Credit Card Whiz Kid

Find the Best Deal on Credit Cards

2010-03-09T08:00:00Z

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!

Warning: Bad Credit Cards Ahead

2010-03-02T08:00:00Z

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.

How Credit Card Offers Damage Your Credit

2010-02-23T08:00:00Z

We usually think of credit card offers, especially pre-approved credit card offers, as a good thing. Usually it indicates a reasonably high credit rating -- after all, companies aren't eager to offer credit to someone with a poor history. And in many ways, credit card offers are very positive.

However, two situations arise where these offers can be more trouble than they're worth: in terms of identity theft and in terms of negative marks on your credit score.

Which is the Best Credit Card to do Business With?

2010-02-16T08:00:00Z

The best credit card to do business with isn't a specific brand, business, or corporation. The best credit card to do business with is the card that meets your specific needs. And since each business, as with each owner, is individual, it's difficult to decide on one credit card as the best in the business.

A much more sensible approach is to analyze your needs, your budget, and your "wish list" and use those points to decide on the perfect card for you. You may not find it, but you'll have what you want and you'll be able to find a card close to meeting all of those criteria.

Why a Secured Small Business Credit Card can Work for You

2010-02-09T08:00:00Z

A secured small business credit card is an excellent option for businesses just starting out. If you're starting a small, home-based business, you might think you don't need credit. After all, your expenses are few, and since you're funding the entire thing anyway, why bother getting another credit card? Your personal card will do for any emergency expenses. Think again.

How to Find the Best Credit Cards After Bankruptcy

2010-01-26T08:00:00Z

When people talk about finding the best credit cards after bankruptcy, there's an unspoken assumption that they'll have to settle for a poor card. In other words, they're looking for the best of a bad bunch.

But strangely enough, that isn't always the case. If you rebuild your credit rating, then in spite of -- or sometimes even because of -- that bankruptcy on your credit report, you could find yourself getting the best cards of all.

Eliminate Credit Card Debt in the New Year

2010-01-19T08:00:00Z

We all want to eliminate credit card debt, and chances are you can do it more quickly than you think. Now, I'm talking here about a reasonable amount of debt. Naturally, if you're forty thousand dollars in debt, it's going to take more than a few months to get rid of it. But even so, the tips in this article will get you well on your way to debt elimination.

How to Manage Your Credit Card in a Bad Economy

2010-01-12T08:00:00Z

With the economy in its current state, you may be thinking about your credit card -- what you can do to protect yourself, reduce your debt, and make sure your credit score doesn't suffer as a result of an economic slump. The following tips help you weather the downturn until its inevitable upswing -- and maybe even come out in better shape than you went in.

Why You Get the Best Credit Cards after Bankruptcy

2010-01-05T08:00:00Z

Believe it or not, you actually can get the best credit cards after bankruptcy. And I'm not talking secured cards or cards that have major limitations on them, either. Bankruptcy leaves a huge black mark on your credit record, but it's also a sign that you've been to the bottom and learned your lesson. Very few people declare bankruptcy a second time -- once is usually enough!

Given that, many credit cards actually court people who have declared bankruptcy. If you want them to find you, follow these simple tips.

Credit Card Debt: The Root of All Evils?

2009-12-29T08:00:00Z

With the growing economic crisis, credit card debt has become a massive burden for many people. Perhaps it's not surprising that there's a growing movement of people who think the answer is to eliminate credit card use altogether. But while these people advance seemingly logical arguments, it still comes down to one thing: responsible credit card use is better than avoidance.

When and How to Apply for Secured Credit Card Services

2009-12-15T08:00:00Z

When it comes time to apply for secured credit card services, many people jump the gun. Some wait far too long to rebuild their credit while others apply for a service they don't really need. Before you take any financial steps, always be well educated, informed, and ready to counter anyone who might want to take advantage of you. With that in mind, here's the low down on secured credit cards.

Fix Your Credit with a Bank of America Secured Credit Card

2009-12-09T08:00:00Z

The Bank of America secured credit card isn't the only secured credit card around, but it is a practical method of rebuilding credit with a reputable financial institution -- not to mention one that can help issue you a new credit card after several months of responsible use. All of that makes the Bank of America secured credit card an excellent option for those with not so fantastic credit histories

Keep Credit Card Debt Under Control This Holiday Season

2009-12-01T08:00:00Z

With the holidays coming, many people simply accept that their credit card debt will see a massive surge before the 25th of December. But while it may be true that you spend a little bit more during the holidays, keep from losing yourself in the January terrors of your credit card bill!

Anonymous Prepaid Credit Cards for the Holidays

2009-11-24T08:00:00Z

Anonymous prepaid credit cards are fantastic holiday gifts (or anytime gifts, really) that allow your friends or family to save face and get some much-needed money. Let me tell you a little story. As a kid, my parents, through no fault of their own, lost their jobs. Our family struggled, and a close relative tried to give us five hundred bucks to tide us over.

To my parents, that was the ultimate blow to their pride. Not only did they refuse the money, they were angry at that family member for years. What was meant as a kindhearted gesture became a family rift.

Anonymous prepaid credit cards are perfect for these situations.

Find Unsecured Bad Credit Credit Cards

2009-11-17T08:00:00Z

My own search for unsecured bad credit credit cards followed a rocky path. At one point my credit was so poor I just couldn't even think of applying for a mainstream card, and it was coming down to the choice of secured credit card or nothing.

The problem with a secured credit card, of course, is that it's not a credit card at all -- you have to have an account in place specifically to cover your credit card purchases. In fact, it's more like a debit card that accumulates interest. If you have bad credit and simply want to rebuild your history, such a card can be very useful. But if you actually need credit, it's not much good at all.