Virgo Kitten

Credit card rewards information & Essentials of Credit Card Rewards.

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Scared of Rejection? Why You Should Try to Get Rejected More Often

Do you have a fear of being rejected? Some people get over rejection very quickly, but for others, the fear of rejection causes major problems. People who fear rejection often end up living very lonely lives because they never take the initiative in forming new relationships.

If you have a fear of getting rejected socially, one way to overcome your fear of rejection is to deliberately go out and try to collect a lot of rejections on purpose. Make it into a game! When you're trying to get rejected on purpose, it's just practice, so it doesn't really count. This strategy is used by some therapists who specialize in the treatment of shyness.

For example, if you have a fear of being rejected by women, set out to get rejected by many, many women on purpose. Make it into a game, and give yourself points for every rejection you receive. Once you have collected say, a hundred points, give yourself a meaningful reward.

If you're really nervous about approaching women, start out with just a very tiny change in your behavior. Just say hello to every woman you meet. Count up all the rejections. Decide how many rejections you want to get in a day, and work hard each day to make that quota!

Once you are used to saying hello to women you don't know, add on a new behavior, such as making a comment about the weather, or asking a simple question. Keep counting your rejections, and set a quota of rejections to meet each day.

Then gradually add more complicated behaviors to this list. Start asking women out for coffee. Then start asking them out on dates. If they reject you it doesn't matter. Remember, you want to get rejected so that you can make more points.

You want to get rejected so that you can learn not to take it personally.

You want to get rejected so you become comfortable with the process of meeting new people and talking to them without having to worry whether or not it leads to anything.

If you actually do this exercise instead of just reading about it, you can learn to experience rejection in a whole new way. Getting rejected will no longer feel like a terrible attack on your innermost being. It will simply be a light hearted exercise that you can learn to enjoy as you develop a new skill.

Getting over a fear of rejection can require a lot of determination and courage. It also takes practice, practice, practice!

You have to keep practicing new ways of thinking and new ways of behaving until they become second nature for you. A fear of being rejected doesn't need to keep you in a prison of loneliness. If you keep trying new social behaviors, your shyness and your loneliness can become a thing of the past!

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Monday, April 09, 2007

Are You Dating A Narcissist? Seven Surefire Clues to Tell if Your Boyfriend is A Narcissist

Do you find yourself in a relationship that gives you a little bit of concern that maybe this one has some "issues" that might cause a lot of trouble? Listen to your intuition. Intuition has the ability to pick up on a subconscious level hints that this may not be the right person for you. Do some fact checking and answer these questions:

1. Does he rage and then apologize and promise it will never happen again? How many times do you need to see this before you recognize this as a tactic of an abuser? Once is enough. Two times is too much. Go.

2. Is he 'too good to be true'? Is he your soulmate? knight in shining armor? And you know this on the second or third date? Better step back and give this one some time. No one is perfect and often abusers are charming and manipulative but not as they reel you in.

3. Does he ask you for money? Does he never take you someplace nice for dinner? Being thrifty is fine, but being pathological about money is not. Watch out for clues such as a someone with a good job that never spends money. Narcissists do not have a normal relationship with money.

4. Does he spend money unwisely? The other pathology surrounding money is that of the show - off. The man with huge roll of bills who is always buying drinks for the bar, but doesn't know how to save for the house.

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Sunday, April 08, 2007

Ukraine Brides - Reveal Your Culture

Many young couples in international marriages are facing one and the same problem and it is called cultural adaptation. Below are a few ideas how to survive this period.

Men sometimes find it impossible to understand women. They say that their brides have changed after the marriage but the truth is that they are the same, only their position is different and this changes their point of view.

Marriage is a dream for every girl. It makes her feel that she has accomplished a life mission. After the marriage women still feel a little insecure. She enters a brand new world with different rules and this scares her a bit. The role of the groom is very important in this period of life because he is the closest person to her and she has no one else to trust.

Brides from Ukraine are not an exception to the rule. After the marriage they are introduced to a new society which they barely know. They leave their families and friends. They leave their favorite places and naturally they do not know how to act. Sometimes they are afraid even to ask how to deal with some daily life problems because they think that they will look stupid and unintelligent to the others.

If you have just came back from honeymoon, you will have to return to your job and daily routine. Your bride will be left home alone for long hours and between the tv series and the housework she will often ask herself now when you are already married, do you find her as attractive as you did the first time when you saw her.

The culture of the Ukrainians is very family oriented. Basically it is society in which woman is equal to the man. Wives work as much as their husbands and contribute to the household not only with domestic work but with money too.

You can help your bride feel more confident if you support her in the first month and encourage her to go to courses for language learning for example. These courses are good because they are visited by many foreigners in the same situation. Between the courses and lessons, for the right pronunciation and accent, people share what they feel and this is often the same what your bride has in mind. Speaking about it with others who can understand her will definitely help her. These courses often function as groups for discussion where language is only the skeleton of the course itself. And the course is called adaptation to the new society.

When you get back home always find time to discuss with her what she has learnt and who she has met. Little by little she will start telling you other people's stories which will repeat your case. Do not interrupt her telling her that you are different. You are not.

Intercultural marriages are very fragile exactly because of the culture shock. Remember the time when you have been to Ukraine and you wondered why people do this or that? Have you suffered the enigmatic Cyrillic letters they use? Have you felt lost most of the time?

Now you know what your bride means. Unlike you who has been in her native country for a limited time, your bride will stay with you forever - (hopefully) - so as soon as you help her adapt to everything unfamiliar and new, the better.

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Thursday, April 05, 2007

Make a Woman Fall In Love With You

You've been out with a woman a couple of times, and you're crazy about her. You want her to be crazy about you, too. Here's the plan:

Invite her to your place for dinner. Casually explain to her, though, that you have to get up early the next morning. (It works best if you actually do have to get up early. If you don't, arrange to go to the gym before work. It's best not to lie.)

Cook for her. You've heard it said that the quickest way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Well, I've got news. It works for women, too, and I mean big time. If she likes you, or even if she's teetering on the fence about it, you very may well seal the deal by feeding her. It makes her feel cared for, and the contrast of watching a manly man like you perform such a nurturing act is devastatingly sexy. Roll up your sleeves just a bit. Let her admire your forearms as you wield a heavy skillet.

If you're not accustomed to preparing more than Hot Pockets, head over to foodnetwork.com beforehand for a couple of easy recipes that are sure to please her. Try the dish ahead of time, so that you know you can bring it off. Don't worry, though, if you mess up on the big night. She'll be delighted that you tried.

Whatever you do, do not allow her to take over. Put a drink in her hand and tell her that her job is to relax. A great girl will appreciate that. You will utterly and completely impress her. A potential pain in the neck will tell you everything you're doing wrong and will tell you to sit down, so she can do things properly. This may seem like a good idea at the time, but trust me, this type of woman will tell you what you're doing wrong for the rest of your life.

If worse comes to worst, and you render dinner inedible, laugh it off and order take-out. A great girl will laugh with along you.

Kiss her goodnight. But do not sleep with her. As tempting as this might be for both of you, you will score big points if you don't. Instead, take the woman gently into your arms. Kiss her meaningfully and soulfully. Remind her of your early appointment the next day and say you're sorry you can't spend more time together. Tell her you'll call her but do not say when. Walk her to her car.

Here's what will happen: She'll spend most of the next day wondering why you didn't leap on her as other men would have in your position. She'll know, however, that you're not gay because of the way you kissed her (a scene she's likely to replay in her mind all day long, incidentally). She will wonder if you'll call—and when.

Because you're a guy who's good to his word, you will call, just not right away (even if it kills you). The goal here is not to play games but to give her time to mentally savor the events of the previous evening. Give her time to build you up in her own mind. Whatever you do, do not send flowers. Don't email her. Let things lie.

Call her a day or two later. It's more than likely that she'll be absolutely over the moon to hear from you.

I'm sure you can take it from there.

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Monday, April 02, 2007

Work and Home Do Not Mingle

Today life is over stressed, both men and women are career oriented, they give 100% to their work. However it is not only the job where you have to give your 100% a relationship too needs that cent percent.

Usually it happens that you are very busy with your individual work. You are so busy that you get your work home. As such you are unable to take out time for your loved ones. There is nothing wrong in a professional attitude give your complete time and energy bur yes mingling work and home cannot be called professionalism. It is actually shrieking your personnel duties and responsibilities. If you share your experience about the day spend at work is perfectly alright as your partner should be aware of what all you go through during the day. But getting work home after spending more than half the day at work is incorrect on your part. You need to spend time with your mate when you are in a relationship otherwise your relationship looses its meaning. Then you become merely room partners and nothing else. If you are overloaded with work and it is unavoidable to ignore then you can get it home. But it is important to set some particular time for completion of your work and rest of the time you spend with your mate.

Moreover it is necessary that you make aware to your spouse that since you are so busy to need to give some extra time to your work so that your partner understands. Mostly what happens is that couples do not give any explanation when they get their work home and are totally engrossed in their individual work. This upsets the ones who are waiting home for their partners to return and get upset when their partners get engrossed in their work giving no heed to the one waiting for them. If you are among such couples then change your attitude and style for a happy relationship. If you are into the habit of getting work home regularly and not spending enough time with your mate then make sure that it will affect your relationship in the negative. Often you do not realize but such behavior causes the opposite partner a feeling of being neglected and rejected.

Your partner feels that you are not interested in spending time with him or her. If you feel that your relationship is really not working, then this could be the reason. It is very important not to mingle work and home for a peaceful, relaxed and happy life. You should plan out your work in such a way so that you can get time for your partner.

Everyone wants fun and excitement in a relationship and if you spend the whole day as well as the night working then you become a big bore and your relationship gets boring. Try to finish work on time and make it a point to never mingle work and home together as it does not let you enjoy neither work nor family life.

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Thursday, March 29, 2007

Beliefs That Harm Your Relationship (1)

We tend to have a rosy vision of love coupled with unrealistic expectations of the relationship which it creates. Some of us believe that love is enough to see us through the bad times and that, if people love us, they'll do anything to make us happy. Others subscribe to the notion that as long as they do their 'little bit' in the partnership, everything will be fine. Finally, everyone likes to believe that their partners will change to suit them. But, boy, are we all in for a surprise?

Taking each of these beliefs in turn, love is certainly not enough on any level. It isn't enough to hold two people together, because they need to be able to communicate with, and understand, each other and also solve problems together. The very next day after their honeymoon, they will have to find out how to share the same house, the same room, the same bed, the same money and the same ideals. In addition, they now have new friends and relatives to contend with. It's no longer the carefree dating scene the two parties enjoyed before their wedding. They don't go to their respective homes at the end of the day, or at the weekends. They are at home together, for keeps. There is no escaping that fact if they are truly committed to the relationship. Those charming characteristics they like about their partners, and the irritating ones they loathe, are now with them all the time. There will even be times when they forget that they love their partner! But, that's the situation any new relationship creates and its success depends on how it is dealt with.

The Need to Adapt and Change


Closeness with someone else might bring intimacy, but it also brings the need to adapt and change. However, we can tolerate only so much change without being affected or feeling resentful, especially when we are happy with ourselves and enjoy doing our own thing. Getting married or going into a relationship is thus a major change in our life. The rules of behaviour are different and, unlike being

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Friday, March 23, 2007

Be Courteous For A Happy Marriage – And To Save A Troubled One

The wedding celebration is summed up with the exchange of the "I do's." This is just the beginning. There are more exchanges of words expected. However, to have a lasting relationship, respect is the key.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T, respect is such a big word. It is a big factor in any relationship. It is the foundation of love and trust. Any married couple encountering difficulties in their relationships can simply go back to this fundamental.

To maintain harmony, each of the spouses must manifest respect to the other. Simply be courteous, both in words and in actions.

Most people associate courtesy with etiquette. That is why most people think it is very burdensome. Some people even claim that they want to be laidback in a serious relationship, that there is no need for pretenses or formalities.

However, courtesy is not all about table manners or social formalities. It is simply an active choice of doing the proper things at the proper time, like displaying gratitude when there is something to be thankful for or expressing sweet words of love.

Say the Magic Word

Do not let politeness be forgotten in the relationship. To be courteous to each other is not difficult. One only has to remember the magic words taught back in the kindergarten days. Here are some phrases that would definitely count.

1. "Please."
Requesting for something to be done will sound better if coupled with this simple word.

2. "Thank You."
These two words express gratitude for someone who went out of the way to do something special.

3. "You're welcome."

Even in married life, each of the spouses still deserves such sweet and comforting phrases. Their lasting effects are not to be underestimated. These words never go out of style.

Be Courteous in Your Actions

Courtesy can also be extended on many other occasions.

It would be a good thought to return phone calls. Leaving a note behind to simply inform the itinerary or destination for the day will also assure the husband or the wife. Remembering and celebrating anniversaries and birthdays are definitely plus points.

Do not fall out of these habits. Common courtesy is deserved by others. Coupled with the thought of doing such things will definitely make the spouse worthy of respect.

The simplest and most ordinary things done everyday are actually the best things to take note of when trying to improve the marriage. If one aims for more intimacy and openness in the marriage, such simple and intimate ways of communication must be encouraged.

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Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Communication in a Relationship

Communication in a relationship is so important. In fact, it is the vital key to success. So many couples fail to see the value of communication and just as many don't know how to communicate effectively. Learning this skill can make all the difference to your happiness.

Many couples are mutually abusive, which means they respond to verbal or emotional abuse with like abuse. It is little wonder then that so many marriages are dysfunctional. It is hard to create an environment of positive, loving communication when you've never experienced that kind of environment yourself. People who grew up in dysfunctional families with negative communication patterns often find themselves falling into those same behaviors themselves when they get married.

Once a marriage has broken down, neither partner feels inclined toward communication in a relationship nor do they wish to open up to the other person. Prevention is better than cure, so it is important to learn constructive arguing techniques before a couple marries. But even when things have deteriorated, it is never too late to set things right.

Getting Your Spouse to Open Up Again

Often, both partners in a marriage want to be perceived as "tough." They don't want to give in first. They want to show their partner that they don't need him or her. As a result, the communication gap grows wider. Neither person will confess what it is that is worrying them. Mistrust fills the gaps created by silence. Soon, differences feel irreconcilable and most communication in the relationship is either empty or dead.

If you want to get your spouse to open up and break the silence barrier, there are a few things you need to do.

Often, the reason that your spouse isn't talking is because he or she doesn't want to create conflict by confessing their feelings. We all have negative feelings about our spouse or our relationships from time to time. In many marriages, partners zip their lip and say nothing, repressing their feelings until resentment seeps through. In other marriages, partners react angrily towards their spouse and express their feelings through criticism and verbal abuse. Neither option makes for a healthy marriage.

Even if your spouse isn't saying anything to you, chances are that he or she has a lot to say. It's just that your spouse doesn't know how to bring it up, is afraid of your reaction, or doesn't think it is worth the effort to share with you.

You can get your spouse to open up to you again by creating an environment in which he or she feels safe and comfortable talking. But avoid these tactics like the plague:

- Demanding that your spouse tell you what's wrong or why they won't talk. - Accusing your partner of giving you the silent treatment. - Getting angry at them for not contributing their part to the conversation. - Feeling resentful that they're making life difficult for you.

Instead, this is what you need to do:

1. Practice your own listening skills. Instead of filling in the silences with chatter, allow those silences to remain. Often, one spouse compensates for another's lack of speech by talking too much. Your partner may feel that you never give him or her a chance to speak because you're always talking.

2. Cultivate an attitude of non-judgmental acceptance. This means that you unconditionally love and accept your partner, no matter what he or she says. If you often respond defensively or critically when your partner shares his or her thoughts and feelings, you are actually punishing your partner for opening up to you. If your partner tries to open up, acknowledge his or her comments to show that you are listening, but refrain from adding your own opinion until you've heard everything that he or she has to say. Sometimes, we just need to be heard, and it feels better knowing that our partner has listened to us all the way through without criticizing or condemning us.

3. Learn how to apologize and mean it. One apology, meant sincerely, goes a long way. When your partner shares a concern or problem that he or she is having with your marriage, don't resort to an angry retort. Listen carefully, without criticism or a knee-jerk self-defense. If you are too upset to think clearly, tell your partner that you appreciate hearing about his or her concern, but that you need time to think it over. If you come tothe conclusion that what your partner has told you has some truth in it, apologize clearly and directly.

Instead of muttering, "I'm sorry," look at your partner in the eyes and tell him or her, "I am sorry for.... I am sorry for having made you feel like you did." By telling him or her in your own words what you're sorry for - in other words, what you did or said that made your partner feel hurt - you show your partner that you really do understand.

4. Making opening up to one another a positive experience. It may sound wishy-washy or fuzzy, but verbally thanking one another for sharing thoughts and feelings is valuable positive reinforcement. A hug after a difficult conversation can make all the difference. It doesn't matter if you agree or disagree with your partner; what matters is that you show your partner that you really do care about his or her feelings and opinions.

Every time your partner shares something, no matter how little, express your gratitude. Tell your partner, "I'm glad I know that you like that/feel that way/believe that. I like knowing more about you. It makes me feel closer to you."

How to Argue

Most couples are exceedingly poor at resolving conflicts. But there are a number of techniques designed to help with healthier conflict resolution. Here are some of the most basic ground-rules for arguments. Discuss these with your spouse and agree on them together.

1. Abuse and physical violence will not be tolerated. If things get too hot, take a break or take a walk.

2. Avoid assigning blame. Instead, talk about how your partner's actions made you feel.

3. Be honest. Don't argue about one thing if something else is bothering you.

4. Don't take things personally. When someone is upset, they can say or do things that make it worse.

5. Focus on resolving the issue, not winning the argument. Think negotiation, not competition.

6. If your spouse hasn't understood your motives or misunderstood what you said, don't get angry. Explain yourself.

7. No bringing up hurtful events from the past. Stay in the present.

8. No going to sleep on an argument.

9. No name-calling. 10. Once an argument is resolved, forgive and forget.

There is no disputing the fact that effective communication in a relationship is the vital ingredient to its success or failure. Open up healthy channels of communication and your perceptions of each other will change for the better. These new perceptions will in turn affect your general behaviour toward each other and love will inevitably rekindle.

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Saturday, March 17, 2007

Credit Card Company Tricks

Don’t allow them gull you. All those solicitations you have in the mail for credit card applications are meant to reel you in and hook you. Big time. In addition, new bankruptcy laws in the United States and higher monthly minimum payment demands are in topographic point to assist root defaults on loans and to coerce consumers to pay down debt quicker. All of this sounds great, but credit card companies desire to maintain you in debt as long as possible. Please read on for all the stimulating details.

If you have got got had problems in the past paying down debt, make not believe for a minute that you will have it any easier in the future. Thanks to statute law introduced by United States Congress and signed by the president earlier in 2005, filing for bankruptcy to get away debt have go more than difficult. Much more than so. In addition, credit card companies have got raised your monthly minimum payment levels, in some cases doubling the minimum amount you must pay. See this last measure a side issue related to the new bankruptcy legislation; the credit card companies are not legally obligated to raise minimums but they were pressured into doing so in exchange for passage of the new bankruptcy law.

Do not even believe for a minute that credit card companies desire you to get out of debt.

For starters, credit card rates have got been rising steadily for over two years. As the premier rate travels up, your credit card interest rate travels up. Unless, of course, you have got got a fixed rate and you have been paying your measures on time. However, 1 late payment and, uh oh, you are in large trouble.

If you are late making a payment, even just once, you will likely be hit with a one clip late fee charge of $29 or $39. In addition, that "sweet rate" you negotiated last twelvemonth may automatically disappear. Zero percent funding can quickly turn into an 18.9% interest rate in no clip and enforced retroactively too. Even “lower rate” cards with annual percentage rates of 10%, 12%, Oregon more, can suddenly reflect rates of 24.9%, 29%, 35%, Oregon even higher!

This is all perfectly legal too!

Read your credit card revelation understanding – as if anyone even fusses to make so – for all the deadening details. Exceptions and regulations are the name of the game; there is a trap laying broad unfastened for you to step on.

The adjacent country of socking it to you is an old one: annual fees. Yes, they are back; for years, credit card companies -- in order to stay competitory -- waived annual fees. Originally, it was one small manner for them to extract some cash from you: you paid them something every twelvemonth even if you paid off your card monthly.

If you are like me, the whole conception of charging person to access credit is absurd. Companies do a mint off of high interest rates as it is; throwing another fee on top of things is both apparent and transparent! Now, annual fees are back. Oh, sure, credit card companies must advise you in authorship of these changes before they are set in place, but they certainly trust you won’t call off your account in response to the "new" fee or that you will forget the notice completely and simply pay the fee. Bash they believe that we are stupid? I believe so!

There are two other countries where credit card companies attempt to draw a fast 1 on consumers: your payment owed day of the month and payment mailing address.

Your payment owed date, which may have got got been "static" for years, could suddenly have been moved up. This agency that if you are used to paying off your Visa card on the 24th of the month, it may suddenly have got been moved to the 16th the following month. Without notifying you of the change either!

The computer address where you direct your money may have got changed too. Are this a large deal? It certainly is if you get off your payments in. Let’s state that you dwell in New Jersey and your XYZ Bank card payment travels to a South Hackensack station office. If you get off your payment in five years before the owed date, you probably allowed enough clip for your payment to get to the bank. Warning: Watch out that their payment computer address hasn’t suddenly been moved to Ohio. Your adjacent payment will likely stop up being late.

Oh, so you pay online? Don’t believe that the bank credits your money immediately either. I have got seen it take five years for money to electronically go forth my checking account and be wired to another bank’s account. The station office moves a live check faster than that!

A moved payment owed day of the month and a changed payment computer address are designed to do your payments late so that the credit card company can charge you a late fee and raise your rates.

This is perfectly legal as well. Are it ethical? Hey, we’re talking about the financial services industry. What else do you expect?

Financial establishments make money off of consumers through interest rates and fee services. Please make not believe for a minute that any credit card company have your best interests at heart. They don’t; they are in business to delight their shareholders. Get informed and take action when one of these "perfectly legal" patterns is pulled on you. You can get fees canceled and have got your credit card rate lowered if you complain; back it all up in writing in order to continue your rights.

A savvy consumer is an informed consumer; learn what fast ones credit card companies utilize and fighting back. Annually order free credit reports from Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax to do certain that unfavourable reports from creditors have got not been unfairly tagged to your record. Visit the Federal Soldier Trade Commission’s land site at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/freereports.htm for the best manner to obtain credit reports.

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Why Do We Need Credit Cards?

In the world today a credit card has become very valuable, and for many different reasons. More buying power, isn’t that what we all want? With a credit card that is exactly what you get. How often is it that your finances just won’t allow for a big purchase or you experience financial hardship? Credit Cards provide you with an alternative method of payment.

It can also be used as a way for secure traveling. For instance say you are traveling or on vacation and your wallet is stolen, if you were to be carrying a large amount of cash it would be gone forever. With a credit card in your wallet all you need to do is notify the issuer of the credit card and they can instantly cancel the credit cards and issue you a new one.

Would you like an interest free loan? Here is how to get one. Simply charge your credit card the amount needed. Then pay off the entire balance before the due date, or before the interest is applied.

Security of credit cards have become state of the art with today’s encryption technology companies are going to great lengths to protect and ensure your privacy. So that someone cannot simply steal your personal identity and credit card information. This is allowing us to use the internet for one of its main purposes, shopping and making our lives just a little more convenient. Also, if you have a credit card it gives you the choice to carry less cash on hand but still have the ability to afford those little or sometimes not so little unexpected expenditures.

However the largest benefit of having a credit card is all building your credit score, repairing your credit, or getting your credit in the best state possible. This is another way to prepare yourself and your credit score for future purchases such as a home, car etc.

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Cash Back vs. Rewards Credit Cards

Ah, the sweet rewards of using credit!

Not only do you get contiguous satisfaction with the bargain now-pay later plastic, but now, many credit cards offer rewards and inducements for using their card to make purchases. You can get cash back, or gift cards, or ‘reward points’ that you can pass on wares or services from assorted merchants. There are also cards that allow you to denominate your ‘cash back’ points to a charity – sometimes called chemical attraction cards – and those that put option your cash back into a particular nest egg account for college.

Great deal, right? You pass your money and get something in return. The catch is, of course, that you’re paying interest and card fees to get your cash back rewards. But if you’re going to be using the credit card anyway, you might as well get something back out of it, right?

Most cash-back cards give you 1-2% cash back on most of your purchases. You’ll get a check at specified time periods for the amount of your ‘rewards cash’. You can cash the check and pass the money on anything you want.

Reward cards give you 1-5 reward points for every dollar that you pass at different merchants and types of merchants. Most wage you 5 reward points for purchases made at their ‘Merchant Thank You’ network, and for purchases made at gas stations, drug supplies and supermarkets. You’ll get 1 reward point for every dollar that you pass at other merchants. You can then deliver your reward points for peculiar points from the merchants that belong to the credit card’s merchant network.

Which is the better choice?

Each sort of credit card reward have its ain professionals and cons, and the better pick depends on what’s most of import to you.

Cash-back Rewards – Pros

Cash can be used anywhere, for any sort of purchase. Gives 1% - 2% cash back on all purchases.

Cash-back Rewards – Cons

Rewards points cards may give rewards of higher value, particularly for purchases at merchant webs stores, gas stations and supermarkets. Cash-back can only be used when a check is issued.

Rewards Points – Pros

Rewards points are often higher value than cash-back. If you utilize the credit card for purchases made within the merchant member network, you can get as much as 5% value back when you pass your reward points.

Reward points are available to utilize on a peal basis. Some card companies may necessitate you to collect a certain number of rewards points before redemptive them, but reward point rewards are often more than easily available than cash-back rewards. Reward points can be used for cash rewards in some circumstances.

Reward Points – Cons

Reward points can only be redeemed from peculiar merchants and/or on peculiar merchandise.

Whichever your choice, it do good sense to get something back when you take to utilize credit. If you’re A frequent credit card user, the rewards can certainly add up. Among the merchants that belong to assorted Merchant Member webs are such as well-known companies as airlines, Saks Fifth Avenue, Evelyn & Crabtree and Smarter Edge.

Monday, March 12, 2007

Advantages of Switching Credit Cards

Switching credit cards is an mundane portion of life now whether it is taking advantage of the introductory offers or simply deciding that your existent credit card account is old and you are looking for a newer better credit card deal than you have got already. If you take your new credit card wisely the advantages could turn out good to you.

Here we are going to look at some of the advantages of switching your credit card and how it may profit you.

Lower APR

Finding a credit card with a lower APR could be good to you if you make not pay your credit card balance in full every month. Having a lower APR would intend paying less interest on your outstanding balance. (Do be aware of the minimum payment warning; always seek to pay more than than the minimum payment.) If you had bad debt in the past and could only get a high interest credit card then you may now be able to get a credit card with a lower APR.

Reward Schemes

Does your current credit card have got a rewards or cash back strategy included? Are you benefiting from the reward strategy you currently have got in place? It is better to happen a new credit card that you would profit from rather than have got points totting up for verifiers that you cognize you are not going to use. I.e. shop verifiers could assist you with your grocery store shopping or if you are a frequent circular air miles could salvage you some money on your flights. Think about the reward strategy and inquire yourself if you would utilize the verifiers etc.

Charity Credit Cards

If you have got got been thought for a long clip about helping out or donating money to your favourite charity opportunities are they will have a credit card that you can purchase. If you purchase a charity credit card every clip you utilize your card your lender will donate to your chosen charity. People can experience very strongly about certain charities whether it be through losing a loved one or working in a charity environment so having a charity credit card could set your head at remainder knowing that you are helping in some way. You will generally happen that charity credit card have got got all the other inducements that other credit cards have. The same uses to football game game credit cards, your favourite football baseball baseball club would have a payment for every transaction you do which would in bend be reinvested back into your squad club.

Thinking about switching credit cards?

There are many different options to believe about so don’t just lodge to your current credit card out of wont do your credit card determinations work for you whatever your circumstances.

Friday, March 09, 2007

Credit Card Incentives

Credit card companies desire your business. After all, lending money to people is profitable. Besides the interest fees that you'll be charged, the credit card company also accumulates a fee from merchants who accept their credit cards. In order to get your business, most credit card companies are willing to offer you some great inducements - not only to apply for one of their cards, but to utilize it for everything from car rentals to weekly groceries.

Among the inducements that you might be offered for using a peculiar credit card are frequent circular miles, phone phone call minutes, discounts and cash-back on purchases, insurance on your purchases and more. Here's a listing of some of the most popular incentives. Check around to happen a card that offers inducements that do sense for the manner you utilize your card.

Rebates

One of the most common inducements for using your credit card is a cash-back or discount offer. Generally, you'll get 1-5% dorsum on assorted purchases. Depending on the credit card, you may get 1% dorsum on most purchases, and 5% dorsum on purchases made at convenience stores, gas stations, grocery store supplies and 'member merchants'. The discount may be in the word form of a credit on your bill, a gift card for $10, $20 or more than dollars when you attain that amount in cash rebates, or a check sent from the credit card company.

Frequent flyer miles

Another common credit card inducement is frequent flyer miles that tin be used on a number of airlines for personal and/or business travel. Check the individual cards' terms and statuses to happen out exactly how to deliver your frequent flyer miles.

Phone Minutes

A new inducement being offered by respective credit card companies is phone proceedings to utilize with your cell phone account. Redemption is generally via a phone card sent when the amount of the reward proceedings attains a certain denomination, but your credit card company may have got different regulations and policies.

Additional guarantee coverage for the points you purchase

A few credit card companies offer extra guarantee clip or coverage on points that you purchase using their card. The further coverage is only available on peculiar cards, generally the Premium cards. If any point that you purchase using cards that are lost, stolen or interruptions within the declared guarantee period, the credit card company will replace it at their cost.

Car rental insurance, Travel accident insurance or travel-related discounts

If you travel often and usage rental cars, then it may do sense for you to have got a card that offers insurance on you when you're driving a rental car - at no extra charge. Likewise travel insurance and travel price reductions that may be available lone to holders of that peculiar credit card, or is available at reduced rates to them.

Credit card registration

Some credit card companies offer to register all of your credit cards so that if your bag or wallet is lost or stolen, you only need to do one phone call to alarm all of your credit card companies. It's a convenient perk to have, especially since it's easy to forget a card you don't utilize often in the heat energy of the moment. Taking advantage of a credit card register is one manner to be certain that all of your creditors are notified that your cards are lost.

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Maximizing Your Credit Card Rewards

In their quest to get you to sign up for their credit card, banks and financial institutions are coming up with more and higher incentives to entice you. Frequent flyer miles gave way to gas miles which opened the door for cash rebates and reward points to be used at 'our fine member merchants'. When most other things are equal (APR, annual fees, fees for transfers et al), the style of reward points and how you can make use of them can be the deciding factor in which card you choose to put in your wallet.

One of your best options for a credit card these days is one of the current crops that offer higher rewards/rebates for purchases made in gas stations, convenience stores and supermarkets. These so-called 'everyday purchases' are the market that credit card companies want to capture. That's why the big push to highlight the convenience of using a credit card for things like grocery shopping - a great way to keep track of your purchases, they point out - gasoline purchases and other everyday incidentals. In order to get you to do that, they're offering rewards and cash back on those purchases that are higher than those for other purchases.

Take a look at American Express' credit card offering, Blue Cash. The card offers a 0% introductory APR for the first six months. After that, the APR is from 11.2% to 16.2% depending on your credit report. There is no annual fee, no fee for balance transfers, and the APR for balance transfers is 4.99% for the life of the balance. Already, it's looking like a very nice deal.

Add in, however, the cash back rewards program, and you have a credit card that can actually SAVE you money. If you pay off your balance in full every month on time, there is NO INTEREST for 20 days on any of your purchases. The Rewards program offers you 1% back on all your 'everyday purchases' up to the first $6,500 you pay for with your card. In addition, you'll get .5% on all other purchases that you charge on your card. If you charge more than $6,500 on your American Express Blue Cash card, your cash rebate goes up to 5% on everyday purchases and 1% on all others.

How does that stack up? If you've budgeted $125 per week for groceries, that's $6,500 for the year. Pay for that on your Blue Cash card AND PAY THE BILL WITHIN THE GRACE PERIOD, and you'll save $65 on groceries for the year. If you stick to that, and also pay for your gasoline with your Blue Cash card, you'll get 5% back of those purchases - since your grocery purchases alone put you into the 5% bracket. If you gas up to the tune of $40 a week, that's another $104 in savings over the year.

Granted, taking full advantage of that sort of Cash back rewards program requires discipline and forethought - but it's not as hard as it sounds. It just means thinking of your credit card as just another bill that you pay in full each month. And that, after all, is the best and most common advice that financial experts give.

Monday, March 05, 2007

Credit Card Rewards to Suit Your Personality

Before you hotfoot out to happen a card that tantrums your personality, you first need to determine which types of credit cards you may measure up for.

To assist you understand what cards you may measure up for, here's a guideline:

You may only measure up for secured cards or guaranteed approval shopping cards if any of the following apply to you:

- You have got got got got got got got got got got got got got got got got bankruptcy on your credit report
- You have been rejected repeatedly for credit in the past 12 months
- You are in a low income bracket
- You have high debt that absorbs most of your income
- You don't have any good credit references
- In the past 12 calendar calendar calendar calendar months you were late paying major bills, such as as mortgage/rent,
utilities, or were late making payments on existing credit
- You have a low credit score

You may measure up for a low unsecured credit bounds credit card if:

- You've only been late once or twice paying major measures in the past 12 months
- You have at least one good credit reference
- You have at least average income
- You make not have debt that absorbs most of your income
- You make not have bankruptcy on your credit report
- You have a just credit score

You may measure up for a high unsecured credit bounds credit card if:

- You have never been late paying major measures in the past 12 months
- You have at least three good credit references
- You have above average income
- Your debt makes not absorb most of your income
- You make not have bankruptcy on your credit report
- You have an above average credit score

If you aren't certain of your credit score, you should tell a credit report or you can utilize the estimated prequalification usher at
www.creditfederal.com/credit-loan-prequalification.html

Now that you have an thought of what types of credit cards you may measure up for, you can get your search to happen your personality card. Listed below are illustrations of these types of credit cards:

Airline Miles Credit Card - this card is perfect for anyone who travels frequently. In improver to awarding frequent circular miles to the user, this card can also offer price reductions on airfare at participating airlines, such as as Southwest.

Cash Back Credit Card - this type of card is ideal for people who rarely utilize cash when making purchases. By making purchases with the card, users can earn cash back based upon a percentage of their charges. Some issuers seamster the card to the user's personality, by allowing a higher cash back percentage on charges
they most frequently make. For example; if the user mostly do charges at a grocery shop store, the issuer credits a higher cash back percentage for those purchases. Other issuers may offer higher cash back percentages for purchases made at participating retailers, such as as Home Terminal or Sears.

Business Credit Card - these are not only for large businesses, now even small businesses can get this type of credit card, and can get separate cards for employees who do purchases on behalf of the company. Again, some business credit card issuers will dulcify the offer by awarding price reductions for purchases
made at participating retailers, such as as Office Depot, or will present cash back percentages.

Retail Credit Card - if a individual utilizes a credit card only at one peculiar store, a retail credit card can offer price reductions on purchases. Examples of this type of card are: Sears Card, JC Penney Card, Wal Mart etc. Regarding the Wal Mart Card, users can get price reductions on Wal Mart gasoline purchases, which is
quite good during current high gas prices.

Shopping Credit Card - typically known as Catalog or Merchant credit cards, these allow even bad credit people to obtain an unsecured line of credit. Purchases are restricted to a certain merchant or a specified catalog, but nonetheless offer the ability to do purchases on credit. For people with very
bad credit, this is an first-class manner to obtain credit. Just be certain to utilize a card that reports your timely payments to a major credit agency so you can construct your credit.

Other Rewards Credit Cards - you can happen cards that offer a assortment of price reductions and free services, such as as free music downloads, free wayside assistance, as well as protection against identity theft.

For nearly every individual personality and credit rating, their is a credit card issuer who desires you to go their customer. Be certain to read all the Terms and Conditions, so you cognize exactly what you will get before you apply.

Saturday, March 03, 2007

Common Credit Card Terms

Whether you have a credit card or you are thinking of getting one, what ever is the type of credit card, there is a simple credit card jargon that you must be aware of.

Credit Cards: This is a card issued by a financial institution that allows the cardholder to use credit to purchase goods and services up to a predetermined limit. The cardholder gets a monthly statement and then he/she has to pay back. There is an interest on the amount credited.

Credit Limit: This is the maximum amount you are allowed to spend on the credit card. How much credit limit you get depends on you credit history and the type of credit card you own (gold or Platinum Cards).

Credit History or Credit Scoring: This is your track record of how you have paid accounts in the past. It is important from the creditor’s point of view since it determines whether you are likely to pay accounts on time in the future or not.

Gold and Platinum Cards: These are credit cards issued to high-end earners. These have high or no credit limit. They come bundled with a number of services and benefits not available to a standard cardholder.

Annual Percentage Rate (APR): It is the annual interest rate or percentage you pay on the outstanding balance of credit as an interest or fee. It is also called annual interest rate.

Annual Fees: Annual fees is basically a maintenance fee that the credit card issuers charge from the cardholders annually against the costs incurred in maintaining accounts and providing services.

Introductory Period: Credit card market is highly competitive in UK so a number of credit card companies offer a low rate of interest on outstanding balances on your account for an initial period. This initial period is called introductory period, which can last for 6 to 12 months depending on the offer.

Balance Transfers: This is another term that has emerged out of the credit card market competition in UK. Say if you have an outstanding balance in your account on which you are paying interest but you find another market offer that makes your pocket breath easy then you can transfer your outstanding balance to a new account by paying certain percentage of balance transfer. Some credit card companies offer balance transfer as low as 0% in introductory period.

Reward Program: It is a point-accumulating program based on purchases or transactions made on your card. You can redeem your reward point against cash back, discounts or free air miles according to the program you enroll for.

PIN (Personal Identification Number): It is the secret code chosen by you for your card. You can access your money and perform banking transactions through the ATM or make purchases without signing a sales receipt at merchants that have PIN pads, using this code. Don't share your PIN with anyone.

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

How to Make the Most of Your Credit Card Rewards

Many great credit card companies are now offering their loyal cardholders credit card rewards. This supplies the cardholder an chance to derive awards just because they utilize their card. It is a great inducement for those that may not utilize their card much. The more than than credit card rewards they will receive, the more likely they are to utilize their card more frequently. Credit card companies recognize that they net income more when ardholders utilize their cards more, and so the procedure is profitable to all involved.

Programs

Each card that offers credit card rewards will have got slightly different programs than the rest. Some volition offer a cash back reward, which is essentially giving the cardholder a certain percentage of their disbursement amount back. This is usually done annually or may be done monthly. These cards are great for those who utilize their cards frequently but don’t have got clip to deal with points and other credit card rewards other cards may offer. Some credit cards rewards will be offered in the word form of sky miles or other flying incentives. These credit card rewards are perfect for the cardholder who travels frequently. If the cardholder is saving up their points for a free flight, they will be much more than likely to utilize their card rather than cash. Other credit card rewards include other miscellaneous prizes. Some cards will allow their cardholders to take from a choice of prizes.

Making The Most Of Rewards

The best manner to do the most of your credit card rewards is by simply taking advantage of them. Credit card companies are amazed at the amount of cardholders who never deliver their rewards. They utilize their cards frequently and collect prizes, however they never take the clip to get the prizes. The thing about credit card rewards is that unless you have got got a cash back program, you have to reach the company to get your prizes. Many cardholders forget about the programs or simply don’t have got got clip to deal with them.

If you do have your eyes on a prize, then you can make the most of the credit card rewards programs by using your card frequently. Use your card instead of cash and simply pay off the balance before any interest collects. This manner you can get near to your award without being out any extra cash.

Credit card rewards are a fantastic manner to get excited about using your credit card. Those who usually carry cards filled to their upper limit and who only pay the minimum each calendar month may not be as excited about the credit card rewards. Unless you are able to utilize the card, you will not benefit. So, if your card have reached its upper limit balance, work on paying it down to begin benefiting from the credit cards rewards programs.

Monday, February 26, 2007

Gas Rewards Credit Cards Save You Money At The Pumps

Gas terms breaking your budget? Switch to a cash back credit card rewards program and salvage 2% to 5% on all your purchases at your favourite gas station. For credit understanding consumers that tin do a difference in existent dollars and cents.

Branded gas company cards can cost you

By using a major credit card offered by Visa, Mastercard or American Express for your gasoline purchases you can salvage a batch of money over a branded gas company card, such as as Shell, Amoco, Citgo or Exxon. Usually these gasoline branded cards have got a much higher interest rate, usually about 21% Oregon more.

Transfer your balance and you could salvage even more

Another plus - by transferring your credit card to a cash rewards credit card, you can often take advantage of a 0% APR credit card balance transfer, and salvage even more. As gasoline terms edge ever higher, this tin be a welcome breathing place to a labored household budget.

How cash back credit card rewards or discounts work

Typically, cash rewards cards offer you discounts on all purchases, including groceries, retail items, film tickets as well as gas. Cash back credit card rewards are sent to you either as a check or as a credit to your account. These amounts can add up significantly if you travel or set in many miles commuting.

Not all cash rewards are alike

Some gas companies will “brand” their company particular card with a Visa, or Mastercard logo, for example, and can be used anywhere—but you will only have a cash reward if you purchase gas from that specific station. These types of cards are limiting as to how and where you can utilize them, and you won’t always get the lowest terms on gas.

If you really desire to save

For consumers who pay off their credit card balances every month, this type of cash back credit card can really be beneficial, by providing a cash rewards with lone a nominal finance charge. Look for a credit card offer with no annual fee, or transfer your balance to a 0% APR credit card that also offers cash back rebates.

So, if gas terms are breaking you budget, see switching to a gas rewards credit card offering cash back. Used wisely, cash back credit cards can be a utile tool in reconciliation your budget.

Copyright 2005 Erectile Dysfunction Vegliante. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left integral with a unrecorded nexus back to http://www.credit-card-surplus.com .

Friday, February 23, 2007

The Perils of the Property Ladder: Has Anyone Noticed the Silence?

There was a clip when every conversation was focussed on property and every other television programme was about property makeovers. Everybody wanted to get into property and those already on the ladder seemed fixated on becoming affluent overnight. Remember those media-nominated millionaires who bought property for thousands and sold it for a million? How excited we all were, rich - with hardly any effort.

But recently it’s been rather quiet. Those who have got got got got got yet to purchase their first home have go sceptical, if not bored by chasing impossibly low-cost homes and those who have bought property have go nervous, if not by the commentary that house terms are falling, but by the fact that they have bought property on top of other debts and the realization that repayments are becoming more than difficult.

According to the Department of Trade and Industry, bankruptcies are still on the increase, up almost a 3rd on the former year. In the up-to-the-minute debt statistics by Credit Action, United Kingdom economic expert Vicky Redwood from Capital Economics states that the degree of personal debt is at breakage point:

“It is improbable that the numbers have got peaked but we gauge that households must be feeling the hurting of borrowing too much. People are paying the equivalent of about 20 per cent of their disposable income on interest and debt repayments – the highest since 1990.”

In a study by the Citizens’ Advice Agency (CAB), the three most common grounds for debt problems were quoted as:

* Sudden change inch personal fortune – consequent typically from occupation loss, human relationship dislocation or illness;

* Low income – the effects of life for a long clip on a low degree of income; and

* Over-commitment – in some cases related to money mismanagement.

It is the 3rd ground that is often highlighted in the linguistic context of mortgage borrowing. In a fourth estate release regarding the Chancellor’s proposals to present cheaper mortgages, Keith Tondeur, Director of Credit Action warned that:

“At first glimpse the offer of aid to first clip buyers sounds useful. However this strategy come ups at a clip when after respective old age of steep rises the market is cooling. One inquiry that we should be asking is whether this is being done to maintain the lodging market floaty so that people experience confident and therefore maintain on spending”.

"House terms are undoubtedly too high for many people to afford which explicates why numbers of first clip buyers have got been falling, with the average age of a first clip buyer rising sharply. This strategy could therefore, if care is not taken, make a false market and lead to first clip buyers taking on a large amount of long term debt that they could well fight to repay."

The seduction of the property market may cause a barbarous circle of debt: if people borrow more than than they can afford, they may damage their credit record if repayments cannot be met. An adverse credit record will trade name the borrower “sub-prime”, and is likely to motivate less favourable credit options later in life. It is true that merchandises such as non-standard mortgages, adverse loans and adverse credit cards function a purpose, but their rates will always be less favourable than standard products.

In improver to self-inflicted debt, it is also possible for your credit record to be manipulated by other parties. In June earlier this year, Callcredit issued a warning to guard against identity fraud when moving house.

“Homeowners World Health Organization neglect to check their credit data file before they travel and register themselves on the Electoral Axial Rotation once they have got moved are at hazard from:

* Identity fraud – a fraudster could obtain adequate financial information about you from your trash to run up debts at your old computer address without your knowledge. People who just cut up cards and don't state their lender are particularly at hazard from this type of fraud.

* Credit refusal – a person's credit history have to add up to the lender when you apply for credit, if you don't look on the Electoral Axial Rotation at your current computer address it will do it more than hard to get credit.”

If you’re thought about purchasing a house, seek the following land sites for starting your ain investigator work in determination a good mortgage:

* Brand certain your credit record is in good shape: ( http://www.checkmyfile.com/ )

* Don’t be lazy, store around for the best mortgage: ( http://www.moneynet.co.uk/ )

Make certain you maintain your finances flexible; guarantee you cognize what you can afford and for how long you can afford it. What was the best mortgage, current account, ISA account five old age ago, may not be performing as effectively now.

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Important Things to Know About Divorce and Credit

Joint debts stay joint debts.

Both partners signed a legally binding contract with the creditor, and a divorcement edict neither damages this contract nor relieves the creditor's investing in you. Amendment of any contract necessitates understanding by all parties, including the creditor, and cogent evidence of the amendment necessitates the signature of all parties. During a divorce, the creditors are not portion of the divorcement courts, and therefore the original agreements/contracts stand.

If you have got a joint financial duty with your ex-spouse, and your divorcement edict states that your ex-spouse is responsible, and your ex-spouse is delinquent on paying, your credit as well as his/hers is affected. As is stated above, your legal duty for a debt makes not travel away because a divorcement edict delegates duty for a debt to your ex-spouse. Along with a legal duty to pay come ups the right of the creditor to report a debt delinquent on your credit report if it's not paid as agreed in the original contract.

Especially tragical are states of affairs where one ex-spouse files bankruptcy and includes many joint debts in the bankruptcy. The partner not filing bankruptcy is left holding the bag for these joint debts, and many modern times they're not notified of the ex-spouse's filing until calendar months or old age down the route when it's too late to rectify the situation. So not only is the partner who didn't register responsible for the unpaid debts and can be legally sued for them, but the non-filing bankruptcy spouse's credit is also ruined, something that cannot be corrected, as the credit bureaus have got the right to report them delinquent.

The intent of divorcement is to divide off emotionally and financially from your ex-spouse. If you aren't careful, your spouse's handling of your once-joint accounts can stalk for years. If you had joint debts which existed before your divorce, and these accounts are not both paid off and closed, you're just asking for trouble. Also, although some divorcing couples are definitely out to get each other, most problems with joint accounts prior to divorcement are caused by ignorance, not malicious intent. Don't believe that just because your split is amicable that problems can't occur. Taking safeguards can protect BOTH of you. Order a credit report and reappraisal all outstanding debts.

You may tell a free credit report transcript at www.creditfederal.com/credit-report.html

Sunday, February 18, 2007

Advantages of Switching Credit Cards

Switching credit cards is an everyday part of life now whether it is taking advantage of the introductory offers or simply deciding that your existing credit card account is old and you are looking for a newer better credit card deal than you have already. If you choose your new credit card wisely the advantages could prove beneficial to you.

Here we are going to look at some of the advantages of switching your credit card and how it may benefit you.

Lower APR

Finding a credit card with a lower APR could be beneficial to you if you do not pay your credit card balance in full every month. Having a lower APR would mean paying less interest on your outstanding balance. (Do be aware of the minimum payment warning; always try to pay more than the minimum payment.) If you had bad debt in the past and could only get a high interest credit card then you may now be able to get a credit card with a lower APR.

Reward Schemes

Does your current credit card have a rewards or cash back scheme included? Are you benefiting from the reward scheme you currently have in place? It is better to find a new credit card that you would benefit from rather than have points totting up for vouchers that you know you are not going to use. I.e. store vouchers could help you with your grocery shopping or if you are a frequent flyer air miles could save you some money on your flights. Think about the reward scheme and ask yourself if you would use the vouchers etc.

Charity Credit Cards

If you have been thinking for a long time about helping out or donating money to your favorite charity chances are they will have a credit card that you can purchase. If you purchase a charity credit card every time you use your card your lender will donate to your chosen charity. People can feel very strongly about certain charities whether it be through losing a loved one or working in a charity environment so having a charity credit card could put your mind at rest knowing that you are helping in some way. You will generally find that charity credit card have all the other incentives that other credit cards have. The same applies to football credit cards, your favorite football club would receive a payment for every transaction you make which would in turn be reinvested back into your team club.

Thinking about switching credit cards?

There are many different options to think about so don’t just stick to your current credit card out of habit make your credit card decisions work for you whatever your circumstances.

Friday, February 16, 2007

Credit Card Incentives

Credit card companies desire your business. After all, lending money to people is profitable. Besides the interest fees that you'll be charged, the credit card company also accumulates a fee from merchants who accept their credit cards. In order to get your business, most credit card companies are willing to offer you some great inducements - not only to apply for one of their cards, but to utilize it for everything from car rentals to weekly groceries.

Among the inducements that you might be offered for using a peculiar credit card are frequent circular miles, phone phone call minutes, discounts and cash-back on purchases, insurance on your purchases and more. Here's a listing of some of the most popular incentives. Check around to happen a card that offers inducements that do sense for the manner you utilize your card.

Rebates

One of the most common inducements for using your credit card is a cash-back or discount offer. Generally, you'll get 1-5% dorsum on assorted purchases. Depending on the credit card, you may get 1% dorsum on most purchases, and 5% dorsum on purchases made at convenience stores, gas stations, grocery store supplies and 'member merchants'. The discount may be in the word form of a credit on your bill, a gift card for $10, $20 or more than dollars when you attain that amount in cash rebates, or a check sent from the credit card company.

Frequent flyer miles

Another common credit card inducement is frequent flyer miles that tin be used on a number of airlines for personal and/or business travel. Check the individual cards' terms and statuses to happen out exactly how to deliver your frequent flyer miles.

Phone Minutes

A new inducement being offered by respective credit card companies is phone proceedings to utilize with your cell phone account. Redemption is generally via a phone card sent when the amount of the reward proceedings attains a certain denomination, but your credit card company may have got different regulations and policies.

Additional guarantee coverage for the points you purchase

A few credit card companies offer extra guarantee clip or coverage on points that you purchase using their card. The further coverage is only available on peculiar cards, generally the Premium cards. If any point that you purchase using cards that are lost, stolen or interruptions within the declared guarantee period, the credit card company will replace it at their cost.

Car rental insurance, Travel accident insurance or travel-related discounts

If you travel often and usage rental cars, then it may do sense for you to have got a card that offers insurance on you when you're driving a rental car - at no extra charge. Likewise travel insurance and travel price reductions that may be available lone to holders of that peculiar credit card, or is available at reduced rates to them.

Credit card registration

Some credit card companies offer to register all of your credit cards so that if your bag or wallet is lost or stolen, you only need to do one phone call to alarm all of your credit card companies. It's a convenient perk to have, especially since it's easy to forget a card you don't utilize often in the heat energy of the moment. Taking advantage of a credit card register is one manner to be certain that all of your creditors are notified that your cards are lost.

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Maximizing Your Credit Card Rewards

In their pursuit to get you to subscribe up for their credit card, banks and financial establishments are coming up with more than and higher inducements to lure you. Frequent circular miles gave manner to gas miles which opened the door for cash discounts and reward points to be used at 'our mulct member merchants'. When most other things are equal (APR, annual fees, fees for transfers et al), the style of reward points and how you can do usage of them can be the crucial factor in which card you take to set in your wallet.

One of your best options for a credit card these years is one of the current harvests that offer higher rewards/rebates for purchases made in gas stations, convenience supplies and supermarkets. These so-called 'everyday purchases' are the market that credit card companies desire to capture. That's why the large pushing to highlight the convenience of using a credit card for things like grocery store shopping - a great manner to maintain path of your purchases, they point out - gasoline purchases and other mundane incidentals. In order to get you to make that, they're offering rewards and cash back on those purchases that are higher than those for other purchases.

Take a expression at American Express' credit card offering, Blue Cash. The card offers a 0% introductory APR for the first six months. After that, the APR is from 11.2% to 16.2% depending on your credit report. There is no annual fee, no fee for balance transfers, and the APR for balance transfers is 4.99% for the life of the balance. Already, it's looking like a very nice deal.

Add in, however, the cash back rewards program, and you have got a credit card that tin actually save you money. If you pay off your balance in full every calendar month on time, there is NO INTEREST for 20 years on any of your purchases. The Rewards programme offers you 1% dorsum on all your 'everyday purchases' up to the first $6,500 you pay for with your card. In addition, you'll get .5% on all other purchases that you charge on your card. If you charge more than than $6,500 on your American Express Blue Cash card, your cash discount travels up to 5% on mundane purchases and 1% on all others.

How makes that stack up? If you've budgeted $125 per hebdomad for groceries, that's $6,500 for the year. Wage for that on your Blue Cash card AND wage THE bill WITHIN THE grace PERIOD, and you'll salvage $65 on grocery stores for the year. If you lodge to that, and also pay for your gasoline with your Blue Cash card, you'll get 5% dorsum of those purchases - since your grocery store purchases alone set you into the 5% bracket. If you gas up to the melody of $40 a week, that's another $104 in nest egg over the year.

Granted, taking full advantage of that kind of Cash back rewards programme necessitates subject and premeditation - but it's not as hard as it sounds. It just intends thinking of your credit card as just another measure that you pay in full each month. And that, after all, is the best and most common advice that financial experts give.

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Common Credit Card Terms

Whether you have got a credit card or you are thinking of getting one, what ever is the type of credit card, there is a simple credit card cant that you must be aware of.

Credit Cards: This is a card issued by a financial establishment that allows the cardholder to utilize credit to purchase commodity and services up to a predetermined limit. The cardholder gets a monthly statement and then he/she have to pay back. There is an interest on the amount credited.

Credit Limit: This is the upper limit amount you are allowed to pass on the credit card. How much credit bounds you get depends on you credit history and the type of credit card you have got (gold or Platinum Cards).

Credit History or Credit Scoring: This is your path record of how you have paid accounts in the past. It is of import from the creditor’s point of position since it determines whether you are likely to pay accounts on clip in the hereafter or not.

Gold and Platinum Cards: These are credit cards issued to high-end earners. These have got high or no credit limit. They come up bundled with a number of services and benefits not available to a criterion cardholder.

Annual Percentage Rate (APR): It is the annual interest rate or percentage you pay on the outstanding balance of credit as an interest or fee. It is also called annual interest rate.

Annual Fees: Annual fees is basically a care fee that the credit card issuers charge from the cardholders annually against the costs incurred in maintaining accounts and providing services.

Introductory Period: Credit card market is highly competitory in United Kingdom so a number of credit card companies offer a low rate of interest on outstanding balances on your account for an initial period. This initial time time period is called introductory period, which can endure for 6 to 12 calendar months depending on the offer.

Balance Transfers: This is another term that have emerged out of the credit card market competition in UK. State if you have got an outstanding balance in your account on which you are paying interest but you happen another market offer that brands your pocket breath easy then you can transfer your outstanding balance to a new account by paying certain percentage of balance transfer. Some credit card companies offer balance transfer as low as 0% inch introductory period.

Reward Program: It is a point-accumulating programme based on purchases or transactions made on your card. You can deliver your reward point against cash back, price reductions or free air miles according to the programme you inscribe for.

PIN (Personal Designation Number): It is the secret codification chosen by you for your card. You can access your money and execute banking transactions through the standard atmosphere or do purchases without sign language a sales reception at merchants that have got pin pads, using this code. Don't share your pin with anyone.

Sunday, February 11, 2007

How to Make the Most of Your Credit Card Rewards

Many great credit card companies are now offering their loyal cardholders credit card rewards. This supplies the cardholder an chance to derive awards just because they utilize their card. It is a great inducement for those that may not utilize their card much. The more than than credit card rewards they will receive, the more likely they are to utilize their card more frequently. Credit card companies recognize that they net income more when ardholders utilize their cards more, and so the procedure is profitable to all involved.

Programs

Each card that offers credit card rewards will have got slightly different programs than the rest. Some volition offer a cash back reward, which is essentially giving the cardholder a certain percentage of their disbursement amount back. This is usually done annually or may be done monthly. These cards are great for those who utilize their cards frequently but don’t have got clip to deal with points and other credit card rewards other cards may offer. Some credit cards rewards will be offered in the word form of sky miles or other flying incentives. These credit card rewards are perfect for the cardholder who travels frequently. If the cardholder is saving up their points for a free flight, they will be much more than likely to utilize their card rather than cash. Other credit card rewards include other miscellaneous prizes. Some cards will allow their cardholders to take from a choice of prizes.

Making The Most Of Rewards

The best manner to do the most of your credit card rewards is by simply taking advantage of them. Credit card companies are amazed at the amount of cardholders who never deliver their rewards. They utilize their cards frequently and collect prizes, however they never take the clip to get the prizes. The thing about credit card rewards is that unless you have got got a cash back program, you have to reach the company to get your prizes. Many cardholders forget about the programs or simply don’t have got got clip to deal with them.

If you do have your eyes on a prize, then you can make the most of the credit card rewards programs by using your card frequently. Use your card instead of cash and simply pay off the balance before any interest collects. This manner you can get near to your award without being out any extra cash.

Credit card rewards are a fantastic manner to get excited about using your credit card. Those who usually carry cards filled to their upper limit and who only pay the minimum each calendar month may not be as excited about the credit card rewards. Unless you are able to utilize the card, you will not benefit. So, if your card have reached its upper limit balance, work on paying it down to begin benefiting from the credit cards rewards programs.