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Just ask yourself: is the credit card working for you or are you working for your credit card? Most people’s response to that question will depend on how they use their “plastic friend” as credit cards are sometimes known. As many people with burned fingers will tell you, they didn’t realize that things had become so bad until very late, because most credit card companies try so hard to make themselves sound like a charity. Well, take it from me, they aren’t.

But this is not an anti credit card campaign. They have their plus points – in America, for example, if you want to hire a vehicle, you have got to have a (major) credit card. But, think about this scenario:

You receive an offer in the mail that sounds great, maybe it’s a new TV or fridge. But it costs $2,000. You have a credit card with a $5,000 limit so you immediately purchase the product. Typically, here is how your repayment schedule will play out. Most credit cards charge a minimum percentage of the total balance (usually 2 percent) per month. Assuming the interest rate is 18 percent and you choose to repay the minimum amount of $40, $30 of that will go towards interest and only $10 towards the principle!

Does it sound worrying? Well, it doesn’t have to be. The moral of the story is to use the credit card very, very carefully.

Credit Cards Dos and Don’ts

There is a lot of truth in the saying that credit cards are not a substitute for not having money. Every time you use a credit card this should be the theme song playing in your mind. Furthermore, you would do good to remember the following too:

Dos.

1] Always plan for the purchases that you need and those that you just want. You need the essentials, but you just want everything else. The ability to differentiate could assist you plan more wisely.

2] If caught up in financial difficulties, it’s always good to talk to the credit card issuer who might re-schedule your payments. If you simply default, that only helps to build up an unfavourable credit history and you might find yourself being denied credit next time.

3] Unless it is an emergency, remaining within your credit limits will assist you a great deal. If you have to spend over the credit card limit, keep within manageable levels, say within 30 percent.

4] If your letterbox is full to the brim with details on credit cards that have better offers than you are currently receiving, you could always approach your issuer for a better deal. They want to retain your business, so they will hear you out.

Don’ts

1] Do not use your credit card to purchase household items. It is very expensive in the long run.

2] Do not only pay the minimum amount necessary. You will end up paying exorbitant amounts of interest. The quicker you are able to clear the debt the better.

3] Do not use the credit card to buy things you can’t afford.

If you are thinking onchanging or applying for a Credit Card, have a look at the free advice on our web site on using Credit Cards wisely.

categories: credit cards,credit,finance,loans,mortgage,money,self help,advice,banking,funds,debt,shopping,auto,other

Almost everyone over the age of consent (18 or 21) has or wants a credit card nowadays and they are taken in almost every establishment. There are three major types of credit card common in America. The first major kind of credit card is travel and entertainment cards such as American Express or Diners Card. These have to be paid in full at the end of the month and are liberal on spending limits.

The second major type of credit card is the bank card such as Visa, Master Cards, GM, and Ford cards sponsored mostly by the banks. The bank defines the spending limit, which in bank speak, is known as the credit line and each bank offers different terms and conditions. Banks offer a selection of payment means: you can either repay the balance in full with no interest charges or pay the minimum (or some part of the balance) with a finance charge.

The other major kind of card is the retail store card, such as Sears, J.C. Penney, Shell or Mobil. These store cards and those from gas companies, widely known as fuel cards, are only taken in specific countries. They usually do not carry annual charges. There is a wide variance in the terms and conditions for these cards.

Different kinds of credit cards offer different options. Some are designed for individual consumers, while others are designed in ways that work best for small business needs. To know what kind of credit card fits your needs, you should look over a few options.

How to Choose your Credit Card.

Credit cards have become a part of everyday life for most people who live in the western countries. It’s becoming increasingly impossible to avoid them, especially for business men. So, if this is the first time you are thinking of entering into the world of plastic money, here are some of the basic things you should look out for.

First, compare the interest chargeable by all the credit cards for which you are eligible. While the rate may not remain fixed for ever, it’s always advisable for first timers to go for the one charging the lowest rates.

Make sure you study the fine print carefully, especially regarding the other charges that may be made, like late-payment fees, annual fees, and whether there is a grace period.

Decide what spending limit is most appropriate for a person of your income. Also the fewer credit cards you have, the better placed you are to understand your spending.

You ought to compare the features such as the cash back incentives, guarantees, rebates and the like and check whether the card is accepted broadly enough to fit in with your needs.

You will do yourself a favour by familiarizing yourself with the following terms: 1] Annual Percentage Rate: this is the measure of the yearly cost of the credit. 2] Finance Charges: these are the total charges involving the transaction. 3] Period of Grace: This is the period the issuer allows you before he starts charging you interest on new purchases. (Note that not all credit cards have a grace period).

If you are considering changing or getting a Credit Card, have a look at the free advice on our website about using Credit Cards wisely.

Just ask yourself: is the credit card working for you or are you working for your credit card? Most people’s response to this question will depend on how they use their “plastic pal” as credit cards are sometimes known. As many people with burned fingers will tell you, they didn’t realize that things had got so bad until too late, because most credit card companies try so hard to make themselves sound like a charity. Well, take it from me, they aren’t.

And this is not a hate campaign against credit cards. They have their plus points – in America if you want to rent a car, you have got to have a (major) credit card. But, consider this scenario:

You get an offer in the post that sounds good, maybe it’s a new TV or refrigerator. But it costs $2,000. You have a credit card with a $5,000 limit, so you go out and purchase the item right away. Often, this is how your repayment schedule will work out. Most credit cards charge a minimum percentage of the remaining balance (usually 2 percent) per month. Assuming the interest rate is 18 percent and you choose to repay the minimum amount of $40, $30 of that will go towards interest and only $10 will come off the $2,000 you borrowed!

Does it sound scary? Well, it doesn’t have to be. The moral of the illustration is to use the credit card very, very carefully.

Credit Cards Dos and Don’ts

There is a lot of truth in the advice that credit cards are not a substitute for not having money. Every time you use a credit card this should be the theme song playing in your head. Furthermore, you would be wise to remember the following as well:

Dos.

1] Always plan for the purchases that you need and those that you just want. You need the essentials, but you just want everything else. The ability to make a distinction might assist you plan more sensibly.

2] If caught up in financial difficulties, it’s always good to talk to the credit card issuer who might re-schedule your payments. If you simply default, that only helps to build up an unfavourable credit history and you might find yourself being denied credit next time.

3] Unless you are experiencing an emergency, remaining within your credit limits will assist you a great deal. If you must spend over the credit card limit, keep within manageable levels, say within 30 percent.

4] If your mailbox is full of information on credit cards with more favourable deals than you currently are enjoying, you could approach your issuer for a better deal. They want to keep you as their customer, so they will listen.

Dont’s

1] Do not use your credit card to purchase household goods. It is too expensive in the long term.

2] Do not just pay the minimum amount. You will end up paying exorbitant amounts of interest. The quicker you are able to clear the debt the better.

3] Do not use the credit card to purchase things you can’t afford.

Almost everyone over the age of 18 (or 21) has or wants a credit card these days and they are taken in almost every establishment. There are three major sorts of credit card common in America. The first major type of credit card is travel and entertainment cards such as American Express or Diners Card. These have to be repaid in full by the end of the month and are liberal on spending limits.

The second major type of credit card is the bank card such as Visa, Master Cards, GM, and Ford cards distributed mostly by the banks. The bank defines the spending limit, which in bank parlance, is known as the credit line and each bank offers different terms and conditions. Banks offer a choice of payment means: you may either repay the balance in full with no interest charges or pay the minimum (or some part of the balance) with a finance charge.

The other major type of card is the retail store card, such as Sears, J.C. Penney, Shell or Mobil. These store cards and those from gas companies, widely known as fuel cards, are only taken in specific countries. They usually do not have annual fees. There is a wide variance in the terms and conditions for these cards.

Different types of credit cards offer different options. Some are geared toward individual consumers, while others are designed in ways that work best for small business needs. To know what sort of credit card fits your needs, you should review a few options.

How to Choose your Credit Card.

Credit cards have become a part of everyday life for most people living in the west. It’s becoming increasingly impossible to avoid them, especially for business men. So, if it is the first time you are about to enter into the realm of credit cards, here are some of the basics you ought to look out for.

First, compare the interest chargeable on all the credit cards for which you are eligible. While the rate will not remain fixed indefinitely, it’s always advisable for first timers to go for the one charging the lowest rates.

Make sure you read the fine print carefully, especially on the other charges that may be made, like late-payment fees, annual fees, and whether there is a grace period.

Decide what spending limit is most appropriate for a person of your income. Also the fewer credit cards you have, the better placed you are to track your spending.

You ought to compare the features such as the cash back incentives, guarantees, rebates and the like and check whether the card is taken broadly enough to fit in with your needs.

You will help yourself by acquainting yourself with the following terms: 1] Annual Percentage Rate: this is the annual cost of the credit. 2] Finance Charges: these are the total charges involving the transaction. 3] Period of Grace: This is the period of time the card issuer gives you before they begin charging you interest on new purchases. (NB: not all credit card issuers allow a grace period).