Category: Credit Tips & Terms

Carrying a balance on a credit card is easy to do, but even paying interest for one or two months can make credit card use too expensive. Plus if you… READ FULL ARTICLE

Although many cardholders rejoice once they have accumulated enough credit card travel rewards to buy an airline ticket, many later find out that their reservations are a mess. Worse still,… READ FULL ARTICLE

Several new apps are now available to those credit card holders who have smart phones, and they can help monitor expenses or process credit card transactions on the move.
The… READ FULL ARTICLE

The news media company Reuters reports that now when customers of Bank of America miss a monthly credit card payment they may get socked with a really stiff penalty. Instead… READ FULL ARTICLE

By now you have probably heard that banks have aggressively raised their fees for customers who use an ATM that is outside of their network. In other words if you… READ FULL ARTICLE

Everyone knows that debt is a drag, but it can be so hard to pay off nagging credit card debts. The balances may have lingered for months or even years,… READ FULL ARTICLE

Believe it or not, some experts believe that the average American family has as much as $300 in unused gift cards. That's because these convenient cards are a wonderfully easy… READ FULL ARTICLE

Now that tax season has passed it is time for storage season. Along with annual spring cleaning Americans also face the task of storing away important documents, including the recommended… READ FULL ARTICLE

Although we just got finished with this year's taxes – at least for those who managed to file them on time without taking an extension – accountants and other tax… READ FULL ARTICLE

Many consumers want to find a better credit card, but the choices can be mind-boggling. So here are a few tips to help you sort through the process and find… READ FULL ARTICLE

The all-important credit score has gained so much significance in our modern lives that a team of researchers from the University of Missouri plan to spend more than a million… READ FULL ARTICLE

We can expect that unless some new and unexpected invention comes on the scene within the next 2-3 years, the old fashioned magnetic stripes will likely vanish from our credit… READ FULL ARTICLE

Some banks recently began offering special cash-back rewards programs to customers who use their ATM or debit cards in lieu of a conventional credit card like Visa or American Express.… READ FULL ARTICLE

The city of Los Angeles has been experiencing one of the biggest budget shortfalls in the nation in the wake of California's real estate crash and the subprime mortgage crisis,… READ FULL ARTICLE

Dennis Crowley, who is one of the co-founders of a popular social networking site named FourSquare predicts that social networks like his will soon let members connect their online accounts… READ FULL ARTICLE

Municipalities across the USA are switching over from old fashioned coin operated parking meters to new high-tech digital meters that accept coins or credit cards, and the trend has not… READ FULL ARTICLE

The Pittsburg, PA based Dynamics company, which is becoming famous for high-tech credit card technologies that embed computer chips in credit cards, has a new innovation planned with Citi Cards.… READ FULL ARTICLE

Just in time for the holidays the new CARD Act that was signed into law last year has kicked-in to protect consumers from getting ripped off when it comes to… READ FULL ARTICLE

Although they went out of vogue for a couple of years, the offers for zero percent credit cards are back in a big way and you may start to see… READ FULL ARTICLE

For quite some time taxi cabs in major cities like New York and Boston have accepted credit card payments, and now the trend has caught on in Arlington, VA –… READ FULL ARTICLE

The social website Blippy is based on a rather quirky premise that involves sharing of your online purchases with other Blippy users, the way you might share photos with friends… READ FULL ARTICLE

The fellow who brought us the immensely popular Twitter is back, and this time Jack Dorsey's company has invented a small square piece of plastic that will let you pay… READ FULL ARTICLE

If you are like most cardholders you are desensitized by getting constant junk mail from various credit card companies – including such things as offers for new cards or announcements… READ FULL ARTICLE

As more people are using new technology to turn their cell phones into credit card swiping devices, speculation is rising that the next generation of the popular iPhone will include… READ FULL ARTICLE

Many people now find themselves in financial trouble with their creditors, including credit card companies, and they turn to debt settlement companies or professionals to help them negotiate with creditors… READ FULL ARTICLE

You might be hurting from the recession and trying to figure out how to pay your credit card balance down, but the credit card company reports that it is doing… READ FULL ARTICLE

After one or two major cities installed parking meters that will accept plastic, the historic area of Alexandria, VA known as Old Town decided to do the same. Alexandria City… READ FULL ARTICLE

A new magnetic stripe technology has been created that allows computer architecture to be embedded right into the card you carry in your wallet, which makes it possible to actually… READ FULL ARTICLE

The CARD Act or credit card reform act that was signed into law last year is now in full effect, but still many consumers are suffering from super high interest… READ FULL ARTICLE

According to some industry estimates the average American now has as much as $12,000 in credit card debt, but there are ways to reduce debt while learning to use credit… READ FULL ARTICLE

During the summer credit card scammers were out in full force, but one of the newest ways they are trying to steal your credit card number is by attaching a… READ FULL ARTICLE

Whenever the economy suffers a downturn crime statistics tend to trend upward, because more people turn to illegal activities in order to make money. So it is no wonder that… READ FULL ARTICLE

There are some new reasons to start carrying plastic these days, although some of them are still in a pilot or trail phase. But if they catch on and prove… READ FULL ARTICLE

As odd as it might sound, children are the new targets of credit card fraudsters. The number of fraud cases related to children and credit cards has nearly doubled recently… READ FULL ARTICLE

A recent study conducted by the company Saga Personal Finance revealed that people over 50 are also over their heads in debt and that their financial shortcomings are a growing… READ FULL ARTICLE

Not only are credit cards handy and convenient, but they also offer many consumer protections that lots of people who carry cards can benefit from if problems arise. Paying with… READ FULL ARTICLE

Those who follow just one procedure can easily avoid credit card payment hassles and help preserve or raise their precious credit score. This tip is simple, but is often the… READ FULL ARTICLE

The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) is sponsoring the 2011 “Be Money Wi$e National Financial Literacy Poster Contest. The idea behind the competition is to inspire young people to… READ FULL ARTICLE

Just after MasterCard's main website was temporarily shut down as a result of a cyber attack launched against it, similar attacks from the same group of high-tech, super stealthy computer… READ FULL ARTICLE

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have recently received a high volume of complaints from consumers targeted by a rather slick con game. The fraudulent use of their credit card information… READ FULL ARTICLE

Consumers all over the USA noticed a rather conspicuous uptick in mailed offers from their credit card companies – or the competitors of their card companies – in the final… READ FULL ARTICLE

Elizabeth Warren, the financial expert assigned to start a new consumer protection agency that is responsible for protecting cardholders and other customers from abusive practices, continues her push for simpler… READ FULL ARTICLE

A 19-year old who is already serving a 5-year sentence for grievous bodily harm was recently in court again, but this time it was for buying downloads of songs that… READ FULL ARTICLE

Those who use a BlackBerry can now enjoy a new technology that enables them to accept credit card transactions with a secure reader that essentially performs the same function as… READ FULL ARTICLE

A joint letter was filed today with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by a group of different nonprofit consumer credit counseling agencies, complaining about the allegedly unfair and unethical practices… READ FULL ARTICLE

According to a statistics recently released by Synovate Mail Monitor, Americans got nearly 650 million offers to apply for a new credit card during the months of April through June,… READ FULL ARTICLE

Lots of credit card users are aware that they can open an online account to facilitate such things as paperless statements and online bill paying. But what many consumers don't… READ FULL ARTICLE

A new kind of virtual credit card called VCPay works through smart phones and allows users to make purchases or pay bills online in a secure fashion.
The prepaid virtual… READ FULL ARTICLE

Thanks to a tough economy and high unemployment, many consumers are easily persuaded to sign up for credit card payment protection insurance plans. These plans usually offer benefits such as… READ FULL ARTICLE

The new White House adviser assigned to set up the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Elizabeth Warren, reported that she will make credit card disclosures and transparency of cardholder contracts one… READ FULL ARTICLE

According to the chief executive of the dominant search engine company Google, mobile phones will soon replace traditional credit cards and merchant card swiping machines. During the annual Web 2.0… READ FULL ARTICLE

The ubiquitous Salvation Army volunteers who stand out in the cold during the Christmas holidays to ring their bells and inspire charitable donations are keeping up with the times. This… READ FULL ARTICLE

A recent wave of card fraud that occurred in Seattle was at first thought to involve several different businesses but the Secret Service’s Electronic Crimes Task Force told reporters that… READ FULL ARTICLE

The controversy over how universities in the USA handle private or confidential information about enrolled students and how they profit from secretive contracts with card companies took a dramatic new… READ FULL ARTICLE

Identify theft, credit card fraud, and computer hacking are becoming increasingly prevalent and costly crimes that every consumer needs to be aware of and protected from – especially those who… READ FULL ARTICLE

Fair Isaac – the company that invented the FICO score or credit score which is used by almost all financial services institutions – a uses mathematical formulas to get a… READ FULL ARTICLE

If you’re always in debt…if you never seem to have any money left over at the end of the month…here’s a simple way to find out exactly why. Plus, what… READ FULL ARTICLE

We all know by now – after feeling the negative impact of the recession, the credit crunch, and the high rates of unemployment – that it pays to be smart… READ FULL ARTICLE

Almost everyone likes to do retail shopping, and it is especially fun when stores are offering sales and discounts. But there are lots of times when it is better to… READ FULL ARTICLE

Now that new credit card regulations are in place, card companies have become more transparent about explaining to consumers the mechanics of credit card use. The new laws that went… READ FULL ARTICLE

These days consumers are watching their expenses more carefully than they have in decades, and any opportunity to save a few dollars is greeted with eagerness. Credit card issuers know… READ FULL ARTICLE

Need some quick cash and think a cash advance on your credit card sounds like a good idea? Think again. With the exception of the default interest rate, cash advances… READ FULL ARTICLE

During any economic downturn the prevalence of fraud increases, and in 2010 consumers need to be more vigilant than every about various scams to steal their money, financial identities, or… READ FULL ARTICLE

Prepaid credit cards are convenient for those people who do not have access to traditional credit card approval, because they are available to people who even have terrible credit histories… READ FULL ARTICLE

Maybe you have noticed that once in a while, especially if you have been very good about making your credit card payment on time, you get a letter or note… READ FULL ARTICLE

The first time getting a new credit card has become a really important rite of passage in the modern world of consumerism, because without a valid credit card it is… READ FULL ARTICLE

Not that long ago the whole idea of doing any financial transaction over the Internet was looked at with great skepticism and a bit of paranoia by the average consumer,… READ FULL ARTICLE

Credit card companies keep raising fees and interest rates, because they are struggling to survive one of the worst economic climates in history. Every day the headlines describe how another… READ FULL ARTICLE

As the famous credit card advertisement advises, “Don't leave home without it. Traveling light is the name of the game, and nothing lightens the load like a thin plastic credit… READ FULL ARTICLE

There's a story going around about a high school senior who went to a school counselor for advice. She wanted to know how to build a good credit record, starting… READ FULL ARTICLE

The traditional way to pay a credit card bill is to detach the “return this portion of your statement that contains your name, address and account number, along with the… READ FULL ARTICLE

How to eliminate credit card debtonce and for allis a common topic for personal finance writers. And a popular way to do so, they write, is as follows:
The objective… READ FULL ARTICLE

Except when you take a cash advance, most (but not all) credit cards give you a 20-day, 25-day or 30-day grace period.
That's the amount of time you have to… READ FULL ARTICLE

You’re Responsible
When you’re in the process of getting divorced, there are dozens, if not hundreds, of things to deal with.Even so, it’s important not to overlook your credit card… READ FULL ARTICLE

This is a guest post from Mr Credit Card from AskMrCreditCard.com. While many people fall prey to credit cards by carrying a balance, paying in high interest rates and getting… READ FULL ARTICLE

Ever inquire, even casually, about refinancing your mortgage or ask your bank about their newest Rewards Card and mere days later find your mailbox stuffed with mortgage or credit card… READ FULL ARTICLE

Using balance transfers is a valid credit card management technique. Why pay 13.99 percent interest to Citibank if Chase is only asking for 9 percent? For that matter, why pay… READ FULL ARTICLE

While the economy has taken a turn for the worst, it seems some banks are creatively striking out other ways of generating revenue. Several months ago the Wachovia bubble burst,… READ FULL ARTICLE

So you are one of those millions of Americans who loves to shop on eBay, and you've noticed that within the past year or two almost every single merchant on… READ FULL ARTICLE

Most Americans carry an average of 8 credit cards in their wallet. While this number seems high, having more credit available to you can actually boost your credit score. Conversely,… READ FULL ARTICLE

All of us get wrapped up in the joys of the Holiday season. It’s one of the best times of year to show others what they mean to us. Many… READ FULL ARTICLE

Check out a free tool from Vertex42 which will calculate how long it will take to pay off your outstanding credit card debt balance.
Instructions of how to use the… READ FULL ARTICLE

Last month, I went over my credit limit on my Chase business credit card by a few thousand dollars. I use my Chase business credit card primarily for online advertising… READ FULL ARTICLE

When you apply for credit cards, there are several important factors to keep in mind. Getting a credit card requires much financial responsibility as well as understanding. Racking up a… READ FULL ARTICLE

As you acquire a new credit card, you may want to cancel out some of your old and unused credit cards. But, there's more to closing out an account than… READ FULL ARTICLE

Each year in the United States there are over 1 Million divorces. There is a lot of great information available to those considering divorce on how to divide up marital… READ FULL ARTICLE

If you receive a call from a “credit card company offering you a balance transfer offer that seems too good to be true, it probably is. The best action you… READ FULL ARTICLE

Interested in applying for a credit card but short on time? You can save yourself a lot of time and headache by following a few simple steps. The first step… READ FULL ARTICLE

Of course we all want the very best credit card rate but sometimes, what we see is not always what we're getting. Comparing credit card offers can be really confusing;… READ FULL ARTICLE

If you're one of those people who require a weekly visit to the chiropractor just to recover from the bulk of credit cards in your wallet, you may also be… READ FULL ARTICLE

When comparing credit cards or reviewing your credit card statement, chances are you've seen the term “periodic rate. The periodic rate is the percentage that you'll be paying for the… READ FULL ARTICLE

Good credit card management isn't complicated but it does require some time and attention. Credit card companies are in the business of making money and credit cards are packed with… READ FULL ARTICLE

When it comes to technology, I'm absolutely an early adopter – especially when it comes to technology that will make my life easier. (Two kids, a dog, a job, and… READ FULL ARTICLE