July 08, 2008

The Federal Reserve recently proposed to take measures in order to eliminate unfair credit card practices performed by credit card companies and banks. The Fed also suggested toughening rules and regulations for lenders. Hidden credit card fees, unreasonable interest rate hikes, unfair charges, aggressive anti-delinquency policy and other abusive credit card practices are promised to be banned.

This would definitely bring a relief to credit card holders. But how will creditors tolerate such a policy? Banks and credit companies still trying to make up for the losses caused by credit crisis and trying to survive in the conditions of economic recession, are upset with such Fed's moves, to put it mildly. But whose prayers - lender' or borrowers' - will be heard by the Fed?

June 17, 2008

Nothing is certain but death and taxes. This proverb is pretty old and very popular in America. And it is a rather questionable issue - what Americans hate more. Tax time can, probably, be called an antipode to Christmas time so much loved by Americans. It is really unpleasant to give your honest penny earned. It feels like you are being robbed.

Of course, we realize that the tax money goes to good causes. But still it is not easy to give a part of your income with a smile on your face thinking of some nice park-to-be or a smooth new future highway. But now you can get rewarded for paying taxes. You can apply for a credit card with rewards for paying taxes, gilding the pill thus.

June 06, 2008

Do you know much about Australia? Canberra is its capital. Kylie Minogue, Cate Blanchett, Hugh Jackman, Steve Irwin are the most world-wide famous people born in Australia. Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbor Bridge are among the most distinctive and beautiful architecture masterpieces of the XXth century. Aussies (informal for Australians) speak English, Australian-English, to be more exact. But did you know that Australia has a highly developed credit card industry? And that Australian overall credit card debt is lower than the one America has?

May 08, 2008

You can find numerous credit card articles that throw light upon such issues as credit card fees and rates, rewards programs, tips on eliminating debts, improving credit score and wise credit card management. But have you come across much information on convenience checks tied to your credit card account?

Meanwhile, these checks are hidden hefty charges that you are imposed right after you cash them. Convenience checks might seem to be very convenient at first sight. But if you take a closer look, you will find a good number of downsides to using convenience checks. This easy money can turn into a heavy financial problem for you.

April 18, 2008

Sometimes credit card issuers surprise me. They issue plastic money, talk about numerous advantages and conveniences of using credit cards, aggressively advertise credit products on every corner. But together with that, nearly every credit card deal has a cash advance option. This contradicts the conception of plastic money.

To talk seriously, it is pretty clear why card issuers offer such an option to their customers. People still do need cash at times. Of course, these days, plastics are accepted almost everywhere. But imagine your credit card with credit available does not get accepted. What would you do? Right, you would want to take a cash advance.

April 04, 2008

While some people make promises to themselves to start a new life with the beginning of a New Year or next Monday, others choose spring to start afresh. Spring is the time for a spring cleaning, lose some lbs people gain during winter. Spring is also great for losing excess weight in your financial matters. If you have some credit card debts, get rid of them before the summer is here.

On cold and dull winter days your credit could frown as well. Christmas debt hangover, some new warm outfits for you and your family members, vitamins to keep up your immunity, and other extra winter expenses can increase your credit card bills and your balances.

March 21, 2008

One in 10 credit card holders has over 10 plastics. The optimal number of credit cards is an arguable question. Most credit experts advise to use 3 or 5 plastics. This amount is enough to establish and maintain good credit score and make maximum profit of your card deals, different options and rewards, and with this number you can keep track of your due dates, credit limits, etc.

However, some credit consumers manage to make the most of credit card benefits and build a good credit score using just one single credit card. Do you want to know how they do it?

March 07, 2008

Punctuality is the politeness of kings. Being punctual means being responsible. And when it comes to your credit card management, this trait is really vital for your wallet. Making credit card payments on time is one of the basic rules of managing your credit card. It is in your best interest to foster a discipline of timekeeping.

As for creditors, your late or missed payments are their gain. They make money on your absent-mindedness through accruing late payment fees and default rates to your credit card. But what is even more frustrating is that if you are just one day late with your payment, your credit score, you have been working on for years, an get damaged.

February 22, 2008

Rewards credit cards are a great way to save on your expenses. Rewards credit card holders can get free hotel stays, free airfare, free gas, discounts, and other numerous bonuses. The majority of credit consumers with good or excellent credit score strive to get a rewards plastic with the most beneficial features and terms in order to save on regular spendings for some more specific needs.

Children's education is one of the most acute matters of parents' concern. Investing money in their kids' education is sure to pay dividends later on. But how to save enough money for college tuition without stinting yourself in everything? Some of the parents open a separate bank account as their child is born, and start to deposit money in the bank. Others try to make some savings. But some card owners apply for the so-called college savings rewards cards, contributing to a 529 plan.

February 15, 2008

When choosing a new plastic to apply for, a credit consumer takes into account many factors. First of all, a customer pays attention to the most important credit card feature, such as credit card category, interest rate, transaction and other fees, rewards available, and others. Some of card holders even carefully read credit card terms and conditions from the first line up to the very last. Meanwhile this information is just a must-read for every applicant, especially the fine print.

But there are some points that are usually overlooked by most credit card holders. Credit card services that come with your offer should not slip your attention either. Additional services that a credit card company offers you are not just another trick to entice you. They can actually be helpful.