"The idea that you can merchandise candidates for high office like breakfast cereal - that you can gather votes like box tops - is, I think, the ultimate indignity to the democratic process."
Student Credit Cards 101 If you're a college student, you probably already have a credit card. If not, you may have plans to get one or more soon. So why should you read on? Because financial debt is one of the main reasons that many students end up dropping out of college. ... The Truth About Prepaid Credit Cards Prepaid credit cards have been around for over ten years now, although they are just now coming into the spotlight. Prepaid credit cards are basically credit cards backed by major credit card companies that offer you the ability to deposit money onto the ... Zero Percent Credit Cards When searching for a 0 apr credit card, one with 0% annual percentage rate (apr) for a trial period, one of the best ways to find a good deal is to compare the credit card rate of several sites. One way to find reliable sites is to start with a bank ...
0 APR credit cards are Not Just for Christmas
0 APR credit cards are here to stay. Now that we're well into the New Year we've learned (again) the lessons of the festive season. Zero interest credit is a nice idea, but why not extend it beyond your present credit card to the next, and the next. This seven point checklist will assure the clever consumer of having that constant low APR credit for years to come.
1. Read the small print. Make sure it matches the offers on the credit card's advertising copy. In particular, check for clauses that differentiate between purchases and cash transfers, or even cash withdrawals. Check that the card doesn't stipulate a ratio between purchases and cash, charging an excess if the cash activity rises above the purchase activity (that is usually the way it is biased, but check to make sure).
2. Keep to the agreed credit limit as specified in the agreement. Do not exceed the balance limit as specified on your original agreement, or that'll be the trigger for extra charges.
3. Pay at least the minimum charge in full. Even better, set up a standing order or direct debit with your bank. You can arrange to have the minimum paid directly and electronically from your bank account every month.
4. Avoid late fees by paying on time. There is a danger with people who have the benefit of a 0% APR credit card that they will tend to become complacent about it and forget to pay it. Yes, it does happen. But every time a payment is received late credit card providers can and will charge a late fee. This can add up, especially if someone is habitually late. Again, an automatic direct debit from your bank account is the best answer.
5. Factor in any extras in the agreement, as stated in the small print (which you will have read). For example, an annual charge may be applied to offset the 0 APR. Some 0% APR cards do this but others do not. Bear in mind that the whole APR concept was meant to level the playing field as far as extra charges were concerned. By paying an annual charge for your card you are not truly getting a 0 APR card.
6. Make sure you have in mind a new low interest or 0 APR credit card waiting by to which you can transfer the balance of your present credit card. Why have 0 APR credit for 6 months or 12 months when you can have it for years and years? Always check the press and financial columns for new deals and credit card offers with this in mind. Join an Internet forum that specialises in such matters.
7. Make sure that you transfer the balance of your existing credit card to your new credit card in full and on time. In particular, allow for time to process the balance transfer and for all the paperwork involved (yes, even in the age of the Internet there is still a certain amount of paper involved!) and be careful to check that the opening balance allowed on your new 0 APR credit card is at least the same or exceeds the balance that you wish to transfer from your existing credit card, or the shortfall will cost you money!
About the author:
Gordon Goodfellow has a background in marketing research and is an Internet marketing consultant and technologist who lives and works in London, UK. His credit card sites automatically alert customers about 0 APR credit cards . The US equivalent site is http://www.credit-card-transfers.com
Credit Cards News
New bailout not on Brown's agenda - Reuters UK LONDON (Reuters) - The government is talking to lenders about stepping up loans to credit-starved companies, but a second bailout of banks is not the preferred option, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said on Sunday. "I don't think that's the first thing ...
Cardinals beat Falcons for long-awaited playoff win - USA Today GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The Arizona Cardinals were no playoff pretenders. Kurt Warner opened with a 42-yard touchdown pass to Larry Fitzgerald and connected with Anquan Boldin on a 71-yard scoring play as the Cardinals beat Atlanta 30-24 Saturday ...
Credit cards to the rescue of pink slip victims - Mid Day.com Credit cards have now become the lifeline for people, especially those who have lost jobs due to recession. They are using their credit cards to pay off their loans as well as to take care of their daily expenses. "I used to ask people not to use ...
Police seek 2 men they say stole purse, used credit cards - Times Union QUEENSBURY — State Police are looking for two men suspected of stealing a woman's purse and using her credit cards to shop at Wal-Mart. Photos taken by a surveillance camera at the entrance to the store show two men carrying bags, at approximately ...
