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Articles about applying for credit card offers.
Contents:
The Basics All Consumers Should Know About Their Credit Report and Credit Score
Your credit history and your credit score, good or bad will follow you for your entire life. Your credit report will be used to help lenders determine whether or not they will lend you money and what the interest rate and terms of your credit will be. Credit reports today are also being used by a variety of service providers and even employers. Many people do not realize that so many aspects of their life can be affected by their credit history and their credit report. It is important for all consumers to know and understand the basics of how their credit is established and when and how their credit report can be used.
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To start with, you should know that your credit report actually contains a great deal of your personal information. This information includes your name, address and previous addresses, phone number, social security number, date of birth, employment information and your spouse’s name. Information on your current and past accounts including credit cards, lines of credit, mortgages, personal loans, etc will be in your report. Also on your report will be data that is available in public records including any bankruptcy records you may have, any tax liens in your name, any monetary judgments against you and finally and records of overdue child support payments.
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Lenders are the people who most often will pull your credit report. They will take a close look at your credit report, your credit score and your credit history before they will loan you money. They look for a good score, but also at your history to determine your ability to pay back the money they will be loaning you. They want to know whether or not you have a history of paying your bills on time. They will also look to see if you owe any money to current creditors and how much. Every creditor that you have an account with reports to the different credit bureaus on a regular basis what you owe and whether or not your account is in good standings.
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In many cases, not just lenders but also service providers and even your employers will use your credit report. They can check to see what your score is and what your credit history reveals. For example many insurance companies pull your credit report and based on your score set your insurance premiums. They use your score to help assess your risk and your premium will likely be higher if you have bad credit. Other service providers also use your credit report, like cell phone companies, to determine whether or not they will give you a contract or to determine what types of contracts they will offer you. Even employers today are using credit histories to help them determine which potential employees to hire.
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All consumers, based on this information, should be concerned about their credit history and credit score. Every year you are entitled to a free copy of your credit report and you should take advantage. It is important to periodically get a copy of your credit report and make sure there it is free from any errors. Many times reports do contain mistakes that can easily be corrected by contacting the reporting agencies and asking them to verify the reported information. If they can’t verify it, then ask them to remove it. In addition to your credit report, if you would also like to know what your credit score is, you do have the right to obtain that information as well. You will however, have to pay a small fee to get your credit score.
<br><br>This article has been provided by Creditor Web. At CreditorWeb.com you can compare over 100 credit cards from multiple banks and apply for <a href="http://www.creditorweb.com/">credit cards</a> online.
Tips to Prevent Credit Card and Identity Theft
70 plus million people this year will have their identity compromised. Credit card and identity theft is actually one of the fastest growing crimes in our country. Every month people open their credit card bills and bank statements to find fraudulent activity. There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself. By following the tips in this article, you can hopefully protect yourself from becoming a statistic.
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Always keep track of your credit card and bank cards. Know where they are at all times. Only carry cards with you that you use often. Leave other cards in a safe place at home.
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Always get a receipt and immediately double check it. Verify that the receipt is correct and nothing has been added to it.
Only give out your credit card information to reputable companies. Never give your credit card information to someone over the phone unless you were the one to make the call and you are absolutely certain the company you are dealing with is legitimate. Beware of phone call scams where people will try to get you to give them your credit card number over the phone for some type of verification.
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As soon as you receive your bank and credit card statements each month open them and carefully look them over. If there is any suspicious activity call the company immediately to report the fraudulent charges. Almost all credit card companies have 24 hour phone lines so that you can report card emergencies any time day or night.
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Shred your bank statements and credit card statements; never just toss them in the trash. Do the same thing with your credit card receipts.
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Never share your personal information at on-line social networks, like Facebook for example. Identity thieves look for information they can use like your address, place of birth, etc.
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If you receive credit card applications in the mail that you are not going to use, shred them immediately. Identity thieves can take the applications, and with the right information may be able to apply for and get a card in your name without you knowing it.
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Never write down your pin number and keep it anywhere near you credit or debit card. Some people will write their pin number right on the card or keep it on a piece of paper in their wallet. This is obviously a big no no.
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As soon as you get a new card sign it. If it is replacing an existing card, shred the old one immediately.
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Don’t ever let anyone borrow your credit cards, even someone you really trust. You never know what could happen.
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Be careful when using atm machines. Make sure you are using a legitimate machine and be careful of lurkers that could be trying to get your information. Make sure you are aware of your surrounding and use your body to cover as you type in your pin number and are accessing your bank information.
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If you are planning to move, be sure to notify your credit card company, preferably before you move.
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Unless you use them, call and ask your credit card company to not send you blank checks in the mail. These can easily be stolen by identity thieves.
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If you do suspect that you are a victim of credit card or identity theft, know your rights. US law protects consumers, and once you have reported to your credit card company of loss or theft of your card, you are not responsible for any unauthorized charges. Under federal law you are only liable up to $50.00 for each card. Most credit card companies work with their customers who have had compromised accounts and will not even charge them the $50.00 the law allows them to.<br><br>This article has been provided by Creditor Web. At CreditorWeb.com you can compare over 100 credit cards from multiple banks and apply for <a href="http://www.creditorweb.com/">credit cards</a> online.
Is an Airline Rewards Card Worth It?
Most of us would love to take our dream vacation. For some that is traveling to the tropics like Hawaii or the Caribbean, for others it might be an Alaskan cruise and for still others it might be to a safari in Africa. No matter what your idea of the dream vacation is you most likely will need to fly to get there. <br><Br>
If you are considering such a trip you may be looking into airfare options and debating as to whether or not getting an airlines reward credit card may be worth it. Here is some information you will want to know before making your decision.
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When it comes right down to it, for most people an airlines reward card may not be the way to go. While their offers may seem tempting, you really need to take a close look at all of the fine print and details. Many cards do offer great start up bonuses. These might include extra air miles or a free ticket for a companion flight. The question is, are these offers along with the regular rewards enough to make it worth it?
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There are several pitfalls to airline reward credit cards. To start with both the credit card company and the airline, at any time, can change the rules and in the past they have. They can decide to change values of your points, requiring you to earn more miles to be able to redeem a ticket. They can also set blackout dates, making it difficult to redeem your miles once you have earned them. Even more frustrating, many have started to tack on additional fees for you to use your tickets.
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Redeeming miles in and of itself has also been a challenge for card holders. Many times, especially if you are booking during high travel times like Spring Break, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. you will need to book your free ticket almost a year in advance. Even then there is no guarantee you will be able to redeem your points at all. Only so many reward seats are available on each flight and they are first come first serve. As an added frustration, when you are able to make a reservation using your points, it is becoming common for the companies to charge you a booking fee.
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Other things to consider are the terms of the credit card. Most airline travel cards come with a hefty annual fee. On top of that interest rates tend to be quite high on airline cards. If you pay off your card every month this will not affect you, but if you carry a balance it could mean high interest charges.
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For most people, the value you get out of the card is simply not worth it. For some, however, it can be. If you are big spender and a frequent flyer you may find that the benefits do outweigh the fees. You will certainly want to take a close look and make sure you are coming out ahead.
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For most of the population you may be better off with a different type of credit card. Many people are now looking to earn their airfare in other ways. Instead of getting an airline credit card you can look for an awards credit card that pays you cash back. Cash out your reward when you are ready to purchase your airline tickets. Most cash reward cards do not come with fees and there are no block out days to get your money. Usually you can redeem your cash at any time. Watch for airline sales and you most likely will end up with a much better deal than using an airlines reward card. <br><br>This article has been provided by Creditor Web. At CreditorWeb.com you can compare over 100 credit cards from multiple banks and apply for <a href="http://www.creditorweb.com/">credit cards</a> online.
A Quick Look at Different Types of Credit Cards
Plastic today is a way of life for most people. After all sliding your card and signing your name is a quick and easy way to make a purchase. As long as you shop responsibly and pay your bill each month, shopping with a credit card is certainly a convenient way to shop. The question so often asked by credit card consumers is what card is right for me? There certainly are multiple cards, all advertising great features. Here is a look at some of the most common card types.
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<b>Balance Transfer Cards</b>
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Balance transfer cards are ideal for people who have a high interest credit card that has an unpaid balance. By transferring your balance onto a card with a lower interest rate you will be saving yourself money in interest fees. When choosing a low interest credit card be sure to compare interest rates on several different offers. Check to see if the rate is a promotional rate, only for a certain time period, if it is a variable rate or a low fixed rate. While the promotional rate can seem tempting, be careful. If you are certain that you can pay off the balance during the promotional time period then go for it. If not, usually your best bet is the low, fixed rate option. When selecting a balance transfer card also take a look at the transfer fee. Most cards do charge a percentage of the amount you will be transferring. See what it is and make sure it will be worth it in the end.
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<b>Reward Credit Cards</b>
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Reward credit cards are very popular and for good reason. They either give you cash back or some other type of freebie for using your card to make purchases. You can get a card that will reward you in everything from dining certificates to free air travel. With these cards watch for annual fees as some, not all, rewards cards charge one. Also watch for limits on the number of awards you can earn on the card. Many have set monthly or yearly limits. Finally, sometimes these cards do carry higher interest rates, so if you do not pay off your card balance each month the rewards you earn may not be worth it.
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<b>Student Cards</b>
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If you are a college student looking to begin to build your credit, signing up for a student credit card is a great way to get started. Many companies offer special student cards that require no credit history, and since most college students don’t yet have a credit history, this is a great way to get one. Student credit cards do have low limits. Some carry special student reward programs so be sure to select one that offers rewards that interest you.
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<b>Business Cards</b>
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If you own your own business, no matter how big or small, a business credit card may be right for you. Business cards come with some great features to help you track your expenses and your spending. Most companies offer an option to get multiple cards for your employees, which helps you to keep track of their spending as well. Many business cards also offer business rewards programs, so keep that in mind as you shop around.
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<b>Other Card Benefits </b>
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No matter what type of card you opt for, there are some other benefits you may want to look for. Many cards offer purchase protection or extended warranties on items you may purchase. Others offer travel protection for while you are on the road. Finally, many cards also provide some great discounts at a number of retail merchants.If these are features that interest you, look for a card that offers them. <br><br>This article has been provided by Creditor Web. At CreditorWeb.com you can compare over 100 credit cards from multiple banks and apply for <a href="http://www.creditorweb.com/">credit cards</a> online.
Rebuild Your Credit Score
Today, more and more people are struggling to make ends meet. People who once were able to live a luxuriously or at least a comfortably are finding that they cannot live up to their previous lifestyle. People all over the country are struggling and many people have found themselves with mounting debt, missed payments and as a result a lower than desirable credit score. If this sounds like you, you are not alone. Low credit scores appear today to be the norm, not the exception. If your score is less than what you would like it to be, there are things you can do to raise it.
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First, get a copy of your credit report and your credit score. Take a close look at it and check for any errors. Some errors do not have very much impact on your score, but others certainly do. Errors that you will want to pay immediate attention to include any reports of late payments or accounts in collections that are not true. Check each of your credit card accounts and make sure that your credit limit is correctly reported. If your limit is higher than what is listed call you credit Card Company and get then to update it. Pay attention to any accounts that state they were unpaid, settled or paid as agreed. If these accounts were paid in full, you will want to get them corrected. Finally you will need to get any negative reports that are older than the limit, usually 7-10 years off removed from your report. These are supposed to fall off automatically, but many times they don’t.
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You will also want to be taking steps to pay down your debt. Continue to make all of your regular payments to your mortgage company, on your auto loans and student loans. Paying down these loans early will not have a huge impact on your credit score. Paying down your credit card debt however will make a difference and the faster you do it the quicker your credit score will start to rebound.
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Your immediate goal will be to get each of your credit card balances below the 30% limit of that particular credit card. People who are working to get out of debt are often told to pay the card with the highest interest rate first, but if you are looking to up your credit score you should concentrate on the card that is closest to its credit limit first.
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If you must use a credit card, use it as infrequently as possible while you are trying to raise your score. Even people with high credit scores that are looking to maintain them should use their credit cards with care. When at all possible never charge more than 30% of your total limit in any given month. Even if you pay your balance in full each month you still want to follow this important tip. Each month your credit card company will report your previous month balance, not what you paid on it. Your score is not reflective on what you paid but rather on what percentage of your available credit you have used.
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Another way to boost the score is to use your old credit cards. Long term credit helps to boost your score. Many times if you have not been using a card, the credit card company will stop reporting it to the credit bureaus. You want them to report, so your score can reflect your credit longevity. Just making a couple of purchases a month and paying the balance in full each cycle will do the trick.
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Finally, be careful to avoid common misconception pitfalls that could actually hurt your score. Never close an account or ask a creditor to lower your limit. Don’t miss payments or make any payments late. This can hurt your score more than you might think. Finally, don’t open new accounts unless you really need them.<br><br>This article has been provided by Creditor Web. At CreditorWeb.com you can compare over 100 credit cards from multiple banks and apply for <a href="http://www.creditorweb.com/">credit cards</a> online.
What Consumers Need to Know About the Credit Card Reform Act
Starting February 22nd credit card users will wake up to new credit card rules as laid out in the credit card reform act, signed by President Obama last year. While the act is meant to protect the consumer and keep credit card companies in check, some critics say in the long run it actually could cost consumers more. The new laws could prompt the return of annual fees and cause many reward programs to cease to exist.
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It is also likely that credit cards will be harder to obtain, especially for those with low income and those that have less than stellar credit. Here is a look at what credit card holder should be aware of.
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Card holders will no longer see crazy interest rate hikes. Credit card companies will no longer be able to raise rates in most circumstances. There are of course exceptions which include variable rate cards, a promotional rate that ends or when a card holder is late on payments.
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Card holders will now have the legal right to opt out of any changes the credit card company makes to the card’s terms of agreement. To opt out card holders will need to call the company and close their account. They will no longer be able to use the account for any new purchases, but will be able to pay off the remainder of their balance under the old terms.
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Young adults will only be able to get limited credit. In order to qualify for a credit card anyone under the age of 21 will need and adult co-signer or have to show proof of employment that is enough to cover credit card bills. Credit card companies will also have to move off campus to set up booths if they are trying to lure students to apply for their card with free gifts.
Highest interest balance will get paid first. After the monthly minimum any other funds paid on the account will go to pay off the portion of the balance with the highest interest rate first.
Credit card holders will also get more time to pay their bills and clearer due dates and times. Some of the biggest complaints of card holders in recent years have been that credit card companies keep changing the due date giving them virtually no time to pay their bill. Companies now will have to give card holders a minimum of 21 days to pay their bill from the time it is mailed or delivered. They can also no longer make payment due before 5:00 pm on the date payment is due.
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Over the limit fees are will also be eliminated for the most part. Credit card holders can opt in to the fees if they wish.
Double or triple billing cycles will now be illegal. Finance charges can only be computed on the current billing cycle. Some cards in the past would compute interest due on multiple cycles.
Credit companies must also provide their card holders with information on the true cost of making only minimum payments. They must disclose information like how long it would take them to pay off their balance if they choose to just make the minimum payment each month.
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While the new bill does seem to provide some relief to current credit card holders, critics are quick to point out the flaws. There is nothing in the reform act to protect consumers with variable interest cards. Their interest rates will continue to go up as the prime rate rises. Credit card companies will also still have the right to slash credit, cancel cards and come up with new fees. Another worry is that business and corporate credit cards are not covered under the act.
<br><br>This article has been provided by Creditor Web. At CreditorWeb.com you can compare over 100 credit cards from multiple banks and apply for <a href="http://www.creditorweb.com/">credit cards</a> online.
General Tips for Choosing a Rewards Credit Card
Rewards credit cards have become increasingly popular. In fact, most credit cards come with some type of reward program. You can get rewards in just about everything under the sun including cash, gas, clothing, travel and groceries to name a few. Some reward cards come with a particular brand, like the Hilton American Express Card that offers Hilton reward points each time you use your card, while others come with a percentage back that can be redeemed for countless reward items.
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If you are in the market for a new credit card and want one that offers something back it could take some time to decide which one will be best for you. Here are some tips that should help you during your selection process.
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First, stop and consider what your needs are and what your spending and payment habits are. Are you a person who pays your balance every month or are you someone who often carries a balance, having to pay interest? If you pay off your balance every month you can be more flexible in your choice of cards, because you won’t need to worry about staying away from cards that have higher interest fees. If you do carry a balance however, it would be in your best interest to find a card that has a low APR, ...
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