Business Credit Card

Are you pondering on whether you should apply for a credit card? Well, the answer quite simply is - 'Yes' - you should apply for a credit card (this is true for most people). The credit cards seem to have transformed our lives. In fact, one can term credit cards as a revolution. Today, you find ads in TV/newspapers/website/shops and almost anywhere and everywhere; all asking you to apply for a credit card. When you look around, you see that most people have credit cards. In fact, most people have multiple credit cards. Everyone seems to apply for a credit card. So, why should you apply for a credit card?

There are a lot of benefits associated with credit cards; however, the most important benefit is the convenience that they offer. For most people, this is the prime and the sole reason that instigates them to apply for a credit card. This wouldn't have been the case a few years ago, when not many merchants accepted credit cards. However, today, most merchants do accept credit cards.

So, instead of carrying a lot of cash on you (which is both inconvenient and unsafe), you can just carry a small piece of plastic with you. Moreover, you get interest free credit i.e. you don't have to pay the bills till the next monthly billing cycle. So, you can buy now and pay later (when your salary arrives) - a great reason to apply for a credit card.

To add to that, there are certain merchants that offer interest-free installment payment plan i.e. you can make a big purchase today and pay for it in installments on your credit card. So credit cards works as instant long term loan too (not just a monthly loan). Yet another reason to apply for a credit card is the discounts on shopping. This is made possible by the tie-ups between credit card companies and the merchants. So credit cards offer many benefits.

There are various ways in which you can apply for a credit card - you can apply for a credit card in person, you can apply for a credit card on the internet and you can apply for a credit card on phone too (by asking the representative to meet you). You will as such be approached by a lot of sales representatives, all asking you to apply for a credit card with their company.

To apply for a credit card, you will need to fill-in a credit card application form (which is easy to fill and the representatives of the credit card company will assist you in that). When you apply for a credit card, you basically enter into an agreement with the credit card supplier (the form that you fill when you apply for a credit card is actually an agreement). After you have submitted your application, the credit card company conducts certain checks to determine your credibility; and if everything is fine, you receive the credit card.

So, applying for a credit card is easy and to apply for a credit card or not to apply for a credit card is a matter of personal choice. However, for most people who don’t have any credit card, the recommendation is "Apply for a credit card".

Labels: apply, business credit card, credit card, how

As time progresses, more and more people are joining the revolution called ‘Credit card’. Yes, it's really a revolution. Now you don't need to worry about how much cash you have in your pocket when you go shopping, just carrying this small piece of plastic (credit card) is enough to assure you of a good shopping treat. You can use your credit card to order things from the comfort of your home (on the internet). So the number of credit card applications seems to be on the rise.

However, not every credit card application turns into a physical credit card. Some credit card applications get rejected too.

Let's check why a credit card supplier would reject a credit card application when he has spent so much time and energy (and money) on wooing new customers.

One obvious reason for rejection of credit card application is human error i.e. the error committed by you in filling up the credit card application. These can be small mistakes like a wrong telephone number or wrong name or the postal code might be wrong. It's normal to make mistakes, after all we are human being and no human being can be termed as perfect. Another strong reason for rejection of a credit card application could be missing mandatory information i.e. when you forgot to fill-in some mandatory information in the credit card application form.

Sometimes, the credit card application could be rejected because the credit card application form has been filled-in in a handwriting that is illegible to the people processing your credit card application. At other times, the sales representative (of the credit card supplier) could have made a mistake in either depositing the form correctly or in guiding you in the filling of the credit card application form (newly hired sales representatives can make such mistakes).

However, these human errors are just minor errors that can be corrected later on and hence the only impact would be in terms of the delay in receiving your credit card. The main and the most important cause for rejection of credit card applications is bad credit ratings i.e. a negative credit history. If you have been using other credit cards or if you have taken bank loans/mortgages in the past, you would have already build your credit rating.

If you have been making your bill/installment payments in time (and in the correct amount), you would have already acquired a good credit rating. However, if you have been irregular or if you have been defaulting on your payment dues, you would have developed a bad credit rating. This credit rating is calculated by credit bureaus who receive feeds from various credit suppliers. All credit card applications are checked for the credit rating of the requester and if it comes up as negative, the application is rejected out rightly.

So, these are the 2 most important reasons for rejection of credit card application and you must pay heed to them (especially the credit rating).

Labels: application, business credit card, credit card, rejection

"Online credit card usage" - convenience at its best

Commerce and technology, combined as a one package - this is what online credit cards are.
With the advent of internet, the knowledge and communication barriers were broken. Also, with internet, came the concept of e-shops or virtual shops that existed only on the internet. You could shop at these shops by making use of their online credit card payment-acceptance ability. Once the online credit card payments were verified and approved, the goods got delivered to your door. This is what we call convenience at its best.

With more and more e-shops getting setup everyday, online credit card usage is becoming even more popular. The possibility of receiving online credit card payments has given a totally new dimension to shopping. Now, you can not only shop from the comfort of your home, you can even get discounts on these products. This is really amazing. No need to bother about the weather, no need to worry about the traffic jams or any other thing. Just go to an e-shop, select a product, make use of their online credit card payment-acceptance facility to make the payment and be ready to receive the goods at your doorstep.

With online credit card processing facility, starting a business (an online business) has become just unbelievably easy.

However, there is nothing without pitfalls. One of the pitfalls of online credit card usage is the possibility of online credit card fraud. This online credit card fraud can happen in two ways. The first one is related to the company, on whose website you made online credit card payment for purchase of goods; this company itself could be fraudulent i.e. it could take the online credit card payment from you but not deliver the goods to you.

Moreover, they could use the details of your credit card (received through the filling up of online credit card payment form by you) for fraudulent purposes. The second type of fraud is committed by fraudsters who use various softwares/devices to capture the details of online credit card payments (as you enter them on the online credit card payment form of a website).

These softwares are popularly known as spyware and these fraudsters as online spies. The spyware works by capturing keystrokes or taking screenshots of whatever you do on your computer and then passes it on to the spy. However, there are anti-spyware softwares available which can be used to counter such spyware.

So, the advent of online credit card usage facility is a boon to us. However, you must exercise caution when making online credit card payments e.g. don't access your bank accounts or make online credit card payments from internet cafes (unless you are absolutely sure about the credentials of the internet cafe).

Labels: business credit card, credit card, online

Is 'credit card debt counseling' really beneficial?

Not everyone believes that credit card debt counseling is beneficial and there are various reasons for that. Some people just read articles in the newspapers or find advice on the internet and take that as the final thing. So they don't feel the need for credit card debt counseling. Some others feel that credit card debt counseling companies are just trying to make quick money by telling you the obvious i.e. by telling you something that is being advertised everywhere.

However, the most important reason arises from the fact that not all credit card debt counseling companies are genuine and of those that are genuine, not all credit card debt counseling companies provide good advice. So, choosing a proper credit card debt counseling company becomes a critical factor in determining the success of credit card debt counseling. Always go for a reputable credit card debt counseling company, even if their fee is a bit higher.

Remember that a proper credit card debt counseling can help you in not just eliminating your credit card debt, but eliminating your credit card debt in a way that is so cost effective as to more than offset the fee credit card debt counseling company is charging you.

Moreover, proper credit card debt counseling can save you a lot of time and energy that you would have otherwise spend in studying all about credit card debt, gathering information about various credit card debt elimination measures and comparing these measures.

Further, these credit card debt counseling companies can present more than one solution to you from which you can choose whatever appeals the most to you. These credit card debt counseling agencies can also get your credit card debt settled much quicker than if you were trying to do it all by yourself (and without any credit card debt counseling). Also, credit card debt counseling could bring to light things which you would not have been able to see e.g. risks with the approach you were thinking to adopt or a futuristic view of things.

Moreover, a person who earns his/her bread by practicing credit card debt counseling as a profession, would know the tricks of the trade which no one else would even have an inkling to e.g. pitfalls of a particular debt consolidation offer, or advantages of another offer etc.

There is no doubt with regards to the benefits that credit card debt counseling can bring to you. However, you need to be careful and avoid the fraudsters and pick up someone who has a good reputation.

Labels: business credit card, counseling, credit card, debt

What is 'Credit card debt consolidation'?

'Credit card debt consolidation' is a phrase that you must have come across many times. There are hundreds of sites with advice on credit card debt consolidation. Every now and then your favorite newspaper will also contain an article or advise on credit card debt consolidation. TV channels host discussions on credit card debt consolidation. Moreover, there are numerous consultants and companies that provide professional advice on credit card debt consolidation. So what is this "Credit card debt consolidation" that everyone is talking about? Why is it such an important topic?

"Credit card debt consolidation" refers to consolidation of the debt on various credit cards into a single credit card (or a couple of credit cards). Generally, you move from a higher APR credit card to a lower APR one. You might ask 'why?' If you look into how the vicious circle of credit card debt works, you will immediately understand the logic behind that.

Credit card debt grows in 2 ways. One is due to addition of new debt on account of fresh spends on your credit card and the second is due to addition of interest charges to the existing credit card debt. The first one is due to your use of credit card but the second one is due to interest charges which are calculated on the basis of the interest rate or the APR applicable to your credit card. So a lower APR rate means that your credit card debt will grow at a slower pace and hence switching over to a card with lower APR makes perfect sense.

The process of credit card debt consolidation is also referred to as balance transfer process (you transfer the balance or debt from one credit card to another).The credit card debt consolidation (or balance transfer) offers are made even more attractive by the credit card suppliers by associating various benefits with them.

The simple logic behind offering these benefits is the fact that such a customer would be defecting from one of their competitors. The biggest benefit offered by these credit card suppliers is 0% interest on balance transfers (or credit card debt consolidation). This 0% APR is generally applicable for a short period of time i.e. 3-6 months, after which the standard APR is applicable.

Other credit card debt consolidation offers include things like interest free purchase for a short period, reward points, etc. These credit card debt consolidation offers make the exercise of credit card debt consolidation even more logical and meaningful.

Credit card debt consolidation seems to be a good way of tackling the problem of credit card debt and that is the reason why there is so much of discussion on the topic of Credit card debt consolidation.

Labels: business credit card, consolidation, credit card, debt

Though a lot of people are comfortable with going forward with credit card debt management all by themselves, not everyone is. There are people who don’t really want to tread into the territory of financial issues (credit card debt management included).

Such people generally prefer going to debt assistance companies for advice on credit card debt management or for getting the credit card debt management done through them. However, even before we talk further on this topic of credit card debt management, it's imperative to understand that any external person or agency can only do a proper credit card debt management for you if you strictly follow the advice/guidelines that they formulate as part of credit card debt management. These credit card debt management guidelines are generally related to controlling your spending (which basically means perseverance and contentment).

Going to a credit card debt management company or a credit card debt management advisor/professional is not meant only for people who are foreign to financial topics but is sometimes fruitful for other people too (who are going with credit card debt management all by themselves).

This arises from the fact that these credit card debt management professionals (as any professional) would have more knowledge in that field than anyone else that is not from that field/profession.

So, firstly, you wouldn't know all the tips and tricks that the credit card debt management professional would know (and in fact this is something that you cannot read and learn overnight).

And secondly, it will save you a lot of time; because the person who practices credit card debt management as a profession would know about all the latest offers etc that are available in the market e.g. balance transfer offers etc (and hence you don't need to go looking for all this stuff all by yourself).

All in all, a credit card debt management professional can help get you a better deal that might more than compensate for the fee charged by that professional. If you look around you will find that there are hordes of companies and professionals offering credit card debt management services.

However, the key here is that you choose someone whose credentials are already established (or who can prove his credentials to you). One good way of selecting a credit card debt management company/ professional is to check with a friend or someone from your family, if they have used any such service in recent times. After all, references are the best way of building trust.

Labels: business credit card, credit card, debt, management

Credit card debt consolidation is regarded as the first step towards getting rid of credit card debt. Credit card debt consolidation loan is one of the ways of consolidating credit card debt. Besides, credit card debt consolidation loan, you can also go for balance transfer to another credit card. In fact, due to the publicity by credit card suppliers, balance transfers seem to be more talked about than credit card debt consolidation loan. Some people kind of forget about credit card debt consolidation loan being available as a method of credit card debt consolidation. However, credit card debt consolidation loan too is important to consider when going for credit card debt consolidation.

So what do we mean by credit card debt consolidation loan?

Put simply, credit card debt consolidation loan is a low interest loan that you apply for with a bank or financial institution in order to clear off your high interest credit card debt. So credit card debt consolidation loan too is based on same principle as balance transfers i.e. moving from one or more high interest debts to a low interest one. The credit card debt consolidation loan has to be paid back in monthly installments and as per the terms and conditions agreed between you and the dispenser of credit card debt consolidation loan.

Credit card debt consolidation loan, in general terms, is an unsecured loan i.e. doesn't require you to pledge any security. However, if you have a really bad credit history and you want go for credit card debt settlement using credit card debt consolidation loan, the credit card debt consolidation loan will take the form of a secured credit card debt consolidation loan.

This type of credit card debt consolidation loan requires you to pledge a security e.g. the home owned by you or something else that has a value which is comparable to your credit card debt consolidation loan amount. So, worse the credit rating, the more difficult it is to get a credit card debt consolidation loan.

Though balance transfers and credit card debt consolidation loans have the same objective behind them, the credit card debt consolidation loans are sometimes considered better because you end up closing most of your credit card accounts which have been the main culprit in landing you in this difficult situation.

However, balance transfers have their own advantages which are not available with credit card debt consolidation loans. Choosing between credit card debt consolidation loan and balance transfer is really a matter of personal choice.

Labels: business credit card, consolidation, credit card, debt, loan

Are you wanting to apply for a new credit card but feeling hesitant to perform the credit card application online? If so, you need not be concerned. Advances in the technology of secure e-commerce have made online credit card applications literally safer than filling out a paper application and mailing it through the US Postal Service. Here s why.

SSL Technology

First, banking institutions that offer online credit card applications use the most up-to-date technology to ensure that their web sites are protected against intrusion and data theft. This technology is known as SSL, which stands for Secure Sockets Layer, a transmission protocol that encrypts any data sent between the bank and your computer, such as all the personal information you need to fill out when applying for a credit card.

Encryption

What exactly is encryption? It is a sophisticated mathematical process that disguises data by altering the bits of information in ways that are undecipherable to others. You have probably done encryption in your childhood days when you sent messages to friends in school using a secret language such as reversing the alphabet, so that A meant Z, and Z meant A. That early game was actually a form of encryption.

In the early days of the Internet, encryption used 40-bits, which meant that a character of data could be transformed into another character in any one of 2 to the 40th power ways, which is approximately 1 trillion ways. But as large as that number is, computer security experts realized that people, including criminals, who had access to very powerful computers could crack 40-bit encryption in a short period of time, ranging from a few days to a few seconds depending on the power of their computers.

Therefore, in the late 1990s, a much more powerful type of encryption was introduced using 128 bits. This means that each character of data can be altered in any of 2 to the 128th power ways, a code which represents an astronomical number of possible variations that would take on the order of 20,000 years to break using today s fastest computers. The use of 128-bit encryption has thus completely altered the safety of data.

Two Encryption Keys Required

Furthermore, today s encryption methods use what is called the two-key algorithm whereby the sending computer and the receiving computer use both a public key and a private key to encrypt and then decrypt any data exchanged between them. The process is complex to explain, but suffice it to say that the two-key approach makes it impossible for all intents and purposes for an outside party such as a criminal to capture and interpret any data transmitted between two computers over an Internet site using SSL technology because the criminals will not have both keys.

Online Credit Card Applications - No Safer Method

In short, SSL technology virtually guarantees that if you fill out a credit card application over the Internet using a bank s secure application page, all your personal information can never be stolen or broken into.

Compare this to a paper credit card application which you send via the US Post Office. Think about how many mailboxes are broken into each year and how many pieces of mail are somehow lost and you will now realize that applying for a credit card over the Internet is actually the most secure method you can find.

So if you want or need a new credit card in order to expand your credit capabilities or to get bonus points or travel rewards, the best thing to do is to go to one of the web sites that allows you to compare credit card offers, then click through to the secure web site for the bank you choose to fill out their online credit card application. You will also benefit from this because your application will be processed within minutes and you can often get an immediate approval rather than waiting weeks as you do when you mail in a paper application.

All in all, rest assured that computer security experts are working hard to protect consumers from crime and identity theft as Internet banking, e-commerce, and credit card payments are increasingly processed online.

By Ed Vegliante

Labels: applications, business credit card, credit card, online

Some credit cardholders had a rough ride in 2008. As banks grappled with rising charge-offs and default rates, many reined in risk by restricting access to credit and adjusting existing accounts.

In fact, about 60 percent of domestic banks say they tightened lending standards on credit cards during the previous three months, according to the October senior loan officer survey from the Federal Reserve.

Unfortunately, the credit forecast is mixed. For 2009, experts predict mostly cloudy skies with a chance of silver lining.

Keith Leggett, senior economist with the American Bankers Association, says that "2009 is not going to a pretty year." With the unemployment rate expected to rise, he believes issuers will remain risk-averse.

"I think what you're going to see (are) tighter standards being applied to get new credit," Leggett says. "You will see lenders continuing to scale back their exposure to existing lines of credit."

Expectations

Here's a look at what experts say is coming and what you should do about it.

1. Minimum credit scores will rise

"Underwriting is a moving target," says Curtis Arnold, founder of CardRatings.com. A year ago, Arnold said consumers needed FICO scores of 700 or better to get the best credit card rates and limits; now he says 730 is the minimum. "That target is going to continue to change and tick up going into the first half of next year."

At the lower end of the spectrum, "folks that may have qualified this year or last year for a subprime card with a 575 or 600, this time next year may not qualify for a card at all."

According to the Federal Reserve's senior loan officer survey, about 50 percent of domestic banks indicated they had raised the minimum credit score needed for credit cards, and nearly 60 percent approved fewer applications for people who didn't satisfy the credit scoring requirement.

Your best money move: Take steps to improve your credit score. Check your free credit reports at www.annualcreditreport.com and dispute errors that may be weighing down your score. Apply for credit only as needed.

2. Reform measures coming

The Federal Reserve, the Office of Thrift Supervision and the National Credit Union Administration issued credit card reforms in late December that take effect in July 2010. The regulations crack down on universal default, double-cycle billing and hiking rates on existing balances.

President-elect Barack Obama also has made reforms part of his agenda, and there are bills pending in Congress.

Arnold fears that such added regulation may bring about the end of zero-percent balance transfer offers and teaser rates on credit cards if issuers react by making credit more expensive for everyone.

Promotional offers already aren't as generous as they were a year ago. "I'm predicting in 2009 that this trend will continue, and it could exacerbate to the point that we just never see any zero-percent offers anymore, for example," Arnold says.

We also may see some fees change and new ones implemented under the new regulations, says Ken Paterson, director of the Credit Advisory Service at Mercator Advisory Group, a research firm for the consumer payments industry in Maynard, Mass.

Your best money move: If promotional offers do go extinct, Arnold suggests trying balance transfer cards that offer a low rate for the life of the loan. Another option is getting a card from a smaller bank or credit union, which tend to offer more consumer-friendly terms. Use our comparison tool to find the best credit card.

3. A sustained squeeze on existing cardholders

"I think credit lines are going to continue to be cut," Arnold says. "I think that's a trend that's going to continue as issuers try to hedge their risk." He predicts that issuers also will keep raising rates, closing unused accounts and increasing underwriting standards.

As of Nov. 19, the average interest rate charged on all cards was 12 percent for fixed-rate cards and 11.27 percent for all cards. However, banks aren't hesitating to raise rates on people with imperfect credit. Major card issuers indicated to Bankrate in October that they are placing applications and existing accounts under heavier scrutiny for risk and closing inactive accounts deemed too risky.

About 60 percent of U.S. banks reported slashing lines for nonprime borrowers during the past three months, and 20 percent reduced limits for prime cardholders, according to the senior loan officer survey.

Having lower credit limits can make cardholders appear closer to being maxed out because the balance uses up more of the available credit. The result can be a lower credit score, which can invite changes to other accounts and make loans more expensive.

On a positive note, smaller credit lines may help curtail spending temptations.

Your best money move: Don't invite scrutiny. Pay on time, reduce debt and keep statement balances below 30 percent of the credit limit. Use emergency-only cards once every six months to keep them active, and pay them off. Read every mailing from your issuer and complain if you notice an adverse adjustment. If you plan to retaliate by closing an account, understand what canceling a card does to your credit score.

4. Rewards programs may be scaled back

While rewards programs are expected to stick around, issuers may scale back rebates to consumers if legislation passes that would reduce interchange fees collected on transactions. Interchange fees are paid by a merchant's bank to a customer's bank when someone uses a payment card. They help fund the rewards programs of card issuers.

"I do think there's going to be some tinkering around the promotional categories, maybe scaling back on some of the cash-back categories where, say, gasoline or some other purchase has been incented higher," Paterson says.

He says the worst-case scenario would be a situation where issuers start devaluing points, just like airline rewards programs have done with miles. Consumers would have to spend more to earn the same rewards. But it's too early to tell whether that will happen with non-airline rewards cards.

Your best money move: If you have points or miles you can cash in, do so sooner rather later. As a consumer, you have little recourse if the issuer decides to abolish the rewards program or change the terms.

5. Fewer direct mail solicitations

Consumers are expected to have received 1 billion fewer credit card solicitations this year than in 2007, according to projections from Mail Monitor, a credit card acquisition tracking service from Synovate, the market research arm of Aegis Group PLC.

Happily for consumers who find themselves annoyed or tempted by credit card offers, economist Leggett expects the downward trend to continue. "This is not the right time to be going out aggressively pursuing customers," he says.

As many as 70 percent of issuers are scaling back efforts to acquire cardholders, according to a July 2008 report from Javelin Strategy & Research in Pleasanton, Calif.

Consumers still might get offers from banks where they already have accounts.

Paterson speculates that banking relationships may take "a more important role in securing credit cards." Banks have more information on existing customers and may be more willing to extend credit to them.

Banks already are stepping up efforts to communicate with their customer base, albeit for other reasons. They sent 42 percent more direct-mail solicitations to their customers in the third quarter of 2008 versus the second quarter, according to a report from Chicago-based Mintel Comperemedia.

Your best money move: If you don't want to receive credit card offers, opt out of them at OptOutPrescreen.com. You can opt out for five years, or permanently if you mail in a form.

Other smart moves

• Build a savings cushion. Financial crises happen. Don't let a job loss or vehicular breakdown send you reaching for your credit cards. They're an expensive way to finance emergencies, and issuers may penalize you for piling on thousands of dollars in debt all of a sudden.
  Pad your safety cushion by saving three to six months' worth of living expenses in a liquid savings account. If that goal sounds unrealistic, try this suggestion: "Start by socking away 10 percent of each paycheck. You'll really never miss it, and yet at the end of a year you'll have a little more than one month's income in the bank," says Gail Cunningham, spokeswoman for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, or NFCC, in Silver Spring, Md.
  
• Don't wait to get help. If you are falling behind on your payments, get help sooner rather than later.
  
  A temporary financial problem, such as a job loss, is a good reason to contact your issuer if you're struggling to make payments. Most have in-house help programs that can lower your interest rate or waive fees for a short period of time, usually three to six months.
  
  Cunningham says that if consumers are experiencing a long-term financial problem, such as a divorce or major medical expense, they might want to contact a credit counseling agency for help. Visit the NFCC's Web site to find a counselor.

Source by Leslie McFadden http://finance.yahoo.com/news/5-smart-creditcard-moves-in-brn-14081638.html

Labels: business credit card, counseling, credit card, smart

They sound sensible, but acting on them can cost you
We've all heard some of them, and we've probably believed more than a few, but living by a credit card myth can cost you a lot of money in fees and hurt your credit rating.

Here are seven of the most pervasive credit card myths to watch out for:

Myth No. 1: Writing 'See ID' on the signature line on the back of your cards will stop a credit card thief cold and absolve you of any liability if a thief uses it.

The Logic: The "Ask for ID" or "See ID" prompt reminds salespeople to confirm that the name on the credit card matches that of the person holding it. And why write your signature in that little white space when it could be copied and used on checks, legal forms or other documents? There are even reports of law enforcement personnel recommending this precaution.

The Reality: An unsigned credit card is invalid, technically, according to the agreements that card issuers have with retailers. Moreover, many clerks don't even check for signatures at all, meaning that they're unlikely to see "See ID" on the back of your card, even if it is there.

If you do give a clerk an unsigned card or one with "See ID" written instead, they're supposed to have you sign the back of the card and check the signature against your driver's license or passport. This may trip up the fraudster a bit -- after all, a thief is unlikely to be able to mimic your signature on command -- but that's only if the cashier bothers to take the time to compare that signature to the one on the driver's license.

So what about the liability issue? Does writing "See ID" absolve you if the card is taken and used? No, because "no matter what's on the back, you're only liable for up to $50 charged when a card is stolen, and some companies waive that for their cardholders," says Lauren Zeichner, an attorney with Consumer's Union. "Writing 'Ask for ID' might encourage a retailer to ask for your ID, but it has no legal bearing."

Myth No. 2: There's no credit limit on your American Express card, so you can buy anything you want.

The Logic: Years of powerful advertising from American Express have probably locked at least one of their messages in your mind: "No preset spending limit." So when the AmEx arrives in the mail, you can activate it and buy tickets to Maui -- or your own Gulfstream jet to take you there, right? After all, there's no limit on your account.

The Reality: AmEx has changed; it no longer issues only charge cards -- the type that allow you to rack up a lot of debt, as long as you pay off the entire debt every month. They issue credit cards, too, which allow you to carry a balance.

In addition, when you inspect the marketing info from American Express, the phrase "no preset spending limit" usually comes with an asterisk. In the fine print, you'll find wording to the effect that this "... does not mean unlimited spending. Your purchases are approved based on a variety of factors, including current spending patterns, your payment history, credit record and financial resources known to us."

"There is no preset spending limit. It's dynamic. It can change based on your financial situation and how you use the card," says Mona Hamouly, a spokeswoman for American Express. "We have customers who make extremely large purchases with their cards, but that may be part of their profile."

In other words, if you don't already make high-dollar purchases with your credit cards, expect AmEx to question why you're suddenly buying $6,500 designer shoes when you stated on your application that you earned just $30,000 a year. "The best thing to do when you're going to make a purchase that's out of the ordinary for you is call and let us know, so we can discuss the details," says Hamouly.

Myth No. 3: You need one of each of the big cards -- Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover -- in your wallet because you may be stuck someplace that accepts one and not the others.

The Logic: People do wonder if the place they're going will take the card(s) they have. The rivalry between American Express and Visa has perpetuated this for years, as evidenced by TV spots for Visa that showed flashy restaurants and exclusive hotspots " ... that don't take American Express."

Some places are picky: Go to a Sam's Club, and you can only use Discover and its own branded card, while only American Express is good at rival retailer Costco.

The Reality: "If you have two of the big four, you're not likely to have any problems," says Linda Sherry, national priorities director for Consumer Action in Washington, D.C., "and millions of people just get by with one. It's much simpler."

"Although their advertising can make you want all these great cards, it's probably not great financial sense to have them all," says Sherry. "Remember: All those cards with your name on it don't make you rich and powerful, and in the end, you could become poor because of them."

Myth No. 4: You can give your credit score a boost by paying more than you owe.

The Logic: Paying more than you owe does temporarily bump up the amount of available credit on your card. It's also true that using a smaller percentage of the credit available in your accounts -- known in the industry as keeping a "low utilization ratio" -- helps your credit score. Lastly, it's thought that early credit scoring models may have given people a boost when they paid a personal or car loan a month early, so some may think that the same thing would apply to their plastic.

The Reality: "Even though you may be below zero on an account, it's assumed that's a temporary situation," says Roslyn Whitehurst, a spokesperson with the credit bureau Experian. "Whether you've got a credit of $100 or $1,000, it still shows as a zero balance for scoring purposes."

Myth No. 5: Using your debit card wisely can help your credit score.

The Logic: Debit and credit cards look alike, both bearing Visa, MasterCard or other logos. They're treated virtually the same by retailers. Thus, both should have an impact on credit scoring.

The Reality: "Having a bank account with a debit card and maintaining it properly shows that you're a responsible consumer," says Sherry. "But it is not taken into account" in credit scores, she says.

Myth No. 6: Retailers can set a minimum amount you can charge on a credit card when you buy something from them.

The Logic: In a small store or restaurant, it's not uncommon to find a sign that says, "$5 minimum for credit card purchases." If this wasn't allowed by the credit card companies, surely they'd crack down on it.

The Reality: Retailers who set minimum charges are breaking their agreements with the card companies. Because retailers pay interchange fees -- which vary, but average about 2 percent of the sale -- plus possible transaction fees on each credit card purchase, it's easy to see why a store owner would want to discourage lots of small credit card sales. But when they do so, they risk losing their ability to accept cards. "You're allowed to charge any amount on your card, even a penny," says Zeichner. "The problem is that the retailer wants you to charge enough to make it worth his while."

If you need to use a card for a small transaction that's against store policy, you can object, although you may be invited to take your business elsewhere. The other thing to do is contact the credit card company. "We want to know about retailers who do this," says Matt Towson, a spokesman for Discover Financial Services. "It violates our contract with them."

Myth No. 7: If you go over your credit limit and pay it back before the due date, you'll be fine.

The Logic: Lots of people go over their credit limits. After all, credit card companies don't want to embarrass you and lose you as a customer, so they rarely decline your purchase. As long as you're a good customer and you keep the overage reasonable, they won't hit you with an over-the-limit fee.

The Reality: It's true that credit card companies don't want to decline your purchase when you go over your limit. And if you're buying something that puts you a few dollars or more over the top, there's a good chance they'll give you the green light. But remember, every time you pass that credit limit, even for a short period, you could give the issuer a reason to boost your interest rate to penalty rate levels -- sometimes more than 30 percent.

You've also triggered one of those nasty fees that can eat up your account. Taken over time, those fees can add up and hinder your ability to draw down your debt. "It just makes sense for the company," says Sherry. "They know you don't want to have the card declined, so they quietly penalize you the $30 or $40 over-limit fee."

To avoid it, try calling before your purchase to see if they can give you at least a little bump in your credit line.

By John Morell http://finance.yahoo.com/banking-budgeting/article/106525/Don't-Believe-These-7-Credit-Card-Myths

Labels: business credit card, credit card, logic, myths, reality

Almost all credit card holders are aspiring for a higher credit card limit. This is because a higher credit card limit will enable them to make otherwise unaffordable purchases. Credit card holders need to remember that to get a higher credit card limit; they must abide by the terms and conditions of the credit card company or bank.

Below are other ways to get a higher credit card limit.

* The most important thing to do to get a higher credit limit is to prove your creditworthiness. This is the number one thing banks and companies look for in giving a higher credit limit.

* Attract positive attention from the credit card company or bank by paying finance purchases once in a while. However, it is not advisable to make this method a habit and should only be done as a last resort to increase your chances of getting a higher credit limit.

* Proving credit card companies and banks that you are good borrower would definitely convince them to give you a higher credit limit. But be careful as such strategy could only serve the benefit of the companies and banks. A higher credit card limit means greater purchasing power but it also increases the potential of the credit card companies and banks to earn through you through increased interest charges and other fees.

* Always spend within your credit card limit because doing so means that you are capable of controlling your expenses.

* Use your credit card regularly. Don't keep your cards for emergency use only. If you sue your credit card sparingly banks and credit card companies will be unable to understand your spending and pay back behavior and would be reluctant to give you a higher credit card limit.

* Never make minimum payments. Instead, try to pay for the entire outstanding amount. This would give you better chances of getting a higher credit card limit.

* Avoid late payments as much as possible. Not only do you increase your interest, you also have to pay an additional fine for not clearing bills on time. This would dim your chances in getting a higher credit card limit.

* The best and simplest strategy to get higher credit card limit is to use your credit card wisely. Always keep in mind that credit card companies keep a record of your transactions and payment pattern so always pay your dues on time and never make late payments. Your performance in the records of banks and credit card companies will determine whether you'll get a higher credit card limit or not.

By pilkster http://stooze.co.uk/

Labels: business credit card, credit card, get, higher, how, limit, strategy, ways

A credit repair business can definitely help you out in fixing your bad credit record, especially when you are in the need of a quick financial loan - either to be used to fund your business venture or for personal use like home improvements.

When it comes to putting your credit score back into shape, these experts utilize their knowledge in the legal department of credit business, accounting, and finance to get the job done. But in truth, the services offered by credit repair businesses aren't cheap and may dig deep into your budget. But despite the possible expense, many are still going for these professional to fix their credit scores rather than doing it for themselves.

But before you actually consider hiring one, you need to know that there are plenty of frauds and scammers around pretending to be the real deal - especially on the Internet. Here are some signs you need to watch out for:

Fraud Signs #1

Some credit repair business offers to fix your credit rating as fast as 30 to 60 days, and many are gullible enough to fall for it. In truth, there is no way to fix your credit score within that time frame; it may take months, or even years to get the job done.

It's true that they can check your credit reports for possible transaction errors, and report this to the responsible agency for correction - this can give your credit rating a much needed boost. But if there are no errors found on your report, then it will take quite some time to get it fixed.

Fraud Signs #2

Real experts in credit repair will give you advice during consultation for free, and will proceed with helping you fix your credit rating without any up-front charges. Fraud credit repair businesses, however, are more interested in getting your money than actually fixing the problem. These individuals will ask for up-front or advance payments for their service before they even process your request.

Read more What You Need To Know About Credit Repair Business

Labels: business credit, business credit card, credit card, credit repair business