The Benefits Apply Credit Card Online

Monday, December 22, 2008

How to apply credit card? The traditional approach of applying for credit cards through paper brochures has been replaced by a more efficient method: Applying Online.
Applying online for a credit card gives the consumer the advantage to compare offerings instantaneously. Whereas with a traditional brochure and unlike those pre-approved applications that annoyingly flood consumers’ mailboxes, applying online puts the consumer in the driver seat where they can dissect the perks and choose the card that best matches their needs.
With all of the various and distinctive offerings that credit card companies provide today, it’s most important for a consumer to choose a card that gives them the best purchasing power.
The new credit cards today are typically reward-based. However, not every credit card issuer provides the same rewards. If a consumer goes to a specific bank website, they will only be able to choose the cards that are issued by that bank.
To get the best credit card offerings, a consumer has to compare different credit cards from one central location.
To make the most of applying online, it is recommended that you take the following thoughts into consideration before applying:
1.) Decide what type of credit card you are looking for. Not all credit cards are the same today. There are reward credit cards, blink-enabled credit cards, business credit cards, retail cards, and prepaid credit cards, to name a few.
2.) Decide how you will use a credit card. Are you a frequent purchaser? If so, then look at reward-based credit cards. Are you planning on paying in full every month? If so, look for a credit card that has no annual fee.
3.) Do you travel a lot? There are many cards available that provide distinctive services – free of charge. Among other things, they include lost luggage coverage and auto rental insurance. Something to consider when choosing a card.
4.) Are you aware of your credit score? If you know that you have a fairly low credit score, then you can find comfort knowing that there are many solid secured credit cards available to help rebuild your credit.
5.) If you are a student, your best bet would typically apply online for a student credit card. These cards are specifically designed to look pass a typical student’s limited credit history while providing useful perks that could meet their collegiate needs.
Applying online for a credit card puts the consumer in an advantageous position. No longer are you obligated to wait for the best credit card offerings through the mail or take time-consuming trips to the bank. In most cases, you’ll even get an instant approval when applying online.
In a nutshell, applying online is faster, simpler, and gives the consumer more choices than was previously impossible before. Put yourself in the driver’s seat and apply online when you feel the need to get the best credit card.

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Making Sense of Credit Card Offers

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Have you received credit card offers in the mail? If so, you might have wondered which cards really offered good deals. Credit cards can be helpful budgeting tools, or sinkholes of debt. The difference is in the details: some cards have high rates and fees that make it difficult to keep your debt in check. Take a moment to compare credit cards before you decide to carry one in your wallet. Credit card offers list the terms and conditions of various cards. When you compare credit cards, look at the interest rate, also known as the APR. It might be listed as 0%. If so, you can bet that it will be much higher in six months to a year. 0% interest cards have introductory phases. After that phase has ended, they are subject to regular interest rates. Most cards offer 12-24% interest rates. The lower the rate, the faster you’ll be able to pay off your debt.
Also make note of the type of interest rates on your credit card offers. Some rates might be “fixed”, and some might be “variable”. Choose fixed-rate interest whenever possible. Variable interest rates can change with little warning from the card issuer. If you do choose a credit card with a variable interest rate, make sure you know when and how much that rate can change.
When you compare credit cards, you’ll notice that some of them come with quite a lot of fees. There can be application fees, processing fees, annual fees, late fees, and fees for going over your credit limit. Fees can also apply when you close your account or make a balance transfer to another card. The credit card industry is competitive, so don’t waste your time on credit card offers that indicate exorbitant fees.
Your next step when you compare credit cards is to look at the credit limit each one is willing to give you. Some might offer low limits, while others might offer you thousands of dollars. Higher credit limits can improve your credit score, but they can also tempt you to spend money on things you can’t really afford.
Always check the small print on credit card offers. Companies should tell you their policies regarding interest-free grace periods, late payments, and how you will be informed if changes are made to the terms of your contract. If you have questions about specific policies, call the card’s customer service division and ask to speak with a representative. Most card companies are only required to give 14 days’ written notice when making changes to your account. There is pending legislation that seeks to compel card issuers to give more notice before such changes are made.
Don’t just accept the first credit card offers that come along. Take the time to compare credit cards. They can be great for building up your credit, but they can also leave you with a heap of debt if you don’t use them wisely. Look for good deals with low fees and interest rates. The research you do in the beginning can save you a lot of financial heartache down the road.

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Tips for get first credit card

Apply credit card!! Most of us get a credit card on our name when we go to college or when we are in our senior years of high school and all of us stumble into the same types of difficulties when it comes to finding an issuer and managing the credit card. Most banks ask for a prior type of credit history that most of the time lacks and for some type of warranty that we will be good payers. It is true, finding the right issuer and building a credit card history is not easy, but it can be done.
When you apply for a credit card the bank will usually ask you questions regarding your previous credit lines. Most young people do not have any type of credit history and this makes the banks unable to positively respond to their application. There are two things that you can do to go around this problem. One is looking for an issuer with a special offer, as there are many banks that offer credit cards for people who are just starting their first credit line. It is true that you will not have an extended credit line at first, but if you prove to be a good-payer and a loyal customer to the bank, you are likely to receive more credit line in time. If, however you cannot find an issuer that will give you a first chance with credit lines, you will need to build a credit history yourself. You can do this by getting credit cards from gas stations or from stores. There are gas stations, as there are supermarkets and department stores, which offer fidelity credit cards to their customers. Once you become the owner of such a card, make sure to balance it wisely and after a couple of months you can re-apply for a bank-issued credit card.
Actually, the most useful tips for those who get their first credit cards now are not those about how to actually obtain the card but about how to use it. Some happy card holders hit the shops as soon as they have the little plastic card and spend much more than they can pay back. The banks will never like that and there are no exceptions or grace periods only because you are new. All late payments count as bad credit and if you make such reckless spending, you are in danger of having your credit ceased as soon as it was approved. You will also be considered a "bad" client if you lose your credit card or if you forget credit card information often. Avoid carelessness when you deal with money and note down all the information regarding your card and the transactions you have made with it. Another good advice that all new card holders should follow is about owning only one credit card in the beginning. This is a good idea because it helps you get familiarized with the banking world, the card system and it is also a test to see if you can balance money. After one year or so, of good credit history you may apply for a second credit card; however, if you've had payment problems it is wise to stick to that one single card until you can correctly manage card-money.
It is always difficult for new-comers to break through in the baking world, yet with patience and a bit of wits you can become the owner of a new credit card. The difficult and tricky part begins when you start balancing it. Keeping records of card information, of the transactions made with it, remembering never to overspend or delay payments and generally having a careful and wise banking-attitude will make you a good client and a satisfied customer at the same time.

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Your Small Business Succeed with a Credit Card

One of the many difficulties of starting a small business is gaining access to capital during the startup phase. With the large growth in small specialty businesses across the country, credit card companies are beginning to design special programs to help this new breed of business achieve success. For even those small businesses that have access to capital, the perks and benefits associated with small business credit card programs, can still be useful to help you compete more effectively in the marketplace. Below are just six of the many ways in which a small business credit card can help your business to operate more smoothly and improve your bottom line.
Ease Your Cash CrunchA small business credit card can ease your business’s cash woes. Through the development and implementation of a sound financial plan that utilizes a credit card you can guarantee that your business will always meet payroll, be able to purchase inventory on an as needed basis, and manage both seasonal and business fluctuations without depleting your cash reservoir. Another added advantage is the cash advance feature, which allows you to withdraw cash from an ATM to cover emergencies and other unanticipated expenses.
Unlike a personal credit card, a business credit card also provides a business size credit line, which is substantially higher.
Keep Track of Business ExpensesThrough the use of a credit card, you can, with little to no effort, separate your business expenses from your personal expenses. This allows for easy identification of tax deductions and filing of accurate income tax returns.
Secure Multiple CardsYou can also secure more than one card through small business credit card programs. This allows you to give employees the authority to make purchases while freeing up your schedule for more pressing issues. You can also do this with ease since you are also given the ability to set spending limits for different employees, which will further help you to control your expenses.
Access Free Business ResourcesAnything free is good! Some credit card companies also provide clients with a wealth of resources to help manage cash flow and develop good record keeping procedures free of charge. Extensive reporting is conducted on both a monthly and bimonthly basis to help you track your expenses down to the penny. Additionally, free business checks and electronic funds transfers are also available.
In addition to that, you can also access reports, data and advice on developing business and marketing plans, conducting market analysis, and pricing products through a company’s web site. You can also increase your knowledge of other products and services like software programs that can help your day-to-day operations run more efficiently.
Build Credit to Qualify for Larger LoansObtaining a credit card and using it wisely can also be a stepping-stone to help your business qualify and secure a loan with a major bank or venture capitalist firm. By establishing a good relationship and credit history with a company that also offers other products and services, it’ll just be a matter of time before other cost-saving services are thrown your way.
Perks and RewardsPerks and Reward Programs designed especially for small businesses are by far one of the best features of a small business credit card program. Small businesses can earn airline points and cash back rewards just like the big boys. Discounts are also available through select merchants like FedEx and Staples, which can result in huge cost savings for supplies and other operational expenses. Some companies also go an extra mile by providing rental car and lodging benefits.

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4 Steps You Can Take If Your Online Credit Card Application Has Been Refused

You received an envelope in the mail with a great offer for a low interest credit card. You read all the details, even the boring small print and decided that this card fit your needs to a tee. You filled out the required forms and anticipated the day that the card would arrive ? you even got to pick which background you got. However, what came in the mail was not an acceptance and a brand new card but a denial. What is your first reaction? Perhaps anger. Perhaps sadness. Perhaps fear. Yet none of these will help you get a card!
So, what should you do?
1. The first thing to do is read the letter carefully. Two important pieces of information must be included in the letter you receive when you're credit application is disapproved: The specific reasons you were denied credit, or information on how to obtain those reasons, and, if a credit report was used in making that decision, the name and address of the credit reporting agency. Here are some possible reasons for denial:
# Haven't lived at your current location long enough
# Haven't been employed at your current job long enough
# Your income is not sufficient to meet this particular creditor's minimum income requirement
# Information supplied by the credit bureau
2. If the reason for your denial is unclear to you, then call the company for clarification. What were the exact reasons? What were the exact standards that you did not meet? This information is important to know and understand. If you apply for credit again and are turned down, then this reflects poorly on your credit report. The best advice for this situation is to wait at least 6 months if you have been denied by two different companies in quick succession.
3. If you've been denied credit because of information supplied by a credit bureau, federal law requires the creditor to give you the name, address, and telephone number of the bureau that supplied the information. You should contact this agency for a copy of your credit report. Federal law states that you are entitled to a free copy if you've been turned down. Once you receive your report, check it for accuracy. Up to 40% of reports have errors. If you find an error, then you need to report this to the bureau in writing. Be sure to send along whatever proof you may have. Getting the credit bureau to investigate an error will not cost you anything and will save you a lot of time and frustration when it is corrected.
4. If mistakes on your report led to the rejection of your application, ask the credit bureau to send a corrected copy to the lender. Then you can ask the lender to reconsider your application. If however, you were denied because of a poor rating, only better spending habits and time will help you get the credit you desire.

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Tips to Use Credit Card Wisely

Use your're credit card wisely. There are credit card tips, and then there are credit card secrets. These latter are little known tricks that credit card companies play on you, as well as tricks you can use to get rid of fees and pay off your debt sooner. Here are some of the best credit card tips, tricks and secrets.
1. You can get rid of annual fees. If you have good credit, just call and ask for fee to be removed. This worked on three out of four cards I called on, and I just dumped the other. Of course the threat to do the same with the others is what got the fees dropped.
2. Read the fine print, and pay on time. Be aware that under "universal default" rules, if you are late on one card, your interest rate can be increased on other cards as well. They love to get you with this one.
3. Watch for changing due dates. This is a trick used by some credit card companies to get you to pay late, so they can collect the late fees. They will also be able to raise your rate, and the rate on other cards you may have. Don't assume that your payment due date will always be the same.
4. Use promotional checks with care. Transferring balances to 0 interest promotions can be a good idea, but watch out for those that charge "balance transfer fees." Transferring a balance that you were going to pay off soon anyhow will just cost you more if there is a 3% transfer fee.
5. Try credit unions for cards. Their cards usually have lower rates. My credit union Visa rate hasn't been over 10% in years, and I have zero liability for unauthorized charges.
6. Ask to have the late fee waived. If you've never been late before, some credit card companies will waive a late fee - but only if you ask. Why not try it? All it takes is a phone call.
7. Pay in full every month. Credit cards are for convenience, not for hiding the true cost of things. Don't pay interest - just pay the balance every month.
8. Don't buy the credit card insurance. This typically stops your payments when you are injured or unemployed. It is one of the most over-priced insurances out there, and doesn't eliminate the debt, but just delays it.
9. Avoid credit card security insurance. It pays for unauthorized charges when your card is stolen, but you are only liable for the first $50 if you report the theft in any case, and many cards already have 0 liability.
10. Pay high-interest cards first to reduce credit card debt. If you have $200 monthly to apply to your credit card debt, pay only the minimums only on all cards but the card with the highest interest rate. Put all the rest of the money towards that one. Once that one is paid off, work on the next highest. This is the fastest way to get rid of your credit card debt, and the most important of these credit card tips.

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How to Find the Best Reward Credit Cards

Maybe this is simple question, how to find best reward credit cards? Finding the best reward credit cards does not have to be a difficult task. In fact, with so much information available on the Internet, it is quite easy to compare different cards to find the best ones available. Really, it comes down to your individual needs when deciding on the reward credit card. But, there are a few things to consider when trying to determine which reward credit card is best.
Earning Points
Most reward credit cards work by awarding you points for all purchases you make with the credit card. Some will offer a standard rate of return on all purchases and offer extra points for specific purchases. For example, an airline rewards credit card may give you extra points when you purchase items on your credit card with the airline it is associated with. Or, a gas rewards credit card may provide you with extra points whenever you make a purchase at their specific gas station. Some rewards credit cards take a broader approach and award bonus points for purchases made at any gas station, regardless of the brand. Or, they reward points for purchases made at grocery stores or drug stores.
When choosing a reward credit card, research how you can earn points in order to receive rewards. If you don't drive often because you live in the city and take the bus, a gas rewards credit card won't do you a whole lot of good. Choose a reward credit card that fits naturally into your current lifestyle so you can take advantage of the purchases you make anyway.
Points Value
Of course, when using a reward credit card, you want to earn as many points as possible for the card. But, don't be fooled by a credit card offering 10 points for every dollar spent as opposed to one offering just 2 points for every dollar spent. Learn more about what you can buy with the points you earn and how much it costs to make those purchases.
Earning large amounts of points doesn't do you much good if the rewards cost a large number of points to purchase. For example, you may earn 10 points for every dollar with one credit card, but it takes 100,000 points to earn a $25 gift certificate. This means you had to spend $10,000 to get that gift certificate. With another card, you may only earn 2 points for every dollar spent. But, you only need 10,000 points to receive a $25 gift certificate. With this card, you need to spend just $5,000 to get that gift certificate - half of what you needed to spend with the other credit card.
Expiration Dates
Some reward credit cards have expiration dates on the points you accumulate. Be sure to consider these expiration dates when choosing your card. If, for example, the points expire after just one year, you might not be able to save up enough points to do anything useful with them. So, you should assess your spending habits and get an idea of how many points you should be able to accumulate during that time period. If it appears you will be able to save enough points and take full advantage of the rewards program, then the expiration date may not affect you too negatively. Nonetheless, the best reward credit cards will give you the freedom and flexibility to spend your points whenever you are ready to spend them - even if it takes you a couple years to save up for what you really want.
Points Caps
Some reward credit cards also put a cap on how many points and rewards you can earn per year. Find out what this cap is and determine if it is too low for you. If, for example, you typically spend about $20,000 per year on a credit card, but the reward credit card you are considering only provides points for the first $15,000 spend, you are spending $5,000 on that card that is going unrewarded. If this is the case, you have two options. One option is to pass on the card and find one that better fits into your spending habits. Or, you can apply for the card but stop using it after you have reached the cap. Then, do the remainder of your purchases on a different credit card.

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