Credit Card Whiz Kid

Using a Balance Transfer Credit Card Application Successfully

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 10:19:03 -0500

When you're looking for a balance transfer credit card application, there's usually a reason. Balance transfer cards are a great way to gain some breathing space if you're paying a large amount of interest, but they can also create more problems than you anticipate. Before you set out to make your application, keep these thoughts in mind.

Credit Card Bad Credit? Check Your Records!

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 10:16:35 -0500

If you've had credit card trouble, you may have credit card bad credit. Worse yet: you might have bad credit for no reason at all. Mistakes, identity theft, and fraud can lead to bad credit in scrupulous individuals. For that reason, whether you think you have bad credit or not, it's absolutely essential that you check your credit report regularly.

Privacy Through Anonymous Prepaid Credit Cards

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:14:31 -0500

Most people don't think about anonymous prepaid credit cards in our privacy lacking world. We live in a strange time where we feel like we have privacy -- after all, we spend a lot of time alone and busy -- but in fact, we have less privacy than at any time in history. The government and a host of advertising organizations have instant access to a wide variety of our personal information at the click of a button.

We compromise our own privacy through the many arguably necessary things we use: social networking, online banking, and above all, credit cards. That's where the idea of anonymous prepaid credit cards come in.

How To Maintain a Below Average Credit Card Debt

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 10:07:06 -0500

Are you familiar with the average credit card debt in the United States? Depending on who you ask, the figures are staggering: some studies suggest a figure of up to $9,000 per person. It's hard to arrive at a single accurate answer to this question -- but actually, it doesn't really matter that much. What does matter is that any significant credit card debt is too much to carry.

Recognizing Bad Credit Cards and Credit Scams

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 21:35:52 -0500

Unfortunately, bad credit cards are no longer the only type of credit scam out there. Even though they're the most prominent, there are more and more people willing to take advantage of anyone in need. Part of this probably stems from our struggling economy -- more people are struggling financially, and more people need credit. Part also comes from the fact that we're an increasingly credit based society.

Regardless of the reasons, though, it's important that you recognize the signs of bad credit cards and credit scams before you get sucked in.

Consumer Smarts and the Average Credit Card Debt

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 21:32:27 -0500

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. Consider that:

-- The average credit card purchase ends up costing 12% more than it would if you'd bought it outright

-- 40% of American families spend more than they earn

-- If you only made the minimum payments, then a $1,000 charge on an average credit card would take approximately twenty years to pay off and cost you well over $2,000 in interest.

-- The average interest paid -- just on credit card debt -- by Americans is $1,200 annually.

-- When people pay with credit cards in restaurants, they're proven to spend more than when they pay in cash or with debit cards.

These are just a few facts illuminating the danger of the average credit card debt. Credit cards are important parts of life, and we need them to establish our credit ratings. However, they can also become incredibly dangerous.

More Reasons to Accept Credit Cards for Business Online

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 21:29:31 -0500

If you don't already accept credit cards for business you do online, you're in a small minority, and it's time to change! While it's true that not all online business involves credit cards, the vast majority of consumers are no longer willing to incur the trouble and expense of sending checks and money orders. By all means, keep these payment options -- but if you want to succeed, you really must start accepting credit cards.

Three Uses for Anonymous Prepaid Credit Cards

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 21:26:16 -0500

Are you familiar with anonymous prepaid credit cards? Have you even heard of them? It's not a huge surprise if you haven't -- they're not overwhelmingly popular in the industry. But they do have their uses.

First of all, what are anonymous prepaid credit cards? Basically, they're exactly what they sound like: you put down money to charge up a card which then functions like a gift card you can use anywhere they accept credit cards. Now, the big question: where, why, and how would you use these things?

Finding and Keeping the Best Credit Card Rewards

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 21:21:32 -0500

It used to be a snap, finding the best credit card rewards. For a while, credit cards were fighting amongst themselves to attract business, and virtually every card had some sort of gimmick. In those golden days, finding the best credit card rewards usually meant picking the type of reward you wanted among many good cards.

But with the economy in turmoil and new credit laws emerging, it's not as easy to find those rewards any longer.

How You Can Get the Best Credit Cards After Bankruptcy

Tue, 25 May 2010 15:06:08 -0500

When it comes to finding the best credit cards after bankruptcy, many people expect a tooth and nail battle, and to emerge on the other side with, at best, a secured credit card. But actually, it's possible to get not only good cards but the best cards after a bankruptcy -- if you follow a few key steps.

FAQs About Capital One Secured Credit Card Application in Canada

Tue, 18 May 2010 21:32:09 -0500

Wondering about the Canadian Capital One secured credit card application? You're not alone: Capital One is a very popular option for people pursuing a secured credit card option. Fortunately, the process is easy, and the most commonly asked questions find their answers here

Details on a Best Buy Credit Card

Tue, 11 May 2010 22:28:03 -0500

Like most department store credit cards, the Best Buy credit card may appeal to regular customers and their ilk. In other words, if you frequently shop at Best Buy, you're more likely to find their store credit card appealing.

So, what exactly is the deal with this credit card? Well, according to the store, you will get excellent rewards (depending on whether you get the store card or the Master Card) and be able to earn rewards for Best Buy purchases. It sounds pretty fantastic, but don't they all? Let's take a closer look at the Best Buy credit card.

The Benefits of a 2 Year College Student Credit Card

Tue, 04 May 2010 22:23:24 -0500

Some people scoff at the idea of a 2 year college student credit card. They figure that you should either get a credit card or not get one, and the whole two year compromise seems silly to them. But actually, there are a number of good reasons to get a short term credit card even if you can get approval for a long term agreement.

Sound strange? Not really. Keep in mind that if you're a college student you're probably just starting out and don't have much of a credit rating. That means you're not likely to get approved for the very best credit cards. Credit companies bank on that because they know that the majority of people don't go to the trouble of switching cards.

In other words, if they can get you to sign up for their less than ideal card now, you're probably going to stick with it -- even though you could get a much better deal once your credit improves. A 2 year college student credit card circumvents that problem by forcing you to reassess your situation after your two years comes up

Reduce College Student Credit Card Debt Now

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 10:50:57 -0500

It just may be that college student credit card debt is one of the biggest financial crises in the country. OK, that might be a bit of an exaggeration -- but not much. Studies show that students graduate massively in debt both due to tuition payments and credit cards, and it's become a major problem nation wide.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid becoming a statistic -- before, during, and after college!

The Ins and Outs of a Gas Rebate Credit Card

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 12:44:54 -0500

With gas prices as high as they are, it's no wonder that everyone seems to want a gas rebate credit card. Unfortunately, once you look into these cards you often find they're not all they're cracked up to be. Does that mean they're worthless? Absolutely not! It just means that you need to know what you're looking for -- and use it the right way once you find it.