Thursday, August 21, 2008

Comparing Credit Card Offers

How do you start to compare credit cards? Finding out the best credit card to suit your needs can be a very time consuming process but one which can save you money and bring you more benefits than just choosing a credit card at random or the one which accepts your application first.

There are many different types of credit cards on the market but knowing which way you are going to deal with your finances before you apply for one could help you choose the best credit card for you.

If you pay off the total amount of your credit card bill every month then you would benefit from a reward credit card. Reward credit cards can offer cash back if you prefer or if you are a traveler then a credit card that offers air miles would benefit you.

If you already have a credit card, with a big balance, and are looking to switch to another then you may want to take advantage of a 0% balance transfer deal where the balance on your current credit card can be transferred without interest being added for an introductory period. Ultimately this will cost you less and gives you the opportunity to pay off your balance a little quicker. Before choosing your 0% balance transfer credit card be aware of the interest rate after your initial interest free period as some cards can have a high interest rate so look around.

For the more extravagant spender, a 0% purchase credit card could be right up your street. In the first several months as an introductory offer there will be 0% interest on what you spend on your credit card meaning you may afford that little luxury item as you won’t be paying interest on your payment.

If you have a bad credit history and are worried whether you would be able to obtain a credit card or not, don’t worry, as there are lenders that will deal with your case, although you will most probably be charged a higher interest rate. Credit cards can benefit you if you have had previous bad debt to rebuild yourself a good credit history.

All of these different types of credit cards also have other added benefits included and you should look at them more in depth. You can save a lot of money by comparing credit cards and the hard work of choosing the best credit card will pay off, right into your back pocket.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Dealing with High Levels of Personal Debt

In the human race today, credit is just about a necessity. It is all but impossible to lease a car, book a hotel room or purchase a airplane ticket without a credit card, and that agency that just about every consumer will eventually have got to deal with issues like credit and personal debt.

Unfortunately, there are no social classes on how to utilize credit wisely, and most consumers end up determination out about these topic the hard way, by getting into debt over their heads. While it is true that being in debt is very nerve-racking and difficult, it is of import to utilize dealing with and eliminating that debt as a learning experience, and not to reiterate the same errors in the future.

One error many consumers do when getting a credit card for the first clip is treating the card as free money. Instead of farewell with that hard earned cash, they can simply subscribe their name and purchase anything they want. Too many people do this mistake, and happen themselves with a larger measure at the end of the calendar month than they are able to pay.

This problem simply goes on to compound, and at the high interest rates charged by most credit card companies, it can be very hard to pay off even a small balance. It is easy to see, therefore, why dealing with debt can be so difficult.

One manner to both learn from a negative experience and assist repair a dinged credit evaluation is to take out a personal loan to pay off the high interest credit card debt. Not only will a personal loan aid you get quit of that high interest credit card debt, but making the payments on clip will assist to reconstruct your good credit rating. A history of on clip payments is one of the best ways to maintain your credit score up and your interest rates down.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Credit Reports: Find out why you have been refused Credit.

You may already have got got 2 or more than credit cards in your bag or wallet and you have just applied for a 3rd and been declined. This tin be very frustrating considering you pay off your other credit cards regularly and you are continually having your credit bounds raised.

This is a common problem and the lone manner to happen out more than is by getting a transcript of your Credit Report. Equifax and Experian are the two chief credit mention companies in the United Kingdom and throw credit inside information of over 40 million people. Your data file includes information about all your credit cards, loans, mortgages, bank account details, as well as any adverse measure payments or County Court Judgements against you.

When a Credit Supplier buttocks your credit hazard they will look at your Credit Report and do a determination based on your scoring. Your score is based on respective factors. You may get more than than points for life in your computer address for more than 3 old age or for having a home telephone, be married or for having children. Your age and community can also assist your score. The more than than points you have got got on your data file the more opportunity you have of being approved for credit. The credit supplier will utilize all this information coupled with your credit history to come up to a decision. A Credit Providers scoring system is sensitive information so it’s not easy to understand why you were refused credit.

By having access to your Credit Report you will be able to get a sense of why you possibly have got not been granted Credit. Another of import point is to check and see that everything on your report is correct. You are allowed to do rectifications to your file. As most people don’t get their Credit Report they never cognize what’s on it or why they are being refused credit. If you drop behind in some of your measure payments you are also allowed to add a short letter explaining why you did. This may also better your score.

With all the 0% credit cards on offer its worth mentioning that if you are continuously applying for these cards you could be detrimental your credit score. The number of modern times you apply within a 6 to 12 calendar month time period can have got an adverse consequence on your score. If you have got been refused credit, don’t just travel on to the adjacent lender, happen out as much as possible as to why it was declined before applying somewhere else.

You can happen out more than about your Credit Report at Experian and Equifax. It costs £2 for a basic report.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

What To Look For In A Credit Card

When you are deciding what type of credit card to get it is of import to compare credit cards to each other and happen the best deal for you. There are a assortment of different credit cards available, from low interest cards, cash back cards and even reward credit cards, it's hard to make up one's mind what exactly the best credit cards are.

The best credit cards are generally going to have got a few things in common. The first thing, being a low interest rate. Low interest cards can salvage you money over time, by not requiring you to pay large amounts of interest on your purchases. Some of the best credit cards in improver to offering a low interest rate will be reward credit cards. Reward credit card will give the user some kind of inducement for choosing their card to do a purchase rather than another. Rewards can change from cash back to gift certifications at your favourite section store. Some cards will even offer existent wares or trips as rewards for using the card.

Compare different offers you have for credit cards in the mail, and expression for the credit card offer which is giving you the most fringe benefits for the least amount of money. Be certain to pay particular attention to any rank or annual fees that the card may charge. Often credit cards with antic rewards will come up at antic prices.

Friday, August 15, 2008

Convenience Can Be Costly

You’ve just opened your credit card bill and attached to your statement you find a “convenience check” included. It may already be filled out with a dollar amount such as $300, $500, or even $1,000. Your mind fills with ideas of what you could buy with this “instant” money. A new summer wardrobe, a nice dinner and tickets to a concert, a weekend getaway.

But before you go off on a shopping spree, you should be aware that your “convenience check” is nothing more than a cash advance on your credit card. Cash advances on credit cards carry many extra fees, often overlooked or misunderstood by consumers.

Here’s a quick look at the types of fees most card issuers charge for a cash advance:

1) Upfront fee of 2-4% of the amount advanced. On a $1,000 cash advance your fee will range from $20-$40 in addition to the interest charges.

2) Higher interest rate than on purchases. Many credit card companies charge 18% or more on cash advances. In addition, most companies apply only a small percentage of your monthly minimum payment toward the cash advance.

Some require that you pay down the balance on your purchases first before applying payments to the higher-interest advance. In other words, you’ll be paying fees and interest on your cash advance for a long time, especially if you only pay the minimum payment.

3) Cash advances normally carry no grace period. This means interest charges accrue as soon as you withdraw money or cash the convenience check.

By law your credit card company must disclose any fees associated with a cash advance. The easiest way to find out what fees are charged is to carefully read your credit card statement or to call your credit issuer’s toll-free customer service number and ask questions.

Credit card companies charge these fees for two main reasons. One, to cover the costs to process this transaction which are often higher than a regular credit card purchase. And secondly because of the percentage of defaults among credit advance users. These costs are then passed along to you the consumer in the fees and interest rates associated with a cash advance.

The next time you are tempted to cash that convenience check or withdraw money from an ATM using your credit card, be sure you understand the fees and long term effects of using a credit card cash advance.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Credit Cards: How To Use Them

Credit cards can be a very quick manner of getting into even more than debt if you make not cognize how to utilize them properly. United Kingdom debt is now at an all clip high and, excluding mortgages, Credit Cards are one of the chief contributors.

It’s A batch easier to get a credit card than it is to get a mortgage or a loan. So it do sense that more than people ain a credit card. With interest rates that are quite high in relation to loans and mortgages you can see why the debt can get out of hand.

In order to get the best value for money out of your credit card you need to be disciplined in the manner you manage your debt.

Make certain you do the payments every month:

If you cannot wage off the whole amount every calendar calendar month do certain you pay at least more than than the minimum required. This volition aid you pay more than of the capital off every month. Brand certain you take advantage of the interest free time periods in this case.

Don’t maltreatment your credit limit:

A credit bounds makes not intend free money. Credit Card companies are happy to raise your bounds if they see you pay off your card regularly. Don’t be tempted to utilize this money it just sets you further in debt and will take you longer to unclutter it. Credit Card companies cognize that most people will not be able to defy disbursement more than and you are just helping the large card companies to do more money.

Check your statements every month:

This is a small but of import point. Credit Card companies are not perfect and often mistakes are made on your statements. Brand certain all points on your statements are commodity and services you have got purchased. If you make notice an mistake contact your credit card straight away. Keep an oculus on the interest rate you are charged. If you are on an interest free time period make certain you are still not being charged interest.

Know your rights:

Many people do not cognize their rights when it come ups to using their credit cards. Did you cognize that if you purchase commodity or services and these are not delivered or are not to the criterion advertised then the Credit Card is liable. If you order a couch and the piece of furniture shop travels under and you make not have your couch then the Credit Card company have to reimburse you the amount spent. A small tip: If you are paying for an point and it is to be delivered at a hereafter date, always utilize your credit card as it will be a word form of insurance if there is a problem. You can always pay the amount off when the commodity get if you had planned to pay cash.

For more than information on your rights visit: http://www.dti.gov.uk/ccp/topics1/consumer_finance.htm

Monday, August 11, 2008

Negotiating Rates with Your Credit Card Company

Ok, let’s face it, everybody hates high credit card rates, and they drain hard earned money out of your wallet. As a valued consumer, it is apparent that you learn how to negotiate to get the absolute best rate that you possibly can. The good news however is that it doesn’t have to be a difficult or time-consuming process. In fact, it can be very easy indeed if you know what you’re doing. In this article we will discuss the ins and outs of credit card negotiating to ensure that you get the best possible rate with the least amount of effort.

First and foremost, you should figure out if you even want to continue using your current credit card company ( http://www.the-credit-card-centre.co.uk/best-credit-cards.html ). Are you pleased with the overall service that you are receiving? Do you like their benefits? If the answer is yes then you can proceed. If not, you should stop reading this article and start looking for a better company.

Second, you should evaluate your paying history and make sure that it is positive before you call to negotiate. If it is positive then you have power and if it isn’t then you’ll be negotiating from a position of weakness and that might not be good. Instead, you should wait until it is more positive before you call them to negotiate rates.

Third, if you have a good history then remember this when you call. In essence, you’ll have extremely high negotiating power. The company needs your business in order to be successful and with clients they lose big time. Therefore, you should always display this “take them or leave them attitude” while conducting your negotiations.

Draft up a script and memorize it. It can be as simple as “Hello, my name is Bill and I have been a cardholder for X years and I consistently pay my bills on a time. Well recently I have been receiving all types of credit card offers from XYZ bank indicating that I qualify for an extremely low interest rate of X and am considering leaving you and going there if you can’t offer me a lower rate. Is this something that you can help me with?

Practice, practice and practice some more with your script until you are completely and totally used to it. Once you are, contact the company. Read your script and see what happens.

If you get a hard nose customer service representative then don’t threaten her. Be agreeable and ask to speak to his/her supervisor. If that is not possible, be nice to her and try again she may have some leeway. If you like your present company, you can even try negotiating interest rates, annual and even those yucky late fees.

However, if you’re fed up, have an alternative company in the wings, and your current company won’t budge with their rates then be willing to take your business elsewhere. After all, you hold the power so don’t be afraid to use it! They key however is to not bluff but to follow through with your threat. Close the account, ask for them to send you notification in the mail, cancel the credit card and use another card.

In conclusion, you can be successful with the negotiating process if you follow the above mentioned tips. If your current company is unwilling to cooperate then you should simply take your business elsewhere. You’re better off with another credit card company that values your savvy negotiating skills!

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Credit Cards and How To Choose Them:

It may look like a simple inquiry but its of import to take into account a few factors when choosing your credit card. If you are in the enviable place of being able to pay off your card every calendar month then you are amongst the few. If like most you don’t then we can offer you some guidance.

1.Interest rates: This is the most of import factor to see when managing your credit card debt. Every twenty-four hours we are offered 0% introductory rates for 6 to 9 months. These are usually for balance transfers and are a great manner to transfer high interest loans or credit card balances to a 0% interest rate. Watch out for statements, which only mention to the monthly interest rates as well. Something like 'rates of 1.5% per month' on your statement may not sound like much but this is like to 19.6% per year!

2. Annual fee: Most cards now make not charge an annual fee. Brand certain you get a card that makes not charge these fees.

3. Cash advances or withdrawals: This usually stands for very poor value for money. Credit Card companies will charge in the part of 2% per month. If you can avoid it make not utilize this facility.

4. Reward points or Loyalty Schemes: These sorts of cards are gaining in popularity. Air miles and cash back rewards are being used to lure customers. Many people alkali their credit card picks on these sorts of benefits. If you read the mulct black and white you will happen that you have got to pass are large amount to measure up for the points. Saying this if you are a frequent traveller paying for your air ticket with your credit card will assist you construct up significant air miles.

5. Insurance: All credit cards should come up with insurance, which covers you for fraud or theft that consequences in your card being used before you can call off it. With the rise in the number of people buying on the Internet nowadays this is a critical requirement. The consumer credit card enactment sketches what the credit card company should be apt for. Some credit cards also offer free travel insurance, again a convenient benefit if you are a frequent traveller.

6. Gold and Platinum cards: These may look good in your wallet or bag but they usually not the most competitory cards on the market. Firstly you have got to earn a certain wage to qualify, although surprisingly these wage degrees are put pretty low. There is also an annual fee for the usage of the card, which in today’s market is a cost you shouldn’t have got to pay. Don’t be blinded by the image there are many cards out there that offer far more.

Friday, August 08, 2008

It's Easy To Find A 0 Apr Credit Card

Millions of Americans have got credit cards, using them almost every twenty-four hours for everything from everyday things like grocery stores to exciting purchases like vacations. But unless you already have got a 0 APR Visa, Mastercard, or Discover credit card, opportunities are you’re still looking for one. Who wouldn’t desire a credit card that offered 0 percent APR?

The APR is the annual percentage rate, and it determines how much interest you pay on your credit card. No-interest credit is the best, obviously; a credit card with no APR intends you’re paying back only the amount you borrowed, with no further charges. When the bank do you a 0 APR credit card offer, you’re apt to leap at the chance! But you don’t need to wait for the bank or credit card company to come up to you. You can get a 0% APR credit card yourself.

First you’ll need to check your credit score. The credit card companies are more than likely to give you a low-repayment credit card as a “reward” for being a low-risk consumer. Get a transcript of your credit report from one of the online beginnings available -- you’re entitled by law to one free credit report per twelvemonth -- and see if there are any defects that mightiness forestall you from getting a 0 APR credit card. You should check your report even if you’re certain you’ve never done anything to earn bad credit, because errors can weirdo into your report. The last thing you desire is to be denied an interest-free credit card because of something you didn’t even do!

Once you’ve confirmed your credit report is solid, or done what’s necessary to make clean it up, you can apply for a credit card with confidence. There are two ways you can travel about getting no-interest credit. One is to near your currentcredit card companies and petition a lower interest rate. State them you’d like to make a balance transfer, point out your positive credit history, and inquire for zero APR credit. Many times, they will give you 0 APR for a clip period of six calendar months or a year, which is fine: Before the time is up, you can put up 0 percent APR on a different card and transfer the balance. If your credit remains good, you could travel your balance from one card to another indefinitely, thus keeping 0 APR credit for the life of the loan.

Another option is to open up new credit cards that have got 0 APR offers. These are easily establish online, and the 0 APR credit card is usually an “introductory” offer, which intends it switches over to a higher APR after six calendar months or a year. The same process applies: Take advantage of the offer, and then transfer the balance to another 0 APR credit card before the clip is up. Before you get any new credit cards, though, be certain to check into their policies on balance transfers. Some have got different APRs for balance transfers as opposing to purchases.

With a small work and careful disbursement habits, it’s possible for anyone with good credit to get a 0 APR credit card. Why should the credit card company get all your hard-earned money with its fees and APRs? No-interest credit is the manner to go. Good luck, and happy spending!

Thursday, August 07, 2008

Tips on Finding the Best Credit Card Deals

If you are looking for a new credit card, it is certainly to your advantage to search for credit card deals. If you make your homework, you could step into some of best credit card deals offered. Getting a new credit card should not be a goad of the minute thing. Your credit score can strongly impact your life, so you should take anything involved with it very seriously. You should always be well informed about any credit card you are applying for. This agency you may need to inquire inquiries and read all of the mulct print. Use these tips to assist you with your search for great credit card deals.

New Cardholder Incentives

Some of the best credit card deals include new cardholder incentives. The best credit card deals are those that allow new cardholders to do purchases for an drawn-out clip period of time, without interest charges. Some volition offer this for 60 years while others may offer this deal for up to six months. These are great because if cardholders wait until they are making a major purchase, they can salvage a batch on interest while they quickly pay it off.

Rewards Programs

Other great credit card deals include rewards programs. Rewards programs may change from card to card. Most of them work the same manner however. The more than than the cardholder utilizes their card, the more rewards they will accumulate. Rewards may be in the word form of flight points, cash back, or other miscellaneous prizes. These are great deals for cardholders that usage their cards quite a bit. Not much is better than being rewarded for disbursement money.

Interest Rates

Of course of study everyone looking for a new credit card should see good credit card deals involving interest rates. If you can get a credit card with a low interest rate, then you are getting a great deal. Many credit cards will throw interest rates of up to 22%. So, if you can get a lower
rate, you are doing great.

Annual Fees

Take notice of annual fees when looking for credit card deals. Cards with high annual fees are certainly not deserving your time. The best credit card deals include no annual or monthly fees. This allows you to be charged nil if you don’t usage your card. With many people keeping credit cards for emergency intents only, this is the best manner to go.

Credit card deals usually don’t jump out at you, so they make necessitate a small research. Brand a listing of what is of import to you personally when it come ups to your credit card and number them in order of importance. Try to happen a credit card that lucifers all of those items. When you make happen that card, you cognize you have got establish the best credit card deal available for you.

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

What Are Reward Credit Cards?

Reward credit cards or loyalty cards earn their owners certain incentives in terms of cash back or redeemable reward points. These benefits and reward points keep mounting as more charges are applied to the card, i.e. more you spend more you get. The best-known reward cards are those that offer frequent flyer miles or cash based upon the amount of purchases made with the card. There are numerous companies that offer you ‘fantastic’ or ‘unbeatable rewards’ for the privilege of providing you with their credit card, however, which card you use should be chosen carefully.

Annual Fees

Convenience users or people who use credit cards for frequent purchases reap the maximum benefit out of reward credit cards. Many of these reward credit cards come with an annual fee, sometimes higher depending on your ‘reward’ level. This fee should be taken into consideration when estimating any future reward level. Consider the kinds of reward schemes being offered and the minimum amount you need to spend each month in order to avail the reward bonuses. Analyze your spending habits, since the level of spending determines the level of benefits earned.

Golden Rule of Reward Cards

There is one golden rule concerning any type of reward card, whether it be an affinity credit card or cash back, you must pay the balance in full every month. If you do leave a balance and interest accrues on this it will negate all benefits that you received from the card, in fact it could end up costing you more in interest than you earn with rewards.

Which Reward Card?

These credit cards do not just earn you flyer miles. You can earn reward points redeemable against discounted or in some cases free gasoline, gift certificates for merchandise at particular retailers or for general online use, and even discounts on your next automobile. Though free flyer miles might lure you to buy an air miles reward card but ultimately if you do not fly frequently enough to redeem those miles, you will be at a loss. However, on the other hand cash back or discount points card could be more beneficial to raise a sloping budget.

Conclusion

In general choosing the correct reward card for your needs is probably the most difficult decision that visitors face when choosing a credit card. Most other types of credit card are simple enough to choose, whether it is a balance transfer card, an introductory 0% purchase rate or an adverse credit card. However, with the reward card you must be able to pay the balance in full, calculate the annual fee cost then, estimate your spending level and then calculate your estimated rewards.

Then do it over and over again with every card that appeals to you.

Monday, August 04, 2008

Lost or Stolen Credit Card? Here's What to Do

Unfortunately, mundane bags and wallets go lost or stolen. The lacking credit cards in your bag or wallet go the biggest concern.

Do you cognize what to make if this haps to you? Well, you should because a few simple stairway can salvage you a batch of headache. It really isn't hard to develop an action program for your lost or purloined credit cards.

All major credit card companies have got policies to protect you from loss or theft. You just need to cognize how to get their policies working for you if your cards go missing.

The first measure is to reach your credit card companies to report your lacking cards. Many companies offer a toll free number or an online service to manage this type of problem specifically.

Fortunately, federal law states that your are only apt for the first $50.00 of fraudulent charges made to your account. However, you are still required to report the card lost or purloined and if you make so anterior to any fraudulent charges, you are not apt for the $50.00 charge either.

Be certain to carefully reexamine your statement for any charges that don't belong to you. And, if there are any fraudulent charges to your account, advise your credit card company in authorship immediately.

When your send in your written presentment be certain to mail it to the charge mistakes address. Bash not direct it with your payment as it will probably go lost and never get recorded.

A lost or purloined debit entry card plant somewhat differently from a credit card. If you report the card lost or purloined before it is used you are not apt for any charges, however, if you wait for even two business years you may be apt for up to $500.00 of any fraudulent charges made with your card.

After you have got reported your lacking card, be certain to reexamine your statements carefully for any fraudulent charges. You should call, as well as, follow-up with a certified missive regarding any issues with your lost or purloined card. This added measure will assist to eliminate any liability on your part.

Also, retrieve to have got your credit card contact information in a safe topographic point where you can quickly access it if needed.

Of course, the best manner to avoid these problems is to maintain careful path of your credit cards. Know where your credit cards are at all modern times and maintain your pin numbers secret. Also, be certain to utilize pin numbers that are not easy to calculate out, such as as your day of the month or birth.

Most importantly, be prepared to reach your credit card companies via telephone and in authorship as soon as possible in the event your cards go lost or stolen.

Saturday, August 02, 2008

Low Interest Rate Credit Cards - Understanding The APR

When shopping for a credit card, it is of import to understand the annual percentage rate (APR) to happen the best deal for your situation. If you pay off your measure every month, a no fee and moderate APR program may be best. However, if you take out cash advances, you will desire a low APR on that feature.

Various APRs

Each credit card have respective different APRs. At the minimum they will have got a rate for purchases, cash advances, and transfers. Typically, cash advances will carry a higher rate than for purchases or transfers. Transfers usually carry low rates. Sometimes you can even happen an APR of 0% for an introductory period.

To lure you to open up an account, credit card companies offer introductory and delayed APRs. An introductory rate endures for a certain period, usually six calendar months to a year. Delayed APRs charge no interest until a certain month.

Some cards also offer tiered rates, which maintains rates low for those that carry a small balance. For example, a card might offer 15% on balances between $1 - $1000 and 18% on balances over $1000.

Credit card companies also have got punishment APRs. These apply when a payment is late, as outlined by the card’s terms.

Fixed Versus Variable APRs

A fixed rate APR doesn’t change. Usually these types of cards have got an annual fee with them. But they usually offer lower rates with some security, making them attractive to those who carry large balances. It is of import to retrieve that even fixed rates can change, but the credit card company have to give you notice.

A variable rate APR flexes with the index they are tied to, typically the premier or T-bill rate. Variable rate APRs are not the same as an introductory or delayed APR.

Picking The Right Card

Research all the APRs when you are looking for a good credit card. Know your credit habits, and pick the card with the rates that volition give you the best deal.

You can even unfastened multiple accounts, using them for different credit purposes. For example, you can utilize one card for cash advances but another for purchases.

Friday, August 01, 2008

College Student Credit Card - Students Can Find The Right Credit Card

How can a student with limited income and no credit history get a credit card? By applying for a student card. Student credit cards require no income or co-signer. Usually these cards offer small credit lines with reasonable rates. By using one wisely, you can build your credit.

What To Look For

When you are shopping for a student credit card, don’t bother applying for a regular card. For one, you will be denied if you have no credit history. For another, every time you apply for credit, you are lowering your credit score. Multiple credit applications in a short period makes you look desperate for cash. Lenders avoid such people.

Instead, look for a credit card that is targeted for students. Usually such cards will require no income or co-signer. Your credit limit will be small at first, but you can increase it later on. If you do need a larger credit limit, you will need to find a co-signer who will be partially responsible for your payments.

You will also want to look for a card with low interest rates and no annual fees. You may also find a card that offers discounts or rewards. These can help you financially, but don’t get caught on paying out large financing fees.

Shop Credit Card Companies

Don’t be afraid to compare credit card companies’ offers. Just because you find an application on campus or in the mail, doesn’t mean there aren’t better ones out there. Search online for student credit card programs. Be sure to read the terms of agreement to know what rates and fees they are charging.

Building Your Credit

Once you have your card, start using it once in awhile. You want to be sure that you don’t max out the limit and that you can always make at least the minimum payment. Ideally, you should pay off the entire balance each month. You don’t want to ruin your credit with late or missed payments.

After at least six months, you can apply for other types of credit, such as store credit cards. However, you don’t want too many credit accounts open or it will hurt your credit score. Have enough credit open to cover emergencies. That way you will have enough available credit to purchase a car or home in the future.

To view our list of most recommended student credit card companies online, visit this
page: Recommended Student Credit
Card Companies Online.