Choosing Student Credit Card
Credit card terms and conditions vary among different issuers. While shopping for credit card online, think about how you are going to use it. You expect to pay the bills in full every month, or you plan to pay the balance over time? Consider card`s Interest Rate, Finance Charges, Annual Fee, Grace Period for purchases, balance calculation method, etc. Read more... 
by Stefan Everaet
So, you've made the decision to apply for a credit card. It's an important step for any consumer. Whether this is your first application in an effort to establish your credit, an addition to your existing credit card portfolio, or a plan to re-establish unsatisfactory credit, it is critical to research and fully understand the plans associated with various types of credit cards.
Credit Bureaus
Credit Bureaus access information about your payments right from the companies you are applying for credit card credit with, or from state agencies (the legal court system). To create your credit report they use this historical information about some of your financial transactions. This consumer report reveals complete information about you, including where you live and work, whether your bills were paid on time and if you`ve ever been sued, arrested or filed for bankruptcy. Read more... Before beginning the research process, consider and decide how you will use your new credit card. Will you be using the card for everyday purchases, or will you be taking an exotic vacation? Do you plan to pay the balance in full each month, or do you prefer to make monthly payments? Since APRs (annual percentage rates) vary for each card and respective payment plan, it's important to make these types of decisions before the credit card selection and application process.
Obtaining credit is not free, but can be economical and less costly if you understand the finance charges (the cost you pay for using a credit card). Grace periods may help reduce certain finance charges, depending on the individual credit card company offer. A grace period is the number of days you are given to pay your credit card balance in full before you are charged a finance charge. In most cases, finance charges are applied to new purchases only. (Cash advance finance charges are usually imposed immediately following the advance.)
Enforcing Your Rights
You may sue a credit reporting agency or a company that provides data to it in federal or state court. If you win, you may be entitled to recover an amount for damages you have actually incurred or a maximum of $1,000, whichever is greater. Read more... Familiarize yourself with the annual percentage rate. An annual percentage rate represents the interest rate associated with using your credit card for purchases and cash advances. The APR is often a determining factor for many consumers when selecting and applying for a credit card. Credit card companies may vary their APRs, offering a different rate for purchases, cash advances, introductory periods and penalties. Traditionally, purchases carry the lowest APR. An exception may be an introductory APR for new purchases or balance transfers that may be offered at 0% for qualified applicants.
Many credit card companies competing for your business may offer a lower introductory APR of 0% for a specified period, for example, six months. At the end of this specified period, the APR will change to a pre-determined APR. (This information will be included in the credit card offer.) Therefore, it's very important to understand the APR following the introductory rate period, particularly if you will be using the card for large purchases and / or balance transfers. Also look for companies offering 0% interest on balance transfers with no time limit. Cash advances usually carry a slightly higher APR than purchases, but will vary for each credit card company.
Credit Cards: Profits and Losses
Credit cards issuer covers its costs (including interest costs paid to merchants prior to the bank being paid by customers), and earns profits, by: credit cards fees; interest on credit card balances; other fees charged to customers. Read more...
An annual fee is another cost associated with using a credit card. Many think of annual fees in this way, the greater the APR, the lesser the annual fee. While this may be true in some cases, these fees are typically charged annually and usually will be subject to finance charges. Some special credit card offers, such as unsecured or unlimited credit card types and lines, may impose a higher annual fee.
In addition to a possible annual fee, many credit card companies impose charges through other fees such as late payment penalties, over limit fees and cash advance fees.
With the growing competition amongst credit card providers, new plans such as rewards and points programs are offered as incentives. These programs may offer earned ‘points' or privileges for consumer items, travel (vacations and frequent flier miles) and other premium services, but oftentimes impose an enrollment participation fee in addition to any annual credit card fee. If you are a frequent traveler, these special programs and incentives may appeal to your taste.
Credit Cards: Numbering
The numbers embossed on credit cards have an amount of internal structure and share a common credit cards numbering scheme. The credit card number`s prefix is the sequence at the beginning of the number that determines the network to which a credit card`s number belongs to. Credit card number`s length is its number of digits. Read more...
When reviewing each credit card offer, look for the specific information outlined here to best determine the most appropriate card type and plan for your needs. You may elect to use a comparison chart of your own when considering credit card programs to more carefully select the best offer. Using the categories listed above (APR, finance charge, grace period, annual fee, etc.) create a left-hand column containing specific information about each category. Then, create a column for each credit card offer you are considering. This method will afford you a side-by-side, line item comparison to assist you in making a final decision.
Credit Card Comparison Guide
Applying for a credit card can save you money on interest and fees. Just read credit cards` terms and conditions: compare credit card features and costs. Read more... |
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