The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Credit Cards For Teens

Credit Cards for Teens; Should You Purchase One?

Millions of adults are plagued with credit card debt from which many never recover. Credit card debt is an increasing problem among worldwide, and one may question the wisdom of credit cards for teens. Are credit cards a good idea for teenagers? Like many of life’s risks, credit cards for teens have their advantages and disadvantages.

Credit cards for teens work in a different way that traditional adult credit cards. Teenage credit cards do not loan out credit. To use these cards, one actually needs to have money already in the account. A teenage credit card is often a convenient way for parents to give their children money without having to hand over cash or a check. Credit cards for teens make a great gift, because they can be reloaded or thrown away when the balance is at zero.

Many parents choose to give their teenager a credit card because it increases their sense of responsibility and because it helps to educate them about handling money. Issuing Credit cards for teens is a safe and convenient way for kids to learn about credit cards, budgeting, and general finances. Learning proper money management is a big advantage for a teenager and will be useful in the future.

Teenage credit cards are generally limited and monitored. Depending on the credit card company, parents and other adults who purchase the card can monitor the spending habits of the cardholder. This is convenient when trying to determine how a teenager is handling their money or what they are spending it on. Once the money is placed on a teenage credit card, the card acts and functions as if it were a traditional adult card. Online shopping has grown in popularity among individuals of all ages. A teenager could pay for an adult or unapproved item without their parents even knowing about it; therefore, a credit history report is important and often requested.

Although credit cards for teens are convenient for both parents and children, many teenagers may become dependent on the convenience. Carrying around a credit card instead of cash or a checkbook is easier, however, it comes with price. Although many banks charge a fee for credit or debit cards, the fee is generally drastically lower than the ones attached with a credit card. Teenagers or young adults who become accustomed to paying with plastic often put themselves at risk of serious credit problems when they obtain a traditional credit card. Because they are used to just whipping out the plastic charge card, they may be more likely to do so in college or later on in life.

Credit cards for teens can be an asset or a liablity. They may teach kids the importance of tracking money and not spending beyond their means. However, there are other teenagers who may handle the situation differently. The decision to offer your child a credit card is one that the whole family should decide carefully. Giving credit cards for teens to a try for a while just might work out in your benefit. If it doesn’t work out, just throw away the card when the balance has been depleted and revert back to traditional cash. There are numerous ways to educate your child about money, including giving your child a teenage credit card.

Posted in Instant Credit Card at April 18th, 2011. No Comments.

Perks Of Citibank Credit Card

Citibank credit cards offer a wide range of benefits. Basically, all of it features offer clients with security during emergencies, the advantage of not bringing cash and checks, and improving independence and responsibility in financial management.

Other than these basic perks of credit cards, there are specified benefits the Citibank credit cards have to offer. Here are some of the credit cards and their corresponding perks:

1) Diners club international credit card. This kind of credit card provides you with the decision of your own credit limit. The interest rates would not show on your bill for fifty days. Since this Citibank credit card could be used all around the world, it gives you the privilege of using it within five million companies worldwide. The ATM card could be used anywhere in the world. And lastly, there is no extra fee when the Citibank credit card is lost.

2) The Citibank Gold Card. This kind of Citibank credit card provides you with a higher credit and cash limit. It offers you access on international lounges and airports. It has a strong and secured insurance. And there is no fee when the credit card has been stolen, lost or damaged.

3) Jet Airways Citibank International Gold Card. This kind of credit card allows the cardholder to take advantage of jet privileges and promos on jet miles when you make use of the credit or cash. When you have been approved with this kind of credit card, you will be automatically given a jet airways ride of 1500 miles. Plus, the services and credit card is insured.

4) The Citibank Silver Card. This kind of credit card has several kinds of insurances like personal accidents, baggage and household insurances that would cover up your expenses. There are also occasional discounts on certain stores and zero costing on lost credit cards.

5) The Citibank Womans card. This kind of credit card targets the women. It provides women with discounts on jewelry, cosmetics, health products, clothes and many shopping stores. It also provides jewelry insurance and there is no extra fee when the Citibank credit card is lost.

6) Specialty cards. There are Citibank credit cards that provide you specifically with music and book stores usage, gives you an advantage on concerts and movie passes, and could give you discounts on oil transactions. These kinds of credit cards would depend on which you apply for and use regularly.

With those numerous advantages, you will surely wonder how you were able to get along without it.

Posted in Credit Card Offers at December 3rd, 2010. No Comments.

Gas Rebate Credit Card – Ways To Save On That

Gas Rebate Credit Card – Ways To Save On That Fuel Bill

Almost weekly gasoline prices are going to new heights. This has necessitated many people to look for new ways to cut back on their fuel bill. Although more people now than ever are taking public transportation when they go to work, weekly purchases of gas for your vehicle are still pretty much a necessity. One way to save your hard earned dollars on gas purchases is by looking at the variety of gas rebate credit card offers now available.

If you already have credit cards but they don’t offer rewards or more specifically a gas rebate on your fuel purchases, you may want to take a few moments while you’re on the internet and see what new offers are accessible. You may be surprised at the number of new bargains that can save you cash.

The rebate amount a cardholder can earn varies with an average of three percent. While at each fill up this doesn’t sound like much, but just like with clipping coupons for groceries, over time those dollars and cents turn into hundreds of dollars. Think of the extra miles you could drive with a gas rebate credit card.

Some of the gas rebate credit cards and the reward credit cards extend a special introductory offer of additional savings on your gasoline purchases for a specified time, as much as an extra ten percent. If you’re planning a driving vacation this summer, this might be just the right time to look at these special gas rebate credit cards. This is definitely one way to stretch your dollar.

If you do decide to take the plunge and apply for a new gas rebate credit card, be sure to use the usual caution when applying for a new credit card and read the fine print. Does it have an annual fee or is their an over the limit fee? Most credit cards also charge a late fee so you should be aware of what percentage that is also. One last thing and most important, what is the regular interest rate once the initial introductory APR period is over?

Credit card companies are working hard for your business. Be sure to shop around and compare for the best gas rebate credit card offer. Take advantage of your buying power of one, it really does count.

Posted in Prepaid Credit Card at October 28th, 2010. No Comments.

Finding The Best Reward Credit Cards

Reward credit cards come in a variety of forms. Specifically how points toward rewards are earned and the types of rewards that can be earned with a reward credit card varies from card to card.

The rewards offered by reward credit cards are generally related to a special area. For example, some reward credit cards allow cardholders to earn points when making purchases at gas station, supermarkets, or drugstores. The rewards earned are often related to this in some way, such as the cardholder may receive gift certificates to the same types of stores. Similarly, the reward credit card may be related to airline travel. Every time the cardholder makes purchases with a specific airline, he or she earns airline miles or free travel. In addition, these airline reward credit cards also generally offer the cardholder free companion tickets.

When it comes to choosing the best reward credit cards, the consumer needs to assess his or her lifestyle and determine which rewards are most attractive – and most profitable – for his or her needs. A reward credit card that provides specialized rewards, such as gift certificates to a specific restaurant, may not be useful to a cardholder that does not have a need for that reward.

Reward credit cards can provide credit cardholders with fantastic rewards for their purchases. At the same time, the consumer needs to be sure he or she isn’t actually paying for the reward in the form of finance charges and annual fees. Many reward credit cards assess an annual fee. If this annual fee costs more than it would cost to simply purchase the reward, it is certainly not worth paying for.

The same holds true when looking at the APR. A cardholder who pays the balance of his or her credit card in full each month need not worry about the APR. One that intends to carry a balance from billing cycle to billing cycle, however, must consider the amount of money that will be spent in the form of finance charges. Once again, if the finance charges will be too great, the rewards of the credit card are not really rewards – they are items the cardholder is paying for.

Several reward credit cards have expiration dates. For those cardholders that will not be able to collect enough reward points before they expire, these reward credit cards may not be the best option. Similarly, some reward credit cards have limitations to how many points can be acquired each year. Cardholders need to consider these limitations in order to ensure they are receiving the greatest amount of rewards possible. If a cardholder spends $15,000 per year on a credit card, but a rewards credit card only rewards up to the first $10,000, that is $5,000 that is going unrewarded. The answer may be to select a different reward credit card, or to simply stop spending on this particular credit card once the limit has been reached. After all, every dollar spent on a credit card deserves to be rewarded.

A good place for consumers to look for the best reward credit cards is at the businesses they frequent. For example, a consumer that routinely purchases gas from a specific type of gas station should enquire with that business to learn if it has a rewards credit card. The same is true for a consumer that frequents certain restaurants, stores, and airlines. It is becoming increasingly commonplace for businesses to pair up with major credit cards to offer special reward cards.

Posted in Prepaid Credit Card at September 17th, 2010. No Comments.

Instant Approval Credit Cards Online

Instant approval credit cards are those that generally do not require special requirements to be met in order to receive membership to the card. Often, these cards can be applied for, and approved, entirely online. There are many advantages to instant approval credit cards that make them particularly attractive to many consumers.

An instant approval credit card online application is simple to complete. All of the necessary information required by the credit card company can simply and easily be placed into the online application form. Thanks to cookies, which saves information to your computer, much of the information can probably be added with the click of a button. Nothing could be simpler! With instant approval credit cards, there is no need to prove employment status and wait for it to be verified. There generally is no need to have a bank account. In addition, most instant approval credit cards do not even look at credit history in order to approve membership.

Many instant approval credit cards are secured credit cards. Secured credit cards are cards that the cardholder supplies money ahead of time to the card. These cards do not actually extend a line of credit to the cardholder. Instead, they allow the cardholder to access his or her own money with the ease of a credit card.

Secured instant approval credit cards provide a win-win situation for the cardholder as well as for the credit card company. The credit card company is happy because there is no concern about the cardholder borrowing money and failing to pay it back. Because the card is secured with the cardholder’s own money, there is no need to perform a credit check or enforce stringent approval requirements.

This is part of the reason credit cardholders enjoy applying for secured instant approval credit cards. There are no hassles and no worries about being denied approval because of poor credit. In addition, secured instant approval credit cards help the cardholder remain in control of his or her finances because he or she plans ahead of time how much money will be placed on the credit card. Paying toward the card ahead of time also ensures the cardholder will not build up a debt that is impossible to overcome.

There are also unsecured instant approval cards available to consumers. Some consumers are not interested in secured cards because there are many fees associated with these cards. Fees such as application fees, processing fees, annual fees, and monthly membership fees are commonly found with secured credit cards. In addition, there is generally a fee assessed each time the cardholder places more money on the card, which is referred to as “loading” the card. In addition, some people are not interested in secured credit cards because they are seeking a card that will provide a loan that they can pay back at a later date.

Unsecured instant approval credit cards are not as common as those that are secured, but they are available. These cards often do check an applicant’s credit history, but they are capable of completing this process quickly and efficiently, which allows them to still provide instant approval. Sometimes, these credit cards will only approve a small line of credit until they have had the opportunity to perform a more extensive credit check. After a few months of membership, instant approval credit cards following this practice will then extend an offer to the cardholder to increase the line of credit.

Instant approval credit cards are a convenient means for applicants to gain access to a wide array of credit cards, including business credit cards, cash back credit cards, and reward credit cards. Through the ease of online applications, the process could never be simpler!

Posted in Instant Credit Card at August 9th, 2010. No Comments.

Credit Card Rebates – Offer the Best Benefits

Credit card rebates are the perfect way for you to get some of the money back that you have spent throughout the year. More and more credit card companies are getting involved with rebate credit cards and reward credit cards because consumers have clearly shown increased interest in the rebate cards that offer the best benefits.

We all love to get something for nothing, but it very rarely happens. However credit card rebates give you that opportunity. If you have an existing credit card then you’re going to use it to make purchases anyway, so why not get a little extra back every time you use your card with these credit card rebates?

The idea of rebate credit cards has been around for quite some time. The concept works on the principal that a percentage of cash is retuned to the cardholder at the end of each year, based on the total amount of card charges. The more times you make a purchase with your card, and the more money you spend, the more money you get back. The percentage of money you get returned when you use your rebate credit cards varies. Some companies will offer excellent deals that give you up to 5% cash back on selected purchases, others offer rates starting at 1% on all purchases. This type of card was introduced primarily to keep the business of cardholders who purchase most of their goods by credit card, and who pay the outstanding balance every month.

Like all other credit cards, it’s prudent to shop around to find a rebate credit card that offers the best deal to suit your circumstances. If you don’t pay off your balance every month then it may not be the card for you, as the APR can be slightly higher than other cards on offer. However, if you are the type of person who does pay their balance off each month, then it’s the kind of card you should consider using. The rebate credit card is a good way to actually get paid for spending.

Many lenders offer credit card rebates in conjunction with other reward schemes. Some give discounts when you purchase selected items, or goods from partner companies. If you use a certain supermarket, gas station, or drug store regularly it would be extremely beneficial to you to get 5% of your cash back on every purchase. Find out which rebate credit card provider offers their rebate at the stores you regularly use. There are websites available online that will let you do a comparison on rebate credit cards, so you can find the best deals suitable for you.

Be sure to be aware of the terms and conditions of your credit card agreement, as some companies do have a limit on the value of rewards and credit card rebates you can claim in one calendar year. On a $300 reward maximum, you can spend $6000 annually on gas or at the supermarket, for example, if your card has a 5% rebate. If your family budget exceeds $6000 dollars why not apply for another card for your spouse. This way you can maximize the amount of money you are able to get back on your rebate credit card.

Some rebate credit cards insist you have a monthly balance remaining to qualify for the rewards. If you don’t carry a balance into the next month then no rebate is accumulated. This type of card doesn’t produce as many benefits. You end up paying interest on your balance, and as the rebate credit card normally has a higher APR, the benefits of the rebate can be negated. It’s important that you look out for this when choosing a new card.

One thing you shouldn’t do is buy goods you don’t need in order to get a rebate. You should also be aware that if you return an item your rebate is deducted. On the whole credit card rebates can be very useful if used correctly, it just depends on your situation.

Posted in Credit Card Offers at August 7th, 2010. No Comments.

Instant Approval Credit Cards – The New Plastic Cash

Instant approval credit cards are plastic cash resources, which are difficult to resist. The instant approval credit cards are marketed very well by their respective card issuers, yet once the card is in hand, cardholders can sometimes find it difficult to manage their debt. Few people understand how to manage payments. The cardholders will utilize the cards to make payments while meeting the grace period payoff date. Meeting the grace period deadline enables the cardholder to take full advantage of the card, since additional interest and fees are not applicable.

Credit Cards differ from loans, i.e. collateral is unnecessary. Still, if you fail to repay the debts incurred, fees higher interest is the result. Nowadays, we all need credit cards, since many businesses will not accept checks anymore. The advantages are that you can utilize most credit cards almost anywhere in the world. In addition, the cards come with monthly statements, which enable you to keep track of your expenses. If the debts are paid in full before the grace period ends, rates of interest and fees are minimal. Furthermore, the credit cards are convenient, since you are essentially taking out what amounts to a payday loan without going through paperwork.

Associated Charges on Credit Cards

It depends on the credit card, but most have a number of associated charges. The instant approval cards, e.g. may include annual percentage rates (APR), interest rates, late fees, fees on cash advances, and so forth. The annual fees are often waived providing the potential cardholder does not have credit issues. The card providers waive the fees up to fifteen months in some instances. Interest rates vary, however the rates increase if the grace period payoff date is not met, yet some card providers will allow flexibility on payments. The APR on some cards are a fixed rate, while others are variable. Fixed rates differ, therefore read the terms & conditions carefully while considering instant approval credit cards. The grace period is always important, since if you do not pay debts by the grace periods end, you will pay higher charges. Therefore, check the grace period on the cards, since some providers will allow 21 days on instant approval credit cards, while others will allow 25 days. Other fees might include charges on cash advances, late fees, etc.

Instant approval credit cards are designed mostly for people with excellent credit. So if you have the required credit score, there’s a good chance that you’ll get approved for the card instantly, however if your credit presents a risk, expect a delay. If your credit meets the cards stipulations on particular credit cards, the lender likely will give you a chance, however if your credit is bad, dont expect an instant credit card.

Your best chances of understanding and applying for credit cards is to research them thoroughly. Utilize the internet where you can rapidly compare and research offers and to locate card providers, instant approval credit cards and more!

Posted in Instant Credit Card at July 14th, 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.

How to Make the Most of Your Credit Card Rewards

How to Make the Most of Your Credit Card Rewards

Many great credit card companies are now offering their loyal cardholders credit card rewards. This provides the cardholder an opportunity to gain prizes just because they use their card. It is a great incentive for those that may not use their card much. The more credit card rewards they will receive, the more likely they are to use their card more frequently. Credit card companies realize that they profit more when cardholders use their cards more, and so the process is profitable to all involved.

Programs

Each card that offers credit card rewards will have slightly different programs than the rest. Some will offer a cash back reward, which is essentially giving the cardholder a certain percentage of their spending amount back. This is usually done annually or may be done monthly. These cards are great for those who use their cards frequently but dont have time to deal with points and other credit card rewards other cards may offer. Some credit cards rewards will be offered in the form of sky miles or other flying incentives.
These credit card rewards are perfect for the cardholder who travels frequently. If the cardholder is saving up their points for a free flight, they will be much more likely to use their card rather than cash. Other credit card rewards include other miscellaneous prizes. Some cards will allow their cardholders to choose from a selection of prizes.

Making The Most Of Rewards

The best way to make the most of your credit card rewards is by simply taking advantage of them. Credit card companies are amazed at the amount of cardholders who never redeem their rewards. They use their cards frequently and accumulate prizes, however they never take the time to get the prizes. The thing about credit card rewards is that unless you have a cash back program, you have to contact the company to get your prizes. Many cardholders forget about the programs or simply dont have time to deal with them. If you do have your eyes on a prize, then you can make the most of the credit card rewards programs by using your card frequently. Use your card instead of cash and simply pay off the balance before any interest collects. This way you can get closer to your prize without being out any extra cash.

Credit card rewards are a wonderful way to get excited about using your credit card. Those who usually carry cards filled to their maximum and who only pay the minimum each month may not be as excited about the credit card rewards. Unless you are able to use the card, you will not benefit. So, if your card has reached its maximum balance, work on paying it down to start benefiting from the credit cards rewards programs.

Posted in Credit Card Rewards at June 1st, 2010. No Comments.

Prepaid Credit Cards

If you have a history of bad credit and are unable to obtain a mainstream credit card, then prepaid credit cards may be just the answer you are looking for.

First of all, although prepaid credit cards are accepted at any retail outlet where the credit card logo is displayed, strictly speaking they are not a credit card, as the issuer provides no credit facility to you. Rather, your spending limit is determined by how much money you have on the credit card at any given time.

Once the amount on the card has been spent, the cardholder can either buy a new prepaid credit card or elect to transfer money on to the existing card, depending on the card program.

Although prepaid credit cards sound very like debit credit cards, the two should not be confused. In the case of debit cards, any purchase for goods or services you make will automatically be charged to you bank account for which the debit credit card has been issued. However, purchases for goods or services made on prepaid cards goes off the balance already on the card.

Because of the prepaid nature of these cards, they have several benefits, such as:

  • no interest is charged
  • they give people with a bad credit history the option to use a credit card
  • the credit line is variable depending on the amount on the balance of the card

    That said, you still need to review the terms and conditions of the application form carefully as prepaid credit cards can have

  • a monthly membership fee
  • an application fee
  • a purchase fee
  • a monthly transaction limit fee, i.e. if you spend over a fixed amount each month you are charged a fee for any additional transactions
  • a fee if you use the card to make ATM withdrawals

    Nonetheless, the card is a superb option if you either cannot obtain a regular credit card or are tired of all the fees and interest charges that are normally associated with standard credit card.

  • Posted in Prepaid Credit Card at May 26th, 2010. No Comments.