Saturday, August 30, 2008

Payday Banking Is Waiting To Fulfill Your Requirements

Category: Finance, Credit.

Do you want to avail an instant loan? People have many misconceptions about payday loans and about the industry dealing with the payday loans.



Many people do not know the concept of instant loan or a payday loan. People from middle class background, who have a safe earning source, generally want to avoid instant loan facilities. The most popular gossip about payday industry amongst this class of people is that these loans are waiting to take advantage of them. However, they want to have their own house, and are rather, property happy killing time using the traditional banking procedures. However, this is far from the truth. They provide an alternative emergency financial system to people across all classes. The payday loans industry renders valuable service to help people who not have sufficient savings to handle emergencies.


The fact is that Payday loans are something which wants to help people without any hassle and pester. People who want fast cash for funding holidays or wedding and of course who want a little extra cash, get benefit from the industry. It is not that they help only sub prime clients who have been rejected elsewhere. This is an industry with an aim to serve customers in a quick advanced service. People think that the rate is high and thus people want to avoid fast cash loans. It is not that the rate of annual percentage( APR) is high in case of payday loan.


However, the fact is that, the rate is more or less same with the other reputed commercial banks. However, since this is a short- term loan system, it would not create huge problems regarding the repay of the money. It would not demand any extra taxing on the Client. An addition to that it would not hunt the client for money with the new reasons everyday, which is a practice of some commercial reputed banks. This is a kind of instant banking. Payday bank considers the rate because of the short time period by which the money will be paid back.


In addition to that, it would not eat up any extra time. The system of getting a fast cash loan is very simple. The system does not want unnecessary information of the client. The person who wants to get a loan has to apply online. There will be no additional testimonials, no additional hassles. The information regarding his/ her identity and financial conditions will be checked.


If the requirement matches from both sides, the cash will be in the account in next 24 hours for the reason that it is a fast cash loan system. Thus, an Instant payday loan is always there to serve you if your financial planning is hampered by some lacking of personal savings. The industry is always there to serve in order to meet cash advance if somebody is in urgent requirement. It enhances your personal finance. Do not tie up your needs based on the misconceptions about payday loans. Do not hesitate if you are in need of instant money. Do not remain aloof.


Payday banking is waiting to fulfill your requirements.

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Bad Credit Is Contagious - Adeline Brody about Finance and Credit:

The mismanagement of plastic credit cards is the main reason people fall into credit cards debt.

Friday, August 29, 2008

If You Want To Know If Online Debt Consolidation Can Be A Way Out Of Debt, You Will See Two Different Opinions

Category: Finance, Credit.

If you search the internet about online debt consolidation you will find different feedback from different people.



The first type of people will be the successful ones, that are saying that debt consolidation managed to get them out of debt in no time. If you want to know if online debt consolidation can be a way out of debt, you will see two different opinions. This type of people are the ones that really put some efforts into resolving this issue, and they managed to concentrate all their energy in solving this issue. The second type of people will be the ones that have failed of getting out of debt with a debt consolidation program, and what they are doing is going all over the internet and post negative feedback about certain debt consolidation companies. You can find this kind of online debt consolidation feedback all over the forums in this field, and all over the testimonials that the debt consolidation websites have. This kind of people aren t able to make a commitment, and to stick to that commitment.


When you are trying to get out of debt you must know exactly what you have to do each moment. And they faild first of all because they didn t manage their finances successfully. In order to know that you must try to make a new plan, and to stick, a new budget to that. You must control the cash flow of your financial life. You must see how your money goes away from your pocket each moment. Online debt consolidation can be the perfect way out of debt because this way you will see the smallest amount of damage done to your credit score.


The higher your credit score is the higher your chances to get some great interest rates for the future loans that you will take out. And always remember that you should do everything you can to keep your credit score up. The main thing that you have to do in order to get out of debt easier, is that you will set up a certain budget that you know for sure that in the next couple of years you will be able to pay each month. The more you manage to earn extra the more you will be able to save, and use when you need. And if you in the same time manage to find a new way of earning some extra money, this could help you feel more secure, knowing that your monthly income is growing. Getting out of debt is never easy, it can be a tricky task for you to do. Learning how the mechanism of micro economics work, is not an easy task, and if you haven t learned something in college about this is going to be even harder for you to learn in now, but if you go and ask for help from debt consolidation experts you will get the answers to all your questions, and it will be easier for you this way.


This is because you will not only have to deal with stress and financial problems, but in the same time you will need to acquire more information about the financial domain.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

He Stated: "We Should All Take Time To Make Sure Our Christmas Spending Doesn T Leave Us With A Financial Hangover In The New Year.

Category: Finance, Credit.

Consumers looking to get to grips with their finances during the first few weeks of the year should avoid unnecessary spending, an industry expert has reported. He suggested that in funding a trip to the January sales using a credit card, shoppers may find that their ability to manage their money comes under more pressure.



According to James Ketchell, spokesperson for the Consumer Credit Counselling Service( CCCS) , hitting the high streets in the quest for a bargain should be the last thing people do if they are aiming to get their spending under control. This could well see people develop further fiscal difficulties at a time when homeowners may already be struggling with various spending demands, for example personal loans, household bills and overdrafts in the wake of heavy spending over the festive period. Because there s nothing worse than having a big credit card debt and piling on another load of debt. He said: "In the new year, especially if one s had a really expensive Christmas, the first thing to do is to not go to the sales. The most important thing, is to set, really oneself a timetable for repaying any credit card or store card debt that people have gained over the Christmas period- and try to stick to that as much as possible. " In turn, he claimed that creating and sticking to a budget is a particularly important thing that people should do at this time of year. Mr Ketchell also advised those who find that they are under particular financial strain to consider seeking guidance from an independent advisory service. By doing so, it is possible that consumers will be able to identify which areas their money is being spent on and if there any areas in which expenditure can be reduced to allow more to put towards paying back loans and credit cards.


He went to claim that the number of insolvencies is set to rise over the course of 2008, as more Britons develop problems paying back loans, plastic cards and other demands on their spending. In taking out such a loan, it may be possible that borrowers will be able to avoid incurring the damage that their credit file would face should they file for bankruptcy, which may include limiting their access to cheap loans and other types of competitively- priced credit. However, the CCCS representative added: "Bankruptcy seems to have a very bad stigma attached to it and people for that reason do not go through with it. " Alternatively, those who are worried about their ability to manage their money may wish to consider applying for a debt consolidation loan. By applying for a debt consolidation loan in the first few weeks of 2008, consumers could discover that they are able to pay off numerous demands on their spending quickly and generate more disposable income. He stated: "We should all take time to make sure our Christmas spending doesn t leave us with a financial hangover in the new year. " Last month, head of MyCallcredit, Owen Roberts, advised Britons to take the time to consider how they will manage various demands on their spending.

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No Matter What Kind Of Business You Are Engaged In, You Will Agree With Me That Business Credit Is Very Important For The Development And Survival Of Business - Staci Daubert about Finance and Credit:

No matter what kind of business you are engaged in, you will agree with me that business credit is very important for the development and survival of business.

A Credit Card Is A Kind Of Piece Of Plastic Card Which Can Be Electronically Activated And Utilized To Buy Services Or Goods - Sasha Jang's Finance and Credit blog:

To start up, you have to remember that when searching for an ideal credit card, it needs to be one that comes without extra charges or costs, requires ninety to a hundred percent of bank balance as its credit limit and entails a minimum sum of cash as the least bank balance.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Collection Agencies Are Not Allowed To Harass The People They Call To Collect Debt From

Category: Finance, Credit.

Perhaps you have failed to pay your bills on time for the last few months, and now you are having trouble paying them altogether. Can a collection agency really take you to court and sue you if you neglect to make your monthly payments?



You are not sure exactly what they can do to you if you do not pay your debt, but all you know is that you definitely do not want to get sued. Here is another part of the scenario for you. The question is, what kind of trouble are they giving you to persuade you that will make you pay your debt? Probably, during all this time of stress and worry about money, you have had several calls from the collection agency. Could there possibly be anything that violates the rights you have when it comes to dealing with collection agencies? However, it is not the collection agency that will be suing you, but the lenders themselves.


If you do not pay at least the minimum requirement that the lender you borrowed from asks of you each pay period, you owe quite a bit of money to that lender, and the collection agencies have been trying to get you to pay it, but to no avail, you may very likely go to court and be sued. Collection agencies cannot sue you for not paying the money that you owe to your lender, unless they are a collection law firm. There are sometimes when you are allowed to call the collection agencies on the actions they took concerning your neglect of payment IF there was some violation of the law in their doing so. The good part about all of this is that even though collection agencies cannot sue you, but you can sue a collection agency if you feel that you are being wronged by that agency. There are certain things that collection agencies can and cannot do, which rules they must abide by, just as we are obligated to abide by the specific rules that are set for us. On behalf of your creditors, they are obligated to call you and inquire of you the money that you owe, that is past due.


Collection agencies are not allowed to harass the people they call to collect debt from. Still, there are several things that the collection agencies are not allowed to do because they violate the laws that protect the credit holder s rights dealing with credit agencies. If a collection agency calls you in behalf of the same creditor more than three times a week, they are violating your rights. Here are a few examples of harassment. They are not allowed to call you more than this, and they are only allowed to call you during certain hours of the day. Another thing that collection agencies do that is considered harassment is that they sometimes ask for information about you other than your phone number and address from other people that you know. Collection agencies may be calling you too much, in which case, resulting in harassment you should record all the times and the dates on which you were called, then file a complaint against them.


This is also illegal. If this occurs, make sure you use the person who was asked the information about you as a witness in your complaint against the credit agency.

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You Have A Huge Variety Of Subscription Based Websites Available - Monique Turner about Finance and Credit:

Subscription based websites consists of a public area used for the promotion of benefits related to becoming a subscriber, and a password protected area so that the members can access the best content.

Generic Miles Rewards Credit Card - Sandy Ganz about Finance and Credit:

When posed with the question on which credit card rewards you should pick, there really is no standard answer.

The Word Is Credit - Finance and Credit:

Yes, approved! We have reduced the result of a credit transaction to the two previous statements.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Debt Consolidation Is The Technique Of Solving Your Debt Related Problems

Category: Finance, Credit.

Debt consolidation is the technique of solving your debt related problems. The most common problem with mismanagement of debts is that one gets to know about the severity of it after a considerably long time.



In the present day scenario, debt has become a hazard consuming millions of people who are unable to pay their loans in time. By the time one wakes up to the reality, it is too late. Debt consolidation can eliminate your worries and lets you enjoy life in the way you want to. Debt consolidation helps you in saving you from the legal actions which can be taken against you in case of non- settlement of bills. You must take time out of your schedule to clear your debts altogether and it will be one of the smartest things you did in a long time. At times the rebate can be up to 40- 60% of the total amount.


Debt consolidation involves negotiating with the debtors and asking for a rebate on the overall money you are required to pay back. Even the interest rates are reduced or even eliminated in some cases. This makes it easier to get the credits paid and saves you from unnecessary stress. The remaining sum can be paid altogether or be split into monthly installments. The best part about debt consolidation is that you need to pay only one installment once you have negotiated with your debtor instead of paying multiple installments every month for all the debts you had amassed. There is added peace of mind and you can work more efficiently which might even result in an increased income. This leaves you with better management of your funds and also gives you time and energy to enjoy life.


Instead of being referred as bad credit on the papers of your creditor, you can have a completely clean record by going for debt consolidation. This should not discourage you from taking the right decision as it will bring joy to your credit infested life. You might be required to shell out a slightly higher interest rate on your final negotiated amount if you are prone to have a bad credit history. A little price to pay for peace of mind is not a bad deal at all. It is not a bad idea to seek professional help for your debt consolidation as it will surely save you a substantial amount in the final outcome. The main purpose of a debt settlement process is to save the maximum for the debtor so you need to have the right skills to negotiate wisely to save yourself a bundle as well.


One of the most common mistakes one makes while going in for debt consolidation is the moving of the unsecured debts to secured debts. It is wise to get the right debts in the secured category and the ones which are a bit tougher to pay for must be clubbed together in the unsecured category. This can be a dangerous move as your home and other major possessions might be at risk in the case of a default. Armed with the right information you can make the most of debt consolidation and have a hassle free life once again.

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The Legendary Black American Credit Card Has An Aura Of Mystery Surrounding It - Deena Morena's Finance and Credit blog:

The legendary Black American credit card has an aura of mystery surrounding it.

More Than 1, 000 Rewards Items To Choose From - Finance and Credit:

Introducing the Citi Diamond Preferred Rewards Card, the credit card with the flexibility to earn the rewards you really want. You earn 5 ThankYou points for every$ 1 spent on purchases at gas stations, drug stores and super markets.

A Credit Card Is Ready Cash When You Need It Most - Finance and Credit Articles:

A credit card can prove to be a great asset in time if used wisely. However, a credit card can be of great use if you use it, only an in emergency that is if you are not a big spender.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Once The Smallest Debt Is Paid Off, The Power Of The Snowball Effect Will Become Clear

Category: Finance, Credit.

Personal debt levels are at record highs thanks to years of cheap and easy access to credit.



For most people, debts are a, however burden which cause stress and worry without seriously risking insolvency or foreclosure. For some people, debts can get out of control and become a real problem, threatening their financial futures and even leading to bankruptcy. If you re one of these people, you ve probably already tried various schemes to try and reduce your debts, from consolidation to improved budgeting, but you might not have heard about a simple yet powerful technique for eliminating your debt: the debt snowball. So how does the snowball work? This debt repayment strategy is only suitable for people who can meet their minimum repayments plus a little extra, so if you re struggling to make ends meet you re probably better off pursuing a more aggressive strategy such as consolidation or debt management. The first step is to sort out your debts in order of size, starting with the smallest and ending with the largest.


Although it s generally good advice to make more than the minimum repayment on debts, this isn t necessary with the snowball method: you need to concentrate all your efforts on a single debt while just treading water with the others. Work out a budget that will let you make the minimum repayment on all of them. Once you ve worked out your budget, you need to somehow find a way to pay a fixed extra amount off your smallest debt every month. Keep repaying this slightly higher amount until the smallest debt is completely cleared- how long this takes will obviously depend on the size of the debt and how much extra you ve allocated to its repayment. It doesn t have to be a large amount, just enough to set the snowball in motion. Once the smallest debt is paid off, the power of the snowball effect will become clear. Repeat this process, moving up the chain of your debts, until even the largest debt has been cleared.


You now need to allocate the entire monthly payment you ve been making on the cleared debt, and direct it towards the next smallest- adding it on top of the minimum repayment you ve already been making. So what makes this method so effective? This helps to keep you focussed on the task in hand, in contrast to the sense of helplessness that indebtedness can so easily bring. As well as the obvious effect of increasing your repayment amounts on each debt in turn over time without actually using more money, you also get the powerful psychological boosts associated with clearing a debt. The key thing to remember is that at no time should your resolve to clear your debts slip, and you should never be tempted to siphon off some of the snowball amount you ve built up over time- it s only by building up the repayment amount on each debt in turn that you overcome the effects of interest charges, leading to a debt free future faster than otherwise possible.

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But, It Hurts The Credit Card Holder In More Than One Ways - Michelle Mingus about Finance and Credit:

When a business such as hotel blocks or keeps your credit card on hold for certain amount while you avail the services of the hotel or business is termed as credit card blocking. When a person checks into a hotel and uses his/ her credit card for registration, the booking clerk contacts the credit card company and depending on your estimated stay will tell the credit card company about your bill.

Blue Sky Credit Card Fees - Finance and Credit:

Generally speaking, when you hold a travel credit card, you would be subjected to rather hefty annual fees, expiry dates and, blackout dates capacity- control restrictions.

Your Past Credit History Will Not Matter Anymore - Finance and Credit Articles:

When you apply for a loan or credit, the financial institution will first get your personal data and would need relevant background information on your financial status and credit history. This way, they would evaluate your ability to pay and how well you can keep up with your dues.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

To Achieve A Lower Ratio

Category: Finance, Credit.

The debt to income ratio also known as DTIR is calculated using the payment you pay towards your total debt as a percentage of your total gross income.



How To Calculate Your DTIR: The ratio is expressed as a percentage, and can be calculated by dividing your monthly payments on your long term debts by your gross monthly income. Lenders use the ratio to determine how much you can borrow based on payments such as insurance, unsecured financing etc, property tax. As a working example, if your total debt payment stands at$ 1375 per month and your gross income is$ 3125 per month, to calculate your percentage, divide$ 1375 by$ 312This would give you a DTIR of 44% . This is broken down into two parts, 25% for home related expenses and 10% for all other expenses. According to mortgage news daily the recommended acceptable ratio is 35% . Keep A Low Debt To Income Ratio: Having a low DTIR is important as your ratio is used to determine your credit worthiness.


This could be problematic when it comes to purchasing major items such as your home. A lender would hesitate to lend to you if your ratio is high as it would indicate that you may have trouble paying your debts in the future. When your DTIR is high, you do not attract the lowest interest rates on credit cards and other credit facilities. Managing Your Credit Card Debt To Reduce Your DTIR: A major expense that contributes to your DTIR percentage is your credit card debt. This is because the lender sees you as a default risk and would charge you a higher rate to protect their business. If your ratio is near or above the acceptable limit, then you must take action to reduce it. Approach your credit card provider to get a reduced interest rate.


The following tips would therefore be useful to you. You would need to meet the lenders criteria such as having a good credit rating, prompt bill payments etc. in order to qualify, but it is worth looking into. Charging all your day to day purchases on your credit card pushes the balance and your minimum payment up. Use your credit card for necessary purchases only. This would adversely affect your DTIR as the debt payment increases, especially if your income remains the same. Stay within your limit at all times. Avoid extra charges, by paying your bill on time, every time.


To achieve a lower ratio. Debt reduction takes self control and sacrifice, but in the end, you would have, with reduced debts less monthly expenses and a lower debt to income ratio. You must work at reducing your monthly expenses. This would open up the market for you to access financing for the larger necessities in life at a much better interest rate than you would if your rating were not in good standing.

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These Charges Will Appear On Your Monthly Credit Card Statement - Finance and Credit Blog:

The RFID Credit Card Since June 2005, all American Express issued Blue credit cards have been imbedded with an RFID( Radio Frequency Identification) transponder, in addition to the traditional credit card magnetic strip.

Study Your Credit Card Bill - Alta Marlett about Finance and Credit:

In this day and age, cash is slowly being edged out by the purchasing power of the credit card. After all, credit cards are easy to carry and use.

There Are Some Specific Instant Credit Card Offers Available In Markets - Renee Eilers about Finance and Credit:

The Credit Card companies have introduced a new trend in credit cards known as Instant Credit Card approval.

Friday, August 22, 2008

First, Surf The Net And Do Some Research On Credit Cards

Category: Finance, Credit.

One of the disadvantages of modern times is that people tend to acquire so many things they don t really need.



Since finances especially money is one of the major concerns of many people, a wide array of financial management services and financial options emerged. Numerous gadgets and services occurred targeting a vast market of consumers and this emergence of various inventions somehow blinded people. One of the most visible among the unending line of financial management services there are is the credit card. When people apply for a credit card, there is always a reason. Although many people testify for the financial convenience you get when you apply for a credit card, it doesn t mean that every financing convenience applies for you or for everybody in that matter. It can be for managing their finances, needing extra money or in preparation to a big expenditure. By now, you may have had your share of pre- approved credit card offers in your virtual and physical mail.


But, no matter what the reason is, people apply for a credit card because of the ultimate convenience it brings. Since people are quite vulnerable when they apply for a credit card, some credit card issuers lure these people by giving low introductory APR, no annual fee offers among numerous perks. There are undeniably endless lists of pros and cons when you apply for a credit card, but if you really have decided to apply for a credit card, these are some of the helpful tips that can guide you on your credit card shopping journey. The tendency of this so many alternatives and value deals is to sway the person who wants to apply for a credit card. Actually, there are three easy steps you should follow if you have decided to apply for a credit card. By doing this, you can familiarize yourself with different credit card terms and types.


First, surf the net and do some research on credit cards. Second, you can compare numerous credit cards that would best serve your needs and lastly, you may now apply for the credit card of your choice by filling out a credit card application by visiting a bank representative or through online. When you apply for a credit card you must know what a credit card really is. In order to find the right credit card fast and easy, before you apply, first for a credit card, make sure you mastered the credit card terms. Being a form of borrowing that involves charges, credit cards usually have underlying credit terms and conditions affect your overall cost. Some of the important terms to be understood well include the annual percentage rate or the APR.


So, it s best to compare terms and fees before you apply for a credit card and agree to open an account. When you apply for a credit card, you must know how the APR affects your credit account. Aside from APR, the periodic rate must be disclosed to the card holder before they completely apply for a credit card so they would have an idea of their outstanding balance and finance charge for each billing period. Being a measure of the cost of credit expressed as a yearly rate, the APR should be disclosed before you apply for a credit card so that you would not be obligated on the account and on your account statements later on. Other important terms to know before you apply for a credit card are free period or grace period , annual fees, transaction fees and other charges, other costs and feature, and balance computation method for the finance charge like average daily balance, previous balance, adjusted balance, and two- cycle balances. If you re not that type of person who is patient enough to research on all these terms, make sure that before you apply for a credit card, the issuer will give an explanation how the balance is computed and it must appear on your monthly billing statements.

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Filing For Bankruptcy Is Not The End Of The World - Finance and Credit Articles:

Bankruptcy is a federal court process designed to help consumers and businesses eliminate their debts or repay them under the protection of the bankruptcy court.

Using Your Credit Card Online Gives You The Advantage Of Purchasing Products Anywhere In The World - Finance and Credit:

With today s technology and the E- commerce, using credit cards on the Internet is now more practiced and favored by consumers and online businesses alike. On the other hand, you might get ripped off since you don t know the seller.

Ready To Build Your Credit History - Rosa Biggins's Finance and Credit blog:

Ready to build your credit history? But before you sign that application form, here are five things you need to know: They come to you.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Getting A Credit Card Merchant Account Is Pretty Easy

Category: Finance, Credit.

If you currently work with a bank that you trust with your business concerns, ask about the possibility of applying for a credit card merchant account.



As long as you have established a solid business credit history, pay your bills in a timely manner, and aren t involved in questionable or unethical pursuits, your chances of being approved for a merchant account are good. Most companies are eager to welcome this type of business from customers they know and trust. Of course, your bank may not offer this type of account, or you may be able to find better terms with another lender, so don t feel as though you must apply for merchant services with your current lender. They can probably offer helpful tips on which lenders to court and which ones to avoid. Instead, ask around at trade shows, or civic business, conventions meetings to see what type of merchant account providers your competitors are using. You also can check with local business listings for references on general lenders, some of which may offer merchant accounts.


Getting a credit card merchant account is pretty easy. Or you can browse the Internet to bring up a list of links that will let you contact those that seem most compatible with your business interests. After locating potential lenders to work with, you should compare services and fees to make sure they will work with the business plan that you are using or one that you plan to set up. Then compare your budget with transactional fees, and application or, maintenance expenses gateway rates to find a lender that is affordable for your needs. Check your company s budget to find out how much you can afford to invest in credit card processing equipment and service options. When you have been approved for a credit card merchant account, you can start to accept credit card payments from your clients immediately, often with a couple of days.


For example, if most visit your store to shop, an onsite credit card processor that you can purchase for a few hundred dollars is the simplest and perhaps most effective way to start. All you need to do is select the type of processing equipment that best fits with your customers purchasing patterns. But if you deliver goods and services, a wireless unit might be the better choice. You can always start with one and add another later. Of course, if you do both, two units might be affordable, but you will need to check your budget. Start looking for a possible merchant card services provider to get approved for your credit card merchant account!

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Check Your Consumer Credit Reports Annually - Hannah Cliburn about Finance and Credit:

With more and more people plugging up to the Internet, many of them are discovering the ease of online shopping.

Chase Amazon. Com Platinum Visa Card - Finance and Credit Articles:

If Amazon. com is like your second home while you re online, one great rewards credit card you should consider is the Chase Amazon. com Platinum Visa card.

Some People Don T Dare To Apply For A Personal Loan Online Because The Have A Bad Credit Rating - Finance and Credit Articles:

Some people don t dare to apply for a personal loan online because the have a bad credit rating.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

A Card With A Low Interest Rate AND 0% Balance Transfers Is A Great Deal

Category: Finance, Credit.

Have you got an outstanding balance on a credit card that s draining your monthly spending money with high interest rates?



Over the past few years, balance transfer credit cards have become one of the most popular types of credit card in the UK. You re not alone. Many people have found that they can save big money by transferring the carried balance from a high interest credit card to one that offers low or no interest on balance transfers from other cards. Trade in the 14% interest that you re paying for 0% interest for 9 months- who wouldn t jump at the bargain? Sounds like a great deal, doesn t it? Before you dive for the first balance transfer credit card you re offered, take a few, though tips from finance experts.


To combat those, they ve come up with different structures for their balance transfer credit cards. Credit card companies are becoming increasingly wary of credit card jumpers- those who shift their balance from card to card when the interest free period is up. Be sure to read all the fine print of your credit card agreement carefully so that you know exactly what you re getting when you transfer. In fact, when you compare balance transfer credit cards, there are several things you should be looking at. When you have a choice of several balance transfer cards that offer 0% interest for the same length of time, look to other terms to help you choose between them. Interest rates on balance transfers are usually 0% for an introductory period.


Length of time for the introductory rate is generally six months, though you may still find a few nine month rate cards around. After the introductory period is over, other terms will apply. The extra three months could be enough to give you time to pay the entire balance at no interest. They vary from one credit card to the next, Interest rates on other purchases will be important if you intend to use your credit card for more than balance transfers. Fees for balance transfers are one time charges by the credit card companies involved for doing the paperwork associated with your balance transfer. A card with a low interest rate AND 0% balance transfers is a great deal.


Terms of the balance transfer vary between balance transfer credit cards. Typical APR after introductory period is what you ll end up paying in interest if you don t pay off the entire balance within the introductory period. Be sure you read all the terms and conditions carefully. Compare balance transfer credit cards at a comparison website and you ll find information on dozens of credit card offers. Many cards will charge you interest for the full introductory period if you don t pay it off within the introductory period. When you have the right information, you ll find it easy to choose the best balance transfer credit card for you. Be sure that the interest you save by switching cards will be greater than the cost of doing so.


Whatever choice you make, be sure to count in all the associated fees and charges before deciding to transfer your outstanding balances to a 0% balance transfer credit card.

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Credit Card Debt Comes From Improper Use Of The Credit Cards - Bridgett Marron's Finance and Credit blog:

Credit card debt comes from improper use of the credit cards. Credit cards on their own cannot drive anyone into difficult financial situation, its how you use them matters the most.

You Simply Want Your Credit Card Company To Lower The Interest Rates, But How To Approach Them - Finance and Credit Articles:

A credit card with high interest rate is bleeding you white, and you find that there are other credit card offers with significantly lower interest rates.

Low Credit Limits - Finance and Credit Articles:

Bad credit can happen to anyone. Credit card companies see bad credit people as a good means to fill up their coffers.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

The Thing Is That Store Credit Cards Often Carry An Unusually High Interest Rate

Category: Finance, Credit.

It s no secret that the holiday season can create sort of a" feeding frenzy" mentality when it comes to spending, especially with credit cards. I mean, who wouldn t want to save 15% off the day s purchase?



Retailers know this, and so many of them are more than happy to help out- or so it seems- by offering you the chance to apply for their store credit card. Sounds like a great move, right? The thing is that store credit cards often carry an unusually high interest rate. Well, not so fast! In fact, it s not uncommon for store credit cards to come with interest rates as high as 25% . Another danger of applying for store credit cards is that just the act of applying for one requires the store to look at your credit report. It s ironic, because at that point, the" discount" you get from using the card gets effectively eaten by the higher rate.


And as you may know, each time this happens, and inquiry is posted to your credit file. Let s say for example, you re in the habit of paying all your bills on time( an excellent habit to start, by the way) , and you have no existing debts, and so you have a median credit score of 73This is considered quite a good credit score, and generally would ensure that you ll be approved for loans, as well as receive optimum rates for things like mortgages. This can potentially be a problem if you re looking to purchase a car or a house down the line, because excessive credit inquiries can lower your credit score. However, let s say you decide to do some holiday shopping for the family. Unfortunately, each application means an additional inquiry into your credit file, and ends up lowering your median credit store to 680( these are made up numbers I m using to illustrate my point, by the way) . Because of the attractive 10 percent or more discount the stores are offering you as you pay for your purchase, you decide to sign up for the store credit cards at various stores you visit.


That s a fifty point difference, which can be a huge deal in the eyes of lenders. But don t panic. And that s on top of paying the higher interest rates on the store credit card itself. Just remember to ask a few questions before signing up. You might be better off just skipping the store card and paying cash, or using a student credit card instead. The next time you re offered a store credit card, find out what the interest rate is, then weigh that against the discount you re getting on your purchase, as well as the problems that an additional inquiry into your credit report can cause for your credit score.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

How Do You Look At Your Credit Report

Category: Finance, Credit.

Many of you might be wondering what a credit report is.



A credit report is simply a report that shows where you live and how you pay your bills. Be aware that your credit report is not that three digit number they call a credit score. When you apply for a loan or a credit card, you lender will look at your credit score when making their decision about loaning the amount of money. So why would you want to look at your credit report? This report will show if you have made your payments late on past loans and it will also show if you pay your bills on time and in full. There are lots of reasons why you should be requesting a copy. If you have been a victim of identity theft, your report will show the transactions that you didn t make.


For one, you can search it for errors that might be keeping you from that home or car loan. By noticing this on your credit report, you can make the necessary changes and recover your credit report from identity theft. Because of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you are allowed to request a copy of your credit report once every twelve months from each of the three reporting companies. How do you look at your credit report? These three reporting companies are TransUnion, and Experian, Equifax. The website is www. annualcreditreport. com. Instead of visiting each companies personal website to obtain your annual report, one website has been set up for all three.


As you visit this site, you will be asked to enter your name, date of birth, address and your social security number. This helps ensure that you are the one requesting the copy, and not another person. You will also be asked to answer a few questions about your finances that only you will know. You can order all three reports at once, or you can request them at different times throughout the year. You can view your credit report more often than every twelve months, but you will be required to pay for it. The way you decide to view your credit report is up to you. After entering your information, you can view your report online.


You can find the address and phone number on the government s website concerning this matter. You can also call or write to obtain a copy of your credit report. Be aware that this is the only website that will actually give you your correct credit report for free every twelve months. You should not have to enter a credit card or debit card number to access your credit report. There are other websites and advertisements saying that they can get you this report or score for free, when really they will charge you a fee. If they are asking for this information, know that you will be charged a fee to view your report.


Stay away from these scams and report them to the government to ensure that they will be eliminated from the credit reporting market.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Think Of Credit Like School

Category: Finance, Credit.

We' ve all had times of uncertainty in our lives.



During these times bills pile up, automobiles repossessed and, payments are missed houses foreclosed. Job loss, divorce, medical problems, a death in the family and other life- changing events can all be factors in creating financial distress. If we are able to recover, scars are left on our credit report to remind us of the financial hardship we endured. Living off the grid might seem like a safer place to be but then life happens again and we want to buy a house or a car. Most people give up, hoarding cash under their mattress and swearing off credit cards forever. There is a sudden desire to rekindle our credit but the task seems daunting. The good news is that the credit system is set- up to give us a do- over.


How can we begin rebuilding our damaged credit? There are two main factors in rebuilding credit. The old saying" time cures all" is alive and well in the credit world. First, time is on our side. Collections that are older than two years have only a small impact on our credit score. Second, we must re- establish positive credit history. Late payments and other derogatory items fall off a credit report after seven years.


This is the part that most people struggle with. Think of credit like school. The knee- jerk reaction is to stop all credit activity, keeping credit lines, however open and building positive payment history can accelerate your credit score. You can barely pass high school but go on to graduate with honors in college. Creditors think the same way, your most recent credit has the highest impact on their perception of your ability to repay debt. Employers don' t care what you did in high school if you graduated Suma Cum Laude in college.


So how do we begin our journey to credit re- birth? This will not impact the owner's credit. Here is a list of the basic activities you can perform to begin rebuilding your damaged credit: Get added as an authorized user on a family member's credit card that will has a good payment history. Remove your name from authorized accounts that hurt your score. Take out a secure credit card- ask your bank how. Take out a small title loan or installment loan for an automobile or other personal property.


Do not contact consumer credit counseling companies. Don' t forget, time is on your side: o Inquiries made by creditors fall off your report 2 years from the reporting date. o Late payments fall off 7 years from the reporting date. o Bankruptcy and foreclosure falls off 10 years from the reporting date. These types of companies are viewed similarly to a bankruptcy by the credit bureaus. In my experience, rebuilding damaged credit can be a fairly simple and short process if you get sound advice and are willing to spend a little time.