Posts Tagged ‘Credit Cards’

Prepaid Cash Cards

Prepaid cash cards are similar to debit cards, however, debit cards are attached to a bank account, while the former are known as nonbanking cards. Simply put, these cards are not linked to a bank account and come with fees every time you have to reload them. There are also ATM fees and several other types of fees. Much like a gift card without the restrictions of store specific cards, these cards can really help a person that would otherwise be unable to do something as simple as booking a hotel room.

One good reason to use prepaid cash cards is to replace the conventional credit card. Avoiding all the nasty pitfalls of unsecured credit and spiralling into the financial abyss. I’ve known a few small business owners who struggled to get enough credit to help them grow their businesses. But being strictly cash made it very difficult to do things like rent a car on a business trip. They finally decided to try a prepaid cash card which helped eliminate that issue while saving the business from extra fees and interest they would have paid with a conventional card. Yes there were a few other small fees involved, but when you add up the savings on interest alone, they were still able to save money.

These cards are available at several financial institutions and carry well known credit card logos as well. They are not covered by the FDIC, however, so one would do well to thoroughly research each institution and the cards themselves before deciding to carry one. This can be done through the Internet by reading a good deal about the various benefits on various web sites to help you make the best choice possible.

This type of non credit spending can be of great budgeting assistance as well. Just like using a conventional credit card, you can get a statement that can help with itemized spending. You never have to worry about over limit spending fees and since the card is prepaid, you know the money is already there to pay for your purchases. No worries or concerns with end of the month payments and no hassles.

Prepaid cash cards can also be the answer for those who need a fresh start with credit but have no ability to get credit. The biggest challenge is that at this time, there are no credit builder programs available with these types of cards making it difficult to rebuild your credit. This is a shame since a person who is able to show themselves financially responsible and has record of such responsibility should be allowed to regain a small credit line.

Again, it is always wise to do your due diligence and research all your choices before making a financial decision. It will be worth counting the cost.

Article by Louis, CardKudos.com

Zero Interest Credit Cards

There are many different types of credit cards to choose from including low interest, balance transfer, instant approval, reward, airline, corporate, prepaid, and even student credit cards. Obviously, you consider many factors when determining the best offer for you.
Chief among these factors are all the different rates associated with each offer including the APR (annual percentage rate), the annual fee if there is one as well as other cardholder benefits.
Bear in mind
- Low interest credit cards have either a low APR or a low introductory APR. A low interest rate
credit card can be a good choice for people who tend to either leave an outstanding balance on their credit cards or tend to pay their bills late.
- Low interest credit cards can also help save money by reducing interest and finance charges.
- Cardholders who tend to carry an outstanding balance on a credit card with a high interest rate may also benefit by applying for a low interest credit card for balance transfers. Simply put, with balance transfer credit cards, you can transfer a balance from an existing high interest credit card to a low 0% APR interest rate credit card.
Benefits that 0% cards should include
- There ought to be 0% introductory APR for at least the first 12 months and no annual fee. A typical example would be the HSBC Bank Platinum MasterCard
- special schemes like a rebate program, whereby cardholders earn a cash award that varies according to the amount spent annually. For instance, a cardholder may be awarded a 0.25% rebate for the first $1,000; 0.5% for amounts over $1,000 and up to $3,000; and 1.5% for purchases over $3,000 up to $10,000. An additional rebate may be added for any billing period in which the account carries a balance, so that only those who spend up to $10,000 a year and carry a balance will be able to take advantage of the 2% cash back rebate. A good example of this is the Chase Bank Cash Plus Visa
- If you have a good credit history, the introductory rate for purchases should be long-term, say 15 months.
- Look for benefits like purchase protection, smart card technology, discounts at certain merchants and retailers, a year-end financial statement, and various travel and emergency assistance services.
- Watch out for schemes like optional free rewards programs. For every dollar spent on your card, for example, you earn one point. Earned points can be applied to a variety of services and products. There is no yearly limit or expiration on points earned. As an example, Blue from American Express offers you this benefit.
Looks like a good deal
- Several zero interest cards offer merchandise rewards on items such as toys, DVDs, clothing, jewelry, household items and gifts. You can also receive travel rewards on items such as theme park tickets, hotel stays, and cruises. Plus, of course, there will be 0% introductory APR for a certain period on card purchases and balance transfers.
- There are cards that offer a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for up to 12 months, a high credit limit and no annual fees. You can also get a customized card with your business name plus online account management benefits
- Many card companies offer zero interest cards for those with “bad credit”. So you can spend within limits and re-establish your credit. Usually, such cards do not run credit checks and avoid credit turndowns. There is also usually no application fee involved. Moreover, on-time payments are reported to one or more than one major credit bureaus on a regular basis.
- Other cards offer unsecured cash advance loans up to a certain amount. Along with that, there may be offers of “guaranteed emergency cash” that you never have to pay back, and guarantees of no turndowns, no annual fees and no credit checks
However, it is important to read the fine print before you make a decision, so that you aren’t caught in a loophole later!

Budgeting While At Disney World

Are you planning for a vacation in Disney World with your family but are concerned about the expenses? Concern about the cost is quite obvious as we all know Disney World is not cheap. Are you thinking about the ways to lower your expenses for such a vacation but you do not want to make any compromise on the overall quality of your trip there?

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Disney World – How To Save Money On Your Next Visit

Disney world is the leading and the most visited theme park site in the world. If you are planning to visit Disney world in near future with your family or your friends, there are many ways to cut some costs. Here are some tips which will help you to save your hard earned money.

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How to Choose the Best Credit Card to Meet Your Needs

Standard Credit CardsAlmost every bank or financial institution offers a standard credit card. These are unsecured offers, which mean they require nothing to secure the credit limit other than a good credit record to back you up. The interest paid on standard credit card accounts varies and depends on your credit history.

Introductory periods are a way to entice you to apply and use a particular card. These savings can be substantial, especially when making a large purchase. Be sure you read the terms and conditions of every card you apply for and understand how the interest rates and user fees will increase after the introductory period.

Transferring a high rate balance to a lower interest rate credit card is another way you can use a standard card to your advantage. Be careful that you understand the transfer fee that may apply and the time limit at the lower rate to be sure that it’s worth the effort making the transfer.

Reward Program CardsThere’s a reward program for just about everyone’s interest, hobby or business–from airlines to telephone companies. The typical reward program pays 1% cash back or equivalent value gift card or merchandise. Additional rewards are sometimes given for purchasing from the issuing or select merchants. For example: purchasing from Amazon.com with an Amazon credit card earns double the reward points. Airlines offer points to be redeemed for airline travel.

Due to the cost of running reward programs, an annual fee is sometimes required. Be sure to read the terms and conditions to reap all the benefits of being enrolled in the program. Reward credit cards are a great deal for those who pay off their balances each month as its like money in the bank.

Offers for Consumers with Bad CreditThe easiest credit card to qualify for to help rebuild or repair a damaged credit rating is the secured credit card. Collateral of some sort, whether a security deposit, jewelry, stocks or other items of value, is used as a security deposit against the credit amount that is authorized. Typically, the value of the item needs to be of equal or greater value than the amount being borrowed.

A low credit line of less that $250 is often available to those who need help rebuilding their credit. These carry additional charges and penalties but can help you overcome the credibility problem you may have with lenders and get your credit back on track.

One last consideration in handling a bad credit situation is the prepaid credit card. These work like a debit card in that the amount available is already secured by having it deposited upfront into a bank account. The risk of running up your debt is eliminated by using these cards. However, there are fees that may apply such as startup, over limit, ATM and more. Be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully.

Specialty Credit CardsBusiness cards are specialty credit cards offered to meet special credit needs of businesses. Like traditional cards they offer rewards, low intro rates, balance transfers, etc. There are additional benefits that may make these offers attractive: additional cards for employees, business rewards, separate expense reports for business and personal purchases and higher credit limits.

Student cards are offered to begin the process of building a healthy credit history. The credit limit is kept low to help the first time card user become accustomed to a monthly pay-off or payment.

Which Card is For You?Only you can decide the purpose of credit in your life. Be a smart consumer and comparison shop. Learn about all the terms and conditions and how they apply to the offers you are considering. Read the fine print.