Credit Card Rewards

The Shocking Truth Credit Card Companies Are Afraid To Tell You.

Credit cards are an easy way to immediate gratification to spend and buy with money you dont have and it often forces many to run into debt and even bankruptcy. It is therefore crucial to weigh the pros and cons before filling out any old application for a credit card which I receive almost daily in my mail LOL (:–).

There are several factors which should be considered before applying Ive tried to outline them below but please keep in mind this is a short list to serve as a guideline only:

1. Every time when you apply for credit of any kind or a credit card, a mark is made against your credit rating. The available credit on the card you have is applied to your overall debt ratio even if you dont have a single dollar balance on it !! Can you believe that !

2. Some credit cards give points when you purchase nearly anything. These points can be used for further shopping and other great bonuses, Air Miles for example. Hence, if youre a frequent flyer you should look for credit cards that offer rewards that will be a benefit to you. The points earned by you come in handy for future hotels and flights.

3. Look for credit cards, which offer standard APR and low introductory rates for balance transfers.

4. Some credit cards award you cash back for purchasing at certain stores. Therefore, apply for a card which awards cash back at stores where you actually shop or it wont be worth it.

5. Accountability: In my own situation Ive made myself accountable to my wife for large purchases so as to not let my emotions get the best of me. There will always be another super sale!

6. Checks and Balances: Come up with your own plan for dealing with debt before you apply. This will be something you can look back on if you run up a debt on the card. Tie this in with #5 above so that if you do begin to run a debt balance youll be able to pay it off soon. The majority of credit card holders run a large balance and for many this would be dealt with if they had an accountability partner to work through the debt with.

7. One benefit of credit cards is that if you continually make your payments it looks really good to on your credit statement and may actually help your overall score.

If youre still set on getting a card here are some guidelines to help you choose a reliable company.

1. Interest rates: Your most important factor to consider while managing credit card debt. Choose a low interest rate credit card and only after reading all terms and conditions.

Of course youll be way happier to just pay it off each month but like most you might run a balance here or there and high rate cards can bite you if you do.

2. Annual fees: Most credit cards now do not require any annual fee, this being driven by competition. Try for a credit card company which does not charge any annual fees. Although Ive found in personal experience that if youre wanting the bonuses and points plans there will be a fee in many cases.

3. Withdrawals or Cash advances: Though handy in certain situations this can sometimes be way too tempting and ring up your debt faster than youd like.

4. Loyalty Schemes or Reward points: Cash back rewards and Air miles are used to attract you the customers. Many people chose a specific credit card for these kinds of benefits. Be cautious while buying credit card with these benefits.

5. Insurance: Choose a credit card with insurance, which will cover you from any theft or burglary. If you are a frequent traveler then choose a card which provides you free travel insurance.

6. Gold and Platinum cards: These might look great in your purse or wallet but often they are not the most competitive cards in the market. Annual charges are also applied to these types of cards. So dont decide on designs and colors of cards. Just see their benefits and compare from there.

7. Conduct an online comparison: There are many types of online surveys and comparison reports that have been conducted. Try doing a google.com search on the term credit card reviews.

Of course the above is not an exhaustive list but should put you in the right direction if this is your first time applying for a credit card.

On most days I love my work as a financial advisor to my wide variety of clients. I love helping people take a serious look at their financial situation and helping them make wise financial decisions. I get frustrated, however, when my clients “put the buggy before the horse” so to speak and start worrying about things like credit problems before they have even applied for credit. I have had countless conversations about the importance of filling out a credit card application as the first step toward building credit.

It is shocking how many people forget about the credit card application as a necessary means to the end of actually having a credit card and being able to build up their credit card situation. So quite frequently I have to sit down with a client and work through the process of filling out a credit card application before we can move any further in our discussion about the importance of building up good credit for the rest of their lives.

The process of applying for credit can be rather overwhelming if you have no idea what kind of credit to apply for or what kind of credit card deals to avoid. If you’re anything like the average citizen, you receive countless credit card applications in the mail each week. How can you determine what really is a good deal and what is beneficial for your future? I’d encourage everyone to take their pile of credit card applications and make a visit to a financial advisor as soon as possible. Allow a professional to assist you in the decision making process.

The next step is just to fill out the credit card applications that you have chosen to go with and see which ones you are approved for. You might have a little trouble getting approved for your first credit card, but you’ll never know unless you actually fill out the credit card application to be approved. This is one of the simpliest yet most overlooked steps in the process of becoming people for whom getting credit isn’t an issue. So start at the beginning and do what it takes to get good credit.

In recent years, our televisions and email in-boxes have been inundated with advertisements from companies promising to help consumers improve their credit. Many of these companies offer a quick fix for people who have a high-rate of debt or bad credit, and the promises made often seem to good to be true. Many offer extended lines of credit, immediate debt relief and easy access to cash. Unfortunately, the fact of the matter is that many of these offers are too good to be true, and consumers must read carefully to be aware of possible scams and protect themselves from compounding their money troubles.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) cautions consumers against many forms of credit scams that consumers face today. Two of the most prevalent scams against consumers include offers for advance-fee loans and credit repair services.

Advance-fee loan scams often target consumers with credit problems or consumers who have difficulty getting credit. In exchange for an up-front fee, these companies guarantee that applicants get the credit they want – usually a credit card or personal loan. Below are some points to keep in mind before responding to ads that promise easy credit regardless of credit history:

Most legitimate lenders will not “guarantee” a loan or credit card before a formal application process is followed, especially if the applicant has bad credit or a bankruptcy.
It is an accepted and common practice for reputable lenders to require payment for a credit report or appraisal. A processing or application fee is also an accepted practice.
Never give a credit card account number, bank account information or Social Security number out over the telephone unless the company is familiar and it is explained clearly why the information is necessary.

Credit repair scams are some of the most common credit scams today. They are in ads in newspapers, on television and on the Internet. Consumers receive fliers in the mail and calls from telemarketers offering easy and immediate credit repair services. Consumers should be very cautious in answering advertisements for these services. The FTC advises consumers to be aware of any credit repair companies that:

– ask for payment for credit repair services before any services are provided
– do not advise a consumer of his or her legal rights and what can be done independently by a consumer – for free – to improve credit
– recommend against contacting a credit bureau directly
– suggest inventing a “new” credit report by applying for an Employer Identification number to use instead of a Social Security number; or
– advise disputing all information of a credit report or taking any action that seems illegal, such as creating a new credit identity. If a consumer follows illegal advice and commits fraud, he or she may be subject to prosecution.

Consumers who feel they may have been a victim of a credit scam such as the two described above should contact their local consumer protection agency, state Attorney General, or Better Business Bureau. For additional information on credit-related scams, or to file a formal complaint against a fraudulent company, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s web site.

Five years ago, a consumer could apply for a credit card and receive not only confirmation of approval, but also the cards 16 digit number and expiration date in a matter of minutes. Getting a credit card online was truly an instant process. And an easy one. Especially for identity thieves, who could max out a persons virtual credit card before the actual plastic arrived in the unsuspecting consumers mailbox. Problems such as these ultimately led to the phasing out of instant online credit cards.

At present, American Express offers 60 second decisions upon submission of an online application. If approved, the consumer is given notice of his or her status, not their numbers. If the consumer does not immediately qualify for online approval, then notification of approval or denial is sent via mail. Consumers with good to excellent credit looking for an instant credit card, therefore, should consider American Express credit cards.

Most credit card issuers generally take anywhere from five to seven business days before reaching an approval decision and getting the plastic in the mail. With some companies, consumers can expect to wait as long as 30 days. Clearly, the days of the instant credit card are gone.

Individuals without excellent credit that are in a rush to get a new credit card can now expect to wait at least five business days to get the card they applied for. Having good credit facilitates and expedites the decision process. However, those with average and borderline credit scores are often left in credit decision purgatory.

So what should one do if they truly need an instant credit card? One solution is to consider applying for credit cards from different issuing banks. Since each bank varies in its application processing time and approval criteria, applying for credit cards from different companies can expedite the process of obtaining an instant credit card, while also providing an opportunity to make a more informed decision on which credit card to accept and use over the long term.

Perhaps the end of the guaranteed instant online approval era of credit cards is not such a bad thing. The more stringent and time consuming application process currently in place provides consumers and credit card companies immeasurably better protection against identity theft. It also gives the consumer time to evaluate the interest rates and rewards offered by the instant credit cards they apply for and make better decisions about which credit card to use.

Identity theft is fast becoming the major way in which criminals are stealing your money. They are not only stealing your money but they are stealing your identity, using your personal details to gain access to your credit and open up new accounts in your name redirecting the mail to a new address.

It is fast becoming easier for criminals to steal your identity as record numbers of consumers are obtaining credit cards and using their credit cards on unsecured websites. It is not only using your credit card in what may seem to be otherwise normal situations that you need to be wary of. You should make sure that credit card statements are disposed of in the correct manner as well as all material that includes your personal details.

Shopping

Situations that you may think normal when using your credit card could be otherwise threatening your identity. Corrupt cashiers or waiters could easily scan the black strip on the back of your credit card to obtain details that they can then use to clone your card. When purchasing goods or paying for your bill never let your credit card out of your sight as it would be more difficult for fraudsters to swipe your card.

Other scanning machines that you need to look out for are at cash machines where you insert your card. Criminals have been known to attach these scanners at cash machines duping customers. If when using a cash machine and you think there might be a scanner attached do not use the cash machine and report it as soon as you can.

Online

If you are not security conscious when buying online you could become a victim of identity theft. When purchasing an item on the internet be sure the site is secure as you may be entering your credit card details. You can check this by making sure there is a padlock symbol on your browser bar. You may also wish to have a Paypal account, which will further protect you from online fraud. New security measures are being updated frequently to try and erase the problem of online fraud.

Personal Documents

When disposing of your credit card statements, bills or any documents that may have your personal details included on them you must think about who may be able to have access to them. Investing in a shredder will eliminate prying eyes seeing your details and they are quite a cheap investment considering the amount of money you could lose if you were to fall victim of identity theft.

It is important to check your credit card statements against receipts every month to verify what you have bought and what you are paying for. Any kind of misuse on your credit card should show up and you can then act on it immediately.

Be vigilant and be just as protective of your personal details as you would be your cash.

Instant credit cards can now be applied for with the ability to use the credit card in just a matter of one minute. Nothing could be easier than applying and being approved online for instant credit cards.

You may be wondering how all this came to be since at one time not too long ago, it could take up to a month or more to be approved for a credit card, then receive it in the mail so you can begin reaping the benefits. What changed all this, of course, is easy access to the internet. All the major credit card companies such as American Express, CitiBank, Chase, and many more now give you the chance to fill out an application online. These websites offer a safe and secure way for you to complete the application online and then submit the application by just pushing the submit button. Now, just give them a few seconds and you will receive a response via email. Most of the time, if you have excellent or even just good credit, you will be approved, almost as fast as pushing the button and your credit card will be on its way.

Because of the internet all the information that you supplied can be verified online so you can receive approval for your instant credit cards. The banks or credit card companies can verify your credit by checking with the three national credit bureaus online, which are TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. They will get your FICO score to see what your credit rating is and learn if it meets their criteria for approving your credit card application.

Why should you apply for these instant credit cards? The answers are easy. Banks and credit card companies are always offering great incentives to get your business such as 0% APR on balance transfers or new purchases, and other types of reward programs. You can only find these special offers most of the time by surfing the internet. Needing credit quickly is another advantage of applying online for instant credit cards, because there is no wait time. You will not have to wait for 4 to 6 weeks after applying to learn if you were approved. The approval is instant. Some credit card companies that offer instant credit cards will also be able to give you special code that you can use immediately normally in the amount of $300 to $500 on the day that you are approved.

Applying online for instant credit cards can even be more secure than sending your information through regular mail. All financial websites have a way it which to code all of your information so the only people that will see the information are the ones that really need the information.

So, when you begin to think about applying for instant credit cards check out all the specials you can find online, you may be purchasing in no time.

Tempted to grab those instant credit cards at the checkout counters of your favourite stores to get those cool discounts? Before you sign on the dotted line, you may want to read the fine print. Some companies offering instant card approval may not be packing as much punch as they seem to promise and saving a few bucks today with some of these offers may end up costing you quite a few more than you bargained for. But with so many options out there, there are still quite a few instant credit card approval offers that might still make sense for you.

What Are Instant Credit Cards?

While many credit card companies take time to process your application before the card arrives at your doorstep with instant credit cards, you can qualify for the card almost immediately. You can find them at retail checkout counters, department stores as well as online. And we should not forget about the never ending stream of offers received via regular mail from credit card companies pitching hard for their latest offering.

Downside Of Instant Card Approvals

Setting aside the immediacy of an instant credit card approval, there are significant pitfalls of instant card approvals to be aware of. A common misconception regarding instant card approvals is the notion that you will gain instant access to credit. The instant approval process is a filter that merely qualifies card applicants for the application process. But you still have to fill out a card application and go through the approval process like anyone else. With an instant approval, you qualify for the application process but not necessarily the card itself.

Instant credit cards can also carry higher much interest rates than traditional card offerings in the marketplace. In such cases, the card will end up costing you more money in interest than you gained in benefits. Unlike traditional card offers that currently exist, some instant credit cards will not offer an introductory interest-free period at all. And similar to traditional credit cards, the people most likely to get instant credit card approval are those with good credit histories. Instant credit cards will require an inquiry about your credit history from at least one of the major credit bureaus so make sure not to attempt to gain approval for multiple instant card approvals at once as too many credit inquiries at the same time can adversely affect your credit rating.

If you thought instant approvals were to good to be true, you may have been right. But that is no reason to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Spend some time researching various instant credit cards and compare them side by side. You can find a solid instant card approval offer with very competitive rates of interest, attractive rewards programs, balance transfer features and more. And while these type of benefits are not necessarily typical with instant credit cards, they are available, and with a little bit of effort, you can locate some very attractive offers.

Right now, there are a lot of people who are enjoying the freedom of getting and using low interest credit cards. Others are struggling, and slowly finding themselves starting to be overcome by the high interest rates on their cards. You know the story, at first, it wasn’t much, but now that you have added a lot of credit onto those cards, and frequently use the plastic, the amount you pay each month in interest has become a bill in itself – something that you do not need.

So, you ask, how can you get that low interest credit card? You know those ads for more credit cards are always coming in the mail (your email, too), and truthfully you’re more than a little tired of it. In fact, you have probably also noticed that the more money you owe – the more credit card applications you receive. Here are some steps you can take to get one of those low interest credit cards.

Look At The Percentages

While getting all of those applications in the mail, it is best that you take a few minutes to carefully read between the lines before applying. The promises may indicate a low introductory rate, often a gimmick used to get you to apply real quick – without reading the small print. Card companies will give a 0% interest introductory offer, and then it may go sky high after the initial offer is over. Even if you do not have that 0% introductory offer, but the card has, say, an 8% interest level for the life of the card – this latter offer could be the better one.

Many cards, the so-called cheap credit cards, may offer you a 0% balance transfer, and possibly even a 0% interest for a specified period. After that period, though, if you do not have it paid off – it may be time to find another cheap credit card to transfer your new balance to.

Look At The Conditions

In general, it is true that it takes a good credit rating in order to get one of the low interest credit cards. So, you may need to accept a little higher interest card than what you are hoping for, use it to get better credit, and then look for a low interest credit card after your credit improves.

Lately, some credit card companies have been raising the interest rates on credit cards for rather simple infractions. This could include anything from a single late payment, to paying your utility bills a day late. This is another matter to look into if you may be prone to make late payments. Know what the top rate of the card may be.

Look At Smaller Card Companies

The major cards, like Visa and Master Card, do not have to make such special offers – simply because they are the larger companies. But smaller companies, like Discover and American Express, make some really attractive offers in order to draw the new customers.

Look At The Rewards

Other cards, while possibly not being as low as some of the others, may offer you some good rewards. Of course, this type of card only has real value if you can benefit from the rewards. For instance, a card giving you free air miles is useless – if you never fly anywhere. While it may not lower your interest so much, the rewards could definitely save you in money elsewhere.

Another option is a card with Cash Rewards program. Usually this is given if you pay off the credit card debt with each month’s billing period. This is certainly an additional savings – even above the fact that no interest is charged.

Look To Reduce Your Rates

One thing that could be very helpful in you getting those low interest credit cards might be something real simple. Through surveys, it has been found that about 51% of the people that just asked for lower rates from their current credit card companies got what they wanted. This definitely is worth a try – whether you call them, or just write a letter asking about it.

What Is An Instant Credit Card Approval? In the automated age, it is possible for companies to approve your credit card application online instantly. What you get from it are instant approval credit cards. Look at it this way, civilization had to wait centuries for instant noodles, but in todays fast paced world there just isnt that much time. Instant approval credit cards are the result of the internet economy as well as consumer wants and needs. Makes you wonder how Abraham Maslow would classify instant approval credit cards in his need hierarchy.

The Instant Approval Credit Card Online Process

The instant credit card approval works by using your social security number, address, another credit card you own and other details to collate your credit rating. You generally require perfect credit to be granted instant approval credit cards online. However sometimes people are given instant approval even when they do not have a perfect credit rating. There is no harm applying. Once the approval is given, it takes the physical card a few days to reach you by mail.

The Psychology of An Instant Credit Card Approval

In an age when oceans apart has lost its meaning, the food is instant and even marriages happen online, it was only natural for the need of instant approval credit cards to be felt. What occurs as a need in a group of people is generally a business opportunity for another group of people. Offering instant approval credit cards online also made sound economic sense.

The Economics Of Instant Approval Credit Cards

With a customer base existing, the instant approval credit card online was also a cheaper way to acquire a customer. With a customer coming looking for you instead of you looking for the customer, and an analysis of credit rating possible through automatic collation of customer data, instant approval credit cards are the cheapest and fastest way for companies to acquire customers.

Also, instant approval credit cards are charged at a premium. This makes it more profitable for credit card companies.

The Pitfalls

One must be careful while buying instant approval credit cards online. Though many vendors exist, some are better than others, and some are scams. Make sure to apply through a trusted vendor like www.creditcardassist.com

Not applying through a trusted vendor makes information like your social security number, address etc. available online.

Also if you default on instant approval credit cards, you stand to pay a high rate of interest, since these cards generally charge a premium rate of interest.

Find Out Pertinent Details

All the details of your instant approval credit card must be scrutinized. Is the APR the best you can get? Do the perks offered fit your needs? More importantly do not apply for numerous instant approval credit cards at once as it can negatively affect your credit rating. Incidentally applying for an instant credit card approval is also a good way to find out your credit rating

An instant credit card approval is a fulfillment of the need for instant gratification. As such it is a good idea to be careful when going about it. If possible do a bit of homework. It may save you a lot of pain later. Though quick, make sure that your instant approval credit card does not amount to bad economics. Pay your bills on time. Everyone likes pizza, right? Just make sure you order the one you like and avoid the one that might upset your stomach.

The reality of instant credit card approval is somewhat different from what most people truly think. However, this does not mean that it is not the right decision for many people out there looking for a new credit card.

You see the ads all the time in newspapers, magazines, TV and on the Internet. “Instant Credit Card Approval – Apply Today!” Now you think to yourself, I could do with a new credit card, especially some instant approval credit cards. I’ll apply now and have my application sitting on their desk tomorrow, and have a new card by the end of the week. You might even use the Internet and get your instant approval credit card online. All you need to do is fill in an online form and you’ll get your card by mail in a day or two. It’s that simple! Isn’t it?

Well the reality of actually receiving instant approval credit cards this way may be a little different. When companies advertise instant credit card approval, their definition of instant and your definition may be somewhat different. Now, to you or me applying for instant approval credit cards means you get your card back instantly right away. Now for most of the credit card company’s the meaning of instant approval should read -we will start processing your application immediately.

The credit company will check your credit using the information available from credit bureaus. They normally search for information regarding your past credit history and your current status. It’s normal for a bank or credit card lender to get three or more of these reports and analyze them to make sure they make the right decision whether to give you credit or not. Unless you have an exceptionally good credit rating, sometimes as high as the top 4% in the country, then there’s no way you will get instant credit card approval. This type of search and analysis will take up to three days maybe longer. Yes-even if you have applied for an instant approval credit card online. They will still perform the same searches. It’s going to be at least four to five days but usually longer (a week or two) before your card will reach you.

If you have poor credit rating it’s probably not worth your while applying for an instant approval credit card online. When you get to the website of the majority of lenders, you’ll find it says these instant credit card approval offers are normally only available to people who have a good credit rating. It’s important you look closely at the terms and conditions stated by the card issuer or bank. Although most of them will state clearly that to be considered for these kind of instant approval credit cards you must have a good credit rating, it’s still worth applying. The companies aren’t going to break the rules, but they may bend them slightly if your credit rating is near to their qualifying standard. Don’t forget card companies and banks need customers, the person that’s dealing with your application may well take a chance and approve your application.

You may be lucky and receive notification quickly that you have been approved for an instant approval credit card online. The card will be mailed to you, you receive it and you can then go and buy whatever you want. That is quite a common misconception for people who apply for instant approval credit cards. They think they have instant access to the credit that’s been approved. A lot of banks and credit card companies will have a process where you have to validate the card, normally by phone.

As you can see, although instant credit card approval isn’t quite as instant as you might expect, it’s still a lot quicker than the old way of sending an application by snail mail, and waiting weeks for approval, so why not take look at the options available and apply today? An instant approval credit card online might just be what you have been waiting for.