Posted on 4/30/2009 - Filed under Credit Card Rewards

Citibank recently came out with a new card called the Citi Forward Card. This credit card is designed to reward cardholders for doing the right thing. Here are some of the benefits the card offers.

For starters, the Citi Forward Card comes with a rewards program based on points. You’ll get 6,000 bonus points if you spend $50 during the first three months that you have the card. You can get an extra 5,000 bonus points when you sign up for paperless statements within three months of opening the account.

As you use the card, you’ll receive 5 points per dollar spent on books, movies, music, and dining. You’ll get 1 point per dollar spent on other items.

The Citi Forward Card offers 100 bonus points for each billing period that you stay under the credit limit and pay on time. You can also get a lower APR if you consistently pay on time and stay within the limit for three months.

Points earned with the Citi Forward Card can be redeemed for cash, gift cards, electronics, music, or other merchandise.

When you sign up for the card, you’ll get an initial period of 0% APR for six months. This applies to new purchases and any balance transfers.

So if you’re in the mood for a new card, and want one that will reward you for managing your account wisely, the Citi Forward card may be a good choice. Apply for one online today and you’ll enjoy a program that helps you take good care of your credit card.

Click Here To View The Citi Forward Card Offer

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Posted on 4/29/2009 - Filed under Student Credit Cards

If you’re a student and want to get a good start in the credit world, getting a student credit card can be a great step toward reaching that goal. To get a student card, just go online and look through the various options. Find one that fits your situation and apply for it. Then follow these steps to build your credit score.

Pay on time. Having a credit card is a big responsibility, and you’ll want to treat it accordingly. Find out when the payment is due each month. Then mark it on your calendar to make sure you remember to pay. If you have trouble remembering, you can sign up to have a reminder sent to your email a few days before the bill is due.

Stay under the limit. Using some of your credit card limit is just fine, since that’s what credit cards are for. If you use too much or go over the limit, however, it can work against you. So stay under the limit, and you’ll come out ahead.

Keep the account open. If you get a credit card and then realize that you don’t use it very often, that’s okay. You can still build your credit score by keeping the account open. Part of your score is based on how long you have had various forms of credit. So consider hanging on to the card as a way to boost that rating while you’re still in school.

Click Here To View Student Credit Card Offers

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Posted on 4/29/2009 - Filed under Credit Card Rewards

If you’re looking for a new credit card, you’ve probably heard about a rewards credit card. This card category covers a wide range of reward possibilities. If you sign up for one, you might get the chance to earn cash back, airline miles, gift certificates, merchandise, or other rewards.

So, is it right for you? If the following statements sound like you, you could really benefit from a rewards credit card.

You keep careful track of your statements. To get the most out of rewards credit cards, you’ll want to watch the points or miles add up, and know when to cash them in.

You use your credit card on a regular basis. In most cases, the more you spend, the higher the rewards. So if you plan to use the card for many routine purchases, you’ll be able to bring in plenty of rewards.

You like the idea of earning rewards for using a credit card. To get the most out of a rewards credit card, it helps to have a goal. Perhaps you want to earn several hundred dollars in cash back, or you want to get enough miles for a couple of airline tickets. Staying motivated will help you make the most of the card.

Click Here To View Rewards Credit Card Offers

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Posted on 4/25/2009 - Filed under Credit Card Theft

If you’re heading out on vacation this summer, you may be afraid of problems with credit card theft. While news stories about stolen cards seem to abound, there is actually not much for you to worry about. By taking a number of steps, you can keep your credit card as safe as possible while on the road. Here’s what to do.

Always take your card with you. Do not leave your wallet or purse in the hotel room while you go out. Likewise, do not leave it in a car or anywhere else. By keeping it with you at all times, it is less likely to fall into the wrong hands.

Don’t swipe at suspicious locations. If you want to pay with a credit card at a place that does not make you feel comfortable, just say “no.” Pay with cash and save the card for another time, when you feel safe swiping it.

If in doubt, call the company. If you suspect that the card has been used without your knowledge, or if you can’t find it, call the company right away. They will be able to give you an update on the account’s activity, and answer any questions you might have.

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Posted on 4/22/2009 - Filed under Credit Card News

According to various news sources, a number of credit card companies are currently reducing the credit card limit for some of their cardholders. This means that it could happen to you, too. And if you’re not expecting it, the change could catch you by surprise.

If you’re not sure what your credit card limit is, call your credit card company and ask. They will be able to tell you what it is, and whether or not it has recently been changed. They will also be able to explain the reasons behind any of the changes made.

For those of us with more than one credit card, you might consider carrying a few with you when you leave the house to go shopping. This way, if one of your cards is not accepted for some reason, you’ll have another one that you can use right away. If there has been a mix up, you can get it figured out when you get home.

Regardless of what your limit is, work hard to stay under it. Credit bureaus will view this as a sign of good financial management. Over time, you can build up your credit score and have access to more lines of credit.

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Posted on 4/20/2009 - Filed under Credit Card Management

If you have a lingering balance on your credit card, you’re probably ready to get rid of it. It can be hard to make it go completely away, however, even during the best of times. Before you get discouraged, try these tricks to get rid of the balance.

Make it a priority. If you make paying off your credit card balance a top priority, you can adjust your finances accordingly. Think about making a payment to your account right after you get paid. Or set up a date each month when you will sit down and pay the bill.

Set up a plan. You can look at how much you owe and break it down into regular payments. If you have a balance of $2,000 and can pay $200 toward the principal amount each month, you’ll be able to get rid of it in 10 months. That’s not bad, right? Figure in interest charges and then get to work making those on-time payments.

Double the minimum. If setting up a plan doesn’t work, try taking the minimum amount due listed on the statement and multiplying it by two. You can apply the rest of the payment toward the original balance. Do this, and you’ll see the balance get wiped out in less time than it would take if you pay just the minimum amount due each month.

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Posted on 4/9/2009 - Filed under Cash Back Credit Cards

Have you seen the TrueEarnings Card from Costco and American Express? This card can help you earn valuable rewards. If you want an American Express card and could use the benefits of Costco as well, this is a great card for you. Here are five good things you’ll get with the card:

Costco membership. This card serves as your Costco membership. You can shop in the store whenever you want, and enjoy the benefits that come with belonging to Costco.

Cash back. You can expect to earn between 1 percent and 3 percent cash back on all of your purchases. For regular purchases, you’ll bring in 1 percent. Travel expenses will earn 2 percent, and gas and restaurant charges can earn you a full 3 percent cash back.

Online management. You’ll be able to log in to your account and manage it online. You can find out what your current balance is, how many rewards you have earned, and when the next payment is due.

American Express benefits. With the card, you’ll receive extra features such as travel accident insurance, car rental insurance, and purchase protection. If the card gets lost or stolen, you won’t be charged anything for unauthorized purchases.

No annual fee. As long as you keep up your Costco membership, you won’t have to pay an additional annual fee for the card.

So if you need a new credit card, check into the TrueEarnings Card from Costco and American Express. It may be just what you need to boost up your credit card rewards this year.

Click Here For The TrueEarnings Card from Costco and American Express

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Posted on 4/6/2009 - Filed under Credit Card Applications

When you’re looking at all of the choices currently available online for credit cards, it might seem like there are endless options. To help you narrow down your search, consider the following questions. The answers you give will help lead you to the right credit card.

Question 1: Do you usually carry a balance? If you do, think about getting a credit card with a low interest rate. There are many of these types available, and if you have good credit, you have a high chance of getting approved for one. If you don’t usually carry a balance, the low interest rate may not be as necessary. In that case, consider other benefits that you could use.

Question 2: What will you use the card for? This is an important question to answer before filling out an application. If you want it to use the card for daily purchases, you might consider getting a cash back card. If you’re interested in paying off a balance you already carry on a card, look into balance transfer options. And if you run a small business, there are many business credit cards that can help you stay on top of your finances.

Question 3: Do you have a card like it already? If you do, think about applying for a card that will give you other benefits. Let’s say you have a card that offers gas rebates. You might want to apply for a new card that has a slightly different rewards program. By adding variety to your collection, you can make the most of each one of your cards.

Question 4: Do you love to travel? If so, try getting a card that can pay for your next vacation. Airline rewards cards let you make purchases, and then award you with points or miles that can be used toward plane tickets. Keep track of the miles and when you have enough, cash them in for some seriously fun, free flight time.

Click Here To Apply For A Credit Card

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Posted on 4/6/2009 - Filed under Airline Rewards Cards

Most Americans have a credit card, but not everyone makes the most of the plastic they carry. This can be especially true in the case of airline rewards credit cards. If you’re not sure if you need an airline rewards card, look at this list below. It may point you in the right direction.

You like to travel.

Some people were born with a travel bug, and if you find yourself dreaming about fun beaches, high mountains, or off-the-beat destinations, an airline credit card can help you get there. These cards usually grant you points or miles every time you make a purchase. When you reach a certain amount, you get to cash in the points or miles for an airline ticket.

Your current credit card is not giving you benefits.

Check to see what kind of benefits you are getting with your current card. If it doesn’t have a reward program, and you tend to pay off your balance each month, you could be missing out on some great deals.

You want to plan a vacation on a tight budget.

This can be easily done with an airline rewards card, which will get you the tickets (often the most expensive part of a trip) for free. You’ll only need to factor in food and lodging at your destination.

Click Here To View Airline Rewards Credit Card Offers

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