How Real are Zero APR Deals
Because of the uprising number of credit card subscribers, credit card providers develop different tactics to attract these customers to avail in their company. There have been the cash pay back, monthly low interest rate and the enticing zero annual percentage rates. With these offers, who would not be tempted to get or transfer their balances to a new credit card and a promising one?
Although it seems like a difficult task, if you don't repair your credit, your credit rating will remain the same for up to seven years, causing you all sorts of inconveniences, and making it hard to get loan, mortgages, credit cards, or do things that require a good credit his... Read credit cards article
Cash Back Credit Cards
Cash back credit cards are a big deal right now. Every major credit card company is pushing them hard, and you can stand to earn back a nice little chunk of change on your purchases. Below are some suggestions on how you can take advantage of these offers and get the most cash back from them.
So What's the Catch?
So the idea of getting paid to spend money is a little counterintuitive, right? Most people think there is probably some catch, or a slew of fees and pages of "fine print." A few years ago that might have been true; companies made these offers that were less than straightforward. But as competition increased and the concept gained momentum, these offers improved dramatically. As a consequence they are usually pretty straightforward, and not many will stick you with fees.
Pick a Card, Any Card...
If you are considering a cash back card you will need to know about the different options in order to find the right one. Many potential customers are either unsure or confused on how these little guys work. There is no single explanation, but because as the market has grown competitive, companies have introduced new exciting features. Here are the two basic ideas:
1. The General Cash Back Card - Your general cash back card is pretty straightforward. It is probably best for the person who has a broad and unpredictable spending pattern. Citi, Discover, and Chase all offer very nice packages for everyday spending. "Every day items" can earn you up to 5% back, where as other purchases will get you 1%. You will typically get your cash back at the end of an established cycle, or after you cross a value threshold.
2. Points Card - Point cards are a little tweak on the traditional cash back card. Purchases earn you points, sometimes more points if you spend with specific vendors. Amazon.com springs to mind, as does Overstock.com, and Universal Entertainment. Many points cards are targeted on specific purchases. Discover has a gas card, and the Chase 6 for 1 Flexible Rewards offers 6 points for every dollar of gas, groceries and drug stores.
Tips for Maximizing Your Rewards
There are some very simple common-sense-tips to drive up your cash back or point rewards. First and foremost, determine your spending pattern. If you are swamped with day-to-day household expenses you will definitely want to find a card tailored to that situation. Determining the nature of your spending habits can concentrate your rewards from what you are doing most, because there is probably a card that targets that market.
Make sure you read the fine print. Some points redemption cards are restricted to specific kinds of purchases. For instance, Blue by American Express limits your point redemption to retail shopping deals and entertainment packages. That's great if it is up your alley, but look into the details to make sure you are getting what you expect.
Finally, create more opportunity to purchase. If you carry a balance from month-to-month you are limiting how much you can earn back from your card. If you have more capacity to buy, you have more capacity to earn cash or points rewards. Carrying a balance limits your available purchasing power. Also, by paying your card's balance each month, you will see a credit line increase more quickly. This is the cash-back jackpot. Upping your limit, as with paying your balance, gives you more purchasing power, and thus more rewards. Start that cycle early, and watch your rewards pile up.
Copyright Ed Vegliante. Free online reprints of this article are allowed provided the resource box remains intact with a live link back to http://www.credit-card-surplus.com
Did you know that besides bad credit, a no credit history could also hurt you when the time comes for you to apply for a loan or a credit card? Surprising, isn't it? This may seem unfair or unreasonable from your point of view. However, look at it from the perspective of the moneylenders. It would be a little scary to open an account for a person who has no credit history. Without a credit history, lenders and credit card companies are not able to judge your reliability to make payments on time.
What are you supposed to do, then, when you can't build a credit history when credit card companies won't approve your credit card application in order to build a credit history? There's actually a few ways people with no credit history build one.
Credit Card Options Available to You
You might not be able to get a credit card without a credit history from the bigger card companies, but you would be able to obtain one from the smaller companies, such as department stores or gas stations that offer a line of credit. Whichever one you choose, make sure that you pay on time because you want to build a good credit history to demonstrate to bigger credit card companies that you are a credible card user.
You could also try a credit card company that is willing to look at you entire financial situation instead of your credit history. Things they will review are your employment history, housing situation and the number of times you have moved. If a company gives a favorable review of your financial situation, you might get your credit card application approved. Again, use your newly acquired credit card wisely.
Credit Cards from Credit Unions
If you are eligible for membership or already a member of a credit card union, look at their policy for issuing credit cards. Although credit unions tend to be selective when issuing credit cards to members, they usually have less stringent terms. Because credit unions don't require you to be with a specific company in order to become their member, it's a good idea to check them out if one exists near where you live.
Secured Credit Cards from Lenders
A lender would generally give you a line of credit that is equal to or a tad bit higher than the cash you deposit with them. This type of credit is called a secured credit card. As you use your secured credit card and make payments on it regularly, your lender may increase your limit without the need to add cash to your deposit. You can eventually apply for an unsecured credit card from bigger credit card companies because you would have established a credit history with your secured credit card.
Student Credit Cards for Establishing Credit History
If you are a student, you can avail of a student credit card. Having a student credit card is a good way for you to build a credit history. By the time you graduate and enter the real world, you will have an established credit history and it will be much easier for you to get approved for major credit cards. Check the banks near your college or university. Most of these banks are willing to issue credit cards to college students. Once again, always remember to use your student credit card sensibly.
Whichever option you take, keep in mind that you are trying to build not just a credit history, but a good credit history. Whether it's a department-sponsored credit card, a credit card issued by your credit union, a secured credit card or a student credit card, show future lenders and credit card companies that you are a reliable credit card user, not a financial risk to them. Use your card wisely, pay bills on time and avoid making outrageous purchases. By learning how to use these cards properly and wisely, you will become a good credit card holder.
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Cash Back Credit Cards
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