What Does One Have to Do for a Better Credit Card Around Here?

Many of you have been asking the same question and it's probably on all of our minds: If interest rates are going down, why are my credit card rates going up? I got several notices in the mail from my credit card issuers with some very bad news. Their credit card rates are about to rise and in some case the rates are doubling, tripling, and then some!

Much of our audience has shared similar stories. But for every negative story, I receive a positive- a story of persistence with a happy ending, a lower rate. So, I decided to try some of the methods and report back to you with what worked and what didn't work. Perhaps with this information we can all lock in low rates, at least until the next billing cycle.

Out of the bunch of notices, I picked one at random- this card’s (we won’t name names) interest rate will climb to 15%, so much for my low APR card. I was curious how the company would justify this absurd change so I just called them. I spoke to a nice representative who kindly told me this was the lowest rate available at the time. I pulled out every trick in the book, telling them competitors were offering lower rates and explaining that it was low rates that attracted me to their company in the first place. No luck- she just repeated the same sentence as before. I thought of telling her she will hear from my lawyer but a) they haven’t done anything illegal and b) that line never works. So, as a last resort, I told her I’d like to close my account. Boy that got her attention. After a few moments on hold, she came back to say she can knock the rate down in half and even offered a six month extension to my current low interest rate.

So go ahead, give it a try, what have you got to lose except a high interest rate?

Credit cards with rewards programs

Reward credit cards allow users to earn incentives for making purchases with their credit card. Points accumulate for each dollar charged on the card, and cardholders can redeem these points for various rewards. Reward cards usually require better-than-average credit for approval. There are seven major types (not including airline miles / frequent flier cards, which we'll discuss a bit later).

• Cash back credit cards 
  This type of credit card allows you to earn cash rewards for making purchases. The more the card is used, the more cash rewards you receive. Most cash back cards earn users around 1 percent of total purchases, excluding interest and finance charges. Some cards offer a higher cash back percentage with increased usage; others offer a higher cash back percentage at select merchants or for particular types of purchases. Since cash back programs are costly to credit card companies, some of these cards have an annual fee that can vary from $50 to $100. This type of card is best for people who are faithful about paying off their balances each month. If used appropriately, a cash back credit card can earn the cardholder a significant amount of money over time. Compare cash back credit cards.
• General reward points credit cards 
  Reward credit cards are similar to cash back cards in that cardholders can accumulate points toward a reward structure, which is based on how much the card is used over time. General reward cards offer cardholders a variety of items to cash points in for: gift cards, electronics, hotel stays, plane tickets, jewelry, pet supplies and more. Some rewards can be attained for 1,500 points; others cost 200,000 points. Reward programs and promotional offers often change; thoroughly review a card's terms and conditions before applying. 
  Some general reward credit cards come with an annual fee ranging from $50 to $100, although most have no annual fee. Reward cards are best for people who regularly pay off their balances each month. By minimizing their finance charges, individuals will reap greater benefits from the associated rewards credit card. Compare reward points credit cards.
• Hotel or travel points credit cards
  This is a genre of credit cards specific to hotels and travel. Some cards are co-branded with hotels, such as the Marriott Rewards Visa card, or the Hilton HHonors American Express card. These credit cards allow you to earn points for all purchases, in addition to bonus points for dollars spent on stays at the respective hotel chain. You can redeem your points for free nights and upgrades at the hotel chain your card is co-branded with. 
  Then there are broader hotel and travel cards such as the Bank of America's MilesEdge Visa, with which points can be redeemed for travel, theme park admission, stays at major hotel chains and more. Blue Sky from American Express is similar -- points can be applied toward plane tickets, hotel stays, rental car use or cruises. 
  Because these reward programs can be costly for credit card companies, many of these cards come with an annual fee. If you are not a frequent traveler, the annual fee may negate the benefit of the rewards earned. Compare hotel/travel points credit cards.
• Retail rewards credit cards
  These credit cards are co-branded with a major retailer, such as Disney, Amazon.com or Best Buy. Points are accumulated by making everyday purchases, though cardholders are awarded with double or triple points for making purchases from the co-branded retailer. Reward points must be redeemed for products or services from that specific retailer. With the Best Buy MasterCard, for example, you earn up to 2 percent back from any purchase with the card, and 4 percent back from Best Buy purchases. Cardholders receive the reward money in the form of reward certificates that can be used only at Best Buy. With the Disney Visa card, points accumulate for every purchase, and they can be redeemed for Disney products or vacations. Compare retail rewards credit cards.
• Gas cards with points or rebates
  Gas cards come in two species: general and brand-specific. General cards treat all gas companies equally, while brand-specific cards favor one gas company. The Discover Open Road card, a general gas rebate card, gives you 1 percent cash back for general purchases but rewards you with 5 percent back for buying gas or having auto maintenance done at any company. The BP Visa, in contrast, will give you a 1 or 2 percent rebate for regular purchases, but you will earn 5 percent rebate only when buying gas at BP stations.
  If you tend to be loyal to a certain gas company, a brand-specific card may benefit you, but if you tend to just stop at whichever station is closest, you may be best with a general gas rebate card. Additionally, it's important to remember that a gas company may be very popular in one state, but uncommon or nonexistent in other states, making brand-specific credit cards less than ideal for long road trips. For example, BP is a very common gas station in Florida, but there are few of them in Texas. Sinclair gas stations are in 21 states, but if you have a Sinclair MasterCard and are driving through California, you're out of luck.Compare gas cards.
• Automobile manufacturer rewards cards
  Auto rewards cards allow consumers to earn points that can be redeemed toward the purchase of a new or used car, auto-related expenses or merchandise. With the GM Flexible Earnings MasterCard, for example, cardholders can opt for cash back rewards, or apply their earnings toward the purchase of a new GM vehicle. This card is most beneficial to those looking to purchase a vehicle in the near future. Compare auto rewards cards.
• Home improvement rewards credit cards
  These credit cards allow consumers to earn reward points for all purchases, while earning extra points for home-related expenditures. For example, with the Citi Home Rebate MasterCard, you earn 1 percent back on regular purchases, but 6 percent back on purchases involving utilities, cable/satellite TV, Internet connection and telecom for the first year. 
  Rebates earned are automatically applied to your mortgage principal. Bank of America'sHome Advantage World MasterCard works the same way, though points can be redeemed for cash back, travel, gift cards, merchandise if you decide not to apply them to your mortgage. Compare home improvement rewards cards.

Standard credit cards

These credit cards are the most common and are readily available from most banks and financial groups. They are unsecured, which means you do not have to put down a security deposit to prove the money can be repaid. The way the annual percentage rate is offered or calculated for these cards can vary. Here are two examples:

• Balance transfer credit cards 
  Balance transfer credit cards allow consumers to transfer a high interest credit card balance onto a credit card with a low interest rate. Typical in the market today are balance transfer credit cards with an introductory annual percentage rate (APR) of 0 percent, with that introductory or "teaser" rate lasting several months up to a year. The terms of balance transfer credit cards varies between offers, so be sure to thoroughly read the terms and conditions for each card. 
• Low interest credit cards 
  Low interest credit cards offer either a low introductory APR that jumps to a higher rate after a certain period, or a single low fixed-rate APR. Low interest cards can be very useful when consumers need make a large purchase because it allows several months to a year to pay it off with very low or no interest. Before using a low interest card, read all the terms and conditions of the introductory rate so you will not be surprised by fees or accumulated interest. Compare low interest .

Department Store Credit Cards

Keeping customer information secure is a top priority for all of us at Department Stores National Bank (”DSNB”), the bank that issues your credit account. This notice tells you how we collect, handle and disclose personal information about you. If you want to limit our disclosing this information, please see Your Privacy Choices and a toll-free number to contact us in paragraph E of this notice. If you are a joint accountholder, we will accept your privacy choices from either of you and apply it to the entire account. This notice also applies to applicants and former customers as well as current customers unless we state otherwise. This notice replaces all previous notices to you about information-sharing practices on your Account.

If you are trying to rebuild your credit, it is possible that gas station and department store credit cards are the answer you’re looking for. Why should that be? These types of credit cards are generally easier to get than the standard bank issue credit cards; so, even if your credit report is not perfect, you may be approved for a gas station or store card.

It can be very tempting to apply for department store credit cards. Each time you make a purchase at a store in the mall, a salesclerk is likely to inquire whether or not you would be interested in saving 10% (or sometimes even more) by opening a store credit card. Without thinking, you might jump at the opportunity to save a few bucks. Don’t be so hasty.

Once you get a department or gas credit card you need to use the credit card regularly and always pay your bill on time each month.  If you pay late even once you have seriously damaged your credit rating and won’t be able to get a Visa or MasterCard, perhaps for more than a few years.  To avoid the high finance charges associated with department store and gas cards, always pay your bill in full each month.

Interest rates on department store credit cards are often much higher than a Visa or a Mastercard. So pay your bill in full every month and on time! Mail a check at least a week before the due date. If you’re paying online, allow at least two days for processing. After months of late or non-existent payments, your account will get sent to collections. You don’t want that on your credit report. Remember, there’s no need to borrow money to build credit, so pay the entire balance every month. In fact, your next credit card should be one that pays you, either in the form of cash or gift cards.

Department Store Credit Cards Have High Interest Rates

If you are trying to get out of debt or have been relatively debt free, you need to stay away from department store cards because they frequently have the highest interest rates. If you forget to make timely payment, your purchase discount savings could quickly be negated by high interest charges. Don’t fall into the discount trap.

Credit Card Application

With instant approval credit card offers you can apply online and, if qualified, usually receive notice via email of your acceptance within seconds of completing an online credit card application. Please note that in order to receive an instant approval online, you must usually have good to excellent credit. Although issuers strive to provide instant approval whenever possible, more time may be needed in certain circumstances to determine if your application is approved.

Visa credit cards are the number one credit card used by people around the world, Visa cards offer exceptional convenience and reliability. Visa has unsurpassed acceptance in more than 150 countries, as well as at Internet merchants. And with a Visa credit card, you can get cash at more than 840,000 ATMs in the Visa Global ATM Network. It’s a secure, reliable way to pay for anything you need, anywhere in the world.

Using a credit card is easy.  However, applying for one isn’t always the case.  Wading through all the different providers and all the different offers is overwhelming enough without adding to it the process of applying. Before applying for a credit a good deal of research should be done to understand the terms and conditions of various credit cards applications as well as what the different providers offer.  Pay close attention to any fees and charges tied to the use of the card, such as the cash advance and balance transfer fees.

The mission of Credit Arrangements is to offer the most comprehensive site forcredit card information. Built with the intention of making your credit card search easy, Credit Arrangement has become one of the most trusted companies by many satisfied customers. Unlike most other sites, Credit Arrangements provides easy-to-read lists and descriptions of many different cards. In addition, you can fill out free credit card applications directly through Credit Arrangements before being carefully pointed to the best credit card offers.

Advanta is one of the nation’s largest credit card issuers that cater exclusively to small businesses. Advanta cardholders can receive extra cash back on business purchases as well as cash back on other purchases. Advanta’s Travel Rewards Program allows cardholders to earn points for travel and other benefits.

Some people use their credit cards for specific purposes or to fulfill special needs. For example, if you use your credit card for cash advances, you’ll want to look for a card that carries lower fees on cash advances. Likewise, if you need to transfer existing credit card balances, you’ll want a credit card with lower (or NO) balance transfer fees.

Rapid Online Application (ROLA) - Apply online through our Internet processing software, get approval to accept credit cards today and obtain a live merchant account in 24 hours. With our digital signature approval process, the entire application process can be done in minutes. They will process your application and approve it all by phone, with absolutely no paper work for you to handle!

Credit cards are a useful way of managing your finances and despite some bad press can provide financial flexibility and a range of benefits if used properly. With the mass of incoherent information out there it’s hardly surprising that people end up applying for a credit card which doesn’t suit them, paying more than they need for using the card.

Capital One Credit Cards

The Capital One Group is a top ten credit card issuer in both the UK and United States, with more than $151 billion in managed loans and approximately 50 million world-wide customers, serviced by approximately 27,000 employees. In 1996 Capital One launched its first overseas operation in the UK where the UK bankcurrently offers Visa and MasterCard credit cards to UK customers.

There are two easy ways to apply for a Capital One credit card: You can apply online using easy online application. If you received an offer from the mail, complete the application that was included in your letter and mail it back. No. Capital One offers different products and services that are available exclusively in different markets.

Capital one is advertising card for people with no credit or bad credit my creditscore is 565. all the issues on my card were dissolve in bankruptcy in 2005 but Capital One continues to decline me as a card member I say they are false advertising as well as Platinum premium.

If you received an invitation to apply for a Capital One credit card in the mail, please take a moment to locate the Reservation Number and Access Code, which are prominently printed on the letter.

Capital One Low Rate Credit Card: 8.5% p.a. variable on balance transfers and purchases, No balance transfer fee, Free Identity Theft Service.

Capital One’s culture encourages innovation and entrepreneurialism. This can be evidenced by the introduction in 1992 of ‘balance transfer’ concept, allowing credit cardholders to move their balances to Capital One at more favourable interest rates. The strategy revolutionised the U.S. card market and brought lower rates for millions of customers. This has helped Capital One grow from one million customers at the end of 1990 to 50 million to date.

Whether you’re shopping for a Capital One® card or already have one, you’ll find we offer the innovation and exclusive features you won’t get with our competitors. That’s why in addition to the security of $0 fraud liability and standard Visa® and MasterCard® benefits, you can also personalize your card with the image of your choice. We even offer the option of building your own credit card with the Capital One Card Lab. And you won’t get our exclusive shopping benefits and No Hassle Rewards with any other card issuer.

With Capital One No Hassle Rewards, you can get your choice of rewards without the hassle. You can fly free faster on any airline, anytime with our miles card, earn cash back on all purchases with our cash rewards, and redeem your points for great brand-name merchandise and gift cards.

Capital One® is a diversified financial services company offering a broad array of credit, savings and loan products. It has emerged as one of the America’s largest consumer franchises with almost 50 million customer accounts and one of the nation’s most recognized brands.

The Capital One® Business Platinum card with Preferred No Hassle Miles(SM) is best for business owners who have excellent or above average credit and want to earn more miles on travel and entertainment purchases.

Teens Credit Cards

Teens should keep a record of the credit card purchases they’ve made during the month, with a running total. When they’ve reached the amount they can afford to pay off at the end of the month, they should stop using the card until the next month rolls around. Parents and teens should discuss what types of purchases are appropriate with a credit card. For example, appropriate purchases do not include anything you can eat, drink, or wear.

Youngsters who already have a checking or savings account — and that should be the first step in a kid’s financial education — are ready for a standard debit card because they’re accustomed to keeping track of transactions, according to Marc Minker, a CPA and personal financial specialist at the New York City consulting firm Mahoney Cohen & Co. Parents can rest fairly easy in this situation, since even the most acquisitive teen will find it self-limiting: Once the account balance drops to zero, theoretically, he or she has to stop spending.

Prepaid cards like Visa Buxx or Citibanks Citi Cash Card allow parents to set spending limits and monitor where their children are spending money, both through monthly statements and through Internet accounts that show daily transactions. The parents transfer money from their own checking accounts to the card for a small transaction fee, and the card can be used like any other credit card to make purchases.

As my older teens have moved up to high school and have jobs of their own, I have encouraged them to get a credit card of their own to establish their credit. I have helped them fill out the forms and requested a credit card limit of no more than $300. I still keep a careful eye on how they are using the credit cards, but since the bill comes in their name, I give them more freedom on when and how they use it.

With continuing concerns about teens in credit trouble, it makes some sense to teach them the value of good spending habits with plastic. There are several opportunities to do this with some innovative products.Visa offers a card they call Visa Buxx which is a prepaid Visa card. A parent or teen loads the card with value via electronic funds transfer and then teen then uses the card until the limit is reached. VisaBuxx provides online web access to spending records and allows funds to be added to the card at the parents’ initiative.

One thing that parents do is they give them teen credit card as they do not involve the kids in the payment of the cards. The children mistook it for advantage and spend as much they like. One thing before you apply for your kids? credit card, make sure that they understand that the piece of card does not only buy them the goodies but mom and dad have to shell out the money afterwards. The card is an alternative of money but actually is a borrowing which sooner or later their parents have to pay back.

Save Money on Your Credit Cards

Many people have multiple debts such as credit card, hire purchase, car loan andhousing loan. If this is the case, you may be paying more interest than you need to. Credit cards are not a cost effective way of funding long term borrowing. Speak to your lender about consolidating your debts under one umbrella credit product like your housing loan. So, instead of paying a higher rate of interest on your credit card, you�ll pay at the home loan rate which is often much lower. Then you can put the savings directly into your home loan!

It seems that many businesses and stores these days are willing to fight hard for your patronage. I’ve noticed a lot more stores lately that now offer price matching on equal items from a different store. You simply show the ad or online printout showing the item that is less expensive at the rival store, and they will give you the item for that price (or sometimes even for cheaper). The fact is that in today’s day and age, your money is in demand and you can use this to your advantage andsave yourself even more cash. Here are a few of the biggest benefits to taking advantage of the price matching strategy.

There are a number of credit cards out there which offer fuel incentives and many experts have recommended them as money saving devices, confirming that they offer good rates in addition to attractive fuel incentives.

Gas credit cards can earn you rebates or cashback to help save money on your gas bill.  We’ve recently looked at ways to make more money during bad economic times but the other side of the accounting equation is obviously to spend less money. With high gas prices continuing to climb, saving money on gas is important to many of us and gas discount cards can help reduce the bill a little. There are many options to choose from; before you apply for a gas rewards card, be aware the features such as reward limits, introductory rates, and rewards earned can vary from card to card.

Balance-transfer Fees – Some issuers charge transaction fees as high as 4 percent for balance transfers so that the higher the balance, the higher the transaction fee. Other credit card companies cap transfer fees at $25-50. Still other cards only waive fees for “initial balance transfers,” then treat every subsequent balance transfer as a cash advance and charge the greater of $2.50 or 2.5% of the transaction amount as a fee.

If you can’t, transfer the balance to a form of credit with a lower annual interest rate, such as a line of credit. If you do this every month, you’ll always benefit from the grace period on your credit card. In your monthly budget, include the amount needed to pay off your outstanding balance as quickly as possible.

Your credit card statement indicates the date your account closes each month and reflects any activity on the account as of that date. The greater the balance on the closing date, the more interest is charged on your account. In the period between the closing date and the due date, any credits (payments) and debits (charges) to the account are calculated, and the closing balance is adjusted. Finance charges are added to the balance, along with any fees you may have incurred, such as ATM fees or cash advance fees.

Credit Card Slots

The issue of allowing players to use credit cards in the machine is questionable and most of the major slot makers are hesitant to get involved with it at this time. One executive at Bally’s, a leading slot maker said, It’s been a morality issue. Bally developed a product in the mid-90’s but no one would touch it.”
The slot machines now rule and accounts for over 70 percent of most casinos’ profits. The casinos are competing to get you into their casinos to play their slots. It would not be feasible for casinos to design their own slot machines so they look to the manufacturers to supply them with new games. There are several companies that manufacturer slot machines.

Turn-Over Leather Jotter with Credit Card Slots. This jotter is a jotter and a little more — so you love the practical jotter but need a few extra pockets on it. This ultimate jotter has two credit card slots and a business card pocket. Plenty of storage for your notes and even a pen loop (pen not included), this ultimate jotter is great for the jotter lover who wants a little more. Insert size: 3″ x 5″ and inserts are available. Made of kasmir cowhide and comes with a few jotter sheets. Available in black only.

Now that you have the wallet mesured u can add credit card and ID slots. First using the second paper bag trace the credit card with permanent marker. Then cut it out. once u have the plastic cut out cut and inch below it so there is a little of the card showing to grab. Know that you have the slot cut out grab your tape and tape it to the middle fold of the wallet. If u want more slots cut the plastic a little shorter than the previous sslot and tape it down on the previous slot. Make sure the bottom of the new slot is level with the bottom of the wallet.

The Divided slot is the perfect size for a license, cash, credit cards, etc. For your convenience, the magnetic flip cover can be opened or closed with minimal effort. Plus the heavy-duty belt clip ensures a lifetime of use. Durable and classy, the executive case perfectly complements your on-the-go lifestyle.

There are many varieties of credit cards do little more than your business card is whether to know what you should look for your own business owners or key in your company, since it should, but applying for the supplies needed for free. It is a very difficult to use both sides.

Sky formally confirmed last year that it would open up the second card slot to enable the operation of broadcast-based loyalty schemes from early in 2005.The company would not comment further, saying it “continues to evaluate options for potential applications of the interactive slot.”