Instant Approval Credit Cards – Instantly Gratifying?

Nowadays, instant gratification seems to be everyone’s mantra. People see something that they want and they do not think twice about buying it. “Buy now and pay later” has become a routine practice followed by many people. Today, it seems that all you need is an income to get access to a credit card.

With the advent of electronic communication and the Internet, instant approval has become a prominent feature with credit card applications these days. Simply put, certain card offers maintain an instant approval feature whereby cardholders applying for a credit card get to know immediately whether he/she is eligible for the credit card or not. Many consumers find this method to be convenient as it requires much less, and in some cases, no paper work at all, eliminating the need to physically mail the card application by regular mail, which traditionally takes a much longer time.

Credit Card Instant Approval Facts

In order to prevent confusion when discussing the prospect of a credit card instant approval, one should know the following facts. First of all, the instant approval and the credit card application are two different processes. Getting instant approval is the screening process that the respective banks and credit card companies use to filter out unqualified prospects. If you do qualify, the instant approval merely means that the card company has identified that you are suitable for the card offer, but that does not guarantee that you will be approved for the card itself.

The primary data points or pieces of information that banks or credit card companies will need to process your instant approval request are your name, address, and social security number. Some card issuers will require additional information but those 3 pieces of information will be required by all banks and credit card companies to do the initial screening for instant approval credit cards.

The credit card providers usually target people who have a good credit history. But because of the competitive nature of the credit card business, banks and card issuers today are more likely to extend credit to a wider range of potential consumers with varying degrees of credit history.

Many consumers are very concerned about the safety of providing information online. Credit card issuers that provide application forms online provide highly secure, encrypted environments to safeguard customer information and ensure that cardholders vital information will remain safe throughout the application process.

Primary Advantage of Instant Approval Credit Cards

The primary advantage of instant approval credit cards online is simply a much quicker turnaround on qualification for the actual card offer. While this process is undoubtedly much more convenient than the traditional card application process, many times, however, the bank will need to further investigate the credit worthiness of the applicant and will require additional information before approving the application. So even when applying for instant approval credit cards online, consumers should be patient and realize that although qualifying for an instant approval credit card might be instant, getting approved and gaining access to the credit line most certainly will not be instantly gratifying.

So the bottom line is that while instant approval does hold some significant advantages, an instant approval does not mean instant credit or instant access to money, which is a common misconception of potential cardholders.

Posted in Instant Credit Card at June 26th, 2010. No Comments.

Student Credit Card or Prepaid Debit – Which One is

Student Credit Card or Prepaid Debit – Which One is Best?

Student credit cards come in a variety of forms. But, there are two primary forms in which a student credit card can be found. The first is an unsecured student credit card while the other is a prepaid debit card. Understanding the differences and the pros and cons of each will help you to better determine which is best for you.

The Unsecured Student Credit Card

An unsecured student credit card is like a traditional credit card. With this type of student credit card, the college student (or high school student, as the case may be) receives a line of credit. Typically, student credit cards keep low lines of credit of about $500 to $1,000. This is partly because those applying for student credit cards typically have very little credit history and do not qualify for higher credit limits. The lower limit is also in place in order to help prevent the college student from accruing an insurmountable debt.

Not all credit cards for college students have such a low credit limit. So, if you require a student credit card with a larger limit, you might want to shop around. Similarly, if you want the restriction of a small credit limit in order to keep yourself under control when it comes to spending, be sure to seek a student credit card with a low credit limit.

The Student Prepaid Debit Card

A student prepaid debit card is a card that looks like a credit card and is accepted everywhere a credit card is accepted, but has one major difference: a line of credit is not extended to the cardholder. In order to make purchases with a student prepaid debit card, money needs to be placed on the card first. This money can come from a variety of sources. The student can place the funds on the card him or herself. Or, the student’s parents can choose to add money to the card. In fact, parents can generally set it up so a portion of their checks from work is added to the debit card each pay period.

Pros and Cons of Student Credit Cards

Student credit cards can go a long way in helping to establish a student’s credit history. In addition, a student who does not have money to pay up front can certainly benefit from being able to take out small loans with the credit card in order to make purchases. Another perk is the fact that the student doesn’t have to wait for money to be added to the card before using it. So long as there is credit available on the card, the student can spend as much as he or she wants.

On the other hand, a student credit card increases the chances of creating a poor credit history. If the student accumulates a debt he or she is unable to pay, or if the student is late making monthly payments, it can reflect poorly on the credit reports. In addition, many students are already starting their adult lives in debt as they pay off college loans. Adding more debt from a credit card can be overwhelming and seem impossible to overcome.

Pros and Cons of a Student Prepaid Debit Card

A student prepaid debit card makes it easier for a student’s parents to keep track of college expenses and to monitor the student’s spending. In addition, there is no risk of destroying a credit history that has yet to be created because the student cannot spend more than what is placed on the student prepaid credit card. Many of these cards also report to credit bureaus, which helps in building a positive credit history.

Unfortunately, prepaid credit cards generally have many more fees than credit cards for college students. In fact, there usually are no fees associated with credit cards. Debit cards, on the other hand, often have an application fee and an annual fee. There are also fees added every time more money is placed on the card. All of these fees can easily add up to hundreds of dollars each year. When it comes to choosing which is right for you, it is really necessary to evaluate your own needs and spending habits.

Posted in Prepaid Credit Card at June 25th, 2010. No Comments.

Reward Credit Cards – Benefit While Building Credit

Many cards available online are offering rewards, simply because it is the only way for card issuers to keep up with their competition. The cards available today are for students, consumers, business owners, and more, and while each card has its own style, the rewards are similar, yet contrasting.

Various reward credit cards online provide a way for cardholders to earn rewards, as well as discounts at select merchandisers and retailers. The rewards and discounts are available per purchase made on the card. Some credit card issuers will offer a surplus of points on initial purchases. To learn more about rewards credit cards, utilize the Internet where you will find a variety of card offers to compare. Most credit card sites have taken special care to locate the leading card issuers, credit cards, and more. Some of the very best review cards are available at the secured sites.

Credit Card Offers

A typical reward credit card might offer 0% APR on balance transfers for up to a year as a “teaser” and some may even include 0% APR on purchases as well, although this particular feature is somewhat rare. Many reward credit cards will feature bonus points from making purchases at certain retailers such as restaurants, gas stations, office supply stores and car rental agencies. Like many of the cards online that offer rewards, you can take advantage of billing and reports or reimbursements, viewing the information online. The best reward credit cards will also offer at least a competitive ongoing APR as well.

A few reward credit cards will give cardholders up to 5 percent cash back on charges made at supermarkets, gas stations, and drugstores, amounting to a pretty significant discount and subsequent rebate on purchases. Typically, cardholders might also be able to earn a smaller rebate percentage at a wider range of retail outlets, providing yet another incentive for purchase activity. Cardholders should make sure to find out what the maximum rebate limit is for the offer prior to applying. Typically, these cash back rewards tend to be capped out a maximum of $300 to $500 in cash benefit per year.

Low Rate Cards

Some of the best reward credit cards also feature very lowest interest rates. Certain reward credit card offers will provide introductory APR’s on purchases for up to a year as well as 0% on balance transfers for up to 15 months. You will get competitive ongoing APR’s and you’ll receive generous credit lines up to $100,000 in some instances. The card issuers will also provide cardholders with options on redeeming their rewards points in either cash or travel rewards, offering great flexibility.

Reward credit cards are available everywhere, yet the Internet is one of areas that offers security, as well as an area to search and compare some of the best reward credit cards online.

Posted in Credit Card Rewards at June 24th, 2010. No Comments.

Best Reward Credit Cards Offer Smart Choices

When comparing the best reward credit cards, it makes sense to investigate everything, including the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) as well as any reward features that the card may offer. Potential cardholders should take into account the manner in which they handle their credit purchases. For instance, if the cardholder intends to make a large purchase using a credit card but plans to pay for the charge over the course of several months, then a low interest credit card will be a better financial choice over a reward credit card. If a cardholder plans on repaying the charge immediately (even if the card features a higher interest rate), reward credit cards might be a better choice simply because the interest rate will have no financial impact and will almost always provide a greater range of rewards than a lower interest card.

Balance Transfers

If it is your intent to take advantage of a reward credit card that features a 0% balance transfer offer, it might make sense to choose a card that offers 0% on purchases as well, if at all possible. The reason this may be an appropriate step is that when you take advantage of the 0% balance transfer card offer, many times the APR on purchases will be significantly higher comparable to other card offers. So if you make a purchase using that credit card during the life of the balance transfer your new purchases will be subject to significant finance charges until the purchases are paid off. This can result in significant interest charges before you can begin paying on the newly purchased item. If you are unable to locate a reward credit card with a competitively low ongoing APR, it would make sense to obtain a secondary card for new purchases with a low interest rate, which would make the card balances more cost effective and easier to manage over time. The ideal scenario for cardholders would be to use a card with a 0% balance transfer offer that extends to new purchases during the introductory period.

Interest Rates

While researching card offers, you may notice that reward credit cards typically have a higher interest rate and in many cases require an annual fee. These fees and finance charges are used by the card issuers to help finance the rewards program that cardholders participate in. But if you are disciplined enough to pay off your credit card each month, the value of your rewards should dramatically exceed the cost of interest charges and fees that you might otherwise pay the card issuer. While credit card companies are well aware of that premise, they also know that the majority of our “spend-now-pay-later” oriented society will most likely not utilize the card in this manner.

By shopping for the best reward credit cards online, you have a fantastic opportunity to comprehensively evaluate offers, their benefits and their associated fees and potential finance charges. A thorough approach the card offer research will help determine which card provides the greatest benefit as well as long-term savings for your particular situation.

In short, if you are paying for purchases over a long period consider a lower interest card. If you pay back quickly, consider more of a rewards component in your search for the very best reward credit cards.

Posted in Credit Card Offers at June 22nd, 2010. No Comments.

Instant Approval Credit Cards – How Instant Are They?

Instant approval credit cards appear to be offers that sound too good to be true, but many people are benefiting from them in their daily lives. Our tendency is to see things skeptically, which is a reflection of the society we are living in. But such apprehensions are misplaced at least in the case of instant approval credit cards, which are often times misunderstood.

It is called an instant approval credit card because, after submitting the application, the person concerned could get the response from the credit card company regarding the status of the application within a short duration irrespective of whether it is an acceptance or a rejection. If it is a rejection, then the battle, as it were, is over. If it is an acceptance, the customer could receive the credit card by mail in a few weeks time.

But keep in mind that all of these type of credit card approvals may not be that instant. It is highly dependent on the applicants credit history and credit rating. The following article will demonstrate the exact grounds on which the credit card approvals will be instant and situations in which it may be a pending approval.

Instant approval credit cards online generally happen within a matter of seconds if the applicant has the security of an excellent credit history. The credit card company may have some credit score benchmark requirements and if the applicants figures match their criteria, they immediately approve the request. Such cases are generally cleared in less than a couple of minutes.

On the other hand, if the credit card company feels the credit rating of an applicant is less than ideal or if the credit score falls short of the benchmark, they may seek some additional information and until they finish with their background check on your credit worthiness, they will keep the application under pending status. True, such a procedure cannot be called an instant approval. But it will not lag to the degree that a traditional credit card application can. Most applications should be approved or rejected in a couple of days time.

Once the credit card has been approved, the card will be mailed to the cardholder and the entire process should take only about two weeks. So, even if it is an instant approval credit card, the applicant still has to wait around 2 weeks to receive the credit card and start using it. But, as previously mentioned, the entire process is still quicker than the traditional application/approval process. So if you want to expedite the credit card application process, instant approal credit cards online are definitely worth considering.

Caution Look out for those instant approval credit card companies that charge a processing fee for the instant approval. Also it is advisable to compare the benefits and reward programs associated with the instant approval credit cards against a traditional credit card before applying for one. If there is no much advantage with an instant approval credit card offered by a credit card company, what is the point in applying for one?

Posted in Instant Credit Card at June 21st, 2010. No Comments.

Prepaid Credit Cards Disadvantages

For all the advantages that you are offered by using prepaid credit cards, there are some disadvantages you need to be aware of. In this article I will go over these, and this should help you make better decisions when using these cards.

When using prepaid credit cards online, it is important to be aware of where you are shopping. Some sites will scam you, and you may find yourself paying for products or services which you never receive. Shopping online with a prepaid credit card can put you at risk for these types of scams.

When you go out shopping, it is important to check the balance of your card to make sure you have enough to get what you’re buying. You don’t want to stand in a long line waiting to buy something just to get to the cashier and realize you don’t have enough money.

This will frustrate and humiliate you. One of the disadvantages to using prepaid credit cards is unlike cash, there is no way for you to look in your wallet to figure out how much you have to spend. It is important go online and check your balance and transactions.

Another disadvantage to using prepaid credit cardsis that many places and shops do not accept them. This is especially true when traveling to other countries, which may have cash based societies. Small restaurants and shops in foreign countries may only accept the local currency.

Because of this, it is important to carry around small amounts of cash at all times when traveling. Another problem with prepaid credit cards is the potential for abuse by merchants. Many people have complained that when they make a purchase at a restaurant or store, the merchant takes out more money than they’re supposed to.

This doesn’t happen with cash, because when you pay with cash merchants aren’t allowed to have access to your account. The best way to avoid this is to only shop at reputable locations, and check your balance immediately after making transactions. Sometimes mistakes do happen, and it is important for you to catch them as soon as possible.

The last issue that could be a problem when using a prepaid credit card is not being able to access your own money. Some people are frustrated to find that they are not able to withdraw their money from ATM machines when they need it the most. While this doesn’t happen often, it is another good reason to carry some cash at all times.

Posted in Prepaid Credit Card at June 20th, 2010. No Comments.

Instant Approval Credit Cards – Frequently Asked Questions

Instant approval credit cards online are becoming increasingly popular among consumers. In a fast-paced society, the speed of an instant approval credit card is sought after by many individuals. But, it is important to understand as much as you can about instant approval credit cards before you choose to apply for one.

What are Instant Approval Credit Cards?

Instant approval credit cards are those that can be approved within a matter of seconds. To qualify for one of these instant approval credit cards, online applications are completed on a secure website. Using the information gained from the application, the credit card company can determine instantly if you qualify for a credit card.

Am I Guaranteed to Get an Instant Approval Credit Card?

No. Instant approval credit cards are not secured credit cards. Therefore, they still need to look at your credit history in order to determine whether or not you qualify for a credit card. If you have a poor credit history, you may be turned down for an instant approval credit card. Whether or not you receive credit approval depends on the guidelines followed by the credit card company and your personal credit history.

Can I Still Be Approved, Even if it’s Not Instant?

Yes. Instant approval credit cards sometimes need more information than what can be gained instantly in order to decide if they will approve your application. In this case, they will send you a notification letting you know that your application is being reviewed further. In this case, you will generally still know whether or not you have been approved for the credit card within a week or two, which is still much faster than non-instant approval credit cards.

Can I Start Spending Immediately?

No. Although instant approval credit cards can tell you within seconds whether or not you have been approved for an instant approval credit card online, you will have to wait to physically receive the credit card before you can start using it. Usually, your instant approval credit card will arrive to you within a couple of weeks, which is still much faster than traditional credit card application that typically take six to eight weeks.

Are There Any Differences in the Way Instant Approval Credit Cards Look?

No. Instant approval credit cards look the same as any other credit card. No one but you will know it was an instant approval credit card.

Are There Any Drawbacks to Instant Approval Credit Cards?

Maybe. Some instant approval credit cards do assess a processing fee for the convenience of receiving instant approval. If this concerns you, shop around for an instant approval credit card that does not assess these fees. There are plenty of options available. Furthermore, you might want to reconsider applying for an instant approval credit card if you do not have a need to get the card right away. If you can wait to receive the card, it better to apply for a traditional credit card in order to avoid paying unnecessary fees.

Do Instant Approval Credit Cards Have the Same Benefits as Other Credit Cards?

Yes. No two credit cards, whether they are instant approval credit cards or traditional credit cards, are the same. Therefore, they do not always include benefits such as travel insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty coverage. Nonetheless, there are plenty of instant approval credit cards available with desirable benefits such as those found on traditional credit cards.

Can I Participate in a Special Rewards Program with Instant Approval Credit Cards?

Yes. There are instant approval credit cards available that offer special cash back and rewards programs to cardholders. If you are interested in participating in one of these programs, browse through the many instant approval credit cards available in order to find one that best suits your lifestyle and needs.

Posted in Instant Credit Card at June 15th, 2010. No Comments.

Reward Credit Card – Helping You Take That Dream Vacation

Reward Credit Card – Helping You Take That Dream Vacation

Have you dreamt recently of taking that long awaited vacation cruise to the Greek Isles or that weekend getaway to the Bahamas? Or how about taking that African safari? Imagine sipping iced tea in the Sahara or touring the pyramids. Some of us have the luxury of being able to afford these vacation “rewards”, but most of us typically cannot afford the luxury. And how, you might ask, could a credit card actually assist in helping you take that dream vacation? Believe it or not, some of the best reward credit cards can help you do it sooner than you might think.

Back in the 1980s, credit card companies started giving cash back rebates and rewards for cardholders who were most frequently using their cards. Airline companies followed suit with reward programs that offered free miles programs. Airline reward credit cards are what we most frequently hear about, but there are many more types of reward credit cards available as well.

Not all reward credit cards are alike however. Some reward cards may offer very little while others open up the possibility of lucrative reward options. Some rewards cards will have stipulations while others will have very few. There can be some drawbacks to certain reward credit cards as well. One of these drawbacks is typically higher interest rates or APR’s than traditional cards. So when in search of the best reward card, you have to first ask whether or not the benefits of the rewards will outweigh the costs of the card. For starters, a reward credit card is really only suitable for cardholders who regularly pay off their card balance, otherwise the finance charges incurred from carrying monthly balances on reward credit cards will almost always outweigh the reward benefits that can be gained.

But one of the nice things about a good reward credit card is that the points can add up quickly just making normal purchases on a regular basis. If the reward program on the card participates with retailers where you frequently shop, you could easily rack up thousands of points per year. An example would be a reward credit card that partners with a do-it-yourself home goods supplier. If you are remodeling your home, a reward credit card could potentially help you rack up thousands of points from the remodel alone.

Keeping these scenarios in mind, choosing the best reward credit card for yourself can go a long way in helping you obtain great vacation getaways and other rewards. If you are going to carry a credit card, why not carry one that pays you back in cash or other rewards. Utilize the Internet to thoroughly search and compare all of the very best reward credit cards and take advantage of the many benefits that these card offers provide.

Posted in Credit Card Rewards at June 15th, 2010. No Comments.

Before You Compare Credit Card Offers

Are you thinking of applying for a new credit card? If so, you may want to begin asking yourself what your personal financial goal is. After youve recognized your own needs, you can then pick the category of card you desire and begin your journey to compare credit card offers.

For a student who is applying for a first credit card there are a number of credit cards available that include a variety of features. The benefits of each card vary and can include 0% APR introductory, no annual fee, and rewards offered such as cash back, selected merchandise and entertainment

Quite often a student credit card has a lower credit limit which is actually a plus. It introduces the student to the world of credit, while limiting the chance of running up too large of a bill. An added bonus of a student credit card is it helps to build that needed credit rating which is important in todays world. Of course, the student needs to maintain the credit card account in accordance to the issuing company terms and conditions.

There are available airline credit cards. But if you wish to travel on more than one airline, perhaps a rewards credit card that offers bonus travel points would be more suitable. The benefit to a reward card would be that the owner has a choice of how to spend those bonus points. In addition to air miles, the added choices include cash back, selected merchandise, entertainment and gift certificates.

If you already have a number of credit cards that youre paying the minimum balance and they charge an interest rate of more than 0% APR, you might consider a balance transfer credit card. With an introductory 0% APR, you could have anywhere from six to eighteen months to pay down your debt interest free.

Even if you already have bad credit there are still credit card opportunities for you to apply and even receive instant approval. A credit card for people with bad credit, has a higher interest rate than cards for more stellar credit. However you can avoid these higher fees if you pay your balance billed each month. After youve been able to rebuild your credit, you can then talk to the issuer and get a lower interest rate or reapply for a lower interest credit card.

Two additional cards are available for people with bad credit or for people who dont really want to owe on a credit card, but need a card for the convenience of ordering merchandise by telephone or on the internet. These are prepaid credit cards and debit cards.

These two types of cards can be obtained by completing an easy application and making a specified deposit. They work just like a regular credit card and are also accepted at any ATM machine, giving you total access to your available funds.

Posted in Credit Card Offers at June 14th, 2010. No Comments.

Prepaid Credit Cards Advantages

There are many advantages to using prepaid credit cards over traditional credit cards. In this article we will go over the differences between traditional credit cards and prepaid credit cards, and why they are becoming so popular.

One of the things that credit card companies all over the world have realized is that many people do not meet the credit requirements necessary to be issued their standard credit cards. Many people don’t have any credit, while others have bad credit. Because of this credit card companies are not making the profits they want. To solve this problem, they introduced a credit card which could be used by virtually anyone, without the need to have good credit.

Prepaid credit cards are convenient and easy to carry. If you are carrying around lots of cash, and someone robs you or steals your wallet or purse, there is often nothing you can do to get your money back. With prepaid credit cards, you are able to quickly cancel them or dispute any fraudulent transactions which are made.

Another advantage of using prepaid credit cards is the internet. As more people begin shopping online, they will need electronic methods of paying for their merchandise. Those without good credit would normally have a hard time shopping online. However, with prepaid credit cards, getting approved and shopping online is easy.

Another advantage of using prepaid credit cards is that they can be used globally. Whether you are at a store in Tokyo or a museum in Paris, prepaid credit cards are accepted at the same places where traditional credit cards are accepted.

Parents can keep track of how much money their children are spending using prepaid credit cards. Before this, parents had no control over protecting their children from creating enormous amounts of debt. By using prepaid credit cards they can transfer monety into the accounts of their children and monitor their spending.

Prepaid credit cards are reliable, and can be used for point of sales purchases virtually anywhere. You can reload money onto them when they run out, and you can quickly transfer money to any part of the globe. Prepaid credit cards are changing the way people spend money.

Whether you have good or bad credit, you will find that the advantages of using prepaid credit cards are enormous. You will have power over your spending, and you will be able to set your own spending limits.

Posted in Prepaid Credit Card at June 13th, 2010. No Comments.