March 2010

The Citi student credit card (also known as the Citi Platinum Select Card for College Students) often comes up in conversation about student credit. Many people consider it one of the top perks for students. So what exactly is this credit card, and why does it matter to you?

If you wonder about average credit card debt, some of the statistics might shock you. The average credit card debt in America is both larger and lesser than it seems. The simple fact is, though, that with the economic downturn the financial stress on most families has seriously increased.

The Credit Card Reform Act took effect in May, 2009, and it's about time. For years, credit cards got away with ridiculous fees, sudden unannounced changes, and other unethical practices. The Credit Card Reform Act aims to stop some of these abuses, even if it can't singlehandedly revolutionize the credit card industry.

If you want the best deal on credit cards, there's really only one answer: a spotless credit record and a high rating. If your credit history is riddled with late payments, missed payments, defaulted loans, and the like, you're going to have trouble getting a good deal.

That said, tips and tricks abound that help you get the best deal on credit cards. If that sounds like a good plan to you, read on!

Why do bad credit cards continue to thrive? Is their marketing campaign really that slick, or because they take advantage of people who have no alternatives? The answer is yes! Bad credit cards take advantage of people who desperately need credit, and they do it by spending more on advertising than on keeping current customers happy.

Fortunately, you don't have to get sucked into this game. If you're dealing with bad credit, there are easy ways to recognize bad cards and make sure you don't wind up even further in debt.