Credit Card Rewards

The Idiots Guide to Selecting a Credit Card Part II

There are literally hundreds – possibly thousands – of credit card offers available to consumers these days. And these days there are more things to compare than just interest rates and fees. Now, credit card holders can be rewarded for their using credit cards. Or, if youre a business owner, you might find extra features and perks with a business credit card. In this article well go over the basics of some of these above-and-beyond features of credit cards. Whenever youre thinking of applying for a credit card, its always best to compare all of their features so you get the best credit card that matches your financial lifestyle.

Rewards Programs

Probably one of the most attractive features of credit cards these days is the rewards programs that they sometimes offer. Credit card companies will often reward their cardholders for making purchases with the cards. Rewards can range from airline tickets to cash back to hotel discounts, depending on which credit card you apply for. The rewards are usually based on a point system with each dollar you spend using your credit card, you are rewarded a certain number of points that are collected in your account. When you have a certain number of points, you are able to redeem them for the reward that your credit card offers.

How can you use these types of cards to your best advantage? Think about what you do the most do you travel? Do you drive a lot and use a lot of gasoline? Do you shop at a particular store a lot? Consumers usually choose rewards credit cards that match their spending habits the best. If you travel a lot, it would be best to get a credit card that offers airline rewards. If youre on the road a lot, try finding an offer that gives you a discount on gasoline, or cash back for gasoline purchases. One thing to remember when selecting a rewards program make sure that once you choose it, it fits your needs exactly. For instance, if you fly frequently but usually fly on Midwest Express, make sure your credit card offers rewards for Midwest Express and not American Airlines. If youre a big driver, make sure youre getting rewarded for using the gasoline thats most available to you BP, Amoco, etc. There are some rewards cards that allow you a choice, but its always important to make sure youre going to get what you expect!

Business Features

If you are a business owner, using a business credit card can help you with things like payroll, managing expenses, and managing employee spending. Business credit cards now offer features like:

Detailed expense reporting allowing you to see very clearly where your hard earned business dollars are being spent.
Online account management allowing you to view and manage your credit accounts via the internet for added convenience
Customized cards and employee cards allowing you as the business owner to receive cards for your employees
Increased credit limits- allowing you to make the business purchases you need to keep your business running.
Rewards either travel, cash back, or other discounts, rewards allow you to enjoy a little bit of what youre spending

Make sure when youre applying for a business credit card that you compare these types of features and make sure your business card will meet the needs of you, your business, and your employees.

Online Access

Its not news anymore online access to bank accounts and credit accounts is just about standard these days. If youre a high powered geek, though, you might want to check out the interface and features of the online access that your credit card allows you. Online access offers you 24×7 access to your statements, transactions, customer support and billing making it much easier for you to monitor your credit expenses and pay your bills.

Security & Protection

Another feature of credit cards that is just about standard these days is the protection that credit card issuers offer you for things like identity theft and fraudulent use of your credit card. Unfortunately, there are still people out there who can acquire your credit card numbers usually by finding a receipt with your credit card number on it, getting the number through hacking online, etc.
Consumers should always keep credit card receipts in a safe place, shred them, or at the very least make sure that the credit card number and expiration date is not shown on the receipt before you throw it out. The good news is that if you notice a fraudulent charge on your credit card, its usually as easy as calling up your credit card company and reporting it. 9 times out of 10, its easy enough to prove that you didnt make the charge, and your credit card company will remove that charge from your account. With some of the higher end cards platinum cards, etc. the credit card companies actively monitor your account and will personally call you if they notice unusual activity on your credit card. In some cases, they do not authorize payments until they get approval from the card holder. These types of features add safety and security for consumers.

Competition among credit card companies is a great advantage for consumers. Credit card rewards are made bigger and better by credit card issuers to make sure that consumers would choose them over their competitors. How can you use your credit card points effectively and get the most out of your rewards credit cards?

The first thing to consider would be what type of rewards credit card do you currently have? If youre still on the process of selecting a rewards credit card, which one should you choose?

Because rewards credit cards come in a variety of classes, it is best to choose the one that best suits your lifestyle. For instance, there are travel rewards credit cards, gas rewards credit cards, or cash rewards credit cards. Youll be able to get the most benefit if the type of rewards credit card you have is that fits your needs.

Travel Rewards Credit Card

Travel Rewards Credit Cards are especially designed for people who frequently travel. Whenever you use your credit card for purchasing, you automatically receive points that are equivalent to travel mileage points. The minimum mileage points you need to collect in order to qualify for a free travel will depend on the credit card issuer. Usually, credit card companies have partnership with an airline that sponsors free travel tickets. Thus, you may consider getting the Travel Rewards Credit Cards that is affiliated with the airline you must often fly with.

Gas Rewards Credit Card

If youre frequently on road trips, you can get the best deals out of gas rewards credit cards. Gas Rewards Points are also collected each time you make a purchase using your credit card. These points allow you to get full tanks of gas at no charge at affiliate gas stations. Imagine how much money youll save in a month if you often get full gas tanks for free.

Cash Rewards Credit Card

Most people prefer to get cash rewards credit cards. Usually, youll be given a point for every dollar you spend on your credit card. However, some credit card issuers give 2 points or more for every dollar spent on the card. You can use these points to make new purchases or these points can be added on your credit. Some credit card companies have their own exclusive online store where customers can shop to redeem their points.

Choose Wisely

Make sure that you will be able to use the points youll be collecting. For example, even if you earn a free travel rewards, what if it includes restrictions, or what if you can only claim it for a limited time period? Be sure to check out all the terms and conditions that apply when claiming the reward. If you dont, the rewards you earned may simply be thrown out the window. Also, make sure that the credit card allows unlimited time for collecting points. If not, then youll always be trying to earn enough points in time which is a very risky way of using your credit card.

Lastly, see to it that youll be paying off your balances before the due date ends. Otherwise, you may end up paying for very high interest rates which defeats your purpose of purchasing to earn rewards. Also, some credit card issuers disqualify a card holder who has an outstanding balance in their account.

How To Get A Free Copy Of Your Credit Report

If you’re going to apply for a credit card, a mortgage, a loan or any other source of finance, one thing any potential lender will check is your credit report. This will tell them about any previous unpaid debts or legal judgments against you, and help them assess whether you are creditworthy or not.

There are three three nationwide consumer reporting companies in the US: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. All keep different information about you, and all or any of them may be referred to by a potential lender.

If you are thinking of applying for credit, therefore – and especially if you have ever been turned down in the past – it is important to find out what these companies have on their records about you. And because all three companies are independent, you need to check on all of them.

The good news for consumers is that as from September 1, 2005, everyone in the US is entitled to a free copy of their credit report from each of the consumer reporting companies once a year.

To get free copies of your credit report, you should not apply to the three companies directly. There is only one website that is authorized to give out free credit reports, and this is at www.annualcreditreport.com. You can also get your free credit report via telephone by calling 877-322-8228.

If you find a mistake on your credit report – for example, a debt that isn’t yours or a disputed amount – you’ll need to fill out the form that comes with the report, or follow the instructions on the explanatory sheet. Upon receipt of a challenge, a credit reporting agency must investigate the claim, usually within 30 days.

As long as a charge is in dispute, it will still show up on your report. Long-time lenders say it’s common for reports to have errors. Some estimate that as many as 80 per cent of all credit reports contain some kind of misinformation. So it really is important to take advantage of this free opportunity to check your credit report, even if you’re not currently planning any finance applications.

While having your own home is an important part of your financial picture, too many people make decisions without thinking things over. Many people have what I would like to call a “pie in the sky” view of life. They tend to think that when things are going well it will always be that way; this is not always the case. Making a mistake with your mortgage is a fast way to end up with terrible credit.

When some people find that they qualify for a mortgage, they make the mistake of going out and taking on new debts. But doing this could be a big mistake. There have been cases where people who thought they would get a mortgage went out and got an expensive car, only to find out at the last minute that the mortgage couldn’t be approved. You should never assume that you will get anything until you actually have it.

Your credit report is a document which is very important and gives detailed information about your credit history. It also provides information about where you work and how your bills are paid. If you have filed for bankruptcy, this information will be on the report as well. Credit agencies collect and sell the information of customers to different institutions. These institutions will then use these reports to determine if you apply for various products or services.

Because of this, it is important for the information on these reports to be accurate. If there are errors on the report, people could find themselves denied from getting a car, home, or even a job. Many experts advise consumers to regularly check their credit reports to make sure there are no mistakes. If you plan on making a large purchase such as a house or car, it is critical that you review your credit report beforehand. Making sure your information is accurate can make the credit approval process a lot easier.

If you have been blocked from getting loans or other credit products, the company that denied you will need to provide information about the CRA, or credit reporting agency. You will want to get their address and phone number. If you make a request for your credit report within two months, you will receive it free of charge. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the credit agency or banks responsible for submitting the information to them will have to make corrections on your report.

You will need to submit a report in writing explaining to the CRA what is inaccurate on your report. Send the copies of documents which support your argument. You should have all of your information listed, and you should give details as to why you feel your report has errors. It is important to make sure your information is sent by certified mail, and ask for a receipt so that you can have copies of what was sent to the CRA.

By law, the credit reporting agencies must review the information within 30 days of receiving it. All of the data you send to them will also be sent to the institution which provided them with your information. If the information you provide about the errors on your report is correct, the institution must notify all the CRAs of the mistake, and it will be corrected.

How To Choose the Right Frequent Flyer Miles or Airline Credit Cards

Thinking about applying for an airline rewards credit cards? If you browse online and shop around for choices, you may find your options confusing. Each frequent flier credit card may claim to be the best one in the market and promise to give you the best deals. But how can you determine which one will really work for you?

Dont Focus on the Best Features

Focusing on the best features of each frequent flier credit card can only confuse you even more. Remember that all credit card companies put out well-thought up ads to entice consumers to choose their credit card over competitors. The best way to compare your choice of credit cards is by considering the terms and conditions that apply.

Credit card review websites can help you narrow down your options of frequent flier credit cards in the market. After narrowing your choices to only three or two credit cards, take the time to visit the credit cards official website and read the terms and conditions in full. Make sure that you understand all implications on the contract. If there are certain terms that sound vague or confusing, do not hesitate to call the issuer or the bank for further assistance.

Which Airline Credit Cards Best Suits Your Needs?

Not all credit cards are suited for everyone. Each of us live a different lifestyle and different credit cards are designed to match the variety of needs of individuals. Dont get a reward credit card just because it was recommended to you by a friend. What works for him may not necessarily work for your own lifestyle and spending habits. In this case, youll want to consider which frequent flier credit card suits you best.

For instance, do you have a particular airline or carrier of choice? If so, then its best to look for the credit card that has affiliations with the same airline you most often fly with. Is there a particular destination that you usually travel to? Then make sure that the credit card youll choose has provisions on this particular destination.

Do you own a business? If youre a business owner, then dont forget to take a look at the selection of business credit cards with frequent flier miles program. There are fewer choices of business credit cards with travel rewards in the market so youll have an easier time picking out one. Nevertheless, business credit cards with rewards do give more opportunities for its holders to earn rewards. Because businesses are big spenders, naturally, business credit card holders are entitled to more privileges and reward opportunities.

Regardless of which frequent flier credit card matches your needs, make sure that it also comes with a reasonable rate of interest, a reasonable annual fee and allows you to enjoy your rewards with flexibility and ease. Check for blackout dates or restrictions which can hinder you from redeeming your well-deserved rewards. To avoid possible problems in the future, read and understand carefully the terms and conditions that bind you to your airline rewards credit card.

Ensuring that your credit card is safe is probably one of the first things you need to learn when you first get a credit card for yourself. Making sure you have followed the guidelines given here will help you keep the credit card safe from misuse to a vast extent. Of course we have hackers who have risen above all these precautions, but we can try our best to keep some of these factors in place, so as to ensure a trouble free credit card usage. As they say, it is better to be safe rather than sorry.

One of the first things you can do when you receive your credit card is to sign your card. As soon as you receive it, sign on the space given at the back of the card. This is but a basic precaution to ensure that no one steals it and uses it before you can sign on it.

When you visit an ATM, ensure that no one is hanging about the place or peering above your shoulder. They could easily get your PIN and then there is nothing you can do. When you are punching in your PIN make sure no can follow your finger movements and thereby find out your PIN.

Always, always, take your receipt with you when you leave the ATM or shred it thoroughly before you leave it in the dustbin. You must always ensure that you leave the ATM only after the screen returns to the original and not before you have closed the operation entirely. You are bound to encounter miscreants waiting for such lapses on a consumers part and hack into their account.

Never ever give your credit card number to anyone unless you made the call. When use a cordless phone when you reveal your credit card number to a merchant establishment. There are radio scanners that enable miscreants to overhear your conversation and then you have a security breach. You might find a call soon after you give your card number asking you to repeat the number or they might even say they seem to be experiencing some problem and you need to repeat the number. All such calls are spell danger and are best avoided. Call your contact at the store immediately and verify the call.

Ensure that you get your card back after a purchase is made and always keep a list of your credit cards with their numbers and toll-free numbers to ensure safe transactions in case you lose your card. Check your statement when you get it. You might have been billed wrongly. Call and notify the bank or card issuer immediately to avoid having to pay for something you have not purchased.

Prepaid credit cards begin to rise in popularity during the late 1990s. More people are using them today. What are prepaid credit cards, and what advantages do they have over traditional credit cards? In this article I will go over this in detail.

Credit card companies have realized that many people don’t meet the necessary credit requirements to use their cards. Even people who do qualify often fail to pay back the debts they owe and file bankruptcy. This has caused credit card companies to suffer massive losses.

The credit card companies begin offering secured cards in order to combat this. Customers would be able use their cards without fear of going into debt. Once customers established that they were responsible using these, credit card companies would then begin slowly giving them more credit.

This was the forerunner to the prepaid credit cards used today. The primary difference is that users are given credit for purchases made using these newer types of cards. You are able to set the limit you want on the card by adding the necessary funds into the account.

In the past, credit card companies set the credit card limit, and it was up to the consumer to make sure they didn’t go over it. It was very difficult to track your purchases, and you weren’t able to add any funds other than what the credit card company added.

Because of this many people would go over their limits, spending money they didn’t have. This caused people to get into serious debt they couldn’t escape from. By using prepaid credit cards, you only add the money that you actually have, instead of being credited money by the credit card company.This allows you to keep better control over your finances.

This creates a situation in which both credit card companies and consumers win. Credit card companies minimize their losses by allowing consumers to add their own funds. Consumers win by using their own money and setting their own limits instead of relying on the funds given to them by credit card companies. This greatly reduces their chances of going in to debt.

Having good credit is an important part of succeeding financially today. You want to use tools which reduce the chances of you getting into debt instead of increasing them. Using prepaid credit cards are a tool which will help you achieve this, and keep better control over your finances.

More Than Meets The Eye: What Is A Chase Credit Card?

With so many credit cards dominating the market these days, people can no longer tell the difference between one card to another. It all seems like a wide array of credit cards all committed to provide the consumers with substantial means in cashless shopping.

However, there is one credit card that aims to be above the rest. This is the chase credit cards.

On its faade, chase credit cards may look just like the other credit cards, works like the others, and has the basic features of a typical credit card. But what people still dont know about chase credit cards is that what it has basically more than meets the eye.

Here are some facts about chase credit cards in order to guide those who are contemplating to get hold of it:

1. Chase credit cards are easily accessible online.

Just like the other credit cards, chase credit cards are also available online. But the fact that people can do transactions online is a remarkable modification in credit cards.

In fact, consumers who want to get a chase credit card can easily apply online, and once approved they can continuously track their balances, statements, and details of their transactions all in just one click.

2. Chase credit cards have free alerts.

These are the notifications that a chase credit card holder receives through e-mail or phone.

If the consumer chooses e-mail alerts, notifications shall be sent to the users e-mail address, wap-enabled mobile phone, pager, or even a PDA device. In this way, the consumer can be updated about his or her account at any time of the day.

Free alerts can even jog your memory whenever there is a due payment. It will also ring a bell in the event that your balance is about to reach its limit. Best of all, it is free so people dont have to worry about additional charges just for this service.

3. Chase credit cards offers versatility when paying bills.

Chase credit cards can be used automatically to pay all the bills on due. The consumer has to arrange for the specific requirements needed before they can get their chase credit card start paying bills.

So, for a new way of enjoying credit cards with all the functions still intact but ahs a different way of managing the consumers accounts, chase credit cards are certainly the best of its kind.

Reward Credit Card or Cash Back — Which Is Better?

A reward credit card and a cash back credit card are often confused by consumers and even used interchangeably by many credit card companies. In reality, these two types of credit cards can actually be quite different. In fact, the way you earn the rewards or cash back can be quite different, as can the method for spending the money, points, or miles you earn from the card. Therefore, it is best to compare cash back credit cards with reward credit cards before applying in order to determine which type is best for you.

Points Versus Cash

The first factor to take under consideration is whether you prefer receiving cash or points to use redeem on certain goods and services. With a cash back credit card, you will periodically receive monetary refunds. A reward credit card, on the other hand, will either provide you with miles for travel discounts or points for use on specific goods and services. For some consumers, the thought of earning cash back is more enticing, while others prefer the fun of spending their points on things they might not otherwise purchase.

Value for Your Buck

Although you might think you would prefer to get cold, hard cash in exchange for your purchases, you need to consider the value trade off. Generally, reward credit cards supply incentives of a higher value than the amount of cash you receive from cash back credit cards. Of course, if you have no use for the items offered by a reward credit card, then these points are worthless to you. If the items are something you could use or something that you want, however, it might be more worthwhile for you to take advantage of reward credit cards.

Staying Organized

One drawback to reward credit cards is the fact that you need to keep track of points in order to make your purchase. With cash back credit cards, the money is either sent to you automatically or is applied directly to your credit card balance. Therefore, it does not require any organization on your part. If you are somebody that lacks strong organizational skills or you simply don’t want to be bothered with keeping track of one more item, reward credit cards may be too much of a hassle for you.

At the same time, some of the best reward credit cards take the paperwork out of the picture for you. For example, reward credit cards that provide you with free gasoline as a reward may simply deduct the cash back reward from your gasoline purchases made with the card. In that way, you don’t have to keep track of your points and redeem them for your reward.

Getting What You Need

Another potential drawback to reward credit cards is the fact that you are restricted on what you can purchase with your reward. Obviously, you can purchase whatever you wish with the money you receive from a cash back credit card. On the other hand, most people are not bothered by this possible drawback because there are so many reward credit cards available that there is generally a reward credit card to suit anyone’s taste.

If you take the time to carefully shop around and to explore all of the options available, you will likely find a reward credit card that is right for you. From vacation savings, to savings on cars, to restaurant discounts, to merchant discounts, to free airline travel, there are unlimited possibilities. In addition, reward credit cards help ensure that you will spend your credit card reward on something fun for yourself – something you deserve for being a smart financial planner.

The American Express Platinum Credit Card Is A Card With Little Restrictions And More Rewards

What do most credit card holders look for in their credit cards? Most consumers in Australia are looking for a flexible card that comes with a variety of options all that are customized to their very needs. Of course, low APR’s; good balance transfer rates, rewards and fewer restrictions are positives as well. The Australian financial market boasts several credit cards that are equipped with these features and they are being sought after by more and more consumers. The American Express Platinum credit card is one such card and it works off of less restrictions and more rewards.

The Platinum card comes equipped with many of the benefits that an individual would look for within a card, especially someone with a bigger budget with an appetite for rewards. The American Express Platinum credit card is a card that has a potentially large credit line and an even bigger rewards program. The Platinum card from American Express offers up to $100,000 in credit line available dollars. While it will depend highly on your own credit history, the Platinum card is known as being one of the most generous charge cards in giving credit line increases, and this generosity is enhanced the longer you are a customer.

The Platinum card comes with 1.5 membership rewards points per dollar spent. Reward points are calculated on a per dollar basis so each time you use your card you will be earning rewards. The Platinum credit card is one of the most rewarding cards because each time you use it you will get those 1.5 points credited to your rewards package, which can be used in relation to frequent flier programs on one of American Expresss various travel partners. You get 1.5 points per dollar for up to $100,000 in purchases and then it drops down to 1 point per dollar.

Many people also turn to this card risk free because American Express offers it interest free for the first 55 days; which means you can purchase as much as you want without paying a dime of interest if you choose to hold off on paying.

The American Express Platinum credit card works well for many Australians who are looking for a flexible option to complement their financial lives. There are several credit cards that will work to suit a customers needs so in order to get the most benefits you should aim for a card like this.