- persons with a mortgaged house or car
- persons with several dependents
4. Choose credit card companies that have a promotional offer in the application process, chances are, promos are offered due to low application rate, thus prioritization your entry is a sure shot.
The logic here is that the more obligations an applicant has, the more they are likely to use the credit card, which equivalents to higher earnings (through interest charges) on their part.
What's the best credit card for me?
So, you have decided you need a credit card. However, you must remember that not all credit cards are created equally. Your friend's credit card doesn't mean that it is also the best for you. Before going to this bank and get its credit card, you must consider the several factors that you should take into consideration when deciding which credit card you want to get.
Some of those factors include:
o Interest rate. When you are the type of person that pays off your balance monthly, you would probably disregard the interest rate. Unfortunately, most people are having problems keeping with their credit card balance. Most people do carry a balance in their credit cards. If you sometimes late paying and carrying a balance, then it would be the best decision to have a credit card with a low interest rate. Having a card with a low interest rate save you a lot of money. You might disregard the difference between a 10 percent and 20 percent interest rate, but the difference could be significant if you have balances for a long period of time. Major credit card companies like Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and AMEX, have low interest versions of their credit card.
o Reward programs. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express and other major credit card companies have reward programs. Reward programs give you special privileges or services for being a credit card holder. Some of these programs include frequent flyer programs, where you are given one frequent flyer mile for each dollar spent. If you are quite a traveler, then a credit card with this program might be for you. Some offer cash-back options. Most common are discount offerings at retail stores or online chains.
o Annual fees. The annual fee is an important consideration, especially those who have a hard time paying off their balances monthly. If you think that the annual fee you have to pay to keep your card is way too high compared with the privileges you get from your card, it would be probably better to stop using the card.
o Member benefits. Credit cards promise various benefits. Some have travel protection as part of the benefits, while others offer roadside assistance. You have to consider your lifestyle in checking out a card's benefits.
Remember: On choosing credit cards, choose wisely. If you need to, discuss your specific financial needs with your financial advisor.
The war on Low APR credit
The interest rate is definitely a key factor consumers consider before signing up for a credit card. This is especially true for those carrying balances, as a card with low rates will generate significant savings. Thus, MasterCard, Visa and other leading credit card groups are now competing in terms of varying low APR (annual percentage rate) packages.
The huge market for card shoppers has also made banks tie-up with card companies or set up their own card units. Based on figures from MarketResearch.com, corporate credit cards have now grown into a $500bn market in the US. The sector's growth has progressed due mainly to increasing acceptance and demand for electronic transactions worldwide and a requirement among more US firms for corporate card use - offsetting the country's recession and economic woes across many global industries.
As cards under such plans allow consumers to minimize the cost impact of a Christmas purchase or a holiday, credit card companies are giving users a wide range of attractive packages.
One such option is Citibank's Citi Dividend Platinum Select card. The offering targets individuals seeking to transfer their balances and a reprieve from soaring interest rates - gives the consumer 0% APR for up to 12 months. As an incentive, users of the Citibank card will also be reimbursed as much as 5% of any cash purchase they make at pharmacies, supermarkets and gas stations and 1% for purchases at all other stores and shops.
American Express also offers 0% APR for initial purchases over a 15-month period with its American Express Blue Card, which features a 3.99% interest rate fixed for the balance of the product. JP Morgan Chase is also offering a cash-back incentive and 0% interest rate for up to 12 months on balance transfers with its Chase Cash Plus Visa.
Maintaining APR credit
Companies market their products to the point that they seem to good to be true. Before signing up for 0% APR credit cards, there are several things a user should watch out for. One of them is caution with cards starting with high interest rates conditional on economic indicators - the variation would lead to fluctuating interest for any change on specific indicators.
Also, 'teaser' promotions where low rates run for only 3 months or up to one year can be handled by maximizing gains from the 0% plan by moving all balances to that card and settling all amounts due as soon as possible within the introductory period. However, users should recognize when their cards do not allow such balance transfers. Some companies also move delinquent holders to variable APR cards automatically for delayed payments.
Things to Know About MasterCard
Credit card is known today as the plastic money. But it stretches the limit of a typical paper money. Credit cards increase the buying power of a consumer because of what is known as the credit limit. Payments are made easier because you don’t have to make stops to the billing centers. What’s best is that owning a credit card gives you a worldwide access to cash.
MasterCard is one of the credit cards in the market. Today, MasterCard offers the Automatic Bill Payment. With this, you can now pre-authorize the participating companies to charge your card on a regular basis. This includes your insurance companies, your cable provider as well as your electric and water companies.
What’s good about owning a MasterCard?
1. Avoid the trouble of writing checks. With MasterCard Automatic Bill Payment, you can save time from writing check and the trouble of tracking the issuances you’ve made.
2. No more late payments. Paying your bills will always be on time. Take care of your bills even while you’re working at the office.
3. Keep your money growing. Your money is safe on the bank until the time comes for you to pay your bills. This means the time your money is sitting on the bank, the interest is growing.
Choosing the right MasterCard that would best suit your needs is a must. The following is a list of MasterCard Credit Card Types.
1. Standard. This is the type of credit card for starters. Whether you’re a student or simply starting out on a credit, this is the card that would suit you.
2. Gold. Once you acquired a considerably good credit history, you can now switch from your Standard Credit Card to the Gold Card and enjoy added benefits.
3. Platinum. This card offers the best every card has to offer. Plus it gives you the extended purchasing power for expensive items. You can also earn points that could be exchanged for rewards whenever you use your Platinum MasterCard.
4. World. This is the premium card that embodies your dream about hassle-free spending. MasterCard World offers a no pre-set spending and whole new personalized benefits.
Now let’s check what’s in store for MasterCard Holders…
Enjoy free nights’ stay on selected destinations worldwide. Use your MasterCard to pay for your stay and get another night stay for free!
Nothing beats the feeling of getting discounts and savings! Get favorable discounts on participating merchants and service-oriented shops when you use your MasterCard.
Perks of Citibank credit card
Citibank credit cards offer a wide range of benefits. Basically, all of it features offer clients with security during emergencies, the advantage of not bringing cash and checks, and improving independence and responsibility in financial management.
Other than these basic perks of credit cards, there are specified benefits the Citibank credit cards have to offer. Here are some of the credit cards and their corresponding perks:
1) Diners club international credit card. This kind of credit card provides you with the decision of your own credit limit. The interest rates would not show on your bill for fifty days. Since this Citibank credit card could be used all around the world, it gives you the privilege of using it within five million companies worldwide. The ATM card could be used anywhere in the world. And lastly, there is no extra fee when the Citibank credit card is lost.
2) The Citibank Gold Card. This kind of Citibank credit card provides you with a higher credit and cash limit. It offers you access on international lounges and airports. It has a strong and secured insurance. And there is no fee when the credit card has been stolen, lost or damaged.
3) Jet Airways Citibank International Gold Card. This kind of credit card allows the cardholder to take advantage of jet privileges and promos on jet miles when you make use of the credit or cash. When you have been approved with this kind of credit card, you will be automatically given a jet airways ride of 1500 miles. Plus, the services and credit card is insured.
4) The Citibank Silver Card. This kind of credit card has several kinds of insurances like personal accidents, baggage and household insurances that would cover up your expenses. There are also occasional discounts on certain stores and zero costing on lost credit cards.
5) The Citibank Woman’s card. This kind of credit card targets the women. It provides women with discounts on jewelry, cosmetics, health products, clothes and many shopping stores. It also provides jewelry insurance and there is no extra fee when the Citibank credit card is lost.
6) Specialty cards. There are Citibank credit cards that provide you specifically with music and book stores usage, gives you an advantage on concerts and movie passes, and could give you discounts on oil transactions. These kinds of credit cards would depend on which you apply for and use regularly.
With those numerous advantages, you will surely wonder how you were able to get along without it.
A 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.
Note: 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.
The Travails Of The Pros and Cons Of A Business Credit Card
Getting a sense out of a deal is, in some instances, the most difficult thing to do. This is because most people could not instantly figure out the benefits they can derive from obtaining it.
Take for example the case of business credit cards. Some people contend that business credit cards are crucial in the growth of a business, while other s contend that it is just one way of losing their investments.
But whatever the point there is, only one this is certain, it is still a credit card and just like any financial decisions, extensive consideration is a must.
So, for those who want to know whether getting a business credit card will be good for their company, here are some of the pros and cons to be considered first.
PROS
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