19

May 12

Identify and Avoid Phishing Credit Card Scams

“Phishing” pronounced “fishing” occurs when spurious sites or emails capture your credit card or bank account details. Emails are sophisticated, and sites look genuine so it’s very difficult, almost impossible, to catch phishing. So see if these tips help you avoid getting caught in a phishing scam.

Phishing Scams ask for your Username / Passwords

Banks will almost never ask you for your banking details via email. Any email you get with such a request is phishing. Never reply to such an email, never click any links inside it. Immediately delete it. It might be marked urgent, and might come with exciting offers; it might look as if your banker has himself sent it, however, if it asks for any credit card or bank details, its phishing. Simple.

Phishing Scams use Redirected Sites

If you click a link in a phishing email, watch your browser address field very closely. It might look as if your bank, card, or merchant site is opening. However, you will notice that suddenly a new URL has replaced the original one and you are being re-directed to another phishing site. Solution – never click a link in an email, always type the URL manually.

Always Use https Sites

The most secure sites begin with https://, not http://. Never enter your credit card details or password at a http site because it may be phishing. Similarly, never fill out forms in an email because it maybe phishing.

Use Anti-Phishing Toolbars and Browsers

Google and other reputed toolbars, as well as browsers such as Internet Explorer 7 and Mozilla’s Firefox 2+ come installed with anti-phishing software. Installing and using these are your best protection against phishing.

Keep your PC Updated

Regularly update your operating system, for example, Windows. Similarly, update and apply security patches for MS Office or OpenOffice because that’s a good way of remaining protected against the latest phishing scams. You will find most of these at the vendor’s website. Use and update your anti-virus as well as anti-spyware regularly.

Other Measures

Keep a strict check on your bank accounts and online transaction statements. Keep changing your password regularly and always use passwords which can’t be easily guessed. Keep an offline bank account whose details must never be used online and keep most of your money in this account. Also, use only one low-limit credit card for online transactions. If you see any suspicious activity, alert your bank and card company immediately. They will block your card and that will lower your risks substantially. Be alert, be suspicious, and remain on your guard at all times.

Matthew Lloyd writes for About Your Money. His articles provide users with useful advice on a variety of financial products, including credit cards. To find About Your Money visit www.aboutyourmoney.co.uk

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19

May 12

Is Now the Time to Transfer Your Balance?

It seems that with household finances getting tighter and tighter due to the global credit crunch, soaring petrol and food costs, and rising bills, now is the time to try and streamline your finances and try and cut back on your outgoings as much as possible.

According to recent figures one of the ways in which many people are doing this is by transferring their expensive credit card debts onto a 0% balance transfer credit card or a low rate life of balance transfer credit card.

Figures show that since Easter many people have been trying to transfer their balances, and it is thought that this trend will continue over the rest of the year, with many cardholders likely to spend a fair amount on keeping the kids entertained over the coming summer holidays.

There are now around forty cards that offer a 0% period of twelve months or more on balance transfers, which could suit many cardholders.

However, whilst it may make sense to transfer the balance from your expensive cards onto a low interest or 0% balance transfer credit card you need to be aware that there are now much tighter credit conditions in place due to the global credit crunch, and this means that you may not be able to get a balance transfer deal unless you have very good credit.

One official recently said: “Virgin, Capital One and Barclaycard have long been regarded as the fore-runners in the balance transfer market and again they are leading the pack. All of this is great news for consumers looking for a new credit card to transfer a balance. However, the recent tightening of lending criteria by lenders means all but those with the most gleaming credit profiles are accepted.”

So, if you do have good credit then by comparing credit card deals and transferring your balance onto a 0% or low rate card may be an effective solution to helping you to reduce your debts and outgoings. However, if your credit is poor then you may have no other option but to try and clear the debt on your existing card as quickly as possible to avoid hefty interest charges.

R. Charlton, award-winning writer, shares her financial expertise as a contributing columnist for Credit Card Comparison, where you can compare 0% balance transfer credit cards.

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19

May 12

How To Get a Credit Card If You Have Bad Credit History

Are those people with good credit scores the only ones eligible to have credit cards? Are you worried that you have poor credit history? Cheer up! There are credit cards that cater people with low credit scores. This score is a measurement of a person’s creditworthiness base on reports that credit bureaus keep. Those with low credit scores are categorized as people who have bad credit. But it does not mean that if you have poor credit history you can not anymore apply for credit card. Credit cards bad credit is designed for such people.

Availing of these cards does not only give a person the opportunity to enjoy the convenience and flexibility but also help one to re-establish, rebuild or improve his credit history. This type of card is also being available to people with no borrowing history. This will help such people to build credit history and be able to avail other facilities in the future.

Issuers of these cards normally reports to major credit bureaus regularly and help the holder to avoid bad debts. They would set limits reasonable enough to help the card holder spend wisely. They also provide easy access to information of the users’ account to make them aware of their balances and send early notifications and reminders of upcoming payment due dates. This would keep the user updated and be able to take necessary actions to establish good credit history.

A good credit history is built when a person maintains balances within the credit limits and pays the required minimum payments on time. It is therefore necessary for one to keep track of his transactions in order to avoid overdraft and keep account balance not only within credit balance but also within affordable limit. This is important to keep one from falling back to having low credit score. Improving on one’s credit score will also improve his chances of getting better offers on credit cards.

Most offers other features which are also available in other cards. There are cards also offers rewards, rebates, cash advances, and balance transfers from other institutions. But the user has the responsibility and must do his best to re-establish a good credit record taking advantage of cards for those with bad credit.

The other type of card which is similar in nature to bad credit credit cards, in the sense that anybody regardless of his borrowing score can avail is the pre-paid card also known as debit card. This is also a good alternative to these cards. The only thing is that, unlike others, you have to deposit the amount beforehand before you can use the card for purchasing. That means you only spend the amount of money that you have and not getting into debt. You can therefore choose which card is best suited to your financial status.

Lam Bong is an Author living in Sydney, Australia. He is interested in reading and creating websites. His latest website is about property law Sydney and finding the best r property lawyers Sydney on the web today.

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19

May 12

What Are Charity Credit Cards?

If you’re a person interested in supporting a non-profit charitable institution in your own little way, then perhaps getting a charity credit card will be best for you. With a charity card, you can support the charity of your choice at no extra cost and at the same time benefit from low interest rates. All you need is to just use your card when making purchases, that simple.

Giving to charity is a great way of helping people with special needs and organizations working for worthy causes. Somehow it gives you a feeling of fulfillment being able to give to noble causes in a very simple way and on a regular basis. You may not be able to personally visit the beneficiaries and officers involved but with a charity credit card, you can make a small donation that can go a long way.

Charity or affinity cards have been used by financial institutions for 20 years now to benefit non-profit organizations. This type of card bears the logo of the charity group but a philanthrophic in nature.

Charity credit cards work by taking a small percentage from your purchases, balance transfer or cash advances and donating them to charitable organizations. As long as you’re using the card, a small portion of what you spend will be donated to charity. A typical donation rate is around 0.25 percent.

These cards usually carry an annual percentage rate (APR) from 15 to 22 percent. There are some, though, that offer lower rates. Many of them charge annual fees and provide lesser incentives compared to the regular miles or cashback rewards of other credit cards.

In the U.S., various charity cards exist most of them operated by MBNA. The cards have different categories depending on your choice – environmental, animal, health and gender among others. The most popular, though, are the American Express Red and the RSPCA card. The American Express Red is supporting the fight against poverty and disease in Africa and donates a maximum of 1.25 percent from your purchases. The RSPCA card, on the other hand, donates 0.25 percent to the animal charity.

There is also the Anne Geddes credit card that allots a portion of every $1 you spend to the Anne Geddes Philanthrophic Trust which focuses on child abuse prevention. The card implements a point scheme. Anne Geddes is a well known photographer who has a penchant for taking photos of babies.

You may also want to consider the Make-A-Wish credit card. This card donates $0.65 for every $1 you spend on the card. The Make-A-Wish Foundation is the largest international organization that grants the wishes of children suffering from life threatening illnesses.

If you’re an environmentalist, the Ducks Unlimited World Points credit card may be ideal for you. Ducks Unlimited is a group that works to preserve land and nature. The card works two ways in that while it allows a user to earn reward points, it also donates a percentage of your purchases to this environment-friendly organization.

There are many other charity credit cards available that you can research on the web. Getting one of them is a good way to start your long desired and lifelong goal of regularly donating to your favorite charity.

This article is brought to you by http://www.CreditCardRatingInfo.com Learn about the different types of credit cards that are available, and get tips on credit card consolidation

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19

May 12

How To Make Your Credit Card Work For You

Everybody seems to be just itching to get hold of a low interest credit card. Who would not be? These low interest credit cards definitely offer a lot of major advantages over normal credit cards. Aside from the low interest, other fees like annual fees might also be waived.

Low interest credit card means you won’t be paying more for a credit card purchase. Since there are several low interest credit cards available in the market, it’d be better to first understand how these interest rates work.

Some credit card companies might entice you to sign up for their credit card by offering a low introductory interest rate. This could even be as low as 0%. This rate could go on to up to a year. When this introductory period is over though, you would have to pay the normal interest rate, which in most cases is referred to the purchase APR.

Customers might find these low interest credit cards very much appealing. True enough, these low interest offers could definitely help lower your credit card debts. With these offers, consumers can just transfer balances to whoever has the lowest interest rates. Fortunately for consumers, banks are in stiff competitions with each other. Low or even 0% interest offers can last to up to a year, in a bank’s effort to keep the customer’s financial portfolio.

Not everyone might be able to avail of these low interest credit cards though. Banks usually require that you have an excellent, or at least good credit score. If you do, it is likely that banks would offer you lower interest rates. Banks find it less risky to offer better deals to those who are known to be able to payoff their debts.

Those who have a great credit have good chances to obtain interest rates which are lower than a normal credit card. This could range from 9% to 15%. So if you have a good credit card, you might want to shop around some more first in looking for a better deal.

Having qualified for low interest credit cards, you’ll surely get better introductory offers. Usually, this could be delayed APR for up to a year. If you have this card, you’d be able to payoff credit card balances at no additional interests. This makes it highly profitable.

Low interest credit cards rarely come with annual or enrollment fees. Those who have perfect credit are surely able to take advantage of all these benefits. High interest credit cards with annual fees are usually intended for high risk cardholders, specifically those with bad credit.

However, it should not be forgotten that banks are for-profit organizations. Some low interest credit cards may come with a catch. Some companies might require customers to spend a minimum amount on their credit cards or else, additional fees might be imposed. Also, the moment your low interest rate period is over, which you might not notice pass, the normal and exorbitant interest rates would apply. These are just some of the ways banks earn to compensate for their low interest rates.

Low interest credit cards could really work for you but before committing to any card, be sure you have understood and read the fine prints. Usually, it may stipulate additional fees or conditions. It is best to be familiar with everything about the card first to be able to effectively weigh it against other low interest credit cards offered in the market.

Aaron Ballantyne is the owner of a credit card website with links where you can apply for a credit card which best suits your needs.

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19

May 12

Getting the Best 0 Percent APR Credit Cards

When you’re in college there are a lot of times when you need money but you find yourself tapped out. Credit card companies know this and so they send you all sorts of mail to sign up for a credit card. It’s actually pretty easy to be approved in college so that many kids get credit cards but end up lost in debt several years later due to exaggerated interest rates on these ‘easy to get’ cards. They approve you easily because they know they can raise the interest so high that they cannot lose!

I had seen several of my brothers and sisters graduate from college and complaining about all the debt they were in. Just seeing them stress out made me want to think twice about it. One of my brothers told me if I ever got a credit card get one with the lowest interest possible, because it’s the interest, not the balance, that gets you. He’d say that over and over again … ‘The interest is where they get you bro’. It was only afterwards that I really saw the usefulness of having 0 percent APR credit cards.

When I got to college I found myself in the middle of a dilemma. I wanted a card but I was a bit hesitant to sign up for one. Looking at interest rates all I saw were ridiculous rates. I went online trying to find a low rate and ran into a blog site that talked about 0 percent APR credit cards and how you can get free credit for life. This, of course, grabbed my attention because free was certainly a low interest rate!

I learned a simple trick that enabled me to perpetually keep getting new 0 percent APR credit cards and never had to pay interest! What I did was got one card and used it during the ‘honeymoon’ period but just before the interest rate kicked in after 12 months I would sign up for another card with 12 months as well, and I transferred my balance over, canceling the first card. This gave me an additional 12 months interest free! When I paid my monthly balance I never accrued interest! This meant that I never paid more than I spent, and I didn’t find myself buried in debt like the others.

When I saw them again (they live in different states now but come home for Christmas) I told them about my trick, and their jaws hit the floor! They didn’t believe me at first, then I showed them the paperwork. It was then that I realized how I could use this to show them how to hammer their current debt out by parking their balance on 0 percent APR credit cards, by transferring their balance from the card that was charging them an arm and a leg every month, to a card that charged them nothing. They could just do what I’m doing and pay off the balance. If they didn’t use the card they were cool. So far I think it’s working, I’m not in debt and my siblings are starting to get their heads above water.

I think the best part of this whole thing was being able to help my brothers and sisters with their problem while simultaneously keeping myself out of debt, well the kind of debt they were in anyway.

Do you want the chance to grab the best 0 percent APR credit cards and then having repeat interest-free cards for years? All this and great resources on saving money at Credit Card Balance Transfers and Credit Card Balance Transfers UK.

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18

May 12

Low Interest Rate Business Credit Cards

One of the advantages of using a credit card to finance your business operations is the ability to extend and effectively manage your business cash flow. Business credit cards with salient features such as low interest rates are considered the ideal card for businesses and their employees.

The interest rate is also called the annual percentage rate (APR). It is the cost of maintaining the unpaid balance of your account past a given grace period. Simply put, it is the price of doing business with your card company over time. The principle here is that the lower the APR, the more beneficial it will be for your business.

As with most major banks, a grace period is usually 30 days from the date of your purchase in which your company may pay for all its purchases without incurring any interest and additional bank charges. Subsequently, the unpaid portion of your account is then transferred to the next billing cycle for which your business will be responsible, with the corresponding APR and other finance charges.

The key here is to compare your own business billing and collection cycle with that of your card’s APR. If your business billing cycle collects its receivables after the 30-day allowable grace period, it would be best to get a business credit card with lower APRs to enable you to carry your unpaid balance longer without suffering exorbitant interest rates and other bank charges synonymous with unpaid debts. However, should your business collection cycle end before the 30-day grace period, it would be more prudent to secure a business credit card with regular APRs or fixed APRs, since your business is capable of paying off its obligations within the specified time.

In any case, try to look for business credit cards that offer cash back guarantees and other rewards programs for prompt credit card payment so as to maximize the usage of your business cards.

Business Credit Cards provides detailed information on Business Credit Cards, New Business Credit Cards, Secured Business Credit Cards, Bad Credit Business Credit Cards and more. Business Credit Cards is affiliated with Small Business Credit Cards.

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18

May 12

What You Must Know About 0 Balance Transfers

0 balance transfer cards can be the ideal solution for people who have credit card debt. While these offers certainly have their benefits, you should assess the facts before you decide to get one. If you do not understand the important facts, things can get complicated.

Read the Fine Print and Compare Offers

This is the most time consuming aspect but the most important. Card companies are always coming up with new offers to entice people to get cards. These usually do not have annual fees, but check the terms and conditions to be sure. Also remember that 0% APR intro offers are not given by all cards.

Understand the Balance Deal Limitations

Unlike in the past, the 0% is now available for fixed terms only (i.e., a year). During the time credit flowed easily, low interest rates were offered after the 0% offer.

This usually is not the case anymore. However, there are still some good deals out there. You simply have to analyze the offers and compare the rates set after the promo period elapses.

Balance Transfer Fees

Not only will rates be adjusted after the 0% period is finished, but there may also be balance transfer fees. The rate is around 3%. Here you need to make a decision: if you pay the balance within the 0% time frame, then you should get a transfer card. Again, you need to read the conditions so you know the exact time period allotted for the 0 balance transfer.

Make Inquiries

Sometimes the card company offers can be difficult to understand. If there is something you cannot comprehend, make inquiries. The terms should state the penalties for unfulfilled payments. If it is not, ask. You should also figure out how your card payment will be set against your current debt.

For Loan Applicants

If you are getting a big loan, you need to carefully assess the pros and cons that much more. Making a transfer can have a negative effect on your credit standing. Unless it is really necessary, it is probably best if your present card standing remains unchanged to a year of the loan.

Use the Card Prudently

The urge to use the new card will always be there, but resist it. A lot of potential problems can be prevented by using different cards for buying and balance transferring.

Closing the Deal with the Old Card

Some people like to close their old card when they get the new one. The fewer cards you hold, the easier it will be to track your finances. If you do close it, make sure you follow the exact procedures. Mishandling your old credit cards can have a negative effect on your score.

Also remember that certain amounts have to be paid if you have a balance. Check with the company for the exact amount; do not presumptions.

Getting a 0 balance transfer card can be a great way to deal with debt. As long as you are aware of how these programs work, you will be able to use these to lessen your financial burden.

Please click this link if you want to know more about 0 balance transfer.

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18

May 12

Consolidate Credit Card Bills Into One Low Monthly Payment With a Debt Consolidation Loan

One of the easiest things you will ever do as a credit card holder is get into credit card debt. Using your card, or cards, to pay for purchases that you cannot really afford can land you in a lot of trouble when the payment comes due. The more cards you have, the more tempted you are to use them, and the more you use them, the further into debt you climb.

An Introduction to Debt Consolidation

Nearly everyone gets into trouble when they are first awarded a credit card. For many, it only takes one card to get them into some serious credit card debt. It is so easy to start depending on that card to pay for things when you are strapped for cash or your bank account is low. Learn how to use your card wisely. This may take a lot of restraint on your part, but at least you will not find yourself owing a figure well above what you are able to pay back.

Now, if you find yourself in credit card debt, try not to panic. There are some solutions to this dilemma that will help you start to climb out of the abyss. One of the best resolutions is consolidation of some kind. If your credit is pretty good overall, you should be able to get a loan to pay off the balance of your credit card or cards. That will get the heavy interest rate from the cards off of you, as well as the debt you owe. You will only need to make one monthly payment to pay off the loan. That amount is usually lower than your credit card payment.

Get Out of Debt Forever!

Once you have yourself in a better position, put those credit cards away. This is the true way to avoid credit card debt. In fact, you may just want to pick out the best card of them all, and cut up the rest. It is considered a good idea to keep one for emergencies.

A trap you want to avoid is continuing to use your cards after you have secured a loan to pay them off. You do not want to be paying off the loan while amassing more credit card charges. That only makes things worse. When you have either taken out a loan or transferred all of the balances to one card, be sure you keep your payment at just one affordable one by NOT using those cards.

Where Can I Request Free Online Quotes?

There are hundreds of websites offering a free online debt consolidation quote to you. These sites will allow you to compare several major lenders side-by-side. Be sure to compare all aspects of your free online quotes, such as, the company’s reputation, success rate, loan terms, and interest rate.

Now that you are more familiar with how debt consolidation works and the importance of requesting free quotes, you probably want to see just how much you can save with a debt consolidation loan. A great place to learn more about debt consolidation, and get free quotes, is http://www.debt-consolidation-source.com/, an excellent online resource with lots of valuable information on debt consolidation.

I highly recommend the link above if you want to see exactly how much you can save!

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18

May 12

Balance Transfer Credit Cards – Are They Still A Good Deal?

There’s been a lot of press lately about the demise of balance transfer credit cards. The reports of their death, to use an old quote, have been greatly exaggerated. Balance transfer credit cards have changed considerably, but they’re far from gone and not likely to be going anywhere anytime soon. If you’ve been considering cutting your interest payments by transferring the balances on your high interest credit cards to one with a special balance transfer deal, here’s what’s going on in the world of balance transfer credit cards.

For years, credit card companies were able to build their business by enticing new customers from the ranks of those who’d never held plastic before. But with the numbers of credit cards in circulation rising and the average Brit carrying four different cards in his or her wallet, they’ve had to get competitive with each other. Thus was born the marketing tactic of offering 0% interest for any balance transferred from a competitor’s credit card to a new card.

Those 0% balance transfer deals were greeted enthusiastically by the public – a bit more enthusiastically than the issuers of those cards expected. They missed a vital point in their calculations – customers who switch cards for a better rate of interest have already given up brand loyalty in the interest of getting the best deal. When the 0% interest ran out, they simply moved their remaining balances to another card. To counter that, the big credit card companies started modifying their offers with restrictions designed to keep people from jumping from card to card following the best rate.

Some of those restrictions are openly stated and easy to see – reductions in time on the introductory rate, for example. Others are hidden in the conditions and terms of your credit card agreement. Those ‘traps’ make it all the more important to carefully compare balance transfer credit cards before you move your carried balance from one card to another. It’s still worth your while to check on the newest balance transfer offers a couple of times a year, say the money experts, but be sure to compare the offers before you jump from one card to the next.

Moneyeverything.com makes it easy to find all the newest and best balance transfer credit cards and compare them with each other. When you check into the offers you’ll find on moneyeverything.com, read the terms and conditions of each balance transfer credit card for the following things:

- What is the APR on your transferred balance and how long does it last?

There are very few 0% balance transfer card deals left, but there are a few. The 0% APR on transferred balances may last for three months, six months, nine months, or in some cases for the life of the balance transfer amount. More often, the APR on your transferred balance will be a low 1-2% for the life of the balance, as long as you conform to certain restrictions.

- What is the APR on new purchases?

Many of the new balance transfer offers require that you use your credit card to make a certain number of purchases per month. This is because the lowest interest rate only applies to your transferred balance. Any new purchases will be subject to a higher interest rate more in line with typical APRs on other credit cards. In addition, any payments that you make will be applied to your transferred balance until it’s paid off. That means that your new purchases will sit on your card accruing interest at a higher rate until your entire transferred balance is paid down.

- What are the requirements to keep your low balance transfer APR?

Most cards no require you to make at least some purchases each month to keep the APR on your transferred balance. In some cases, the card agreement will specify a number of purchases without specifying an amount. In others, it will specify an amount that must be charged against your card, and in some cases, it will be both a number and an amount. Remember that those amounts will accrue interest until the balance transfer amount is paid off and choose a card that requires the least amount of new purchase debt.

- What’s the balance transfer fee?

Another big change is in the structure of the balance transfer fee. Until recently, most balance transfer credit cards had a cap on the balance transfer fee – a percentage of the transferred balance up to £50, say. Now many have dropped the cap in favor a straight percentage. Before you choose a balance transfer credit card, be certain that the transfer fee doesn’t cost you more than the interest that you’d pay on your current card.

Balance transfer credit cards still exist, and will for years to come – but the terms are changing, and will continue to change as the credit card companies plug holes that allow consumers to use them in ways they didn’t anticipate. Keep your eyes open for new balance transfer opportunities, but be sure to check them carefully for conditions and traps.

Jon Francis has been involved in various areas with the world of finance and has a keen eye for a bargin! He has an in-depth knowledge of the credit card UK market and now helps others get the best from a credit card. For more information visit “http://www.moneyeverything.com”.

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