Credit Card Vs. Debit Card - What Are The Main Differences?

What is a Debit Card?The card you use at the ATM is known as a debit card. When debit cards first appeared it was easy to tell them apart from credit cards. Debit cards didn’t have a credit card company logo on them; instead, they usually just had your bank name, your account number and your name.
Today debit cards look exactly like credit cards even carrying the same logos. Both types of cards can be swiped at the checkout counter , used to make purchases on the internet, or to pay for the fill-up at the gas pump. When you use your debit card to make a purchase, it’s just like using cash. The account that is attached to your debit card, in most cases your checking account, is automatically debited when you use your debit card. The cost of your purchase is deducted from the funds you have in that account. In the case of a credit card, you can pay just 5% of your bill amount and carry forward the balance to be paid the next time. You do not have to settle all in one go. This is referred to as revolving credit.
What is a Credit Card?On the other hand, when you use your credit card to make a purchase you are using someone’s else’s money, specifically the issuer of the credit card, usually a banking institution.
In effect, you agree to pay them back the money you borrowed to make your purchase. In addition you will also pay interest on the money “loaned” to you at the rate which you agreed to when you applied for their credit card. This is known as the annual percentage rate (APR). While the two cards might act and look alike, the levels of consumer protection that each type of card provides can be different.
Credit Cards offer Better Protection!Under federal law, if someone steals your credit card you're only responsible to pay the first $50 of unauthorized charges. However, if you notify the credit card issuer before a thief is able to make any charges you may be free from all liability. If the credit card is not physically present when an unauthorized or fraudulent purchase is made, such as over the internet, you’re also free from liability for those charges.
MasterCard and Visa offer zero-liability protection where you won’t pay any charges if someone uses your credit card to make an unauthorized purchase.The protection offered to debit card fraud is similar but with a few exceptions. For example, your liability under federal law is limited to $50, the same as for a credit card, but only if you notify the issuer within two business days of discovering the card's loss or theft. Your liability for debit card fraud can jump up to $500 if you don’t report the loss or theft within two business days. And if you are the type of person that gives a passing glance to your monthly bank statement, you could be totally liable for any fraudulent debit card charges if you wait 60 days or more from the time your statement is mailed. Visa and MasterCard zero-liability protection applies to your debit card but only for transactions that do not involve the use of your PIN (personal identification number).
Additional protection against fraudulent use of your credit or debit cards may be available through your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. Check your policy or with your agent for more information about your coverage.
Also be aware that you should contact your card issuer by certified letter, return receipt requested, after you’ve contacted them by phone to protect your consumer rights.
As for which card to use for what type of purchase, most experts agree that you should use your debit card for the same type of purchases you’d make as if you were using cash. Therefore, it makes more sense to use your debit card than your credit card at the grocery store or gas station (provided you have sufficient funds to cover these purchases of course).
Credit Card Purchase DisputesYou should avoid using your debit card for any online purchase or for something which is expensive. Why? The main reason is that it is much easier to dispute a charge when you use your credit card. Your credit card company will remove the charge until the problem is resolved.
With your debit card you are stuck dealing with the merchant directly to resolve any problems with a purchase. The merchant establishment will have a debit terminal. When you give your card to make the payment, the card will be swiped. The moment it is done, an electronic message is sent to the bank which checks to see if the customer has that much money in his/her account. A credit card requires the bank to make a payment to the merchant establishment (online shop, hotel or wherever you spend money using your card). The cardholder has to settle the bill later.

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Comparing Credit Card Offers

How do you start to compare credit cards? Finding out the best credit card to suit your needs can be a very time consuming process but one which can save you money and bring you more benefits than just choosing a credit card at random or the one which accepts your application first.
There are many different types of credit cards on the market but knowing which way you are going to deal with your finances before you apply for one could help you choose the best credit card for you.
If you pay off the total amount of your credit card bill every month then you would benefit from a reward credit card. Reward credit cards can offer cash back if you prefer or if you are a traveler then a credit card that offers air miles would benefit you.
If you already have a credit card, with a big balance, and are looking to switch to another then you may want to take advantage of a 0% balance transfer deal where the balance on your current credit card can be transferred without interest being added for an introductory period. Ultimately this will cost you less and gives you the opportunity to pay off your balance a little quicker. Before choosing your credit card be aware of the interest rate after your initial interest free period as some cards can have a high interest rate so look around.
For the more extravagant spender, a 0% purchase credit card could be right up your street. In the first several months as an introductory offer there will be 0% interest on what you spend on your credit card meaning you may afford that little luxury item as you won't be paying interest on your payment.
If you have a bad credit history and are worried whether you would be able to obtain a credit card or not, don't worry, as there are lenders that will deal with your case, although you will most probably be charged a higher interest rate. Credit cards can benefit you if you have had previous bad debt to rebuild yourself a good credit history.
All of these different types of credit cards also have other added benefits included and you should look at them more in depth.

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Bad Credit Credit Card- Offered By Many Companies

Check-books and paying with cash is becoming less frequent as more people are using plastic to pay for purchases. Checkbooks are being replaced by debit cards and the use of credit cards is rising. Online shopping has helped fuel the need for a credit card. Unfortunately people with bad credit are normally not approved for a credit card. It is not hopeless, there are avenues for those with bad credit histories to enter or return to the world of plastic.
Bad credit - credit cards are offered by many companies. This became a necessity since individuals with low incomes or credit problems would be declined for a low interest, no fee credit card. Many of these companies use what is called Risk Based Pricing. What this does is they have several types of offerings with different interest rates. The rate they offer is based on your credit score. So if you apply for one card you may get declined but offered a card with a higher rate. This is an excellent way for someone with a bit of a negative credit history to be approved for a bad credit, credit card.
So what about those individuals with no credit or extremely negative credit? They may need to look at another type of bad credit, credit card. There are several companies that target these types of people. They offer what is called a starter card. This type of card has a very high interest rate and very low credit limit. There are also a substantial amount of fees normally connected with these cards.
These cards pale in comparison to the more normal type of credit card offers but the acceptance rate is high. By using, one of these bad credit, credit cards and keeping with the terms of the agreement, making payments on time in a period of time your credit rating will be more positive. This will allow you the opportunity to apply with a better chance of acceptance for a lower rate and more favorable term credit card.
There are some individuals with such critical credit problems, a recent bankruptcy for instance, that a starter card would not be an option. If this is the case the only solution that would be left is a prepaid credit card which is sometimes called a secured card. The fact they look like a credit card it the only similarity. They need to have funds deposited to use them. You are virtually guaranteed to be accepted for this type of bad credit, credit card.
They work the same as any Mastercard or Visa but you can only spend the amount of money you have deposited. This leaves very little risk to the card issuer since you can not incur any debt with them. Because the issuer of the card will not be making any money on monthly interest rates for the balance they make their money in other ways. The can charge a fee for applying, a annual fee, an administration fee even a small percentage for every time you purchase something with the card. You will want to research several companies before applying for this type of bad credit, credit card since these fees can vary greatly.
Basically what all this means if even with a bad credit rating, nearly everyone can find a bad credit, credit card. It may take some research but it can be accomplished.

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Avoiding Credit Card Fees

Credit card bills can be expensive. Sometimes they can be simply too expensive. Depending on how you use your credit cards, and how much you spend, and how disciplined and controlled you are over your own spending, you may or may not have trouble paying your credit card bills when it comes to the end of the month and the bill arrives in the mail. No matter what your situation is however, there is always one thing you will not, under any circumstances, want to see on your monthly credit card bill, and that is a credit card fee.
There are different types of credit card fee and different reasons for incurring them, but the good news is that many of them can be avoided by simply following a few simple rules and keeping on top of your finances and bills. The most important way to minimise the fees you receive from your credit card company is to pay your bill on time and in full each month. Generally if you do this, you will be charged no interest of finance charges at all, and will be receiving all the benefits of a credit card and over a month of credit absolutely free. If you are one of the lucky customers who can manage to maintain your account in this way, you will be very lucky.
However, many people cannot pay their account in full each month, therefore, they incur the most common of all credit card fees, and this is finance charges. Credit card companies actually charge very high interest rates to their customers so if you have the option of borrowing in other ways that may be cheaper it is recommended that you use these methods if you are planning on needing the money for more than a couple of months. It is far cheaper to pay back a short-term loan than to maintain a large credit card balance.
Another credit card fee is a late fee for when you are late in making your monthly payment. Many people who have more than enough money to make their repayments simply through a lack of organisation miss payments and incur large fees. If you are late in making your repayment because you don’t have enough money to make it you may need some debt counselling or other advice to help you manage your way out of this situation.
There are many other fees that your credit card company can impose upon you depending on the company, but being aware of how they are calculated and what sets them off is probably all you need to know to be able to avoid incurring them in the future.

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Applying For Credit Cards Online

More and more people are applying for credit cards online. With the plethora of different means for which you can apply for your desired card, companies really try to make it easy for you to apply for their credit card. Along with online auctions, and shopping, signing up for credit cards, loans and insurance has been one of the fastest growing commercial activities on the net. Part of the reason is the speed and convenience of doing so. Another part of the reason is that you can find out the offers of a huge number of providers all at one place and judge which is the best very easily.
Applying for credit cards online can be an extremely simple process. Most credit card providers have websites that give you all of the necessary information to make your decision. If you are looking for a credit card, all you need do is visit their site and judge for yourself if the terms are acceptable. You have access to a huge number of card providers online so if you want to shop around it couldn’t be easier. There are even websites that specialise in comparing different rates and different categories of card which make your selection process even easier. For example, if you want a credit card that provides a good balance transfer rate, then you can search these specific cards. Or if you want a card that has a good reward scheme, low interest rates on purchases, or any other speciality, then it will all be there at your finger tips.
Once you have decided on a card, click the link to the card providers website or application form and fill in your details. You will be asked for all your personal details, and usually that is all. The rest of the information, the card providers can access themselves through your credit report. They will take your application and review it and do a credit check. If they are satisfied that you are a good risk, they will accept your application. While this is all done in the same way as any other form of credit application, because it is online it is secure, and also a lot faster. You do not have to wait for the application to get to them in the post and it is a lot more difficult for would be fraudsters to intercept the information.
Once the card provider has accepted your application, they will mail out the necessary documents which you should read, sign and return. Within a week, they can have sent you your card, and your pin in two separate letters and the process is complete; you have just been accepted for a new credit card.
There are some rules to credit card use that you should also be aware of, determined by the type of card that you have. Normally 0% balance transfer credit cards when you are transferring balances have the basic rule of not spending on the card – anything that you spend will accumulate interest, while you continue to pay the transferred balance. In effect, negating the point of the 0% transfer.
You may freely reprint this article as long as the author bio and live links are left intact.

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Tips To Improve Your Credit Card Score

These days most of us avail loans to buy a house, set up a business, or buy a car. Many students take loans to further their education. How soon the loan is sanctioned, the rate of interest, and the amount sanctioned will all depend on your credit score which is based on your credit report. People with scores of 700 and more are the beneficiaries of lower interest rates and quick sanctions. Imagine if your score is greater than 700 and another person has a score of 698 then the person with score 698 will have to pay interest that is higher by one-half percentage point. And, this means over a year a person with a lower score will pay USD 19,000 and more as interest on a loan of say USD 165,000.
A credit score takes into consideration: payment history, current earnings, current debt, length of credit history, types of credit utilized, and your new credit. If two or more members of your family are earning then apply for a loan jointly.
You can take a few simple steps and ensure that your credit score is higher than 700.
• Maintain a long healthy credit history. Keep alive your oldest credit card and be sure to pay all bills in time. Never keep bills pending over a 30 day period. If in a crunch at least pay the minimum charges due.
• Do not have too many credit cards. Learn to say “NO,” to offers of free credit cards. And, maintain a good credit limit. Avoid using all the available credit on the cards.
• Ensure that the credit report you have is accurate and that there are no errors clerical or otherwise.
• Plan your finance such that it is healthy. Consider debt consolidation.
• Never suddenly close or open accounts. This leads to suspicion that you are trying to manipulate your credit report.
• If you are having problems speak to your creditors well in advance and work out a stage wise repayment. Request the creditor to refrain from reporting the late payment.
• Late or delayed payments drive your score down so always pay bills dead on time. Keep a tab on due dates and ensure that all bills are paid.

Learn all you can about credit reports and scores and keep the criteria in mind while managing your finances. Maintain the debt-to-credit limit ratio and, if need be take the help of a finance planner. A useful source to learn about managing credit is provide in depth coverage on money management, debt management, and credit report review.
Even if advised refrain from filing for bankruptcy. All you need to do is to sit down and curtail expenses, plan you income-expenditure , and avoid spending what you have not earned.

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Credit-Free Card: What Is A Prepaid Credit Card?

In this high-tech era of computers and machines, the purchasing power of people is mostly based on credit. Nowadays, credit cards are almost indispensable in almost any business transaction. For one, nobody can purchase anything online without a credit card.
People who have a poor credit history though, will have a hard time getting or renewing their credit cards. This is where prepaid credit becomes useful.
There are lenders that offer prepaid MasterCards and/or prepaid Visa Cards. Both these cards can be used like a regular credit card. It is even hard to distinguish which card is prepaid or not, by simply looking at it or even using it.
This is basically how prepaid credit cards work. When an account is opened, the card should be “pre-loaded” with cash up-front. This is like paying for a pre-paid calling card. Prepaid MasterCards or Visas can be used anywhere as long as these cards are accepted.
The prepaid credit card advantage:
1. Prepaid credit card can be easily obtained. It can be purchased online or in local retail stores. It does not require any credit check or proof of income.
The only thing to do is to fill out an application, pay a small fee for setting-up the account and load the card with cash. The amount of cash loaded will be the “credit limit”
2. No interest charges.
When a prepaid MasterCard or prepaid Visa is used, there is no interest charge unlike the regular credit card. The reason for this is that the money used is the owner’s actual money therefore no interest is needed.
3. Prepaid credit cards are free from financial or credit problems.
4. Prepaid cards can be used almost anywhere. Prepaid MasterCards and Visa cards are almost accepted anywhere in the world.
Disadvantages of Prepaid Credit Cards:
1. Usually a set-up fee of 5 to 50 dollars is needed when an account is opened. Then another fee of $5 or more is paid every time more money is loaded onto the card.
Regular credit cards usually do not charge a set-up fee or annual fees.
2. Cash up front is needed before any purchase could be made with the prepaid card. This could be an advantage since compulsive spending can be avoided.
3. There are some prepaid credit cards that cannot be used to pay regular payments such as monthly electric consumption or online services.
The Conclusion:
The prepaid credit card is a definite help for people who have past credit problems. It is just a matter of choosing the right prepaid credit card that suits ones’ needs.

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Credit Card Company That You Can Trust

The following article lists some simple, informative tips that will help you have a better experience with Credit Card Companies.
Have you ever wondered if what you know about Credit Card Companies is accurate? Consider the following paragraphs and compare what you know to the latest info on Credit Card Companies.
If you are looking for a credit card company to give your business to, but are unsure of which one to choose, then you may want to consider Chase. They are known for being one of the best credit cards around. They make applying for one of their cards very simple and there are no hidden charges.
When you sign up, they will give you all of the information about any charges that they may charge you. They do not have annual fees and offer a 0% interest introductory rate. Also, Chase offers fraud protection, which is a very important thing to have these days.
It is so easy to apply for a Chase credit card. Applying on their website is simple, too. Their website is also a great place to learn more about their credit cards including the interest rates and pictures of each kind of card.
When most people think of Credit Card Companies, what comes to mind is usually basic information that's not particularly interesting or beneficial. But there's a lot more to Credit Card Companies than just the basics.
You can also pay your credit card bill online. This is a fast and secure way for you to pay your credit card bill. If you do not have a Chase credit card, but have heard great things about the company, you can sign-up on their website. If you fill out the form correctly, then you could be a Chase member in just a few days.
Chase offers individual accounts and small business accounts. This is great for those of you who are looking for a credit card to start your small business.
Chase credit cards are accepted all over the world, so you do not have to worry about being able to use it on a trip abroad. Chase also gives their customers air miles for every dollar, so you may be able to take a vacation much cheaper than you think.
There's a lot to understand about Credit Card Companies. We were able to provide you with some of the facts above, but there is still plenty more to write about in subsequent articles.
Now might be a good time to write down the main points covered above. The act of putting it down on paper will help you remember what's important about Credit Card Companies.

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Basic Credit Card Safety Tips

Ultimately keeping you credit card safe is you responsibility. Indeed, in a worst case scenario, if it can be proven you may have been negligent in keeping your credit card safe, you may find yourself liable for the cost of all transactions made fraudulent on your account should you lose the card. To help you avoid this, here are 5 basic credit card safety tips:
Never have more cards than you need
While it is always advisable that you have more than 1 credit card, in case it gets lost, you should never have more credit cards than you actually need to use. The principal reason why this is the case is because it becomes harder to keep a track of which cards you have and where you have kept them with the more cards you have.
Always keep a photocopy of your cards
How many times have you been asked what you card number is only to find yourself looking for your card to get the number? Now, what happens if you have a card stolen and no credit card statement to-hand? You have a problem! For this reason, it is always best practice to take photocopies of you credit cards to so that always know where to find the number should anything unfortunate happen to your card.
Always keep your receipts separate
Among the most important of the basic credit card safety tips you’ll receive is never to keep your credit cards and credit card purchase receipts in the same place – because likely as not if you have lost your card, or if it is stolen, then you’ll have lost or stolen the receipts as well. Now there is no way for you to vouch which transactions were yours and which where not – or, there is no way to tell which was the last genuine transaction you made.
Moreover, never keep a record of your PIN with your card, this is only asking for trouble!
Never give your account number to someone you don’t know
If you are ever asked to give your credit card details to someone you don’t know, or who as initiated a discussion with you (rather than the other way round) over the phone or via email, you should always refuse. Worst come to the worst, phone the card issuer and ask them if it is okay for you to divulge the information or phone the enquirer back. If the enquirer seems reluctant to accept this, you have to ask yourself why!
Never leave your account details open to public viewing
It may sound rather basic to say you should never let ‘Joe public’ see your credit card account details, but ask yourself this question: “How often have you received a publication subscription form in postcard format?” Now, suppose you complete this with your credit card details filled in. Suddenly half the world has access your credit card number, expiry date and signature!
Although the above may sound like 5 basic credit card safety tips you already know, you would be surprised to see how many people fail to follow one or all of them!

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Credit Report Is Car Buyer's New Best Friend

You've researched the perfect car to buy and the perfect time to buy it. But have you checked your credit report and credit score? A quick review of your credit report online before you visit dealerships can save you both time and money when you are ready to make your deal.
1. Give that credit report a tune-up.
Check your credit report early in the process to avoid embarrassing or costly episodes at the loan desk.
• Get the facts first. Having your 3-in-1 credit report from TransUnion's TrueCredit.com before you shop for a vehicle allows you to compare and review your financial information from each of the three credit bureaus: TransUnion, Equifax and Experian.
• Check the accuracy of your 3-in-1 report. If you find any mistakes, report them immediately.
• Are your credit card balances high? Reducing these or paying off small debts can sometimes boost your credit score and save you money on a loan.
• A few months of prompt bill payments can improve the way lenders view you.
2. Don't overextend yourself.
Brand new sports car vs. used and practical? Before you decide which car is right for you, it's a good idea to see how much you can really afford.
• After all your other bills are paid each month, how much do you have left to put toward a vehicle?
• Do you have a trade-in or down payment? These can help you negotiate a better rate with lenders and can be especially important if you have problem credit.
• Calculate your debt-to-income ratio by dividing all your monthly payments by your gross monthly income. Make sure to add in your expected new car payment. A ratio greater than 30 percent may be a red flag to lenders.
3. Do your financing homework.
Applying for an auto loan doesn't have to be stressful if you arrive prepared. Consider the following:
• Be ready to discuss your income, occupation, home loan and credit history.
• To negotiate the best loan, check the rates banks and credit unions will offer you before visiting a showroom to make your final deal.
With these tips and your credit report from TransUnion's TrueCredit.com in hand, you should be well-equipped to negotiate a better deal on your next car. Now, go get 'em!

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The Credit Report,Discover How To Improve your Credit Rating

This 3 credit report article was written to answer many of the most frequently asked questions, I hope you find all of this information helpful.
A 3 credit report can be useful for a variety of reasons. There are three major credit reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion, and each of them has their own information about your credit, so to get a good credit report, you have to use all 3. Fortunately, you can get a 3 credit report for about $24, and this will tell you all you need to know about your credit rather than wasting time with a so called free online credit report.
Many institutions need to know your 3 credit report before they will approve of you, and so knowing your credit record can give you a heads up on your chances of receiving all kinds of services. For example, a home loan will not be given if you have a bad credit score, and neither will you qualify for low cost life insurance, a credit card with a low apr, or some times even a lease on a house or car. So knowing your 3 credit report can be a short cut to save you time applying to services which you won't receive.
Another thing about knowing your 3 credit report score is that it can show you if someone has been defrauding you or stealing your identity. If, for example, someone has been getting accounts in your name and not telling you or paying them, they will show up on your 3 credit reports as a bad score. This will let you take appropriate legal action to get them removed from your record and to get the guy who did it by calling the cops.
Getting the bad fraud charges off of your 3 credit report score can be a major hassle. Once my mon had serious charges on her 3 credit report because someone was filling for a cellphone using her name from Detroit, and the company would not believe it was not her, even though it was a different residence. To get them to believe it, she had to produce several pieces of identity and mail, as well as her home title to show where she was living. They would not believe that he address was what she said it was until she showed them lots of proof. What a hassle.
There are many ways you can improve your credit score. One of them is to own credit cards and regularly pay off your payments to show that you are reliable and can be trusted with credit. If you regularly pay off your balance, and are on time with gas, phone, electric, and utility bills, this also can help. In the long run, it is worth it for you to keep your credit good, because it means you qualify for better interest rates, bigger lines of credit,equity line of credit,home equity line of credit ,low apr credit card, and all kinds of other financial benefits that you wouldn't have otherwise. Really, it's easy and you've got nothing to lose.

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“Online Credit Card Usage” – Convenience At Its Best

Commerce and technology, combined as a one package – this is what online credit cards are. With the advent of internet, the knowledge and communication barriers were broken. Also, with internet, came the concept of e-shops or virtual shops that existed only on the internet. You could shop at these shops by making use of their online credit card payment-acceptance ability. Once the online credit card payments were verified and approved, the goods got delivered to your door. This is what we call convenience at its best.
With more and more e-shops getting setup everyday, online credit card usage is becoming even more popular. The possibility of receiving online credit card payments has given a totally new dimension to shopping. Now, you can not only shop from the comfort of your home, you can even get discounts on these products. This is really amazing. No need to bother about the weather, no need to worry about the traffic jams or any other thing. Just go to an e-shop, select a product, make use of their online credit card payment-acceptance facility to make the payment and be ready to receive the goods at your doorstep.
With online credit card processing facility, starting a business (an online business) has become just unbelievably easy.
However, there is nothing without pitfalls. One of the pitfalls of online credit card usage is the possibility of online credit card fraud. This online credit card fraud can happen in two ways. The first one is related to the company, on whose website you made online credit card payment for purchase of goods; this company itself could be fraudulent i.e. it could take the online credit card payment from you but not deliver the goods to you. Moreover, they could use the details of your credit card (received through the filling up of online credit card payment form by you) for fraudulent purposes. The second type of fraud is committed by fraudsters who use various softwares/devices to capture the details of online credit card payments (as you enter them on the online credit card payment form of a website). These softwares are popularly known as spyware and these fraudsters as online spies. The spyware works by capturing keystrokes or taking screenshots of whatever you do on your computer and then passes it on to the spy. However, there are anti-spyware softwares available which can be used to counter such spyware.
So, the advent of online credit card usage facility is a boon to us. However, you must exercise caution when making online credit card payments e.g. don’t access your bank accounts or make online credit card payments from internet cafes (unless you are absolutely sure about the credentials of the internet café).

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