Credit Card Articles

American Express -- Open up your wallet right now, and chances are you’ll find a credit card. Credit cards have evolved from a “only businessmen” item to an item for everyone now. For those that want a “businessman” approach, look towards American Express. Though this may sound cliché, American Express appears to be aimed more so at businesses than the average buyer. The main reason for this is that American Express is not as widely accepted as other cards such as MasterCard and Visa. This may be for the fact that American Express is more of a “businesslike” card. American Express has many different..... (more)

Applying for a Credit Card -- First off, what is a credit card? A credit card is a card issued by a bank, retailer or consumer store, which lets you buy goods and services on credit for a specific limit, interest rate and time period. There are many types of credit cards to choose from, all depending on the needs of the holder.. You can apply for a credit card online, through paper application or by phone. Applying for a credit card is easy, and before this post is over you'll understand. Find out information about credit card plans, rates and terms on the Internet, in personal finance magazines and in newspapers...... (more)

Best Credit Card -- All consumers want to maximize their benefits be it from goods and services they purchase and this includes their choice of credit cards. Primarily, prospective credit card applicants should take into consideration the following points when applying for a credit card: annual fees, APR rates, interest rates and rewards programs. There are plenty of options available in the market such as instant approval cards, cash back credit cards, low-interest credit cards and prepaid credit cards. Generally, the most important thing to consider when signing up for a credit card is the..... (more)

Best Deal on a Credit Card -- Although applying for a credit card has become a lot easier, deciding on which particular credit card to apply for is becoming more and more complicated as it entails a lot of thinking. Some important questions to ask yourself before applying for a credit card are do you prefer to pay for the credit monthly or carry a balance? How much credit line limit can you afford? These two very important aspects need a lot of decision making on your part in order to decide on which card suits your requirements. Always look for a card that offers the lowest interest rate regardless if you..... (more)

Cash Back Credit Cards -- Technically, a cash back credit card gives back money to the card holder based card purchases or transactions. Cash back credit cards are the best choice for people who rarely use cash in their transactions. Cash back rebates can go as high as 3% and is computed as a percentage of the total amount charged to the credit card in a calendar year. Nowadays some card companies give rebates in the form of gift certificates and/or discount coupons instead of cash. Others offer upgrade of membership status so that members can avail of discounts and gifts during special occasions like..... (more)

Credit Card Fraud -- Credit card fraud is general term for theft and fraud that is committed using a credit card (or similar payment mechanism) as a fraudulent source of funds to complete a sales transaction. Credit card fraud is also connected to identity theft. Credit card fraud is divided into five categories: · Counterfeit credit card – Makes up 37% · Lost or Stolen Cards - Makes up 23% · No-Card Fraud - Makes up 10% · Non-Receipt Fraud – Makes up 7% · Identity Theft Fraud – Makes up 4% The result of credit card fraud costs billions of dollars every year. Altogether, credit card fraud costs..... (more)

Credit Card Rewards Programs -- To entice credit card users to dutifully pay their credit card bills on time, card issuers have come up with various credit card rewards programs as an incentive. These rewards (or freebies) come in many forms and begin as soon as people sign up and get their cards. The most enticing of the credit card rewards program is the cash back reward but there are other equally enticing rewards programs for consumers. Some card companies give away frequent flyer miles for non-travel related purchases, freebie-giveaways based on points earned, college-savings fund for the student and..... (more)

Credit Card Shopping Online - Advice -- The ability to shop online and make purchases with credit cards has some key benefits. Obviously, a main benefit is the convenience and ease afforded the consumer (this translates into increased revenue for companies, as well). In addition, all transactions will be easily monitored by using the monthly credit card statements. Not only this, but the consumer will also be protected under the Fair Credit Billing Act. This gives the consumer the right to dispute any unauthorized charges. If identity theft is suspected, credit card companies will typically reimburse for all unauthorized..... (more)

Credit Card Travel Rewards -- Credit Cards that offer travel rewards programs are reasonably flexible. They may provide airline miles and points that would be redeemed for accommodations. Points are earned whenever the card is used. If the card is used for travel-related spending (purchasing airline tickets or hotel accommodations) higher points are often awarded. Points can be redeemed for airline tickets, hotel accommodations, car rental, and even special priority treatment and upgrades while traveling. The rewards are usually linked to a certain brand or spending pattern. When choosing a travel rewards program..... (more)

Credit Cards - a Little History -- Consumers and merchants have been exchanging goods using credit as currency for approximately 200 years. Modern day plastic credit cards have only become a way of life in the past 50 years, however. Oil companies and department stores issued their own proprietary cards as early as about 100 years ago. These cards were accepted only at the business that issued the card and locations were limited. These early credit cards were created to create customer. The first bank card was released in 1946 by John Biggins, who was a banker in Brooklyn. The card was called "Charg-It." When a customer..... (more)

Custom Credit Cards -- Custom credit cards are an interesting and increasingly popular option that some credit card companies are now offering their customers. This is essentially the ability for consumers to personalize their credit cards with personal images. This is a service that some credit card companies are experimenting with in an attempt to encourage consumers to select their credit card services over other companies. This seems to be a popular feature among credit card consumers and represents an emerging trend among credit card companies to provide their customers with more choice and control in..... (more)

Instant Approval Credit Cards: No Need to Wait -- The Internet has sped up the process of almost everything, including credit cards. Now you can apply online for an instant approval credit card. After filling out an application, you will find out in less than a minute if you have been approved. Its just that easy and fast! Heres what you need to know about instant approval credit cards and if theyre right for you. How Instant Approval Credit Cards Work If youre considering applying for an instant approval credit card, the process is simple. The first step is to fill out an online application. After submitting the application, plan..... (more)

MasterCard -- Debit cards are great to use in every day life. You can use them at the grocery store, at the pump, even at restaurants. And debit cards aren't just limited to tangible use. They're great for paying bills online, or for just buying things on websites like eBay. They are an excellent resource! MasterCard is a world-renowned credit card company. Having one of their three personal debit cards means that, because of their prestige, you can use it just about anywhere! There are three personal debit cards that you can choose from: Standard, Gold, and Platinum. While the Standard card is..... (more)

Online Credit Card Application -- Credit card companies together with their co-branding affiliates and tie-ups are aggressively advertising and marketing their credit card services. They have discovered the power of the Internet and have enticed prospective clients to sign up and fill up credit card applications online. Online credit card application has become a powerful marketing tool as it does away with having to queue in line to have a credit card approved; there is no travel cost and since everything is automated, application processing and decision is almost instantaneous. However, online applicants have..... (more)

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Credit Cards -- A credit card is simply one of the most popular innovations in online credit transactions today. But like many other technological breakthroughs, the use of credit cards entails some advantages and disadvantages. The most evident advantage of credit card is it enables an individual to make purchases even if not having immediate available funds. It also does away with carrying lots of money when purchasing items with large amounts. Payment through credit cards also offer loan flexibility and is very much useful in times of emergencies. Further, credit card companies offer perks and..... (more)

Top 3 Most Customer-Oriented Credit Card Companies -- In this world of plastic, there are literally thousands of credit cards to choose from. From student credit cards to business credit cards, as well as everything in between, what really matters is sometimes lost. However, we can always look at what matters: the customer service, the way the credit card companies treat their customers. So here it is: the top three credit card companies, based on customer service. Number 3 In my experience, DiscoverCard has had pretty good customer service. When one calls with a complaint, they are very understanding, and willing to change whatever..... (more)

Top 3 Secure Credit Card Companies -- There are thousands of credit card companies out there. However, there are some credit cards more secure than others. Let's take a look at the top three: Number 3 One of the most secure credit card companies I know is Capital One. If you lose your card, it's ok: You can report it, and the company will monitor your account closely, in order to help you track the culprit. There's also 24 hour identity theft surveillance, to ensure maximum security. Number 2 Visa is also a very secure credit card company. Like Capital One, they have 24 hour identity theft surveillance, as well..... (more)

Visa Credit Card -- “Life takes Visa”. The motto for Visa credit cards apparently is true, as no matter where you go it seems that you can use a Visa card there. As of 2006, Visa controlled 44% of the credit card market, as well as 48% of the debit card market. Within the last few years, Visa has also introduced “Prepaid” cards, which work much like a gift card that can be used anywhere that accepts Visa. This allows parents that want to give teens money that they cannot easily lose an alternative. The prepaid Visa cards also can be refilled, and have many of the same advantages of a regular Visa, minus the..... (more)

What is APR -- The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is the interest amount a customer will pay annually. It is possible to figure your interest charges per day by taking your APR and dividing this number by 365. However, most credit card companies compound interest rates. This means that your credit card fees will be higher than just this straight interest charge, especially if you carry a balance on your cards. If you have a balance you will also be charged interest on any interest charges that are not paid from the preceding month. People with good credit are typically offered credit cards with low APR...... (more)