Credit Cards Taking a Nose Dive? Are the Rates Killing You? How to Take Matters into Your Own Hands by Terry Clark - HTML preview

 

2. Chase credit cards have free alerts.

 

These are the notifications that a chase credit card holder receives through e-mail or phone.

 

If the consumer chooses e-mail alerts, notifications shall be sent to the user’s e-mail address, wap-enabled mobile phone, pager, or even a PDA device. In this way, the consumer can be updated about his or her account at any time of the day.

 

Free alerts can even jog your memory whenever there is a due payment. It will also ring a bell in the event that your balance is about to reach its limit. Best of all, it is free so people don’t have to worry about additional charges just for this service.

 

3. Chase credit cards offers versatility when paying bills.

 

Chase credit cards can be used automatically to pay all the bills on due. The consumer has to arrange for the specific requirements needed before they can get their chase credit card start paying bills.

 

So, for a new way of enjoying credit cards with all the functions still intact but ahs a different way of managing the consumer’s accounts, chase credit cards are certainly the best of its kind.

 

 

HomeWork on College Credit Cards

 

With credit cards dominating the market world today, even college students are already prospective clients of most credit card companies. This is because studies have revealed that most college students have difficulty in maintaining their expenses especially to those who are far way from home. That is why credit card nowadays had been a “must-have” for most college students.

 

Basically, college credit cards do not differ that much to ordinary credit cards. In fact, college credit cards are classified as secured credit cards because students do not have any credit history that will enable them to get a regular credit card.

 

But the fact remains them. Why would credit card companies be willing to provide college students with credit cards where in fact there is no basis where they can tell whether the student is capable of paying or not.

 

For two reasons, the credit card companies see a greater opportunity in them. One, survey shows that most college students remain loyal to their credit card company even after they have graduated from college and got have their work.

 

Second, reports show that college students are actually good customers. Most of them really do pay on time. Moreover, their balances tend to provide workable income to the credit card company.

 

On the other hand, college credit cards are also preferred by most parents, even if they know there will always be the tendency to overspend, due to the fact that college credit cards offer some fringe benefits that other credit cards cannot provide.

 

A good example of this is the student loans that will be used to pay the tuition fees. In doing so, students, as well as parents, will have an easier way of paying tuition fees at a more considerable rate and payment plan. Plus, there are college credit cards that had tied up with some establishments that are very useful to college students. They can, in turn, get fringe benefits and rewards from these establishments whenever they pay their balances on time.

 

Best of all, college credit cards have lower rates than most regular credit cards in the event that they maintain good grades.

 

Indeed, college credit cards are part of the “must-haves” of the college students. In fact, it is also one way of letting them know the ins and outs of good financial planning and budgeting.

 

The goal here is for the students to know how to use the plastics responsibly, and they should know that whatever they do, it’s under their responsibility.

 

 

For Reality: What Is A Low APR Credit Card

 

Shopping had never been lousy since the advent of credit cards. Since then, people had always been indulging into various cashless shopping due to the convenience of the credit card.

 

However, most people get credit cards only for the sake of shopping. They do not even read the fine print on their credit card and the least that they have considered is the one with the low annual percentage rate or APR. Most of them did not even know how interest rates could affect their billing.

 

On its general since, low APR credit card are those that have lower APR. This means that the cost of the interest rate will be according to the purchases obtained by the customer.

 

Normally, APR vary from 6% to more than 30%. Of course, it would be clear that the card with the lowest APR credit card is those that have 6% or lower.

 

But consumers should remember, that APR can be very tricky especially if the consumer have no idea what interest rates mean.

 

Basically, credit card companies would offer the consumers very low APR credit card so as to get the consumers on the hook.  In fact, credit card companies could lower their APR to as much as 0%.

 

Low APR credit cards are usually expressed during the introductory rate so as to entice new credit card holders to sign up to them; and once they are all hooked up, the credit card company would start changing and increasing their credit cards.

 

People should know what makes a low credit card really low and the best option for retaining that low APR even if the introductory offer is over.

 

First, they should know that APR has two faces: the fixed and the variable.

 

The fixed APR has more stable interest rates than variable rates. Variable rates, on the other hand, can start really low but it all depends on the prime rate of the Federal Reserve. This means that at any point in time, it may increase.

 

Needless to say, there are really quite a few credit cards that have low APR. The reason behind it is that APR is actually where the credit card companies get to earn a living.  If they continue to give people the low APR that they used to claim, chances are they wouldn’t be in the business for so long.

 

The bottom line here is that consumers should be really conscious on their APR and other interest rate. Low APR credit cards will not be very beneficial if it will only last for 6 months or so.

 

 

What Sets A Student Credit Card Apart from Other Credit Cards

 

Today, most parents contend that it is okay to let college students obtain their very own credit card. Not only because they want to let their kids manage their finances alone but also because having credit cards or a credit history for that matter is extremely important.

 

With the advent of credit cards, most people would always be looking into someone’s credit history before they can approve anything.

 

They even insist that without a credit history, people tend to become a total outcast in the society, someone who is not worthy to enjoy anything and everything without a credit history. That is why most college students would struggle just to get one.

 

But what makes the student credit card different from the other credit card? Why is it that it is highly classified as “student credit card,” and not just any credit cards for that matter?

 

Basically, student credit cards do not make such big difference as compared to the other types of credit cards. However, because it is a student credit card, the benefits stated therein are completely focused on providing the student’s their basic needs.

 

Moreover, student credit cards are entitled to lower interest rates especially for students who have good grades. They can negotiate their interest rates for a lower rate provided that they pay their balance dues on time and that they maintain good grades.

 

On the other hand, student’s credit cards are actually secured credit cards. But the difference that sets the students credit card apart from the other credit cards is that their parents can set the credit limit.

 

Also, parents can let their child’s credit card to hook up with them so that they can keep track on their child’s credit transactions.

 

Another thing that sets the student cards apart from the other credit cards is that the student credit cards are mainly focused on and quoted for students only considering the fact that they have limited credit history.

 

Normally, student credit cards have no annual fees and have credit limits that are only set to $500. And according to some surveys of financial institutions, the average student credit card annual percentage rate is 17.66% for purchases and 19.67% for cash advances.

 

So, even if student credit cards are different from the other credit cards because of its considerable interest rates, it is still a credit card. Thus, students must really be responsible in handling them; otherwise, they are bound to suffer bad credit history in the end.

 

 

The Card Apart

 

Southwest Airlines, one of the biggest international airlines, goes hand-in-hand with Chase, a big credit card company, to produce: Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Visa Card.

 

Southwest Airlines is known for their Rapid Rewards. Unlike most airline companies, count the roundtrips made and not the miles of every trip. Only eight roundtrips are required to be able to avail of rewards. This concept was combined with their credit cards so that the people may enjoy their services more.

 

Chase Credit Cards operates under Bank One and First USA brands and offers cards that are flexible, trusted and superb customer service.

 

Southwest Airlines together with Chase, produced two types of credit cards: Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Visa Signature Card and Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Visa Business Card.

 

Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Visa Business Card:

 

This is the card recommended for small businesses. It is ideal, because it can separate the personal expenses from the expenses of the business. Every time this card is used, the user has a chance to win a roundtrip Award.

 

Reward Dollars may be earned in all purchases.

 

-two Reward Dollars may be earned by spending $1 on Southwest Airlines.

-one Reward Dollar may be earned by spending $1 on all other types of purchases.

 

This will also entitle the applicant to an internet account that may be used to maintain and organize the expenses of the business. With the online help, quarterly reviews may be seen and reports may be downloaded by the card holder.

 

This card also gives up to a $100,000 limit even for small businesses. Grace periods are offered for easier pay.

 

This card also boasts low annual fee. It only has an annual fee of $59 dollars and is relatively less than other companies that go from $60 - $100.

 

Rewards are easily earned, because a reward may already be cashed in when the expenses reach $19,200. That is pretty low, compared to the $25,000 minimum of other card companies.

 

Additional cards do not have a fee, but a minimum amount is needed for it to be availed.

 

Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Visa Signature Card:

 

The Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Visa Signature Card offers all the Visa Business Card offers and more.

 

It does not have a credit limit. Also, it does not have a limit when accumulating Award points by using the card.

 

It offers zero liability on unauthorized purchases. In addition to that, it has purchase security, travel and emergency assistance and other offers from Visa.

 

Additional Benefits: Get four (4) bonus credit cards upon purchase.

 

 

Low Interest Rates = Bigger Savings

 

When choosing a credit card, the interest rate should be the first thing to consider. Low interest rates only mean one thing: more savings! The bigger the balance of the account, the bigger sum of money will be saved. As more money gets saved, more money gets stored and more interests will roll in the bank account.

 

Other credit cards companies have reasonable interest rates and offers more like giving the percentage of money back. The more money spent on credit, more money will be returned to the card’s user. Most credit cards use 5% on special purchases and 1% on regular purchases.

 

Some banks give “Reward Points.” These “Reward Points” accumulate as the credit card is used and it may be exchanged for certain items catalogued by the bank. Points may be exchanged for microwaves, cell phones, televisions and the like. This is yet another great feature to be considered when looking for a card.

 

A number of major banks offer low interest rates. A few major banks would be: Citibank, American express and JP Morgan Chase. These banks are known to give 0% introductory APR (Annual Percentage Rate) for 12 months. Most of these cards offer no annual rates.

 

Here are some credit cards with low interest rates:

 

Citi Dividend Platinum Select Card (Citibank):

-it features 0% APR (Annual Percentage Rate) for 12 months

-it rewards the user. The more this card is used, the bigger the rewards.

-earn 5% return from expenses in supermarkets, drug stores and gas stations.

-earn 1% return from other expenses.

 

Citi Premier Pass Card (Citibank):

-0% introductory APR.

-get points by flying. Every mile gets you a point.

 

American Express Blue Card (American Express):

-3.99% fixed interest rate.

-0% introductory APR for 15 months.

 

Chase Cash Plus Visa (JP Morgan Chase):

-0% interest rate for 12 months.

-has other cash back promos.