accounts. For example, if you are looking to purchase your first home, you shouldn’t take out a new credit card or other type of loan.

Balance transfers often take between 4 to 6 weeks. You will need to pay your minimum payments on your credit cards until the transfer goes through.

You should take the time to cut up your old card and close it. Then you need to pay it off. If you continue to use your card, you are simply adding more debt. You are just acquiring new debt, not paying it off.

Be aware that if you make a late payment on your new credit card will absolutely guarantee that your introductory rate will turn into the default rate, which could be as high as 30%.

Credit card balance transfers are a great work to reduce your monthly minimum payments in order to pay off you debt faster. If you are unable to transfer your entire balance, take the time to go ahead and transfer as much as you can. You will be paying a lower rate on every bit you can, which is a goal of paying off your debts.

by Martin Lukac

Airline Reward Credit Card - Travel For Free

May 14, 2008

Thinking of getting a free roundtrip airfare to your next holiday in exotic Bali, Indonesia for free? Not quite possible you smirk, but rejoice! That can possibly be your next destination this summer. After all, the best things in life are free! So goes the old adage.

Your plastic money right inside your wallet will do the trick. With today’s busy executive and avid travelers crisscrossing the world fast as broadband internet, credit card institutions and airline companies have tied up offering discriminating consumers value for money programs earning the smart traveler free flights on the next overseas trip. Since its conceptualization years ago, this has grown into a lucrative merger to the delight of everyone. Read more

Do You Need To Consolidate Credit Card Debt - Eliminate Card Balances

May 8, 2008

You should consider consolidating your credit card debt because it will help you get better interest rates and will also save you a lot of money by getting your credit card debt paid off quickly. If you are considering consolidating your debt then it is good to have a few pointers before you start. Read more

Credit After Bankruptcy

March 1, 2008

Most people think there is no life after bankruptcy, much less credit. If it’s the first time you have experienced bankruptcy, it is understandable. People tend to feel once they have been declared bankrupt, no creditor will look at them. That no one will have confidence in them anymore to extend credit to them. However, this is not true. You can avail of credit even after bankruptcy. Once you are declared bankrupt, whatever assets you possess will be used to cover your debts. You will be expected to start afresh as far as your earnings and savings are concerned. But did you know that you can keep your credit card even after you are declared bankrupt What this means as far as you are concerned is that you have access to credit through your credit card. It could happen, of course, that your card company could just find out about the bankruptcy and have your card cancelled, the way American Express does to safeguard themselves against bad debts. But many companies let you continue to keep and use your card provided you reaffirm the debt amount and this should be after you do the filing for bankruptcy. So your credit continues and it will, on condition that you take on the original amount of your debt. Is there any rationale behind this? Creditors, as is understandable, do view bankruptcy as a threat. But they also see your line of credit as their business. If they cut this off, how will they recover the money that you owe them? By using bankruptcy to exchange credit for full payment of your debt, they safeguard their own interests and do not lose out. Bankruptcy for most is wiping the slate clean and the chance to start anew. The credit companies want to be there when that happens which is why they allow you to continue using your card after bankruptcy. It is not as though there will not be consequences however. There will be conditions imposed on you by the credit card companies after bankruptcy and you will have to comply with them if you want to hold on to your card. You’ll find you have a lower limit and this is a wise precaution that any company will take as you have just proved your unworthiness as far as credit is concerned. So you will be muzzled and will not be able to spend more than you can afford to pay. Some companies make you shell out more if you want the privilege of holding on to their card. This is yet another precautionary measure by companies. So while credit after bankruptcy is hard, it’s not impossible and you can enjoy it with a few rules to rein in your spending.

By Miodrag Trajkovic