Financial Freedom Tips

Posts Tagged ‘Cards’

Credit cards can be considered to be one of the many basic necessities of the modern world. Credit cards are available nowadays in abundance. One type of credit card specifically is the so-called 0% APR credit card. 0% APR credit cards were introduced in the late 1980’s and to this day has still proven to be one of the most sought-after credit card types available anywhere. As with all credit card types, there are a certain tips and tricks surrounding 0% APR credit cards that all potential card applicants should be made aware of.

With the help of a 0% APR credit card, it means that you need not only pay the outstanding balance; and what more you could even charge up to the limits without having to sustain any monthly interest charges. However, sometimes, one tends to think just how these credit card companies can afford to provide 0% APR credit cards, and make a profit out of it?

Although 0% APR credit cards may not comprise any monthly charges, it is sure to come with annual fees which you are obliged to pay for the privileges of a 0% APR credit card. These annual fees usually run from $15 to $20 or sometimes, even higher. Having a 0% APR credit card doesn’t mean that you can pay your dues whenever and whichever way you intend to. It IS necessary to make your payments on time, or else, you will have to pay for high overdue fees. For each late payment, the 0% APR credit card holder has to pay fees that may range from $20 to $40. With habitual late payments, these meager amounts may accumulate to a hefty total!

It should be remembered that 0% APR credit cards are usually offered for only a stipulated period of time. This credit card interest may hold good for only a fixed period of time, usually ranging from 3 up to 15 months. On the completion of this period, a higher rate of interest may come in vogue, usually 12% or higher. You could easily transfer any existing credit card balances to a new 0% APR credit card to get 0% interest on the transferred balance. In this way, the credit card holder has to pay less interest for a stipulated period of time, and thus get a chance to clear outstanding balances as quickly as possible.

When applying for a 0% APR credit card, it is always better to read the terms and agreements of the credit card. Not to overstate an obvious question, but why should one do so? Simply because many credit cards may come with a default rate wherein late payments not only incur a late payment fee, but it would also include a default rate that will be added to the annual percentage rate. This in turn doubles the figures on the existing balances and on the new purchases made on the card moving forward. Ouch!

One very important point to take into account when applying for a 0% APR credit card is to read all paragraphs of the agreement, otherwise known as the fine print. This is because though it is illegal for a credit card company to hide their fees and charges, it is nonetheless legal for them to mention these points in small print! The 0% APR credit card companies thus usually announce in large and bold print about their 0% APR but hide the facts that this is only for a limited period of time and any extra fees which might be included are done so in very fine print.

Another trick that is up the sleeve of 0% APR credit card companies is to install sky-high APR’s right after the amount of 0% APR balance transfers are paid down. In other words, the money you first pay to the credit card company is applied to the transfer, and any other purchases you make will be charged a high APR. Sometimes, credit card companies may also go to the extent of sending you a different card than the 0% APR credit card you had initially applied for. In this way, you are not allowed the 0% APR but a different card offer with different terms and conditions. The card issuers typically rationalize this behavior based on the card issuer determining that you do not meet the qualifications for a 0% APR credit card. Qualifications for a 0% APR credit card is usually found in the small print of the agreement, and is usually overseen by applicants!

It can thus be seen that though 0% APR credit cards do seem to be rather inviting, there are some loopholes and tricks to their use. As always, it is highly recommended to read the terms and conditions on the card application agreement for the 0% APR credit card, or any type of credit card application, thoroughly in order to avoid any future problems, headaches or financial surprises.

The first thrill about starting a new enterprise is seeing the name of your creation on a business card. You want to hand them out to everyone you see — friends, family, the kid who bags your groceries. Soon after you’ve registered your trade name, the credit card offers start cluttering your mailbox. It’s flattering at first. You imagine going out to dinner, grabbing the check, and saying, “it’s okay, it’s on the company. ” So you fill out one or two “pre-approved” applications and, like your business card, can’t wait to use this little symbol of acknowledgement. A corporate card tells people you’ve arrived. You’re a legitimate business.

But it can also spell trouble.

The purpose of a business credit card is to have the convenience of charging legitimate business expenses. You avoid using a personal credit card and submitting receipts for reimbursement. You have the ability of making online and telephone purchases to expedite shipment. The revolving account helps you plan your cash flow. The statements provide a detailed accounting record.

Used wisely, a business credit card provides these important benefits and is essential to building your corporate credit profile. Demonstrating reasonable usage and maintaining a good payment history not only allows you to gain more credit, but also helps you negotiate better interest rates on loans, lines of credit, and other revolving accounts. In fact, using a credit card properly is better than paying cash because lenders want to see a credit profile with positive activity. One small business owner had been vigilant about paying cash for all his purchases to avoid having monthly bills. He had had some personal credit issues in the past and was determined to avoid a recurrence. He felt great about keeping his costs under control. When the owner applied for a business loan at the local bank, he was advised that the black marks on his profile were minor. The biggest problem was that he had no recent credit history. So, he got a credit card, budgeted a monthly allowance for the payment, and made small purchases to establish reports on his credit profile.

A business credit account is clearly valuable for a lot of functions. What it isn’t is a license to spend without regard to the consequences. Just because you’re not writing a check doesn’t mean you haven’t spent corporate cash. By following some basic guidelines, you can manage your corporate credit card account so you reap the rewards instead of paying the price.

* Get credit from your own bank. Once you establish a business banking relationship with a local financial institution, continue to grow that relationship by applying for your business credit card at the same place. The more business you do with this bank, the more they get to know you. The comfort level increases the likelihood that they will consider your request for funding when the time arises. Show loyalty to them and it will be repaid in kind.

* Read the fine print. Many credit card companies shout out low introductory rates. The key word here is “introductory. ” After the honeymoon period is over, the rate can shoot up above the interest you’re paying on your current card. There might be hidden fees that can rack up the bottom line on your monthly statement. Look for an annual fee, the first sign that this card is going to cost you money. If you have to pay for the privilege of having the card, chances are you don’t need it. There are various other features that you do want: overdraft protection, 24-hour customer service, and detailed account reports for your business. In the long run, these services are far more important business benefits than frequent flyer miles or discounts on rental cars that are often accompanied by numerous restrictions of their own.

* Find a card and stick with it. With all the offers of lower interest rates and appealing incentives, you might be tempted to switch your account from one issuer to another. Unless you are dissatisfied with your credit card company, stay put. Card hopping shows up on your credit profile and will likely be unimpressive to a prospective lender. Use your valuable time to manage your business instead of pitting one credit card company against another.

* Do not mix business with pleasure. A business credit card is intended for business purchases only. In the event of an IRS audit —†and they do occur via random selection — questionable expenses will raise suspicion.

* You don’t need a deck of cards. You shouldn’t require more than one or two major credit cards for your business. The more credit cards you accumulate, the higher your debt potential. You charge a hundred dollars at the office supply store, then charge computer equipment with another account, and maybe pay for gas, meals, and a nice little antique table for your conference room on your corporate bank card. There’s still room on each card, so you’re okay. But when the monthly bills come, the totals come as a surprise. You can only make a minimum payment so the finance charges will start to kick in. By keeping track of the expenses as you make them you won’t heap up a debt that puts a stranglehold on your accounts payables. Whenever you take that card out of your wallet, ask yourself if the purchase is necessary and valid for the company.

* A credit card is not a loan. The account should not be viewed as a source of funding when cash flow is tight. The interest rates and transaction fees are too high! Avoid taking advantage of the cash advance option. If you are resorting to borrowing from your credit card, chances are you’re not going to be able to pay the bill when it comes due.

* Limit the number of users. A company credit card is as much a demonstration of trust as it is a convenience for the user. The bookkeeping for multiple cards can be a nightmare, however. Before applying for a card, make sure you can get itemized reports for each card so your frustrated bookkeeper doesn’t have to chase down people to identify charges. To avoid excesses, specify to the employee how much and what type of charges will be acceptable. Review the monthly statements to verify that the cards are being use appropriately.

A business credit card is an essential tool to manage your finances and get the items you need on a timely basis. In order to take full advantage of the benefits, choose your credit card company wisely, making sure you understand the services and the limitations. Be clear about how the card will be used. Credit cards follow a basic law of physics: for every action (a purchase) there is an equal and opposite reaction (a bill). By getting proactive about the company credit card, you can keep your finances in balance, boost your credit profile, and enjoy a terrific convenience.

Copyright (c) 2008 Ann Wilson

Rewards credit card holders love to obtain credit cards rewards points. And why not? Credit card rewards give bonuses and privilege to its members by simply using credit cards on their purchases. However, not all credit card rewards are suitable for all types of people. Using the wrong types of rewards credit cards can be more of a disadvantage rather than an advantage if not correctly used. Thus, as a consumer, you need to make sure that you’ll get the one suitable to your needs and lifestyle.

All rewards credit cards require its users to gather points in order to get a bonus or an incentive. Points are collected with each time the card holder makes a purchase using his credit card. Different credit cards give different points equivalent to every dollar of purchase. When the card holder has collected the minimum points needed, she can claim his bonus or reward.

Credit card rewards come in different packages. There are credit cards that especially provide free travel privileges, gas rebates, cash rebates on purchases, cash back rewards, discounts, freebies and a combination of all these bonuses. Hence, you can select your preferred type of reward that you can most benefit with.

An important reminder for rewards credit card holder is to select the card that matches their spending. For example, a frequent travel miles card may not be best for those who only use their credit cards once in awhile. It will usually take a huge number of mileage points before you can receive your travel reward. Thus, you may need to make a very large amount of purchase before you can collect the minimum number of mileage points required to travel.

Those in business generally make large purchases so they can easily collect mileage points with a travel rewards credit card. On the other hand, for those who only use their credit cards for their personal needs can perhaps best benefit from a gas rewards credit card of a cash back rewards credit card. This is because these cards usually do not entail very large amounts of purchases before the card holder is able to redeem rewards. For instance, with a gas rewards credit card, you can get a 3% to 5% rebate on your gas purchases. Imagine how much money you’ll be able to save in an entire month by adding up all the rebates you earn for this whole period. Also, some credit cards award 1% up to 10% rebates on all purchases while others use a point system to give rewards. There are credit cards that give 1 point for each dollar spent on your account while other card issuers give double points for each dollar. Obviously, you need to choose your rewards credit card very carefully. Don’t forget to review all terms and conditions that apply to that specific rewards credit card you’re applying for. Furthermore, bear in mind that the important thing with owning a credit card is to pay your balances on time. Otherwise, you may lose your privilege of redeeming your rewards and even worse, you can be facing bad credit in no time at all.

With gas prices skyrocketing, millions of people are flocking to gas cards to help with the rising fuel cost. Gas cards are brand specific credit cards that offer consumers rebates and rewards for using their credit card.  Like most credit cards that offer a reward programs, there are specific guidelines that consumers’ need to be aware of.  In many cases, a traditional credit card is better suited for the task.

For starters, gas reward cards are designed for people with good credit that pay off their balances on a monthly basis. If you have the tendency to carry over balances from month to month you will be better served using a regular credit card. Reward credit cards in general, have higher interest rates and shorter grace periods. Therefore, when you carry a balance, you will be paying more in interest even after you consider the rewards.

Sixty percent of all gas credit card holders carry a balance from month to month; this is how the credit card issuers pay the reward benefits. When considering gas credit cards, consumers need to take a careful look at the benefits that are offered. Most gas cards offer better benefits as an introductory incentive to attract new card holders. You should look past these initial offers when comparing cards and pick a reward program based on the benefits that occur after this initial period is over.

The most important thing to look for when considering a gas credit card is your driving habits. Will your gas card be used primarily locally, or will it be used for travel? Make sure there are close and convenient stations to use if your card is brand specific. Having to travel an extra three to five miles out of your way to use your gas card can eat in to any benefits that you receive from using the card. Many gas cards offer additional discounts on specific merchandise in specific retail stores; again, what is the proximity of these stores to the station?

Gas credit cards are issued by banks like such as, Chase, Discover or Citibank or by a gas company like Shell, Mobile or Chevron. The most important distinction is that the brand specific gas cards require that you buy their gas to take advantage of any benefits they offer. Ironically, it’s usually the banks, rather than the gas companies, that underwrite and bank-roll the credit cards anyway.  The difference is that the gas company credit cards are usually easier to qualify for than the bank issued cards are. The caveat is; interest rates and/or rewards are directly related to your credit.  Marginal credit results in marginal interest and rewards.

When comparing benefits, many bank issued credit cards tend to mirror each other. Some of the more common benefits include cash-back rebates that range from 2% – 5%, cash rebates on purchases, 0% introductory rates and no annual fees. On the other hand, the benefits offered by the gas credit card will include things such as air miles rebates, hotel and travel discounts, car repair rebates and rebates on groceries at participating stores. When making a choice on what card to use, choose the benefit that best matches your lifestyle.

A card that we recommend at Direct Banc is the Discover® Open Road(SM) Card. This card offers cardholders a 5% in cash rebate on gas and car maintenance purchases up to 1% for general purchases, and . 25% for purchases made at select warehouse clubs and discount stores. Of course, you could consider other cards like the BP Gas Credit Card Visa® Rewards and the Capital One® No Hassle Miles(SM) Rewards for travel and gas. Each of these cards offer a unique reward benefits package that compliment varied lifestyles. Taking time to read the fine print and picking the right benefit is the key to getting a gas credit card that is truly a benefit for you.