Advanced Prepaid Credit Card Features

May 27, 2010

Technological advances have been made in prepaid credit cards which give them features not seen in traditional credit cards or ATM cards. In this article we will go over these advances, and how they make using prepaid credit cards easy and convenient.

Because prepaid credit cards do not come with a line of credit, customers can load money onto the card via ATMs or at online websites. From here money can be transferred to a paypal or checking account. Some services still allow people to write a check in order to have the funds loaded onto their cards.

More recent advances in this technology have allowed people with cell phones, laptops, or other wireless devices to receive payment alerts about transactions which have been completed. You can also keep track of your credit line using these devices.

When using a prepaid credit card you don’t have to balance it the way you would balance a checkbook. The balancing is done in real time and can be viewed via the internet or phone. This technology is allowing people to change the way they spend and manage money.

Many people are becoming aware of this technology since many employers are starting to use prepaid credit cards as an alternative to sending out standard checks. Once employers begin using prepaid credit cards to pay their employees they will save large amounts of money on check printing costs and other expenses.

People are beginning to see the benefits of electronically transferring and receiving funds. People will be able to avoid the high check cashing fees that for too long have been charged just to cash your own checks. Prepaid credit cards are changing the way that people conduct business.

Our society beginning advance closer to being cashless. There are both pros and cons to this that people need to be aware of. While using prepaid credit cards to make purchases and transfer money is convenient, cyber thieves are also anxious to begin defrauding and stealing money from people.

It is always best to use your prepaid debit card in safe locations, and keep track of all you transactions. If you see something on your account that looks strange or out of place, immediately report it. If your card is ever lost or stolen, cancel it as soon as possible.

No one wants to become the victim of fraud. Keep track of your expenses and if something looks suspicious, it probably is.

A problem called Credit Card Debt

May 20, 2010

Credit cards are no more a luxury, they are almost a necessity. So, you would imagine a lot of people going for credit cards. In fact, a lot of people posses more than one credit cards. So, the credit card industry is growing by leaps and bounds. However, the credit card industry and credit card holders are posed with a big problem called Credit Card Debt. In order to understand what credit card debt actually means, we need to understand the workflow associated with the use of credit cards as such.

Credit cards, as the name suggests, are cards on which you can get credit i.e. make borrowings (your credit card debt). Your credit card is a representative of the credit account that you hold with the credit card supplier. Whatever payments you make using your credit card are actually your borrowings that contribute towards your credit card debt. Your total credit card debt is the total amount you owe credit card supplier. You must settle your credit card debt on a monthly basis. So, you receive a monthly statement or your credit card bill which shows your total credit card debt. You must pay off your credit card debt by the payment due date failing which you will incur late fee and interest charges. However, you have the option of making a partial (minimum) payment too, in which case you dont incur late fee but just the interest charges on your credit card debt. If you dont pay off your credit card debt in full, the interest charges too get added to it. So your credit card debt keeps on increasing, more so because the interest rates on credit card debt are generally higher than the interest rates on other kind of loans/borrowings. Further, the interest charges add on to your credit card debt each month to form the new balance or the new credit card debt amount. If you continue making partial payments (or no payments) the interest charges are calculated afresh on the new credit card debt. So you end up paying interest on the last months interest too. Thus your credit card debt accumulates rapidly and soon you find that what was once a relatively small credit card debt has ballooned into a big amount which you find almost impossible to pay. Moreover, if you dont still control your spending habits, your credit card debt rises even faster. This is how the vicious circle of credit card debt works.

Looking for a solution to your Credit card debt problem?

May 13, 2010

Looking for a solution to your Credit card debt problem?

9 steps to tackle credit card debt problem

First of all, you can take comfort in the fact that you are not the only one fighting the credit card debt problem. There are hordes of people who might have an even worse credit card debt problem compared to you; all of them seeking to eliminate the credit card debt problem. So what is the solution to credit card debt problem?

Well, the solution really is to smash the credit card debt problem with full force and eliminate it completely. Now how do you do that?

There are many ways in which you can tackle credit card debt problem. Different people suggest different ways of tackling credit card debt problem. However, here is a simple step by step account of what you can do to get rid of credit card debt problem.
1. Take stock of the situation i.e. draw up a table with the following fields Credit card name, balance, payment due day (the day of the month by which you are required to make payment of your credit card bill), APR, reward points earned, redemption offers applicable for your reward points balance, remarks.
2. Fill the table up with data from your various credit cards.
3. Figure out which credit card is contributing the most to the credit card debt problem i.e. highest APR and highest balance.
4. Check if reward points can be used to make partial payments or cover any kind of fees or if the points can be bartered for something you need (spending less means preventing the credit card debt problem from getting worse).
5. Draw a comparison table of offers available for eliminating credit card debt problem (i.e. consolidating credit card debt).
6. First eliminate debt on the credit card that is contributing the most to the credit card debt problem.
7. Practice controlled and healthy spending habits (after all you are looking to get rid of credit card debt problem and not aggravate the credit card debt problem).
8. Look for alternative means of adding to your income (more money means earlier termination of credit card debt problem)
9. See your debt reduce with time and celebrate the day when you finally put an end to your credit card debt problem.

Remember this is just one of the ways of tackling credit card debt problem; you might devise your approach for doing away with credit card debt problem. Any and every approach is good if it fulfils the objective i.e. eliminates credit card debt problem.

3 Ways To Get Approved For A Student Credit Card

May 06, 2010

3 Ways To Get Approved For A Student Credit Card

If you’re a college student, you know how expensive books, movies and tuition can be. And if you only work during the summer break, you may be looking for a way to stretch your funds through the cold winter months. Fortunately, a student credit card can help. Find one with low interest and good terms, and you can charge during the lean times and then pay it off when you’re making money on your summer job.

To get a student credit card, follow these guidelines:

1. Find some cards for comparison.

It’s easier than you think. Credit card companies often set up tables and booths at college fairs. You may even find fliers or applications around campus. And you can always find a student credit card with an online search. Be sure that the cards you’re considering are specifically student cards. Credit cards aimed at students tend to have more lenient credit score and credit history criteria, and they also tend to have lower interest rates.

2. Pick the one with the best terms.

Not all credit cards are created equal! Since your student credit card is probably your first, educate yourself a bit about the terms and jargon you’ll encounter. Choose one with a low interest rate, since that’s the “extra” amount your credit card will tack onto your balance each month. Look for one with a longer grace period, too, which is the amount of time you have to make a payment before interest begins accruing. Other things you should look for is a card with no annual fee and a low late payment fee.

3. Apply!

Simply fill out the application–either on paper, online or on the phone–and answer the questions on the form. You’ll need to reveal all the basics, like your name, current address and phone number. You’ll also need to provide them with a “permanent” address and phone number. The application will include lines for information about your school, your school’s address, your enrollment status and your year of graduation. It’s possible they’ll ask about your bank accounts and employment.

If you’re currently employed or have significant savings in the bank, chances are your line of credit–the maximum balance you can hold on your card–will be higher. But even if you only have a summer job, you should still be able to qualify for 500 – 1,000 in credit.