Balance Transfer Credit Card - The Easy Way To Avoid High APRs

Nowadays, credit cards offer many features designed to appeal to everyone -- from cash back and rebate offers to point systems and frequent flyer miles. Many of these offers work to your advantage only if you make large and frequent purchase. On the same hand, you get more in return if you can pay off the balance each month. Otherwise, the annual fees and high interest rates typically found on these types of cards will make the rewards seem worthless. But what about the credit card holders who always carry a balance or can't seem to get out from under the tight grip of debt? Balance transfer credit cards might be a temporary solution to your problem.
Are You Drowning In Debt?
Many Americans have several credit cards and are in debt up to their eyeballs. It is easy to fall prey to the trap set by creditors. Credit card companies and banks make it tempting to spend beyond your means, overextending yourself to the point of no return. Gaining control of your debt can be difficult. And, if you can only afford minimum payments on your accounts that barely puts a dent in the total amount you owe. It can take years (or decades) to get that card paid off. Plus, you'll end losing hundreds and thousands of extra money in finance charges.
But don't fret! Balance transfers can pull you out from under and have you back on track or debt free.
Grab Hold Of The Lifesaver
If you're finances are a little out of control but you've managed to maintain good credit then you're in luck. Grab a hold of the floatation device and see the light again. You don't have to let revolving credit rule you. Turn the tables and take control of it - benefit from the use of a credit card balance transfer.
Credit card balance transfer terms can vary greatly so it's in your best interest to shop around for the best deal. Many balance transfer cards offer 0% APR on all balance transfers. Some have higher introductory rates from 2% to 9% APR or more.
Balance transfer interest rates usually apply for a limited time. This could be 3 months, 6 months, 9 months or 12 months. Some cards (rare cards) even offer transfer rates for an unlimited number of months. Once the time period has ended, the normal interest rate is applied. This can be anywhere from approximately 9% APR to as high as 30% APR.
Getting Your Head Above Water
Some may compare the use of balance transfers to "robbing Peter to pay Paul." In other words, you shift your money around from one place to another trying to avoid the consequences of poor money management. It may seem like you are handling your situation, when in reality you are not. However, when used carefully, a credit card balance transfer from high interest cards to balance transfer credit cards can give you more breathing room and time to get caught up.
Balance transfer credit cards offer many options, particular for consumers who always carry a balance on their credit or who may be in over the heads with credit card debt. These cards can help you use a credit card balance transfer to get out from under hold of plastic and back in control of your finances. If you're stuck with high interest rates and realize how much money you are losing than balance transfer credit cards are for you. Just be sure not to let the dangerous snare of the plastic monster get a hold of you again.

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Avoid credit card traps

If you’re like most Americans, offers for credit cards arrive in your mail on a daily basis. Why are credit card companies so eager for your business? There are many reasons.
Credit cards, for one thing, are not free cash. Funny enough, many customers think of them this way, and that—aha!—is how credit card companies make their money.
You’ll notice when you read through the fine print about credit cards that there are varying APRs, or annual percentage rates. This refers to the amount of interest you’ll pay on credit card charges if you don’t pay your monthly balance in full. Think about the last time you went shopping. Did you look at the tags and make sure everything you bought could be paid with your monthly paycheck? If not, you are a credit card company’s dream come true. You see, these companies bank on the chance that consumers will use their credit cards to buy more than they can actually afford at the time of purchase. When the bill comes and it can’t be paid in full, the customer pays interest on this borrowed amount, and that interest accrues daily. This money goes right into the credit card company’s bank account. With thousands of customers falling into this predicament on a monthly basis, you can see where the companies get rich quick.
But how can you avoid falling into the credit card trap? A little forethought and budget planning can help you prevent paying interest and still allow you to benefit from credit card perks.
Take mileage credit cards, for example. Most airlines offer credit cards that earn you frequent flier miles based on the number of dollars you spend. Enticing, right? Sure. Just be careful to know how much you are able to spend in a month, and don’t let yourself go over the top. It’s easy to check your credit card balance online or by telephone. Know when the closing date is for your monthly statement, and make sure you stay below your limit. That way you can take advantage of the bonus without digging yourself into a rut.
Speaking of the credit card rut, let’s go back to that interest thing. Did you know that interest, if left unpaid, also accrues interest? Take a look at this example. You have racked up $10 in interest on your credit cards in one month, based on a balance of $100. (This assumes a 10% monthly interest rate.) Because you leave that unpaid, the next month’s interest accrues on the new balance of $110. That means the next month you owe an additional $11! That’s a $21 total fee for your $100 in purchases. Did you really find a bargain when you bought that jacket at 20% off? Probably not.
If you buy responsibly and keep track of your purchases, you can avoid credit card traps. Be a smart consumer, and credit cards can work in your favor.

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Avoid Credit card frauds

With overwhelming use of credit cards, there is a need to keep check on the increasing credit card fraud that is dramatically rising on the internet. Internet users know that it is safe to enter their credit card number on a secure online form rather than giving it in a restaurant to pay off. Research shows that there is increasing number of fraudulent cases where purchases are made by mobile phones on account of credit cards of other persons that are higher than credit card fraud on the internet.
As a rule of thumb, you need to use some common sense and there are some tips that shall help you in avoiding credit card scams:
1. Always keep an eye whenever you use your credit card and get it back quickly if you have given it to some other person and try not to let your card out of your sight.
2. You need to be careful while you give your credit card to someone else and never give your account number over the phone unless you are sure that the company is a reputed one. Also it is not safe to give the credit card number over phone to any company who asks you for the same seeking excuses such as “computer problem”.
3. Don’t give any response to emails asking you to provide your credit card information and emails that ask you to go to a website and verify your personal and credit card information as these are known as “phishing” scams.
4. Don’t provide your credit card information over insecure websites.
5. You should sign your credit card as soon as you receive them and shred all the credit card applications when you receive.
6. You should not write your Pin number on the credit card or anywhere near your credit card.
7. Don’t leave your credit cards and receipts lying all around.
8. You should shield your credit card number so that others who are around you could not copy or capture it on a mobile phone or camera.
9. Always keep the list of your account numbers and expiry dates and phone numbers along with addresses of each bank issuing you a credit card at safe places. You need to update this list each time you get one new credit card.
10. Try to carry only those credit cards that you require and don’t carry extra credit cards that you need rarely.
11. You should promptly open your credit card bills and make sure that there is no bogus charge involved. You should also treat your credit card bill in the same way as you check your accounts and reconcile it monthly. Save your receipts so that you can compare them with monthly bills.
12. In case, you find any charges for which you don’t have a receipt or one you don’t recognize you need to report these charges to the credit card issuer.
13. You should destroy and void incorrect receipts and shred anything with your credit card number written upon it.
14. Don’t sign a blank credit card receipt and you can carefully draw a line through the blank portions of the receipts where there is chance to add any fraudulent charges.
15. Even though carbon paper is not much in use but if there is any carbon used in a credit card transaction you should destroy it immediately.
16. Don’t write your credit card account number in a public place for example a postcard or from a place that it is evident to others.
17. Its good if you carry your credit cards separately from your wallet.
18. Never lend your credit card to others and if you move from your existing residence, do notify your card issuer about the change in address.

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Balance Transfer Credit Card - Debt Consolidation

Balance transfer credit cards can provide an excellent option for debt consolidation. Many Americans are currently in debt and struggling for a way out. Some choose to use a home equity loan to help get themselves out of debt, but not everyone has a home with built up equity to use for this purpose. In addition, putting your home up as collateral for debt consolidation can be a bit nerve-wracking and many banks enforce annual maintenance fees and monetary penalties if you try to close the equity line before a specified period of time.
Rising Interest Rates
Anyone that has been a credit card holder for some time or who pays attention to the financial marketplace knows that credit card rates on many cards have been on the rise. Often, credit card companies are more than happy to increase interest rates when the prime rate is raised, but they are not so quick to bring the rates down when the prime rate decreases. By consolidating your debt with a balance transfer credit card, you can remove your debt from your high interest cards and place it on your card with a lower interest rate. The best balance transfer credit cards offer low introductory rates or low fixed rates on balance transfers, making them a great option for debt consolidation.
What to Look For
When looking for a balance transfer card for debt consolidation, you generally want to find the card with the lowest long-term rate. More than likely, you will be consolidating a debt that you will be unable to pay in a short period of time. If this is the case, your low interest introductory period may be over long before you are done paying off the debt.
You also need to be cautious about fees when looking to consolidate debt with a balance transfer credit card. Many credit cards charge a fee for transferring balances from another card onto theirs. The best balance transfer credit cards will not charge an additional fee. In addition, some balance transfer credit cards require transferred balances to be requested at the time of application for the card in order to be eligible for the special introductory offer. While this may be fine for some people, you might want to have the flexibility to transfer balances. In this case, you will want to select a card that allows you to transfer balances any time throughout the introductory period.
For the very best balance transfer credit cards, you will want to find one that maintains the low APR throughout the life of the balance you have transferred. In other words, a balance you transfer on a card may have a 0.00% APR for the first six months, but then rocket to 19.99% when the period is over. On the best balance transfer credit cards, however, the low introductory offer remains in place until you pay off the entire amount you have transferred.
Self-Discipline
Obviously, a balance transfer credit card cannot do all of the work for you. While you can consolidate all of your bills onto just one card, you will need to be disciplined enough to pay the balance off. If your introductory period expires after so many months, you should create a budgetary plan that will have the balance paid off by the time the period is over. You might need to cut out some of the extras, such as the cup of fancy coffee you grab every morning, to help create a little extra cash flow. It will be well worth it when you find yourself out of debt. In addition, the money you are saving in finance charges should be paid toward your credit card debt

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Bad Credit Credit Cards - Prepaid, Secured, or Unsecured

Bad credit, credit cards are just like regular credit cards but with much higher interest rates and usually an annual fee, sometimes $50 a year and higher. Bad credit, credit cards can save your credit or make it worse if your not careful. Bad credit cards with guaranteed approval are available, but usually these types of bad credit cards charge twice the amount in fees and interest rates. The average consumer needs to be sure they are mentally and financially able to take the responsibility of credit once again, before applying.
Debit Cards
To get a debit card you need to open an account with the bank of your choice and make a deposit to the account. The bank is not actually giving you any credit at all. The purchases that you make with the debit card are taken from the funds that were deposited into the account, be aware that most banks do not report debit card activity to the credit bureaus. Most credit experts recommend that you start rebuilding your credit from secured bank credit cards, and then in time when your credit starts to improve switch to unsecured ones. Orchard bank and First PREMIER bank are just a couple that have great options for repairing bad credit.
Credit Card Deals
Bad credit credit cards are considered the best choice for credit card deals if your credit score is below 550. In today's market there are many companies offering credit cards that are specifically designed for those who have less than a perfect credit score. Make sure you take your time to compare bad credit options thoroughly. once your credit score reaches the 650 range, you will be eligible for some of the best interest rates and lines of credit.
There are a few different types of bad credit credit cards available today: Prepaid, Secured, and Unsecured. Secured credit cards for bad credit usually have much better interest rates than unsecured cards for bad credit. Most APR rates on bad credit cards are very reasonable offered by credit card companies considering the risk they take on bad credit applicants.

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Anyone Can Qualify For A Major Credit Card

You may have seen the following ads or something similar:
Separated? Divorced? Bankrupt? Widowed? Bad Credit? No Credit?
No Problem
Make the call NOW and get the credit you deserve!
- Even if you've been turned down before, you owe it to yourself and your family.
- Your major credit card is waiting.
If you have no credit or a poor credit history, this ad may appeal to you. Using a secured credit card can be an effective way to build or re-establish your credit history. Be aware, however, that some marketers of secured credit cards make deceptive advertising claims to get you to respond to their ads.
Secured and unsecured credit cards work the same way; both can be used to pay for goods and services. A secured card requires security for your line of credit; an unsecured card does not. The savings account for a secured card may range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Your credit line will be a percentage of your deposit, typically from 50 to 100 percent. Usually, a bank will pay interest on your deposit.
Also, you may have to pay application and processing fees that sometimes amount to hundreds of dollars. Before you apply, be sure to ask what the total fees are and if they will be refunded if you are denied a card. A secured credit card also often requires an annual fee and has higher interest rates than unsecured cards.
The Federal Trade Commission has taken action against companies that deceptively advertise Visa and MasterCard through television, newspapers, and postcards. The ads may offer unsecured credit cards, secured credit cards, or not specify a type of card. The ads typically are phrased to make you believe you can get a credit card simply by calling a telephone number listed in the ad.
Sometimes the number is not toll-free. A "900" number service, for which you will be billed just for making the call, may instruct you to give your name and address to receive a credit application, or it may give you a list of banks offering secured cards, or direct you to call another "900" number at an additional charge to get more information. Be aware that deceptive ads often leave out important information.
They often omit the cost of the "900" telephone call, which can range from $2 to $50, or more.
The ads often do not mention a required security deposit, and application and processing fees for the secured card.
The ads frequently fail to say anything about income and age requirements.
The ads may not mention the annual fee for the secured card and a higher than average interest rate on any balance.
To avoid being victimized by a secured credit card marketing scam, look for the following signals.
Beware of offers of easy credit. No one can guarantee to get you credit. Even if you maintain a sterling record on your account, that is only one factor other creditors will consider. Any unfavorable history will be considered also.
Be wary of credit cards offered by "credit repair" companies or "credit clinics." These businesses also may offer to clean-up your credit history for a fee. However, you can correct genuine mistakes or outdated information yourself by contacting credit bureaus directly. But remember; only time and good credit will repair your credit report if you have a poor credit history, and any suggestion that you acquire a new social security number or other federal ID may be illegal.

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Common Credit Score Myths

Your credit score is an integral part of your financial life. It is important that you understand what it's all about. Lenders, landlords, insurers, utility companies and even employers look at your credit score. It is derived from what's in your credit reports, and it ranges between 300 and 850.
Yet, according to a survey that was recently conducted, nearly half of all Americans don't know how these scores are derived or even what factors are used to come up with them.
For example, if your credit score is 580 you are probably going to pay nearly three percentage points more in mortgage interest than someone who had a score of 720.
Or another way of looking at it, if you had a $150,000 30- year fixed-rate mortgage and your credit score was good enough to qualify for the best rate, your monthly payments would be about $890. This is according to Fair Isaac, the company that created the FICO score and who the rate is named afte (Fair Isaac COrporation). If your credit is poor, however, it is very likely that you would have to pay more than $1,200 a month for that same loan.
With so much depending on the credit score, it’s important to understand what it is all about and what are the things that affect it.
Unfortunately, people commonly have a lot of misinformation and misunderstandings about their credit score. Here are five of the most common credit score myths and along with it the true facts:
MYTH #1: The major bureaus use different formulas for calculating your credit score.
FACT: The three major credit bureaus - Equifax, TransUnion and Experian -- give the score a different name. Equifax calls their score the "Beacon" credit score, Transunion calls it "Empirica" and Experian gives it the name "Experian/Fair Isaac Risk Model." They all use different names for the credit score, but they all use the same formula to come up with it.
The reason that the credit score you receive from each bureau is different is because the information in your file that they base the score on is different. For example,the records that one bureau is using may go back a longer period of time, or a previous lender may have shared its information with only one of the bureaus and not the other two.
Usually the scores are not too far from each other. Unless there is a big difference between what each bureau says is your credit score, many lenders will just use the one in the middle for the purpose of analyzing your application. So, for this reason alone it is a good idea to correct any errors that exist in each of the three major credit bureaus.
MYTH #2: Paying off your debts is all you need to do to immediately repair your credit score.
FACT: Your credit score is mostly determined by your past performance more than your current amount of debt. It will definitely be very helpful to pay off your credit cards and settle any outstanding loans, but if yours is a history of late or missed payments, it won’t remove the damage overnight. It takes time to repair your credit score.
So definitely pay down your debts. But it is equally important to consistently get in the habit of paying your bills on time.
MYTH #3: Closing old accounts will boost my credit score.
FACT: This is a common misconception. It's not closing accounts that affects your credit score, it's opening them. Closing accounts can never help your credit score, and may actually hurt it. Yes, having too many open accounts does hurt your score. But once the accounts have been opened,the damage has already been done. Shutting the account doesn’t repair it and it may actually make things worse.
The credit score is affected by the difference between the credit that is available and the credit that is being used. Shutting down accounts reduces the amount of total credit available and when compared with how much credit you can use your actual credit balances are made to seem larger. This hurts your credit score.
The credit score also looks at the length of your credit history. Shutting older accounts removes old history and can make your credit history look younger than it actually is. This also can hurt your score.
You generally shouldn't close accounts unless a lender specifically asks you to do so as a condition for them giving you a loan. Instead,the best thing you can do is just pay down your existing credit card debt. That's something that definitely would improve your credit score.
MYTH #4: Shopping around for a loan will hurt my credit score.
FACT: When a lender makes an inquiry about your credit, your score could drop up to five points. Some borrowers think that if they shop around by going to a number of different lenders that each time a lender does an inquiry it will generate another reduction in the credit score. This isn’t true. For credit score purposes, multiple inquiries for a loan are treated as a single inquiry, as long as they all come within a 45 day period. So it is best to do your rate shopping within this 45 day window.
MYTH #5: Companies can fix my credit score for a fee.
FACT: If the credit bureaus have accurate information, there’s nothing that can be done to quickly improve your score if in fact you have a history of not handling your debts well. The only way to have an effect on your credit score is to show that you can manage your debts in the future.
Also,if there are errors in your file, you can contact the bureau yourself. You don’t need to pay someone else to do it. Each of the major credit bureaus has a website which clearly explains what you need to do to correct an error.
So, the best ways to improve your credit score are: pay down the debt,pay your bills on time, correct existing errors on your credit reports in each of the three bureaus and apply for credit infrequently.

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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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