|
Credit Card City Blog
Most recent posts
|
|
|
Cash Back Credit Cards: Three Ways to get the Most out of Them
Posted on 12/27/2008 - Filed under Cash Back Credit Cards
If you have a cash back credit card, you know that these cards offer a bit of cash every time you make a purchase. The deal sounds great; however, not everyone takes full advantage of the cash back reward program. Here are a few things you can do to make sure you really are getting the most out of your cash back card.
Use it for daily purchases. Instead of swiping your debit card at the grocery store, use your cash back credit card. In fact, you could use your card for all sorts of regular purchases, including filling up with gas or department store purchases. Then pay off the balance at the end of the month. You won’t pay anything in interest, and you’ll accumulate plenty of cash back rewards.
Find the best deal. Some credit cards grant you a higher percentage of cash back for certain purchases. Check to see if your card offers more cash back for things like restaurant bills, online shopping, or certain gas stations. Then use the card at these places, and you’ll earn more cash back for each purchase.
Read the fine print. Many cards that grant cash back operate on a tiered basis, meaning that you have to spend a certain amount before you receive a good amount of cash back. If you’re not sure what your card offers, read the fine print listed in the monthly statement or call the company. Then see if you can work out a way to get the highest percentage of cash back offered. This may mean making a large purchase and paying it off right away, or simply using your card for more regular shopping. A word of caution: before you buy a big-ticket item, make sure you can pay off the balance quickly. If you can’t, think twice before using the card. You don’t want to end up making more payments and being charged high interest rates than necessary.
By taking some time to set up a plan for your card, you can get the most cash back possible. Once you have a system set up, the rewards will come in quickly. Then you’ll have to decide how to use all the cash you’ve accumulated in rewards.
Click Here To View Cash Back Credit Card Offers
|
The Advantages of Advanta Credit Cards
Posted on 12/21/2008 - Filed under Business Credit Cards
They may not be as well-known as Visa or MasterCard, but when it comes to small businesses and credit cards, Advanta really knows how to mix the two. Started in 1951 with a capital of just $30, this company has grown into one of the nation’s largest providers of small business credit cards.
If you’re a small business owner, getting an Advanta card can really be to your advantage. Here are just a few of the perks you’ll get when you sign up:
Low interest rate. Getting credit for small business owners can be tough. But with a low 7.99% APR, there’s little to complain about.
0% APR. Many cards today offer an initial 0% APR period, but Advanta takes this one step further. Sign up and you’ll get 15 months of interest-free time.
Unlimited rewards. If you use the card for many purchases, it’s going to add up fast. Unlike other cards, which set limits on how many rewards you can earn, Advanta sets the limit at the sky, meaning you can earn as many rewards as possible. All you need to do is swipe the card.
90 days of interest free. One of Advanta’s cards lets you go for 90 days after making a purchase before interest is charged. This lets you get a longer grace period than you’ll find with most cards.
In short, it’s worth checking out Advanta credit cards if you’re a small business owner. You may find that Advanta is just what you need to help your own business grow during the next year.
Click Here To View Advanta Credit Card Offers
|
Credit Card Companies Could Make Changes to Help You, the Consumer
Posted on 12/20/2008 - Filed under Credit Card News
Credit card companies may soon be adjusting some of their standards for cardholders. Federal regulators may create various restrictions in the coming years. These changes would greatly benefit cardholders all over, including you.
For starters, the new standards would make it harder for companies to raise interest rates. They would also mean fewer penalty fees, and a longer grace period for cardholders. Those that have credit cards could expect to see easy-to-read tables listed in their monthly credit card statements.
All of these changes would greatly benefit consumers. So if you’re looking for a credit card, keep in mind that the government may soon make some changes to your benefit. And if you’re not satisfied with your credit card at the moment, better standards may be coming your way in the next year or two.
The changes proposed by federal regulators would make the entire credit card process less complicated. And even if these changes do not come into effect, you can still make an effort to fully understand how your credit card works. Read through the fine print and look over your statement carefully. If you have any questions, call the company right away. By making sure you understand what’s involved, you can better manage your credit card.
|
Earn Money with a Gas Rewards Credit Card
Posted on 12/20/2008 - Filed under Credit Card Rewards
You’ve probably noticed the recent drop in gas prices throughout the country. If these falling prices mean that you are now on the road more than before, it might be time to think about getting a gas rewards credit card.
Gas rewards credit cards work in a way that is similar to regular rewards cards. When you use the card to buy gas, you automatically get a reward. Gas rewards credit cards often let you accumulate rewards when you make other purchases as well.
The rewards usually come in the form of cash. Some cards, however, let you earn points that can be redeemed for merchandise or gift certificates. Most rewards programs have unique benefits, so you’ll want to check your options before applying for a card.
You’ll often receive other benefits with a gas rewards credit card. Some offer 0% APR for a few months or travel insurance. Others do not charge an annual fee for using the card.
Gas rewards cards are not for everyone, but if you spend a lot of time on the road, it may be wise to look into getting one. That way, you’ll get rewarded every time you fill up. And with today’s economy, finding ways to reward yourself wherever you can are definitely worthwhile.
Click Here To View Gas Rewards Credit Card Offers
|
Balance Transfer Credit Cards Can Help Clear up Holiday Debt
Posted on 12/19/2008 - Filed under Balance Transfer Cards
Are you finding yourself using more credit cards than cash this holiday season? It can be easy to pull out the plastic to buy gifts. But when December ends and January rolls around, none of us want to be facing high credit card balances.
If you do end up with a leftover holiday balance on your credit card, there’s a fairly easy way to get rid of it. You can apply for a balance transfer credit card. These cards are set up so that you can bring the balance from an existing credit card over to the new one. You are then given a certain period of time during which no interest is charged. You can use the time to pay off the debt.
While balance transfer credit cards won’t make your debt magically disappear, they can be a great help. They give you time to focus on paying off the balance without having to pay interest charges. If you set aside money each month, you can easily get rid of the debt in a short amount of time.
So if you’ve been using a credit card with a high interest rate for your holiday shopping, think about applying for a balance transfer credit card. When January sets in, you can take the time to set up a payment plan and get rid of any leftover December debt.
Applying for a balance transfer credit card online is easy. Once you receive the card, work hard to pay off the balance you bring over. After that, you’ll be ready to use the card for other purchases.
Click Here To View Balance Transfer Credit Card Offers
|
Credit Card Debt Counselors: Be careful when you look for help
Posted on 12/13/2008 - Filed under Credit Card Debt
If you’ve fallen into credit card debt problems, you’ll find that there are many so-called debt counselors who are more than eager to help you out. Before you choose one, though, be sure to investigate them and their company thoroughly. Debt counselors can be involved in many scams,and they may drag you right down with them.
So who do you turn to when you have credit card debt problems? You have a number of options. You could sit down yourself and take a hard look at the numbers. Figure out how much you owe, and then set up a plan to pay it back.
If going solo seems overwhelming, consider asking a trusted friend with a financial background for help. They can help you get started on the right track, or point you to someone who can help. If you want to have a debt counselor help you, check out the person and the company they represent before you sign on to anything. If you see anything that makes you feel uncomfortable, look for a different option.
For some debt problems, you can even use credit cards to help you out. Look into balance transfer credit cards or those offered for people with poor credit. By taking it one smart step at a time, you’ll be able to work yourself out of debt and avoid scams at the same time.
|
Top Three Benefits of American Express Credit Cards
Posted on 12/7/2008 - Filed under American Express Cards
American Express is one of the leading credit card companies in today’s market, and its cards are quite popular in the United States and Europe. If you’re thinking of getting a new card, American Express is definitely an option to consider. Here are some of the top benefits you’ll find in American Express.
Solid Rewards. Many of the cards issued by American Express have a valuable rewards program attached to them. This might include cash back or points that can be redeemed for gift cards, travel benefits, merchandise, and more.
Sign-on Bonuses. With American Express, you can often get a 0% APR introductory period when you sign up for a card. This interest-free perk can last for up to 12 months, giving you a chance to get off to a good start with the card. You may even be able to bring over an existing balance you have on a different credit card, making it easier to have all of your balances in one place.
Instant Approval. For the vast majority of American Express cards, when you apply online you’ll have the advantage of finding out whether or not you’ve been approved in less than 60 seconds. This quick response is a nice feature if you’re in a hurry to get a card.
|
Three Reasons you need to know your Credit Card Interest Rate
Posted on 11/29/2008 - Filed under Credit Card News
If you don’t know how much the interest rate on your current credit card is, it’s high time you found out. Some credit card companies are in the process of increasing interest rates for their cardholders. Here’s why knowing your rate is so essential in today’s credit world.
Difference in savings. Credit cards vary greatly when it comes to interest rates, and just a few percentage points can make a big difference. If you carry a balance of $1,000 on a card with 18% APR, you’ll pay $180 in interest. If it’s only 10% APR, you’ll reduce that to $100. That’s a savings of $80, and the higher the balance, the greater the difference.
It may be changing. Even if your current interest rate is relatively low, your credit card company could be changing it in the near future. Due to today’s rough economy, many lenders are upping their rates. Check your statements and the mailings you receive carefully to see if this happens to you.
You might need to look for other options. If your rate is increased and you’re less than satisfied with the new one, you can call the credit card company and ask to have it lowered again. If that’s not possible, consider looking for a lower APR option. This is especially important if you regularly carry a balance. If you don’t carry a balance, you’ll have less to worry about, but it is still a good idea to choose a card with a low interest rate in case you do run up a balance in the future.
It’s important to know all of the ins and outs of your credit card, and the interest rate can be a very important one. Before you head out for your holiday shopping, make sure you know how much you’ll be charged in interest for your purchases. The difference can add up fast, so check before you shop and you’ll avoid holiday hangovers on your credit card statement.
|
Use Credit and Debit Cards to Donate to Charities
Posted on 11/28/2008 - Filed under Credit Card News
With the holiday season coming up, you may be thinking of giving to one of your favorite charities. And now, for many charities, you can make that donation with just a swipe of your credit card. Organizations like the Salvation Army in El Paso County, Colorado, are accepting plastic as a way for consumers to give donations.
While it may just be easier to use a card when making a donation, there are other benefits as well. For starters, if you have a rewards credit card, you’ll be able to receive cash back or earn points when you make the donation. You’ll also find that the amount you give will appear on your credit card statement. This can help you keep track of what you’ve spent, and also come in handy when tax time rolls around next year.
In many ways, we have become a cashless society. Taking this trend into consideration, it makes sense that many charities now accept credit and debit cards. During this holiday season, you may want to reach for your plastic in order to make a donation. The organization that you give to, as well as your own finances, will benefit from the decision.
|
How your Credit Card Limit Affects your Credit Score
Posted on 11/23/2008 - Filed under Credit Card News
Has your credit card limit recently been reduced? If you’re not sure, now is a good time to check. A number of companies have recently lowered the limit for some of their cardholders.
If your credit limit has been lowered, it could affect your overall credit score. This is because part of your credit score is based on how much of your available credit you’re using. So if in the past you carried a balance of $2,500 and had a credit limit of $10,000, you were using up 25 percent of your limit. If that limit drops to $7,500, lenders will see that you’re now using 33 percent of your available credit.
What does the difference mean for you? Well, if you’re thinking about taking out a new loan or purchasing a home, lenders will look at your credit score. And your score could drop if you are using a high percentage of the credit available to you.
If you see that your limit has been lowered and are not happy with it, there are a number of things you can do. First, call the company and ask about raising the limit again. In some cases, the card issuer will be happy to do so in order to keep you as a customer. If possible, you’ll want to pay off any balances that you are currently carrying. And you may even want to apply for a different card with a higher limit. Find a solution that works for you, and then work hard at getting it. Both you and your credit card will be better off in the end.
|
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
|