Common Credit Card Terms

Whether you have a credit card or you are thinking of getting one, what ever is the type of credit card, there is a simple credit card jargon that you must be aware of.
Credit Cards: This is a card issued by a financial institution that allows the cardholder to use credit to purchase goods and services up to a predetermined limit. The cardholder gets a monthly statement and then he/she has to pay back. There is an interest on the amount credited.
Credit Limit: This is the maximum amount you are allowed to spend on the credit card. How much credit limit you get depends on you credit history and the type of credit card you own (gold or Platinum Cards).
Credit History or Credit Scoring: This is your track record of how you have paid accounts in the past. It is important from the creditor's point of view since it determines whether you are likely to pay accounts on time in the future or not.
Gold and Platinum Cards: These are credit cards issued to high-end earners. These have high or no credit limit. They come bundled with a number of services and benefits not available to a standard cardholder.
Annual Percentage Rate (APR): It is the annual interest rate or percentage you pay on the outstanding balance of credit as an interest or fee. It is also called annual interest rate.
Annual Fees: Annual fees is basically a maintenance fee that the credit card issuers charge from the cardholders annually against the costs incurred in maintaining accounts and providing services.
Introductory Period: Credit card market is highly competitive in UK so a number of credit card companies offer a low rate of interest on outstanding balances on your account for an initial period. This initial period is called introductory period, which can last for 6 to 12 months depending on the offer.
Balance Transfers: This is another term that has emerged out of the credit card market competition in UK. Say if you have an outstanding balance in your account on which you are paying interest but you find another market offer that makes your pocket breath easy then you can transfer your outstanding balance to a new account by paying certain percentage of balance transfer. Some credit card companies offer balance transfer as low as 0% in introductory period.
Reward Program: It is a point-accumulating program based on purchases or transactions made on your card. You can redeem your reward point against cash back, discounts or free air miles according to the program you enroll for.
PIN (Personal Identification Number): It is the secret code chosen by you for your card. You can access your money and perform banking transactions through the ATM or make purchases without signing a sales receipt at merchants that have PIN pads, using this code. Don't share your PIN with anyone.

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About Sports Affinity Credit Cards

Affinity cards are a special kind of credit card which are linked into the cardholder's lifestyle in some way, offering benefits of a more personalized nature than the typically available 0% balance transfer offers and the like. Examples of affinity programs are charity credit cards, where a donation is made to a particular charitable organisation whenever the card is used, or a travel rewards card which lets you build up points which you can redeem against a hotel chain or airline which you use frequently.
A further type of affinity card is becoming more and more popular: the sports team affinity card, aimed at supporters of a particular football team or other sporting club.
The most obvious difference between a sports card and a normal one is in the actual appearance of the card, which will generally feature the logo or badge of the team chosen. This in itself is a desirable feature for many fans, as it's a very visible declaration of your allegiance to your team, and is sure to attract comment from other fans.
Perhaps the most important aspect of sports affinity cards is a financial one, however. In much the same way as charity credit cards work, a sports card lets you contribute to the financial wellbeing of your team with no direct cost to yourself. A small percentage of everything you spend will be donated by the card issuer to the team linked to the card account, and while this may amount to only a small sum in the case of individual cardholders, the money involved can mount up quickly if thousands or tens of thousands of people regularly use the card.
In many cases, the money raised by starting a sports affinity card program will be used by the team involved to fund the longterm health of the club, often by investing in youth academies and development. This means that by using the card for regular spending, you're helping to secure the success of your team well into the future.
Not only can your card use benefit your team, it can also feature attractive personal benefits such as discounts on club merchandise, a rewards scheme where you can build up points to offset against the costs of buying tickets, or even priority access to big games, depending on the specific card involved.
So, are there any downsides? Like all credit cards that offer some sort of tempting carrot to entice people to apply, the benefits offered need to be paid for somehow, and this is usually in the form of a higher standard APR or interest rate. It's unlikely that you'll find an affinity card of any variety listed in the 'best value' or 'lowest APR' tables. If you use your card for borrowing rather than simply as a convenient payment method, the sports-related benefits may well be overshadowed by the increased costs of the card.
Having said that, unless you're planning to carry a substantial balance on your card from month to month, the headline interest rate is perhaps not as important to you as the fact that your card will be showing your support for your team both visibly and financially.

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A smart way to manage credit cards

Credit cards are a great way to help you to control your finances. It’s true that occasionally we may make poor decisions with our money, while other times the events in our life can take us beyond what we want and we are sadly left holding the bill. If you have found that to be the case for you, you may want to consider this great way to manage your credit card debt.
If you are faced with several large credit card bills, a UK secured loan is one choice for you to consider. Many people are selecting a UK secured loan to add to their financial portfolio and you might want to consider using one to deal with those credit card bills. Here's how.
Gather together all of your credit card bills and add up the amount that you owe. Factor in the extra expenses you haven't heard on your credit cards since you receive those bills. Add to that about ten or twenty per cent, which is the "whoops, I forgot about that" factor. Then, with that figure, start shopping around. There are many UK secured loan institutions that want to do business with you.
Get the loan and pay off your credit card bills. If you think that you may still use your credit cards or, you may want to hide them away so that you reduce the temptation to use them.
Now, instead of having several credit card bills at a high interest rate due by the end of the month, you now have one bill that is due once a month at a lower rate. This is called consolidation. At first glance it may not seem obvious why you'd want to do this but there are two reasons:
The first reason is that you will save a lot of money on interest rates. In fact, some UK secured loan interest rates might be as much as half of regular credit card interest rates.
The second reason is that you will get one bill with a fixed amount due every month rather than several bills with several amounts due throughout the month. This will help you budget.
Credit cards can be an excellent tool to help you manage your finances and by the things you want or need. But when things go a ride and your bills get out of hand, which happens to be even the best of us, choosing a UK secured loan as a way to consolidate those bills will help you reduce your interest rates and set up a fixed amount of payment. Reduced interest rates will ultimately increase the amount of money you keep and a fixed amount due every month will help you plan your budget.

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Advantages Of The 0% APR Credit Card

People used to think that they had enough on their benefits with their credit cards. They thought that the rewards they get and the low interest they have is already enough to last a lifetime. But times have changed and now cardholders are wanting more. They are no longer happy receiving a toaster or a coffee pot. They want more. Like free vacations, free services and more.
However, there are instances when they get to have the chance of seeing promotions like 0% APR. Now, this is really something. But the question is, is it true? Is there a great probability that credit card companies can actually offer a 0% APR? Lets face it, credit card company's are in business to make money not lose it.
For most financial experts, they contend that it is, indeed, possible. In fact, credit card companies would definitely go for this kind of scheme just to get the consumers on their hook.
That sounds too good to be true, indeed. But the question is how come they can offer something so good just like that?
Normally, 0% annual percentage rate or APR lasts only for 6 months. The countdown starts from the day the credit card is claimed.
In most instances, 0% APR are attractive to people who would want to have a balance transfer. This is because they would want to consolidate all of their debts into one payment only. And because they have a huge pile of debt, they would rather go to a credit company that can offer them lower interest rates. But be careful. Since the 0% APR rate usually only last for six months make sure you check the rate that is charged after the six months.
With things like 0% APR credit card, who can resist them?
Moreover, with the 6-month timeframe, people will get to have the chance of paying their standing debts for a whole six month-period only. That would be a lot of savings.
But then again, 0% APR credit cards are not at all beneficial to everybody. As they say, there is always an exception to the rule. This refers to those who do not accumulate interest charges simply because they have outstanding balance. So, they wouldn’t feel the necessity of getting a 0% APR credit card.
The best credit cards for these types of people are those that offer rewards and cash backs instead of lower rates.
All of these boil down to one point, that people must be aware on how these wonderful offers can provide them the benefit that they want. With all the credit card offer being offed now days a consumer should shop around for the best deal at meets their needs.
Indeed, there are lots of rewards and 0% APR credit cards out there. But if it will not work for those who do not really need them because of the mentioned situations, then it’s best not to have them at all. Besides, the best 0% reward is not to have a credit card at all. And if you do have a 0% APR card don't over extend yourself. Buy only what you can afford.

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Balance Transfer Credit Card Facts and Myths

There are a number of balance transfer credit card facts and myths that are important to be cleared up. Understanding these facts and myths will help you to better keep your finances under control.
Myth: I can get arrested for continually transferring my credit card balances.
Legally, you can transfer your credit card balances as often as you want. So long as you are making your payments and not attempting to defraud your lender, the law does not concern itself with how you choose to handle you finances. It is, however, a bad practice to continually move your balance transfer credit card to another. This is because, in order to do this, you need to open up several credit card accounts. When it comes to your credit rating, having a large number of open accounts can lead to a bad credit rating.
Credit cards utilize what is known as "revolving credit." This credit is different from something such as a car payment, which is paid back in installments. Too much available revolving credit puts you in the high-risk category. The basic thought process behind this is that it would be too easy for you to acquire a great deal of revolving credit, use it all up, and then default on your payments. Therefore, using balance transfer credit cards to consolidate bills one time is a good idea, but it shouldn't be a routine practice.
Myth: The best balance transfer credit cards have a 0.00% APR.
While it is true that the best balance transfer credit cards should offer a 0.00% APR, there are more factors to consider when choosing the best card. For starters, you need to learn more about this special APR. Do you need to complete the balance transfer at the time of application in order to qualify for the 0.00% APR, or do you have a window of time during which you make transfers? Does the 0.00% APR last for the lifetime of the balance transfer, or will it rise to an above average APR within a few months? Does the balance transfer credit card offer other benefits, such as travel insurance and fraud protection? Does the card offer a low APR for purchases, as well, or is it best to use the balance transfer credit card only for transfers?
Myth: Balance transfer credit cards are the key to getting out of debt.
While balance transfer credit cards can assist you in taking control of your debt, they should not be considered your primary means of getting out of debt. Instead, you should look at the balance transfer credit card as one tool in your tool belt of obtaining financial freedom. You can consolidate all of your higher interest rate credit cards onto one balance transfer credit card, thereby paying less in finance charges. It also makes it easier for you to keep track of your debts and your bills because all of your payments will be made to just one credit card. Nonetheless, it takes responsibility, diligence, and proper planning to get out of debt - not just getting a balance transfer credit card.
Myth: Balance transfer credit cards are hard to find.
Many people mistakenly believe it is difficult to find a great balance transfer credit card, but this is not true. Many credit card companies offer special introductory rates in order to entice people to apply to their card. After all, the more money you transfer to their card, the more money they can potentially make on the finance charges you have to pay. In fact, you might even be able to make a card you currently have into a balance transfer credit card by calling the credit card company and asking them if they would be willing to give you a special deal. Many companies will waive fees and lower interest rates to keep you with them.

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Bad Credit, Credit Cards

When you have a bad credit rating obtaining a credit card is more difficult. Most credit card companies will just deny your request. This then makes finding a bad credit, credit card extremely important. Now when you are applying for a bad credit, credit card there are several important factors to consider.
First, if you have a bad credit and are now in a better financial situation do not make the mistake of applying for every credit card offer there is. Your credit score will lower with each credit card inquiry. To eliminate excessive inquires, reduce your selections down to one or two companies that specialize in bad credit, credit cards. The reason for this is the likely hood of being accepted is much better than it would be with a regular credit card company. This is a great first step in bringing your credit rating and history back up to an acceptable level.
Before applying or accepting an offer from a bad credit, credit card Company, it is wise to research the company and other various offers. Most companies are attempting to help you change your situation, but there are some companies that use this as a time to take advantage of your situation for their benefit. Unfortunately as a rule you will not be able to obtain low interest rates at first but some are still better than others when it comes to bad credit, credit cards.
You will want to be sure to read all the disclosures and other information in regards to any user fees, penalties, and other possible hidden costs. As an example; if you are applying for a secured credit card you will need to open a savings account with that particular bank. This amount varies and will be the collateral for your card. So your credit limit will be the same amount as your savings account and if you do not pay the bank then claims it. In addition to the deposit most will have a startup fee, a annual fee and a monthly service fee. Many companies will charge that to your credit card so you already have a balance before you actually receive the card.
You will probably not be able to do away with all extra fees, such as above, that are associated with bad credit, credit cards. But if you read all the information from several companies you should be able to find the two with the lowest interest rate and least amount of user fees.

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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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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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Brief History Of Credit Cards

Credit cards have nowadays insinuated themselves into all corners of our lives, and it is rare for an adult these days to not carry at least one card. As well as being used in the traditional manner to buy goods or services in person, they are also now used online, over the telephone, for writing checks, and even for withdrawing money from cash machines. People use them in all sorts of ways - as a means of borrowing, as a convenient payment method, and even for earning money through cashback or reward schemes.
Despite their ubiquity in modern life, credit cards have a fairly short history, with the first general purpose credit card being introduced less than fifty years ago. In this article we'll look at the origins of credit cards, and then at how they've developed over the years with the emphasis on the United Kingdom market.
The very first credit card was launched by Diners Club in 1951, and was limited to use in twenty seven New York restaurants. It wasn't a huge success initially, with only 200 cards being issued. The real story of credit cards began in 1958 with the introduction of two major new products. The first was the American Express charge card, which boasted over a million users within five years of it being launched.
The other innovation was the first example of what we now recognize as a credit card: the Bank Americard, a general purpose card developed by Joseph Williams while working at the Bank of America. Over time, this card was to develop into the Visa company that we know today. Eight years after the introduction of this card, fourteen U.S. banks formed an alliance to launch a rival to the Bank Americard, named Interlink, which was to evolve into the Mastercard payment processor by 1979.
The first UK general card was launched by Barclays Bank in 1967, and their Barclaycard is still one of the most popular and widespread cards forty years later. In 1972, four other UK banks joined forces to launch the Access card in competition with Barclays, and for the next decade or so this remained the status quo.
It was during the 1980s that the credit card industry began consolidating behind the two big processors that had evolved into their current form by this time, Visa and Mastercard. Banks dropped their own processing facilities, and began to issue cards that could be used at any outlet that supported these two main payment processors. It was this move that led to the great expansion in card use, as they could now be easily used almost anywhere in the world.
The next major change to the industry was the revolutionizing technology of the internet, allowing purely online cards such as Egg in the UK to offer attractive benefits to the cardholder at low cost to the issuers. Competition between lenders quickly heated up, and features such as balance transfer offers began to appear.
Balance transfer deals allowed cardholders to move their debt from card to card and avoid paying any interest on it almost indefinitely, or so it seemed. Unfortunately, this ruse of 'credit card surfing' couldn't last as it was costing the credit industry billions every year, and so a balance transfer fee was imposed which made it much less attractive to cardholders.
The last major change in the credit card industry has been the introduction of Chip and PIN technology which has cut card fraud substantially by requiring payments to be approved via entering a code number rather than relying on a signature. The technology began to be rolled out in the UK in 2004, and is now fully in use across the country.
What's next for credit cards? Only the issuers know, but with record levels of debt many people are reluctant to apply for new cards, and so we're likely to see more attractive features becoming available to new applicants as credit companies compete for the shrinking amount of business available.

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Ways To Protect And Improve Your Credit Rating

Your credit score accounts for the amount of interest you have to pay for a loan or a credit card. Increasing your score in just a few points will make a big difference in the interest rate you will pay for a purchase. If your credit score is high enough, you’ll have no problem qualifying for a lender’s best rates and terms on auto financing, home loans and small business loans. The following are a few tips about how you can protect and improve your credit rating.
1 - Order Your Credit Report. Your credit score is based on your credit report, so you should begin by ordering your reports and reviewing each one for accuracy. You can get your reports from a service such as MyFico.com, or order from Equifax, Experian and Trans Union separately online or by phone.
2 - Check Your Credit Report Information for Inaccuracies. Check the identifying information for name, social security number, birth date and incorrect address. Make certain that old negatives and paid-off debts are deleted. Check for accounts and delinquencies that are not yours, late payments, charge offs, lawsuits, judgments or paid tax liens older than seven years old. Also, paid liens or judgments that are listed as unpaid, duplicate collections, bankruptcies that are older than ten years and any negative information that is not yours.
3 - Always Pay Your Bills on Time. Payment history makes up more than a third of the typical credit score. If you paid bills late in the past, you can improve your credit score by starting to pay your bills on time. Lenders are looking for any sign that you might default, and a late payment is a good indicator that you are in financial difficulty.
4 - Keep Credit Cards Balances Low. Carrying smaller balances is the best way to increase your credit score. The score measures how much of your limit you use on each credit card or other line of credit, and how much of your combined credit limits you are using on all your cards. Within 60 days, paying down credit card balances can increase your credit score by as much as 20 points.
5 - Try Not to Open In-Store Credit Cards. Although your first credit accounts can serve to build and improve your credit history, there comes a point when each subsequent credit application can reduce your score. New credit cards reduce the age of your credit history, and a department store credit card isn’t good evidence of credit worthiness. Every time you apply for a retailer’s credit card your credit store gets dinged.
6 - Be Conservative When Applying For Credit. Having at least one credit card that’s more than 2 years old can help your score by 15 percent. Make sure that your credit report is checked only when necessary. Or, if you are shopping for a home, try to apply for loans within a two-week period. By keeping the loan process within a two-week period, all of the credit report lookups are seen as one single request.
7 - Don’t Close Credit Cards or Other Revolving Accounts. Shutting down unused accounts that have outstanding balances without paying off the debt changes your “utilization ratio,” which is the amount of your total debt divided by your total available credit. It will reduce the gap between the credit you are using and the total credit available to you, and that can hurt your credit score.

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7 Simple Ways to Increase Your Credit Card Limit

Many credit card holders aspire for a higher credit card limit. The obvious reason for this is that a higher credit card limit enables the purchase of otherwise unaffordable merchandise.
First and foremost, credit card holders need to remember that to get a higher credit card limit, they must abide by the terms and conditions of the credit card company or bank.
Below are 7 other ways to get a higher credit card limit.
• The most important thing to do for getting a higher credit card limit is to prove your credit worthiness. This is the first thing that banks and companies look for when giving a higher credit limit.
• Attract positive attention from the credit card company or bank by paying finance charges once in a while. Obviously, this is not advisable on a repeating basis and should only be used as a last resort to increase your chances of getting a higher credit limit.
Proving to credit card companies and banks that you are good "borrower" can be a convincing way to get a higher credit limit. But be careful because this strategy also means that you will be paying finance charges which can accumulate in a hurry.
And always remember, a higher credit card limit means greater purchasing power, but it also increases the risk of your having to pay greater interest charges and other processing and late fees.
• Always spend within your credit card limit because doing so means that you are capable of controlling your expenses.
• Use your credit cards regularly. Don’t keep your cards for emergency use only. If you use your credit cards sparingly, banks and credit card companies will be unable to understand your spending and pay-back behavior. Under these circumstances, most banks and credit card companies will be reluctant to give you a higher credit card limit.
• Never make minimum payments. Instead, try to pay for the entire outstanding amount. This will usually give you a better chance of getting a higher credit card limit.
• Avoid late payments as much as possible. Not only will your increase payment increase, but you may also have to pay an additional fine for not clearing bills on time. This will also dim your chances of getting a higher credit card limit.
• The best and simplest strategy for getting a higher credit card limit is to use your credit card wisely. Always keep in mind that credit card companies keep a record of your transactions and payment patterns, so always pay on-time.
The bottom line is that your performance in the records of banks and credit card companies will determine whether you’ll get a higher credit card limit or not.

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Ways You Can Avoid Costly Credit Card Late Fees

Credit card late fees are a fact of life for some consumers, but they don’t have to be for you. Legally, credit card companies can hit you with pretty much whatever fees they want. On the other hand, you don’t have to pay them, but only if you avoid them in the first place. Here are five sure fire ways you can avoid costly credit card late fees:
1. Pay Before the Due Date. Of course, this makes the most sense. However, this is also the single most important reason why people get socked with fees: they receive their bill and immediately forget about it! When you get your bill, open it up and pay it promptly. Waiting means forgetting and forgetting about your credit card bill will cost you money. 2. Pay on the Internet. If you have access to a computer, then paying online is the best way to make certain that your payment gets to your credit card provider on time. Be careful, as there is still some lag time from when you authorize funds to be released from your checking account and when that payment is finally credited to your credit card account. The gap between the two can be as long as one week! 3. Schedule Automatic Payments. Some credit card providers allow for you to set up a scheduled deduction from your checking account which is then automatically sent to your credit card provider. You should set it up to take money out of your account well before the due date to ensure that your funds are received on time. You can always send in a separate, extra payment if you want to pay down your debt faster too. 4. Question a Late Payment. Even if the credit card company claims that your payment was late, it doesn't mean that you must be charged a late fee. Contact the company and ask them to reverse their charge –- which usually runs between $29 and $39 -- and to expunge their records of your tardiness. You not only want to avoid any fees, you want to avoid their possible notification of your lateness to the three major credit report agencies [Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax]. Any information supplied to the credit reporting agencies can work against you in the form of higher interest rates on current cards as well as on future loans!
5. Go with the Citi Simplicity Credit Card. Now, consumers have a new option to help them avoid late fees: Citi’s new Citi Simplicity card doesn’t charge late fees. Please click the link below for more information about this breakthrough card. Taking the appropriate action can help you to avoid late fees and allow for you to keep more of your money in your pocket. Become better informed and start saving money today!

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Ways To Instantly Increase Your Credit Card Limit

A lot of credit card holders aspire for a higher credit card limit.
But: credit card holders need to remember that to get a higher credit card limit, they must abide by the terms and conditions of the credit card company or their bank.
Here are 5 ways to get a higher credit card limit:
1. Prove your credit worthinessThe most important thing to do for getting a higher credit card limit is to prove your credit worthiness. This is the first thing that banks and companies look for when giving a higher credit limit.
2. Attract positive attention from the credit card companyAt least: try to attract positive attention by paying finance charges once in a while. Obviously, this is not advisable on a repeating basis and should only be used as a last resort to increase your chances of getting a higher credit limit.
Proving to credit card companies and banks that you are good "borrower" can be a convincing way to get a higher credit limit. But be careful because this strategy also means that you will be paying finance charges which can accumulate in a hurry.
3. Always spend within your credit card limit Doing so means that you are capable of controlling your expenses.
4. Use your credit cards regularly Don’t keep your cards for emergency use only. If you use your credit cards sparingly, banks and credit card companies will be unable to understand your spending and pay-back behavior. Under these circumstances, most banks and credit card companies will be reluctant to give you a higher credit card limit.
5. Avoid late payments as much as possibleThis technique will not only increase your payment increase, but you may also have to pay an additional fine for not clearing bills on time. This will also dim your chances of getting a higher credit card limit.
The bottom line is that your performance in the records of banks and credit card companies will determine whether you’ll get a higher credit card limit or not.

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Tips For Improving Your Credit Score

Here are 5 tips to help improve your credit score.
1. Get copies of your credit report —then make sure the information is correct.
Go to the Annual Credit Report web site. This is the only authorized online source for a free credit report. Under federal law, you can get a free report from each of the three national credit reporting companies every 12 months.You can also call 877-322-8228 or complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) web site and mail it to Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.
2. Pay your bills on time.
One of the most important things you can do to improve your credit score is pay your bills by the due date. You can set up automatic payments from your bank account to help you pay on time, but be sure you have enough money in your account to avoid overdraft fees.
3. Understand how your credit score is determined.
Your credit score is usually based on the answers to these questions:
Do you pay your bills on time? The answer to this question is very important. If you have paid bills late, have had an account referred to a collection agency, or have ever declared bankruptcy, this history will show up in your credit report.
What is your outstanding debt? Many scoring models compare the amount of debt you have and your credit limits. If the amount you owe is close to your credit limit, it is likely to have a negative effect on your score.
How long is your credit history? A short credit history may have a negative effect on your score, but a short history can be offset by other factors, such as timely payments and low balances.
Have you applied for new credit recently? If you have applied for too many new accounts recently that may negatively affect your score. However, if you request a copy of your own credit report, or creditors are monitoring your account or looking at credit reports to make prescreened credit offers, these inquiries about your credit history are not counted as applications for credit.
How many and what types of credit accounts do you have? Many credit-scoring models consider the number and type of credit accounts you have. A mix of installment loans and credit cards may improve your score. However, too many finance company accounts or credit cards might hurt your score.
To learn more, see the Federal Trade Commission’s publication on credit scoring at their web site.
4. Learn the legal steps you must take to improve your credit report.
The Federal Trade Commission’s “Building a Better Credit Report” has information on correcting errors in your report, tips on dealing with debt and avoiding scams—and more.
5. Beware of credit-repair scams.
Sometimes doing it yourself is the best way to repair your credit. The Federal Trade Commission’s “Credit Repair: Self-Help May Be Best” explains how you can improve your creditworthiness and lists legitimate resources for low-cost or no-cost help.

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Steps To Credit Card Debt Reduction And Money Saving With A DIY System

Have you succumbed to the lure of credit cards and found yourself in a bit of a pickle because of it?
Pull up a chair and have a seat - Welcome to the ever growing club of consumer debt. Your biggest challenge now is to dig yourself out of this situation and avoid having to pay anyone to help you do it.
The options at this stage are usually as follow (depending on the level of credit card debt):
• Consolidate into a loan.• Debt Management.• Bankruptcy.• Do Nothing.• Just pay off the cards over as long as it takes.• Make the minimum payments and keep spending.• Make an effective DIY plan.
The more popular solutions - such as consolidation loans and debt management -we see being touted everywhere are the ones that put your money in other people’s pocket. I don’t know about you but for me becoming free from debt should not involve spending more money, or *borrowing your way out of debt*.
So how does a DIY system work?
To break it down into 5 steps it looks something like this:
1. Address your spending habits and why you are in this situation.
To ever win with money and have a comfortable financial future you have to control your money – not the other way round. Take complete control and set yourself some realistic yet desirable goals for the future.
2. Know your options, the ins and outs of how they work – and why they are not for you.
Along the way you will be tempted by quick fix ‘make it all better’ solutions like consolidation loans and debt management. As mentioned already there is a multibillion dollar industry making a very healthy profit from consumer debt. Your DIY plan does not involve *paying to get out of debt*.
3. Know your situation.
Any debt relief system requires a bit of budgeting. As long you’ve followed the rest of the plan so far, have desirable goals and no intention of taking an easy -and expensive – way out you won’t have trouble budgeting.
The other thing to know is your credit score. There are a staggering amount of mistakes found on credit scores that result in people paying more interest than they should. If you are eligible for lower rates and 0% APR cards to move expensive balances on to – you need to know about it.
4. Minimise outgoings, Maximise income and leverage your cash flow.
If you could be paying less for utilities and day to day expenses you should. There is a very fine art of money saving that you will become very good at if you’re going to be successful at this.
Home economics, consumer education and bargain hunting can save you incredible amounts of cash that can go toward paying off your debt quicker.
If you’re really serious you can take it a step further and create a secondary source of income. Be it a second job, or using a natural skill/strength you have that can earn you money in your spare time.
With the opportunities available online it’s never been easier to find those who are seeking out some knowledge, experience and skills that you have and that they would pay you money for.
5. Form your system and put it into action.
Having followed the first 4 steps and laid some sturdy foundations you are now in a position to develop a quite powerful ‘snowball’ plan. That is a system that gains momentum as you execute it.
This step is completely dependant on the first 4 steps and generating an extra figure that you can assign to snowballing your credit card debt. As the debts get paid off the figure grows and subsequently clears the rest of the debts a lot quicker – saving you a tidy amount of interest in the process.
It is very possible use a DIY plan and enjoy great success from it, yes it takes a bit of hard work and discipline on your part but the alternatives just cost you more and keep you in debt for longer.
It’s your money, it’s your life – if you want to truly own them both then you have to take control – not give it over to someone else. Control or be controlled, the choice is yours.

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easy steps to Credit repairs

There is an unfortunate stroke of luck and you have engrossed yourself neck-deep in bad credit. Credit repair seems to be the need of the hour. You need a dolphin-jump to free yourself from the shackles of bankruptcy and you are out of ideas. You are loaded with bank notices and warnings. How do you handle this stressful bad credit? You are just a layman and bankruptcy can dig up nightmares for you. This is really getting on your nerves. Well, the very sensation seems stinky. It feels miserable if you are glued with bad credit and you need a quick guide to credit repair.
A few handy tips, well imbibed can raise your eyebrows and get you exercising your jaw. These can give you a reason to smile and can set you back on your track. But self help may be the best help. You don’t need to be depressed. Bad credit can be repaired through a few systematic steps and make you credit- worthy in some time.
5 step guide to credit repair
1. Getting your credit reports There are three chief credit government departments that regulate these credit functions. TransUnion, Experian and Equifax. You need to research up and get to know their opinions about your case in specific. There is every chance of diverse viewpoints amongst all three. Those in bankruptcy hunting for credit repair need to report to only one particular bureau to whom they subscribe. Thus people with bad credit don’t need to report to all three. You can get reports from all three for $9 each and can get them free if you have been denied insurance, employment or credit due to bad credit. You can obtain them in 60 days after your rejection. The most considerable report can be considered by you as an option.
2. Examine the reports
Once you obtain the reports check them in every nook and corner for any kind of mistakes. The reports may be erroneous as these bureaus do not cross check the information provided by the credit companies to them. Be sure to look for any obsolete information and erroneous account records. Be painstaking enough while organizing and preparing points of dispute. If there are any false points there you can look to rectify them through your good habits and timely billings and fight bankruptcy. 3. Dispute reportingReport the points of dispute to the credit bureau after thoroughly preparing a list of errors and their proper justification. Remember to keep the supporting documents, letters, identity proofs, address proofs and other important documents that can get your errors rectified. You must then send them to the credit authority to rectify the errors.
4. Dissolve bad credit and escape bankruptcyYou can use various consolidation techniques and also recommend the bank to lower your installments. You can also take various credit cards and diversify risks. 5. Show your credit worthinessYou can approach petrol pumps, banks, companies, shops, etc that have your previous proofs of purchase and liquidity. You can forward these to the bureau, gain their trust and repair credit.

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Easy and Quick Ways to Improve your Credit Score

Your Credit Score is one of your biggest financial assets. If your credit score is high, your borrowing rates will be low and therefore save you hundreds of dollars. The big mystery is how to maintain a high credit score. Well if you want to either maintain or repair your credit score, you are in luck, it can take as little as two months to raise your credit rating.
Your credit score is based on a few prime factors, there is no particular order in which I will discuss them (Some of them have higher weights in regards to the score). Repayment history, current debt owed, recent credit checks, and registered income (there are other factors as well). In order to repair or raise your score you may follow a few of the steps provided below.
1.) Pay off all revolving credit cards. Revolving credit cards are like Discover card or any other monthly credit cards. Even though you might pay before the deadline, credit card companies report the debt owed on a monthly basis which may be before the deadline. On your credit score it will not show as bad debt, but it will decrease your overall score. The standard recommendations are as follows. If you have one credit card, pay it off before the months end. Second, if you have two credit cards, pay the minimum on both of them and work on paying in full one of them first.2.) Registered Income. This is your official salary from work. Basically the numbers they crunch are matched with what you earn. If you debt is larger than what you earn, your credit score is lowered. So, if you are an independent contractor or your income is just a little too low get a part time job. This will rise your potential earnings and increase your ability to repay your debt and therefore increase your credit score.3.) Check your credit score online with one of the official companies to see what or why your credit score is the level it is. This will help you determine what you can really do to increase your credit score.4.) Do not apply for every car, credit card, and home that you are looking at as an eager consumer. Because every time you try to purchase a home, car, or get a new credit card your credit score is checked and the crediting agencies lower your score if you have had two or three credit checks withing a few months of each other.5.) Lastly, open a savings account and budget your money accordingly that you will always have extra cash to help in times of need.
Protect your credit score because it can mean everything when buying a home or trying to get some capital for whatever purpose you need it for. It is not hard to raise your credit score, it is hard to maintain it. If you can purchase a credit score monitoring service, it will protect you from fraud and help inform you of ways to increase your credit score when needed.

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Major Credit Bureaus – Which One Should I Contact?

There are 3 major credit bureaus that have information on your regarding your credit history. Anyone that has ever applied for a loan or credit of any kind has a file at one of the 3 major credit bureaus. Since merchants usually report to only one of the 3 major credit bureaus, you may have to request a free report from all three to get an overall look at your credit report.
To request a free credit report from either or all of the three major credit bureaus, all you have to do is to request a free report online. You can also send the request by mail and you have to provide all your personal information. There are sites that will charge you for a credit report from one of the 3 major credit bureaus, but it is necessary for you to know that by law you are entitled to one free credit report a year. You should contact the credit bureau directly to get your free report.
When you do receive your credit report from the 3 major credit bureaus there are certain sections of this report that you need to pay particular attention to. The first section details your name and address. You should check this to make sure that it is correct. If there are any inaccuracies in this section, you need to contact the credit bureau that sent the report with the correct information.
The next section will give details of your current bills. Each of the three major credit bureaus may contain the same information or one of the three may have different information regarding your credit history depending on which merchants report to that credit bureau. You should also note that you might have an excellent credit record with two of the 3 major credit bureaus and a poor rating with the other.
Check the listing of your bills, the amount of the payment and the due date. If you have been late with a payment or missed one altogether, this will show up on the credit report you receive from the 3 major credit bureaus. You also need to check to see who has been inquiring about your credit history to make sure that no unauthorized person or company has been making inquiries without your permission. When you see that everything is as it should be, then you know that your information is safe with the 3 major credit bureaus. If there are any inaccuracies in the debt information, you will need to contact the credit bureau to start taking the necessary steps to have it corrected.
There are 3 credit bureaus and you need to know about them if you are concerned about your credit report.

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Getting A Copy Of Your Credit Report And Seeing What Needs To Be Improved

If you are concerned about identify theft or regular credit monitoring, you likely understand the importance of obtaining a copy of your free personal credit report. Neglecting to monitor your credit may prove damaging in the long run. It does not take long for a person to access your information and begin opening accounts in your name. For this matter, consumers are advised to obtain a 3 in 1 credit report every six months.
Benefits of a Credit Report
Aside from protecting yourself against identify theft, credit monitoring is essential for improving your credit rating. Although lenders use credit reports to judge a loan applicant's creditworthiness, credit reports are also beneficial because they keep us informed of our credit standing. Thus, we can know our odds of obtaining a home loan, auto loan, etc.
How to Get a Copy of Your Credit Report
Getting a copy of your 3 in 1 credit report is simple. Furthermore, because reports are viewable online, there is no valid reason not to check your report at least once annually. Every city across the country has a local credit agency which will issue copies of your credit report from all three bureaus. However, if you prefer the convenience of the internet, there are various websites offering 3 in 1 reports for a small fee.
To obtain a copy of your personal reports, you must provide information such as name, address, social security number, etc. Once your information is verified, credit reports are either sent via email, or viewable from the website. Your entire credit history will show before your eyes.
Why Obtain Copies of a 3 in 1 Credit Report?
If you are hoping to improve your credit rating, obtaining a 3 in 1 credit report should be the first step you take. This way, you know exactly what needs improving. The report will list all creditors, current balances, and account standing. Moreover, you should review your report for errors. If inaccuracies are present, contact the bureau and discuss clarifying the matter.
In addition, credit reports include a credit score. This 3 digit number carries a lot of weight. Low scores indicate bad credit, whereas high scores equal good credit. If the goal is to improve credit score, it may be wise to improve in certain areas. For example, avoid late or skipped payments, reduce debt to income ratio, settle collection accounts, and limit your number of credit inquiries.

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Credit Cards - True Benefits?

Credit card is an opportunity for you to cash in on a good amount of savings across the board. If you are like many, you are realizing that this might be a great way to realize true benefits from a credit card without having to pay much for it. Yet, there is much more to know about these 0% APR credit cards. You should take the time necessary to find the right opportunities for your specific needs. In many cases, this is a great option, if used in the right manner.
What Is 0% APR?
When a company offers you a credit card at a 0% APR, they are basically allowing you to borrow funds for no interest. There are generally some fees that are associated with the credit offers, but in most cases, you will see that they are still quite an affordable option. In most cases, the APR that is offered to you will one of two types. Some credit cards will offer you a standard APR, or annual percentage rate that is the rate you will likely hold for the time that you hold the line of funds. Others will offer a lower introductory offer. Normally, a 0% interest credit card is offered for an introductory time period only.
Should You Use It?
If you have the choice between two offers of credit, one with a lower rate than the other, you may be tempted to just go with the lowest offer. Yet, there is more to it than just that. In fact, you need to consider what the interest rate will be after the introductory period is over. For example, if you have two offers, one lower in the six month introductory period than the other, you may be tempted to go with the lowest offer. Yet, in the long term, that line of credit may have a higher rate. Determine which offers the best overall ability for you to get what you need in the least expensive manner.
The Benefits Of 0%
Yet, even with that said, there are plenty of benefits of selecting a 0% APR credit card. For example, if you know that you will be paying off that line of credit quickly, within the introductory period, it is well worth making the switch. After all, there is not anything better than borrowing money for free. If you have a credit card currently that has a much higher interest rate, you can save yourself quite a few fees if you do a balance transfer to the 0% APR credit cards as well. Here, make sure that the rate applies to balance transfers before making the move.
In short, a 0% APR credit card is an opportunity for you to invest in paying less. To benefit from them, make sure to get all the facts and take the time necessary to compare them. To find these offers, simply check out the opportunities offered by the lenders. Most credit card companies do offer some form of introductory rate reduction offer including 0% interest credit cards.

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