January 27th, 2011 · Comments Off
Lately, some banks have been raising credit card interest rates on large segments of their customers and it can’t help but look suspicious. Their spokespeople claim that they periodically review accounts to make sure their credit risk hasn’t significantly changed. Then, or course, when they determine that the risk has changed on an individual account, they change the payback terms for that customer. Usually this means significantly raising their interest rates and/or minimum payment.
Now all of this is happening in the face of three significant events
1) The Fed has cut the Prime Rate
In the last several months, the Fed has cut the Prime Rate by over 2 percentage points. That’s the rate that many variable-rate credit cards are based on. All things being equal, that would mean that most credit cardholders would see a drop in their rates – even those cardholders who have very high rates due to their “poor credit risk.” But that’s not happening. What is happening is that more cardholders (good credit and bad) are seeing their rates go up.
2) The new CARD Bill has passed in Congress
Recently, Congress passed the CARD bill (the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure act of 2009) which, among other things, prevents credit card companies from raising your rates just because they can. When the bill’s provisions go into effect in 2010, credit card issuers will only be able to raise interest rates on existing balances if a promotional rate has expired, a variable rate is set to change, or if a minimum payment is more than 60 days late.
So in essence, from now until February, 2010 the banks have the ability to raise interest rates in just about any way they see fit. When the clock strikes midnight on January 31st, the party’s over. So they have every incentive then to raise as many rates as possible now.
3) Everyone is in trouble
Everywhere you look our economy’s in trouble. Like it or not, we’re all joined together at the hip on this one. What is bad for the merchant down the road is somehow going to ripple down to you and me at some point. It’s logical to work at this together, but that’s not the approach of the banks. They’re going after as much cash as they can because that’s how they roll.
So fasten your seat belt folks. The credit card flight is going to get pretty bumpy from now until next January. Watch your bills like a hawk. Get ready to make some phone calls and write some letters if need be. Make some noise with your elected officials. Give your local Credit Union a second look. Investigate prepaid debit cards. You’re going to have to fend for yourself, so take a deep breath and get ready!
Related to : www.eppicard.com bbvacompass.com
Tags: low interest credit cards
January 26th, 2011 · Comments Off
While considering the best credit card for frequent flying, you may face certain questions such as, which credit card will help to gain the air tickets easily and quickly? What benefits will I gain from premium airlines in my area?
Before going for frequent flier credit card programs, it is important to know the different types of credit cards available for frequent flying. You may gain your air mile credit card by airlines or banks. Credit cards sponsored by airlines allow you to travel only by a particular airline. It is effective, convenient and economical to select air miles credit cards from an airline firm, which has its headquarters nearby your area.
If you go for credit cards sponsored by banks, then you will earn miles from many airline companies instead of earning from a single airline company. Moreover, these credit cards are more effective, if your area does not have any dominant airline. Credit cards sponsored by banks have many other advantages such as the minimum mileage needed to travel may be lower.
However, purchasing these credit cards mainly depends on the miles earned whether sponsored by banks or airlines. Thus, you have to compare the terms and benefits of these credit cards.
More on Air Miles Credit Cards:
Many travelers sign the agreements to apply for credit cards without understanding all the conditions and terms. There is no such credit card available, which is beneficial for every traveler.
Hence, while applying for credit cards, it is important to research carefully on every potential deal. However, you will need to spend some time for research. By doing a research on the terms and conditions to apply for air miles credit cards, you will be able to compare not only the annual fees and Annual Percentage Rate (APR), but also the conditions to redeem your airline rewards. Most of the companies avoid showing these terms clearly and link them to some other page of the credit card contract. Hence, make sure that you check out the linked page as well.
Moreover, it is important to think carefully regarding rules and travel patterns. For example, if the redemption level is higher, then you may consider air miles cards with lower redemption levels. In addition, the terms and conditions of air miles credit cards may change on a frequent basis without any notification. Thus, it is important to check the latest terms and conditions from the credit card company’s web site.
You may find the best air mile credit cards for your frequent traveling by comparing few offers of different credit cards companies such as:
Mileage Expiration
If you want to save your travel points for large overseas trip, then purchasing a credit card wherein unused travel points expire after few months will lead to loss of money and time. Some air miles credit cards offer no expiration of travel points, while few offers a time limit for unused travel points. Thus, it is important to consider mileage expiration, while you search for air mile credit card, as unexpired travel points may save thousands of dollars.
Tags: business low interest credit cards
January 25th, 2011 · Comments Off
We all know credit card companies levy interest rates on every purchase we make through our credit card. But have we ever wondered why do they charge a certain percentage of interest rate? The answer is simple – for every credit we take, the bank whose credit card we own, pays the billed amount on our behalf irrespective of amount of credit taken (of course, within the credit limit printed on the card sheet). When the bank pays on our behalf, it loses something out of its budget or CRR. To maintain the loss, it charges interest rate on each and every purchase of ours.
In case we are not able to pay back the amount taken as credit within the stipulated time, the bank again monetary loss which it refurbishes with the interest rate levied as late fee. E.g., if you go for Fortune Gold Card offered by Kotak Mahindra Bank than the interest rate levied by it is 3.10% as service charges on outstanding balance. The same applies to all the other three credit cards (Trump, League and Royale) also. There are also the late payment charges which vary from Rs 350 to Rs 500. For bounced payment the charges are between Rs 300/- and Rs500/-.
The point is that when you take something on credit cards and the other person (in this case, the bank), pays off your credit, there is no harm in giving a small percentage as on credit card interest rate. Generally this interest rate amounts to very less money in terms of the credit you take.
Credit Card companies which circulate their cards in the market are regulated by RBI and so the interest rates levied by them are under considerable limits which do not pinch your pocket at any point of time. So, when it comes to interest rates levied by a credit card company, you should not raise eyebrows.
However, one should be cautious about the interest rates being levied. In fact, before taking a credit card, one must inquire about the interest rates and any other interest rates, if any. Once checked, one should compare these with the interest rate charged by other credit card companies and take the one which charges the least percentage of interest rate.
Related to : www.centier.com www.bankmercantile.com www.mycokerewards.com
Tags: business low interest credit cards
January 24th, 2011 · Comments Off
if you are looking for information on bankruptcy credit cards unsecured, you have come to the right place. Very simply, when you have just filed for bankruptcy, you will want to repair your credit as quickly as possible. This is where credit cards come in.
Of course, the first thing you should be aware of is that unsecured credit cards are very hard to get if you don’t have good credit, for the simple fact that the credit card companies have no recourse should you not pay.
These are generally reserved for people with excellent credit, as the credit card companies don’t have much of a risk in offering it to them. If you are able to obtain bankruptcy credit cards unsecured, keep in mind that it will generally be at a sky high interest ate, which can actually negate the benefits you will get from improving your credit.
However, if you are set on getting an unsecured credit card with bad credit, here is some quick information you need to know in order to get that. First of all, you will generally need to pay a small sum at first, should you fail to make the payments.
In addition to the sky high interest rates, this also ensures the credit card company won’t lose much money should you fail to pay off your debts. Your credit line is based on the exact dollar amount you put in, and therefore you obviously want to place a decent amount on your unsecured credit card if you want to be able to use it often.
To find the best interest rates available to you on bankruptcy unsecured credit cards, be sure to shop around. in addition, beware of the so called introductory interest rates. Very simply, many credit card companies offer you a low interest rate to get you in the door, and it will go up after the first 6 or 12 months, depending on the company. Be sure to keep a wary eye out for this, as if you don’t, you will be shocked at the interest you will be paying after this time period.
Related to : www.Cashloannetwork.com buy now pay later no credit check cbsmarketwatch.com
Tags: credit cards with low interest rates
January 23rd, 2011 · Comments Off
There are few situations that are as overwhelming as debt, and sometimes payments can seem impossible. Many times, people get so caught up in worrying about making payments that they forget to even look at what the debt is doing to their credit score. When you’re struggling just to make payments does your credit score really matter?
Well first off let’s look at what credit ratings are used for. Loans are the most common thing people think of when they hear credit score. If you ever need to borrow money you can be sure that lenders will check your credit history. This not only helps determines if they will lend you the money, but also helps determine what your interest rates will be. Some people suggest getting loans with low interest rates to help pay off credit card debt. However, if you have a low credit score, then you will be considered a higher risk to the bank and they will compensate by increasing your interest rate. Remember that generally, the higher your credit score, the lower your interest rate.
Other instances when your credit score is important would be buying a car, mortgaging your home, and maybe even getting a job. Yes, it’s true that some employers will check your credit history to see how you manage your finances. Whether trying to consolidate your credit card debt or just trying to maintain a good score, let us give you a better idea of how you can improve your credit rating.
Credit Score Breakdown
First, take a look at how your credit score is determined. Many people think that credit scores and credit reports are the same thing. In actuality your credit score is based on your credit report. The report is basically a history of your financial actions. It includes current credit accounts, your payment history, how you’ve used your credit, and if you’ve ever filed for bankruptcy. From these reports compiled by the three national credit bureaus, the Fair Isaac Corporation will determine what your credit scores are. Although FICO does not reveal exactly how they calculate scores, they have revealed some important factors that are included in their formula and their approximate contribution:
• 35% is based on your payment history. This includes how quickly bills are paid, how many bills are paid late, if any bills were sent for collections, or if you’ve ever filed bankruptcy.
• 30% is based on your outstanding debt. How much do you owe on car loans, home loans, or other loans? Do you have more than one credit card?
• 15% is based on how long you’ve had established credit. Lenders like to be able to see a few years of credit history.
• 10% is based on new credit. If you’ve recently opened a new credit account that will reflect poorly on your score.
• 10% is based on type of credit. If you’ve had several different types of credit accounts that will look better for you score. Just credit card debt does not look good.
Tags: low interest rate credit cards