The truth about credit card apr

I certainly can’t blame you if you express disbelief and outright doubt when you read the words “low APR credit card”. That’s like an oxymoron that’s never going to come true, isn’t it? When did a credit card ever have low APR? But I assure you, there is such a thing and though it’s as difficult to believe as when I tell you that aliens do exist, give this article a chance and read on. For sure, you’ve seen, heard and read thousands of advertisements about low APR credit cards from the TV, radio, newspapers and the Internet but you simply tune them out because you think these credit card companies are just pulling your leg. Well, I won’t lie and say that all credit card companies are straightforward. They’re not all honest. But there are still credit card companies who do mean what they say, even when it comes to low APR or annual percentage rates and to help you determine who’s being true and who’s being false, here are a few tips. If you’re angling for a credit card with a zero percent (0%) APR intro rates, you must make sure that your credit ratings are excellent or at least more than good. If you don’t know your credit ratings, all you have to do is ask and pay for a copy of your credit report from any of the major credit bureaus in the country – Equifax, TransUnion or Experian. If your FICO scores are above 650 then that’s good because you’re sure to qualify for a zero percent intro APR credit card. For individuals with FICO scores between 550 and 650, it’s touch and go so better check with a credit card representative first and explain to him if you need to submit more documents to help you qualify for a credit card with 0% APR intro rates. Beware, however, if you have a FICO score below 550 and you still actually managed to find a credit card company who assures you that you’re qualified for a 0% APR intro rate credit card. Something’s definitely fishy going on. If you find yourself in this kind of situation, I advise you to refuse that offer politely then simply go through the necessary steps to fix bad credit. When your credit reputation is sufficiently repaired, just re-apply for a 0% APR intro rate credit card and just maybe, your luck may have finally changed.

Credit card danger

What I call the, "I want it NOW" syndrome, is something that we expect from children. The problem being that many adults never mature enough to grow out of this syndrome. People should get credit counseling at a very young age - it should be a required curriculum in our school system. There are many theories as to why people feel such a strong need to go deeply into debt in order to fill their lives with material things. Credit cards are a required necessity in today’s modern world; however without responsible use of these credit cards, a consumer can soon find themselves choking in debt. Consumers find themselves in a vicious cycle: first they start by only making the minimum payment required (which often does not even cover the accumulating interest), next the consumer finds it necessary to make a payment late, or skip a payment. This strategy causes a boomerang effect as it usually triggers a huge jump in the interest rate you are paying. Credit card companies are really smiling when you miss a payment, the late fees seem to be getting bigger and bigger, the fee alone may be $35, $50, or even $75 or more - that fee is pure profit for the credit card company. To add insult to injury, on top of that fee, you will find your interest rate has doubled or tripled. Most credit card owners probably get several letters in the mail offering them a cash advance "to use in any way you want", it usually mentions some dream vacation, or other expensive item that we all dream about. The letter will mention an extremely attractive interest rate, sometimes even zero interest for a specified period of time. How many people read the find print on the back of these offers - where it explains that if you violate any terms of the agreement - your interest rate will soar to the highest allowable by law. The stress of dealing with debt collectors, and other consequences related to poor credit can take its toll on your family life and can lead to more serious issues like divorce and many turn to drugs or alcohol to ease the stress. Consumers often need credit counseling and should reach out to professionals to help them improve their credit rating and repair bad credit. Credit card interest rates along with late fee penalties can get out of control; thereby creating a deadly trap where making even the minimum payments won't be enough to get your head above the water. An experienced consumer credit counselor can help you find a solution, and perhaps reduce your debt significantly. Consumer credit counseling services can help negotiate reduced payment amounts with lower interest and monthly payments by standing behind you and reinforcing your commitment to paying off your debts. The first step is to recognize that you have a problem. The next step is to seek out an experienced professional credit counselor. Check out several potential credit counselors. Get references and ask for recommendations from friends. Choose your credit counselor wisely and ALWAYS read the fine print. Don't be embarrassed to seek help; you are not the only person who has found themselves deep in debt, the sooner you acknowledge and deal with the problem the sooner you can move on with your life

Improve credit score 3 tips for raising a low credit score

Raising your credit score does not involve a lot a work. However, there must be a willingness on your part to use credit responsibly. A low credit score makes its more challenging to obtain a credit card or get prime rates on a home or auto loan. On the other hand, a high credit score presents many finance options. Check Credit Reports for Accuracy Credit report errors are very common. It’s recommended that all consumers examine their reports twice yearly. This way, if any errors or mistakes are reported, you can quickly identify them and fix the problem. For example, some creditors may accidentally report an account being past due or unpaid. Usually, common mistakes are easy to correct. However, if you do not start a habit of checking your report, the problems will go undetected, and can potentially lower your credit score. It helps to obtain a copy of your report from all three bureaus. This provides an accurate credit standing. Also, it’s suggested that consumers review their credit before applying for a home loan or auto financing. Pay Bills on Time Never underestimate the value of making timely payments to creditors. Being habitually late on a credit card payment will greatly reduce your credit score. Moreover, this bad habit can result in raised interest rates. If possible, mail payments to creditors several days before the due date. This ensures payment reaching the creditor on time. If you have a difficult time submitting timely payments, consider setting up automatic payments. Decrease Credit Card Balances Credit card balances account for approximately 30% of your total FICO score. Thus, reducing balances is a quick way to significantly increase your credit score. To begin, keep credit card use to a minimum. Avoid shopping sprees and spending money frivolously. Attempt to keep balances below 25% of the credit limit. Once you have successfully reduced or eliminated credit card balances, avoid accumulating additional debt. It may help to payoff balances each month, or establish a spending limit. It’s tempting to close paid off accounts. Although these appear to be a smart credit maneuver, closing accounts will shorten credit history, which lowers credit score.

Business credit cards managing credit

Managing a business is crucial. Business credit cards are handy, since the cards supply a strategy for managing cash flow, business expenses and more. Business credit cards provide convenient purchases, saving cost, comprehensive reports, accessible credit lines, and so forth. The business cards offer business owners the power to stay on top of their spending, overhead, and more. Purchases Business credit cards enable cardholders to profit from online and in-store bargains, which embrace business while separating individual usage. Business credit cards equip you to handle your cash flow with accuracy. The all-inclusive reports make it convenient to monitor your cash by the purchase details generated on each statement. Features Business credit cards have features, which are comparable to standard credit cards. The cards however, are for executives and business owners exclusively. Small business owners and corporate executives can benefit from the business credit cardsmon features of both business credit cards and traditional cards include, the introductory low interest rates, airline rewards, cash back awards, etc. The cards often include complimentary features, such as separation of personal and business expenses, higher credit lines, unique rewards for business, including savings, and expenditure management reporting. Small Business Credit Cards for Business Business credit cards can benefit small businesses. Small businesses are one of the most rapidly growing business sectors, providing strength for the overall economy. Some of the advantages of credit cards for small businesses are that the cards will offer the owners access to capital by way of unsecured credit. What an advantage, since one of the reasons for the failure of small businesses often includes undercapitalization. Business credit cards usage for both small and large businesses will provide access to a credit line, which enables you to purchase supplies, or hire in contractors to enhance your workplace. This card can provide you an aid for purchasing, covering costs, and so forth. Entertainment and Business Travel Business owners that frequently travel or entertain clients should consider the cards that offer huge bonus benefits, such as airline miles bonuses. The no spending limit cards are another option, since the card will enable you to cover business expenses with ease. Expense Reporting It is important to maintain accurate business records while operating a business. The records should include profitable analysis charts as well as expenses incurred. The reports offered through business credit cards will minimize your record keeping, since you will receive a statement monthly. The report will enable you to monitor expenditures while providing you a categorized report, simplifying your tax preparations. Card issuers include various fees, benefits, and miscellaneous charges with their card offers. While considering the best credit cards for business, shop the marketplace to compare APR (Annual Percentage Rates), transaction fees, corresponding grace period, customer services, as well as other benefits’ the cards offer.