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.

In this e-age, with instant communication in the form of mobiles and chat, instant knowledge with the Internet, can instant approval credit cards be left far behind? In fact, an instant approval credit card has become somewhat of a necessity now. What if you are online and see this unbelievable offer of an iPod going cheap or a Sony Viao at throwaway prices? And then you realize your card is maxed out! Simple, apply for an instant approval credit card online, and get a credit card approved within a minute flat. Gratify your shopping instincts by getting a great thing at a great price.

Pros and Cons of Instant Approval Credit Cards

Instant approval credit cards, like any innovation or technology, come with their own unique set of pros and cons. For example, instant approval credit card online may give you immediate access to a new credit card, however, you may need to pay slightly more fees for this card in comparison to a regular card. Also, you may need to deal with a few spending limits on this new instant approval credit card, till the card physically arrives in your hands. Finally, as a consumer you need to be aware that the more credit cards you own, the more you are tempted to splurge beyond your means. Especially if you are given instant approval credit cards at a moments notice, your need for instant gratification is further fuelled. And this is precisely what the card companies bank upon our consumerist lifestyle where we may need quick and speedy access to money.

The Functioning of Instant Approval Credit Cards

But how do they do this? How can an instant approval credit card online take a minute whereas a regular vanilla credit card takes a day or more? Well, it is very simple as the whole process is computerized. Your computer contacts their computer when you place a request for an instant approval credit card. The computer of the credit card company, in turn, contacts the credit bureaus computer to obtain your credit information.

They access your credit history and FICO score to gauge if you are risk-worthy. Here, two things can happen now. If everything looks OK, you will receive instant approval. If not, your application is flagged and then it needs to be approved by a banking official. Even though this delays the process, once everything is cleared, the card company gives you instant approval for a new card.

How Instant Approval Credit Cards Help

Once you have your new card in your hand, you will soon realize that can it actually help you save money. Assume, for example, that you are stuck in an alien city, in-transit to your destination because your vehicle broke down. You have only cash, no cards, and you realize that the locals will fleece you because they know you are desperate for help. Instead of paying through your nose for your car repairs, log onto the net from a cyber caf close by, get an instant approval credit card, call for a pick-up service, and have your car towed away to a reliable, cost-effective car garage.

Some of these cards have terrific features. For example, some instant approval credit card online are offered with low sign up amounts or are completely free. If you are lucky, then you may get a zero annual fee offer. Such instant approval credit cards also offer a zero balance transfer or they may have a limited introductory offer of low interest rates. Therefore, such cards will help you to save money if you can use them judiciously.

Instant approval credit cards have become increasingly popular. With the rushed lifestyle many are living and the need to get things done quickly, it is little wonder more and more people are turning to instant approval credit cards. But, are instant approval credit cards really so great? Furthermore, are there any drawbacks or things you need to be aware of before applying for an instant approval credit card online? The answer to both of these questions is yes, so let’s weigh the pros and cons of these types of cards.

Pro: Instant approval credit card online applications can get a card in your hand quickly.

For those needing the flexibility and freedom of a credit card right away, the fact that an instant approval credit card can take as little as one to two weeks to arrive in your mailbox is a definite plus. Regular credit cards can take up to eight weeks to be processed and sent to you. If you have a project you want to get started on right away, a vacation you want to take soon, or bill that need to be paid quickly, you simply don’t have eight weeks to wait.

Con: Not everyone gets their instant approval credit card right away.

Although instant approval credit cards are billed as “instant approval,” not everyone qualifies quite so quickly. In fact, if you have poor to mediocre credit, your instant approval credit card online application may be put on hold for a few days while the lending company looks into your credit history a little more thoroughly. In addition, instant approval is not the same as guaranteed approval. Therefore, usually only those with an above average credit history will be instantly approved. Of course, an instant approval credit card will still most likely arrive to you much quicker than a traditional credit card, but you might be disappointed to learn you have to wait a bit longer than you originally thought.

Con: Instant approval credit cards often have a higher interest rate than regular credit cards.

While not always true, instant approval credit cards usually have a higher interest rate than regular credit cards. This is how the lending company compensates for expediting the application process. It is also the price you pay for the convenience of instant approval. When looking for an instant approval credit card, be sure to explore all of your options to find one that does not have a terribly high interest rate.

Pro: Instant approval credit cards often have a special introductory rate.

While many instant approval credit cards have a higher interest rate than standard credit cards, they often have a special introductory low APR. This special rate can be as low as 0.00%. Financially, the best move you can make is to receive one of these cards, take advantage of the introductory rate, and pay off the balance in full before the interest rate kicks in. If you want to still use the card for purchases beyond the introductory period, be sure to pay the balance at the end of each billing cycle.

Con: Some instant approval credit cards need to be secured.

A secured instant approval credit card is one that you send money to ahead of time. Therefore, you are never actually borrowing money from a line of credit. Instead, you are using your own money. This type of credit card is really more of a debit card that allows you to spend from your own account. For those with poor credit, however, a secured instant approval credit card can be a great way to rebuild credit or to establish a credit history.

Pro: Instant approval credit cards look just like other credit cards, even if they are secured.

No matter what type of instant approval credit card you obtain – whether secured or unsecured – it looks the same as a regular credit card. Therefore, no one will know that your card was instantly approved or secured, which could potentially leave you feeling embarrassed.

So, youve reached the next plateau of your life: College. Opportunities are beginning to present themselves to you, and odds are, credit card companies are stuffing your mailbox with offer upon offer for student credit cards. Having these cards can be important for establishing a good credit score for when you enter the real world.

What are some of the important things to know when selecting your first card? What should you watch out for? In this article, well discuss some of the pros and cons about getting your first student credit card.

Your credit history can be very important. Moneylenders use information on how you handled your financial obligations in the past when they are determining whether or not you are worthy of their loan services.

It can be important to determine your eligibility for such things as apartment rentals, employment, and insurance. Two cards are typically offered to students: secured and unsecured cards. Anybody with collateral can apply for a secured credit card and usually receive one, since they are backed up by your collateral. If you stop payment, the bank can simply repossess whatever you put down for collateral when you got the card.

Some pros for getting a credit card at this age include establishing a good credit history, possible benefits and bonuses from the company, and the convenience of carrying plastic as opposed to a wallet full of bills. However, you must watch yourself, because expenses can quickly add up, and beginning interest rates can be murder. Hopefully this article can help you make a more informed decision about your student credit cards.

You can find more guides and advice on credit cards at http://www.credit-guidance.info

The invention of the Pre-Paid credit card has several advantages and disadvantages. The advantage of having this type of card is that you can have an instant credit card without worrying about the usual credit check. This is good for someone with bad credit who can not get approved for an unsecured credit card. Unlike a secured credit card, the person doesnt have to have a bank account or deposit money.

Pre-Paid credit cards can be purchased at most private owned shipping and mailbox businesses, retail drug stores such as Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid and many other businesses. This type of card can also be purchased online.

This is also recommended for the person who can not open a bank account due to credit issues. Many jobs require that a person receive direct deposit. Now, if a person can not approve for a bank account how can they receive their pay? Companies like GreenDot offer a solution by offering direct deposit for those who need it. This is perfect because there are no additional cashing fees that a person would normally be charged if they cashed their check at a check cashing store. The monthly fee is less than $5 per month. A person can order pizza, airline tickets or anything where credit cards are accepted.

Another advantage is that this helps a person to establish or re-establish their credit. Some Pre-Paid credit card firms offer services where the consumer can have their monthly account activity reported to major credit bureaus. All the person has to do is maintain a certain balance in their account.

The only draw back with a Pre-Paid credit cards that if you are in an emergency situation and you need to rent a car. Not all car rentals allow you to rent a car with a Pre-Paid Credit Card.

Another draw back is that with a regular credit card, most companies offer many benefits such as frequent flyer mileage. With a Pre-Paid card, there is none of the extras such as frequent flyer mileage or road side assistance. Many companies offer credit card holders benefits if their card is stolen. For example, some companies will immediately give their customers extra funds if money has been stolen out of their account in less than 24 hours. With a Pre-Paid credit card, that is not the case. Before investing in a Pre-Paid credit card, make sure that you read the companies terms and conditions, this will save you a lot of confusion in the long run.

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.

Observers in the lending industry have estimated that there may be at least 50 million Americans who are not able to qualify for credit. These consumers are usually young, often members of the minority groups and unbankedand they are faced with the long-standing dilemma of credit: how can I build my credit record if no one will give me any credit at all?

One of the answers offered by credit card companies is a variety of prepaid credit cards, designed for use by specific segments in the market. The prepaid credit cards are meant for that significant portion of the population that cannot meet the qualification criteria for regular credit cards, or who qualified before but have since lost their credit due to repeated defaults and other reasons.

Advantages of Prepaid Credit Cards For those who do not have enough credit history or have had it blemished, prepaid credit cards are an effective way to build or slowly rebuild credit. That may not happen immediately, but it is something to work on over time. The banks that issue prepaid credit cards are also prepared to extend normal credit the moment you are able to show that you have become a worthy credit risk.

For the moment, you may have to make do with prepaid credit cards. You can use prepaid credit cards as you would any other regular credit card to purchase airline tickets, reserve hotel rooms, or order items online.

Prepaid Credit Card for Students

There is a special prepaid Visa credit card for students, which offers a lot of convenience not only for the students but also for their parents. These reloadable prepaid credit cards offer parents several options on how to reload. Parents can add money to reloadable prepaid credit cards by depositing money, by arranging an automatic transfer of funds from their account (a deposit account or their own credit card account), or by online transfer. Using the prepaid Visa credit card is no different from giving the regular allowance to their child, only they do so by electronic means and there is no more cash that changes hands.

The big advantage of the prepaid Visa credit card is that the student is limited to spend only as much money as there is in the card. The parent is thus able to control to some extent the spending behavior of their child. They can use the prepaid credit card anywhere that the credit card brand is accepted.

Prepaid Credit Cards as Gift Certificates

Some prepaid credit cards function like gift certificates. You buy the prepaid credit card for a certain amount, and your recipient can purchase items with it at any of the brick-and-mortar stores or online merchants, and also for mail order items, that accept the particular credit card brand. Your recipient can use the prepaid credit card only up to the amount of money that you loaded on it. This particular version of prepaid credit cards is non-reloadable.

Like any gift certificate, recipients of prepaid credit cards can buy whatever it is they want at any time they want. Unlike a gift certificate that, when it gets lost is lost forever to the recipient, prepaid credit cards may be replaced if it gets lost or is stolen.

Prepaid Credit Cards for Travel There is a prepaid credit card designed for travel. These reloadable prepaid credit cards can be purchased in lieu of travelers checks or cash. In a way, it combines the best features of a credit card and a travelers check because of its convenience and security features. Should you lose the prepaid credit card while you are on travel, you can easily obtain an emergency replacement, both for the prepaid credit card and some cash.

Prepaid credit cards for travel are accepted all over the world, and also allow you to obtain currency from ATM machines. When you need to reload and you are already traveling you can arrange for the reload by phone or online. Apart from the fact that it is a prepaid credit card, you can use it exactly like a regular credit card. That also means you enjoy other benefits just like a regular card reimbursements for lost luggage of up to $1,000 per cardholder if your luggage is lost; zero liability if your prepaid credit card is used fraudulently after you lose it or have it stolen from you; purchase security up to $500 per claim for any items you buy with prepaid credit cards, which subsequently gets stolen or damaged for certain reasons.

Generally, you can purchase prepaid credit cards of all the major credit card brands at their participating retailers. You dont have to worry about not having acceptable credit because prepaid credit cards are made available without need of a credit report or a bank account. The only qualifications you need to have are that you have reached 18 years of age and that you must be able to present a valid identification issued by government.

Disadvantages of Prepaid Credit Cards

There are a few things about prepaid credit cards that may not be as convenient as the regular credit cards. For one thing, you load only so much money onto it. You will need to keep track of the balance on the prepaid credit card because not all of the merchant terminals where you use the card may be able to help you determine it. However, there are procedures that tell you how to determine your balance, and you will these detailed on the back of the prepaid credit card and in the instructions accompanying it.

The process of reloading your prepaid credit card may be a little inconvenient to some. If youre using cash, you would have to visit the participating outlet where you bought your reloadable prepaid credit cards. The more convenient way will be reloading online.

There are also the charges. Prepaid credit cards impose an application fee, the amount of which varies with the issuer, and there is also a service charge that you have to pay monthly. You also have to pay for transaction fees, charges when you transfer funds to top up the balance, when you replace your prepaid credit card, and many other fees. To be sure about the fees, you should read closely the fine print on the prepaid credit card account.

Prospects of Prepaid Credit Cards

Prepaid credit cards do not provide credit; it is your money that youre using. You are asked to pay other charges, so it is not for free. You are paying for the convenience and security of carrying plastic instead of large amounts of cash. People with bad credit will be able to act as if they had a regular credit card and enjoy the convenience of one.

Issuers of prepaid credit cards realize that it is a good way to monitor the credit behavior of the cardholder. A prepaid credit card would be a source of information that indicates to the credit bureaus and issuing lenders about how you as the individual cardholder use the card to pay your bills such as utilities. If these consumer data could be formatted in such a way as to provide the basis for a statistical model on probable future behavior in spending, then this could become the foundation for building a credit history.

You would benefit, because by using prepaid credit cards you are rebuilding your credit. The prepaid credit card issuers would benefit, too, because they would be making previously unproven customers bankable. More people could then qualify for regular credit, and that would mean tremendous incremental revenue for the lenders.