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Saturday, February 28, 2009

How Businesses Can Play with Business Credit Cards

How Businesses Can Play with Business Credit Cards

by Pamela Williams


Using business credit cards in financing your business makes it possible for small business owners to start operations even with limited budget. Unlike large corporations who may have connections with financial institutions, small businesses usually have to rely on their own finances with regards to their business expenses. However, business credit cards can help small business thrive in the market.


Short of Cash? Not with Business Credit Cards

With the help of business credit cards, small business are able to invest on the necessary equipment, purchase raw materials or buy merchandises to get their business running. Since a business credit card allows them to get these materials in advanced without paying for them in cash, a business can still buy some time and start marketing its products before the due date of their balance ends. If the purchases are made at beginning of the credit card's cycle, a business can take full advantage of the entire grace period that it is allowed. Small business can even have the option to pay for their debts in full or in installment basis.

In addition, any business is confronted with the possibility of cash flow shortage. A business can be interrupted in the middle of its operations when a cash flow crisis arises. The production can be unexpectedly put into halt when due to the lack of materials. A certain device can break down and may need repair immediately.

These situations must always be anticipated in a business. If you have business credit card, it would be easier to purchase materials in an instant or have your machinery repaired that same day without waiting for cash. During these circumstances, a business can realize how important it is to have a business credit card in hand.


Flexibility and Other Conveniences

Aside from incredible flexibility, business credit cards are very convenient when traveling. You can take your business credit card with you on your business trips without the need to bring a large bulk of cash. If you have employees, you can issue their own business credit cards so they can just charge their expenses from their business trip on the account.

By the end of the period, you should be able to receive a summary of all transactions made on your account. This makes reimbursements a lot easier and more accurate as well. The account report on business credit cards are also especially created to make accounting tasks easier. When it's time to file for your taxes, you can find that your summary of account is a great reference for calculating your taxes.

Furthermore, being able to study your account's summary allows your business to make an objective examination regarding its finances. The detailed report of your account will give you the exact answers to these questions and help you come up with an informed decision for your business.


Is the business spending on unnecessary purchases? Are all the employee's expenses really needed for the business? Do you need to make some adjustments with regards to your business expenses?

Let's not forget the Rewards

With all these advantages mentioned, the opportunity to earn rewards and incentives can not be left unmentioned. Business credit card companies provide rewards programs for all their business credit card holders. And because businesses usually spend in bulk and in large amounts of purchases, they also get to earn rewards more quickly and more frequently than personal credit card holders. So if you're in a business, shouldn't you benefiting from business credit cards?

When Credit Card Balance Transfer Is for You

When Credit Card Balance Transfer Is for You

by Ajeet Khurana


There was this one time when my friends and I got to complaining about how our credit card debt kept piling up. There are the monthly insurance premiums, mortgages and car loans to think of, and we were not sure if our salaries (combined with our respective husbands' salaries) could take any more load.

A balance transfer was at the back of my mind, but I did not have enough knowledge about it to even have the courage to bring up the topic. However, I was fortunate, for I had a friend working in a finance company who was willing to show me the ropes.

What is a balance transfer? If you have not been able to pay for your credit card debt, you can transfer the balance to another card issuer. This would help you to get out of paying a large sum as a late payment penalty. Many people opt for balance transfer because another issuer is offering lower interest rates.

In what way does balance transfer help you? If you have been unable to pay off your credit card balance, it is most likely that the finance charges are adding up to your debt on a monthly basis. You could make a new beginning by transferring your balance to another card.

You do not have to worry about being charged with late payment fees as long as you keep paying for the minimum amount due every month. It is always better if you pay more of course. People who are looking to add to their savings, should make an effort to find a low-priced balance transfer credit card.

How do I find a good balance transfer card? Ideally, you should start sifting through the many providers that offer balance transfer facilities. Make sure that their interest rates are much lower compared to your old card issuer - it's possible to get 1% to 2% interest if you take your time negotiating and researching for a reputable company.

New banks tend to be willing to offer customers balance transfer cards free of charge. Some will give you a grace period of six months to a year, where in they charge a lower interest on your transferred balance. Because these card issuers want your business, they will be more than happy to accommodate you. You could end up transferring your balance in less than four weeks.

Could there be an adverse impact on my credit? This is the tricky part. If you are just going to transfer the balance to another card, your credit score is safe. Some say that it is better to close the old credit account, but that is not true in most cases. Not only does part of your credit history get "erased", your debt ratio will be affected negatively especially if your new card has a lower credit limit.

On the other hand, having an open bank account will also affect your credit score, but not as much as closing it. The best thing to do is to keep both accounts open. It is up to you whether you want to keep using your old card or discard it entirely. Just remember to be diligent with your payments on both cards.

Choosing the Best Credit Card for the Purpose

Choosing the Best Credit Card for the Purpose

by Ajeet Khurana


Few things in the world can give a person the same sense of independence as that which is provided by a credit card.

The truth is you need to be extremely cautious when applying for a credit card, as it is a complex web of fees, charges, and interest rates (not to mention hidden clauses and terms which are not only illegal but also financially dangerous) which can sink you deep in debt.

If you are financially responsible, you should make an effort to avail of a credit card and start using it wisely. But first, you will need a layman's crash course on credit card interest rates before you secure and swipe your card at the first opportunity.

Two different loan seekers could get different interest rates. But usually the means for assigning interest rates on an applicant is based on his credit history. Given that your credit ratings are good, the loan that you are approved for could be a very affordable one. If your credit rating is poor, you would have to try to rebuild it before you can get approved for good loan deals.

This may be done the hard way, by taking the brunt of the compromised interest rate which the bank will assign to you, or to choose a plan with a lower credit limit so that the interest rate follows accordingly. You could also think about getting a prepaid credit card. But this method of rebuilding credit is hard to secure and it charges even higher interest costs.

Sure enough, there are low interest credit cards or even zero percent interest plans which are available, but as expected, there is a catch: most credit card providers make sure that this low interest is charged for only an introductory period. Thereafter, a much higher rate of interest is charged on the card. For a monthly or annual fee, service alerts are offered, informing the borrower as to when his low interest period is due to expire.

However, most of these plans have no lasting appeal. This is because they address only short term requirements.

Some credit cards can also be used in an ATM to take out funds within the credit limit, but the interest is usually charged from the date of withdrawal, and not from the monthly billing date. This means that the issuer gets a higher payback in interest rate from the transaction than usual.

Ideally, you should be very clear about the deal that you are being offered. You must bear in mind that different providers will make different offers. Some may lure you with teaser offers of low rates for a certain period, whereas the regular rates can get as high as 40 percent.

Since there are no fixed regulations concerning interest rates and penalties on late payments, some issuers forfeit the teaser rates if the borrower does not make the payment on time, and replaces it with a penalty interest rate. Some can even be so unscrupulous as to charge interest even if the balance is fully paid on the due date.

One should make an effort to find a card that will be charging low rates of interest. But low interest rates are not enough. At the end of the day, the borrower must not end up feeling cheated.

Learn How To Manage Credit Card Debts

Learn How To Manage Credit Card Debts

by Smith James


Credit card is a usual tool for shopping and in general, most financial transactions the world over. When you go for a credit card, one of most significant factors that count towards the kind of offers that you are likely to get is your credit history. This refers to the balances on your account; that is, the amount of credit you have safe in your account to the actual amount you owe to your lenders.

Much of your credit score is calculated this way. This balance of your debit against your credit is referred to as the credit-utilisation ratio. This ratio is a key signifier of your credit management capacity. And of course, lower this ratio, the better it is for you as a loan or credit-card seeker.

If your credit score is seeing a downturn, it may be a good idea to cancel your credit card, which can help you erase your debts in the short term. The most important benefit is the removal of temptation of spending which increases debts. On the contrary, paying out your debts clears your credit report, thereby increasing your credit-utilisation ratio and increasing your credit score.

It is wiser to cancel your newest cards first to help yourself manage your debt. Canceling older credit cards which you often use can weigh negatively on your credit history, the length of which is used to calculate your credit score. The contrary case is when you are not using the card and yet are having to pay an annual fee. Since in this case it has no transactions to show, it does not count towards calculating your credit history. Also, you save your annual fee.

There are many online resources in the form of websites that provide you a lot of important information to manage your credit card debts. It is good to refer to them to plan your financial strategies.

Eliminate Credit Card Debt with a Christmas Loan

Eliminate Credit Card Debt with a Christmas Loan

by Angela


If you are like the majority of other people, you are now in the midst of your Christmas preparations �" and this would definitely include shopping. You probably are thinking about what you will serve for Christmas dinner or lunch or whatever party you are holding. You are also probably thinking of what gifts to get for your loved ones. The list could go on and on.

Of course, in the middle of it all, you are probably thinking of exactly how you are going to afford all those expenses. If you have a credit card - or two or more �" you are also probably figuring out which ones you can still use to fund your Christmas expenses. Am I right?

I am actually going through the same thing. I still have an outstanding balance on my credit cards yet I have no choice but to use them again for Christmas. I simply don’t have enough cash. Well, that’s what I thought �" that is, until I heard of Christmas loans.

Did you know that you could actually get a loan specifically for your Christmas expenditure? Of course, there are still fees involved and you would have to pay the loan back within a relatively short amount of time. However, the biggest perk I see here is that I do not have to use my credit card and revolve my balance and pay the killer interest rates. Why not check this out as well?

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Apply Online for a Credit Card: It's Safer than Ever

Apply Online for a Credit Card: It's Safer than Ever

by Edward Vegliante

Applying for a credit card has never been easier. Thanks to the Internet, you can look through a wide variety of credit cards, choose the right one, and fill out an application right away. With today's security features, you don't have to worry about your information falling into the wrong hands. Here's what companies are doing to make applying online for a credit card safer than ever.

Online Security Features

Protecting your privacy is essential for credit card websites and issuers. Secure credit card websites use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). This technology involves a complicated encryption program. It protects your information as it travels to the right place. SSL has been improved over the years; today's version makes it virtually impossible for the information to be intercepted.

To check for SSL, look carefully at your online credit card application page. The site's web address on the top of the page should begin with the letters https (as opposed to http ' the s indicates the security measures). Also, you should see a closed padlock on the screen. Many websites offer detailed information on their security plan. Click on the padlock or appropriate link to learn more about their safety features.

In many ways, it's actually safer to send in a credit card application through the Internet rather than the postal mail. Consider this: your personal data travels through cyberspace at lightning-speed. It lands, safely, in its appropriate destination in less than a second. If you send an application through the postal mail, it travels for days between places. Numerous hands handle the envelope. Every time it gets passed on, there are chances for identity theft or fraud to occur. For these reasons, you might be better off with an online credit card application.

Additional Online Benefits

Besides being safe, you'll enjoy other benefits when you apply online for a credit card. First, you'll have the chance to view many different offers. Credit card websites are organized into categories such as "low interest," "balance transfer," and "rewards." All you need to do is click on the type of card you're interested in and the various options will appear. You'll be able to see different credit cards right next to each other, making it easy to compare their features.

For many credit cards, after you send in the application, you'll get an email response. You'll know within minutes whether or not you've been approved. This is much faster than waiting weeks for the postal mail to arrive. It also lets you start planning how you'll use the credit card right away.

Filling out an application is just the beginning of what you can do online with your new credit card. You can sign up to receive your statements online. You'll also have the option of accessing your account online. Making payments, checking your balance, and redeeming your rewards can all be done with a few simple clicks of the mouse.

Applying online for a credit card is another convenient tool of today's society. With the safety features credit card sites use, you won't have to worry about your application falling into the wrong hands. And once the card is in your wallet, you can continue to manage the account through the Internet. It's safe, fast, and convenient.

Finding Your First Credit Card

Finding Your First Credit Card

by Gabriel Adams


One of the biggest challenges when it comes to applying for a credit card may not be your previous credit history; it's going to be the challenge of finding your first credit card. Just like anything, the first time you do it, you're going to be new to the game. Credit cards are no different.

An advantage you may have when it comes to applying for a credit card is being a college student. The reason this is going to give you the advantage is because all major credit companies such as VISA and MasterCard offer credit cards solely for students. If you're not a student, it's going to be more of a challenge to find a card you're looking for.

When applying for a college student credit card, you're going to want to make sure you've applied for the university you want to attend. This is important because the credit companies will ask you specific college information. It will be next to impossible to fake your information because all of the companies will follow up on it if they suspect fraud.

Just about all of the credit cards you're going to look at will offer some sort of reward. Before applying, you're going to want to ask yourself a few questions. You will want to find out what rewards will benefit you the most. If you never fly on an airplane, then an airline based reward card won't benefit you at all. If you drive a lot, then a card focused on saving gas will benefit you.

Credit card rewards designed for college students are actually really good. A lot of them range anywhere from getting cash back on your purchases to bonus points every time you spend a dollar. You'll also find that some cards in particular won't offer any rewards at all. Even if you don't think the rewards will help you, I would strongly recommend that you apply for one because most of the times, these points will never expire.

What you'll find when applying for your first credit card is that the APR rate is extremely high. These rates can sometimes get as high as twenty to thirty percent. This is because the credit card companies have no history on you. Just put it this way. If you were to lend money to a stranger, you would feel a lot more uncomfortable then say, you're long time friend. The credit card companies feel the same way. Just remember that if you pay your bill off on time in full, you won't be charged the finance charges.

Another note you must jot down is that a credit card company is not going to give you a high credit limit, especially as a student. Your limit is going to range anywhere from five hundred to a thousand dollars. This is once again because you're new to the game and you have to establish trust with the companies. Once you prove your trust, your credit card score will go up and so will your credit limit.

When on your search for your first time credit card, you have to remember that only you can prevent debt. You will have to be extremely responsible when using your credit card because most companies will lend you more money than you can handle hoping you can't pay it off. This is of course, how they make money. If you're a disciplined person and currently attending college, then a college student credit card is the area you should focus on!

How To Obtain A Credit Card Instantly Online

How To Obtain A Credit Card Instantly Online

by Nick Makaryk


If you have spent any time on the Internet, you have undoubtedly come across various credit card companies, offering you lowest interest rates and best fees, or so they claim. Many credit card companies are ran both online and off. With today's technology, you can apply for a credit card from the convenience of the company's website. Although many people have a full understanding of how the entire process works, there are still quite a few that don't.

Many credit card companies have the ability to instantly, or at least within a couple of minutes, process your application online. Although you are instantly approved, you more than likely cannot shop instantly. You will still need to wait until your new credit card arrives in the mail, before you can begin shopping. You will have to wait a while longer for your credit card to arrive, although your application may only take a couple of minutes for approval. Since your new credit card will be mailed to you, it should only take a couple of days for it to arrive. When looking for instant answer, online credit cards are a great way to go.

There are some major difference between applying for a credit card online and the now "old fashioned" way of applying. One of the main and most obvious differences is time. With online applications, you instantly have an answer one way or another. The old fashion way requires that you wait fill out an application, mail it back in and then wait for a reply. This can take a considerable more amount of time, especially if the company runs across any snags while your application is being processed.

Another noticeable difference is that the more traditional way of obtaining a credit card does not allow you to compare the various credit card companies. When looking to apply online, you have the ability to do a side by side comparison of the other credit cards out there. This ensures that you will get the best deal out there. With all of the different credit cards available, it will be easy to find one with fits your personal needs.

Even with all of the advantages of applying for a credit card online, there are limitations. Online credit approvals are meant for people who already have a good credit rating. However, even if you do not have the best credit, there are still ways to get online approval. The credit card market is a very competitive industry. Therefore, in order to get your business, some of the companies will approve you, even if you have less than perfect credit.

MasterCard With No Credit

MasterCard With No Credit

by P Abbey


Getting a MasterCard with no credit is not as difficult as it once use to be. Today there are many companies who now offer credit cards to those with either a bad or poor credit rating. Certainly having bad or no credit at all will not prevent you from getting a credit card but it will affect the type of APR you will be expected to pay on it.

Firstly we provide you with some tips, which can help you to earn a line of credit and so making getting a credit card (Visa or MasterCard) that much simpler to achieve.

Tip 1 - If you can make sure that you keep your bank checking account in good order. If you are someone who is constantly going over drawn then the chances of you getting credit will be greatly reduced.

Tip 2 - Ensure that all the bills and payments you need to make each month are paid on time and are always kept up to date. Doing this will prove to lenders that you are much less of a risk and more likely to ensure that any balance outstanding on the card you have with them will be paid.

Tip 3 - Being in steady employment and not flitting from one job to another is a great way of ensuring that you can get a credit card even if you have a bad or no credit rating at all. You may well find that in order for your application to be accepted they credit card company will require proof of income so keep copies of all your pay checks as you receive them.

When you are applying for a credit card with no credit it is important that you keep certain factors in mind to ensure that you are able to get the best deals possible.

Tip 4 - When choosing to apply for the card online it is important that you look closely at the deals on offer before you fill out the application form. Remember every time that you fill out an application you will be faced with a credit check being carried out by the credit card company. The more checks that are carried out then the more adverse your credit rating will become.

Tip 5 - If you can look for a MasterCard, which has no deposit interest rates on them. These cannot only help you to save money when as you will not need to find funds in order to pay them a deposit so that your application is accepted.

Tip 6 - When it comes to getting a MasterCard with no credit before you actually sign on the dotted line it is important that you read through the companies terms and conditions first. If you do not you may well find yourself faced with additional charges that you can not afford and which can make your financial situation much worse than it already is.

Credit Card: Attractive Offers Galore

Credit Card: Attractive Offers Galore

by Smith James


Credit card is not a fancy anymore. It is a growing need. It caters to your domestic needs. And it is a boon if you have a business concern, because of the way in which it eases out transactions. And these days, credit card technology is progressing so fast that it is a joy to carry out your financial transactions with the ease and convenience it provides. And also the number of these cards, combined with the number of schemes and offers upon them, can drive the shopping instinct of anyone.

But the choice may not really be as easy as it may seem. It can be an embarrassment with such attractive choices available. Among the important factors to consider are the actual purposes for which you need the card. This should be your primary consideration. And this is the main way to determine how one card may suit some people and may not suit others. Cards such as the corporate credit card offer higher spending limits which obviously benefit the high-spenders. At the same time, they also offer a lot of rewards and discount offers to lure people into large spending. You can have attractive offers on different programs that may include things, such as on airlines, hotels, rental cars and restaurants.

This is as attractive as it gets but, of course, this may not really suit the middle-class pockets. While purchasing a credit card, you ought to consider other important points as well, such as lines of credit, protection features as from fraud and theft, annual fees, rewards programs, gasoline rebates, cash-back rewards, savings on office supplies and so on.

These days, easy purchase of credit card has been further facilitated by the system of online application forms. You can fill in the required details in the form and, after approval in a few minutes, you can receive the card via post at the address that you mention in the form.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Credit Cards At College Campuses

Credit Cards At College Campuses

by Tom Tessin


If you currently attend a college or university, you probably have noticed credit card companies that will attend your campus handing out free items such as t-shirts, mugs, etc. What makes these set-ups so popular is that most college students love free things and will sign up for just about anything for a free item they will never use.

What students don't realize is that they are most likely signing up for their first credit card. When signing up for your first credit card, it's important that you research what you're getting yourself into. Even though a credit card requires no money to sign up, it can cause you a world of hurt in the future if you don't use them properly.

Like any purchase you make in your life, it always involves comparison shopping. It shouldn't make a difference with credit cards. Every credit card is unique in a way ranging from its interest rate to reward points. This is something you should really research before signing your name on the dot for a t-shirt that's too large.

Now we're not saying that the companies setting up these kiosks at your school are bad, in fact they are usually from major companies such as VISA and MasterCard. All of these companies are legit and offer great credit cards. The fact we are trying to push is that they may be pushing a card to you that you might not benefit from.

There are a lot of different types of student credit cards. Everything from gas rewards to cash rewards, they have something for you. It's pointless nowadays to apply for a credit card that offers no rewards at all. The only time you may find that a credit card offers no rewards is if you're applying for a bad credit credit card.

The best way to usually look for a credit card for you is to either do your research online or ask around. If your friends already have a credit card, ask them a few questions about it and ask them what it has to offer. You won't get all the answers you're looking for but you'll get a decent idea. The best way besides asking around is browsing around on the internet. Many websites such as VISA have a very informative website that tells you exactly what the card has to offer and what benefits you're going to have when you receive your card in the mail.

The next time you see a tent at your school; don't be afraid to stop by. In fact, it might be best to stop by and ask the people behind the booth a few questions. If you don't like what you hear from them, walk away. It's not going to hurt anything. If you really want that free item, you can get it in many other ways. It's best that your first credit card is built for you. You shouldn't let a free item influence your decision toward a credit card that may not benefit you.

Business Credit Cards Benefit Businesses of All Sizes

Business Credit Cards Benefit Businesses of All Sizes

by Liz Roberts


A business credit card is good for every business. Whatever size of business you are running, you can be glad that there's a business credit card that will work for you. Business credit cards are not just limited for large companies. In fact, because of the increase in the number of small and medium-sized businesses, credit card companies have specifically came up with small business credit cards that are tailor-made for smaller enterprises and for those companies who are just starting up in the industry.

Not Your Ordinary Credit Card

A credit card for small business is not just an ordinary credit card which you can use to make purchases in advance. Credit cards for small business have special features that a business can greatly benefit from. With the help of a small business credit card, a newly opened business can slowly but surely move towards growth and expansion.

If you need to purchase equipment or you need to buy supplies for your business, you may conveniently do so using your small business credit card. This allows you to get the items you need in advance, and pay them in full or installments at a later date. You may also use your small business credit card at shipping services to deliver goods to your customers at a discounted price.

Regardless of the size of your business, you will be confronted with accounting and bookkeeping tasks. With a small business credit card, you can be assured that all purchases you've made for the entire period are accurately recorded in your account's billing statement. A business credit card's statement of account is always detailed and categorized according to the type of purchases made. This makes your inventory and accounting tasks easier especially with regards to your preparation of filing and paying taxes.

Special Features

Different business credit card companies offer various features and advantages for their clients. Thus, depending on the type of business that you have, you may choose to obtain the business credit card that is most suitable for your needs.

For instance, the American Express Business Gold Card offers a free annual fee for the first year while the Blue Cash for Business Credit Card offers a 0% introductory APR for six months without annual fees. Each one offers reward programs and partnerships with DellTM, Staples, Kinko's and other merchants so that you can avail of discounted rates every time you use your business credit card to purchase from these affiliates. Both of these credit cards also offer an instant approval by submitting your credit card application on line.

These are just two examples of business credit cards but you can find many choices of different business credit cards by checking out the internet. Don't just settle for the first business credit card you see even if the offer already seems great. Visit websites that provide reviews for small business credit cards so you can immediately see the differences of the rates and charges that you're being offered. If you don't find better rates, you can always go back to that first credit card you considered and apply.

Get Credit Card Debt Consolidation Help For Debt Free Life

Get Credit Card Debt Consolidation Help For Debt Free Life

by Arvind Singh


Credit card debt consolidation help you reduce the rate of interest of those multiple loans that you are paying for.

Credit cards are convenient, safe and give freedom that is unmatched with any other payment options. These factors are attracting people to credit cards and the result is, people are holding more than one, multiple credit cards. Now there is nothing wrong in holding more than one credit cards, the problems start from the point when you forget to pay for the monthly statements that your get from the credit card companies. The interest gets multiplied, the late payment fees and charges get accumulated and you are left with huge debts. With credit card debt consolidation help you can get rid of such situations.

There is another problem that most credit car holders encounter, that is running out of credit limits, where they need to take overdrafts for their exuberant spending. These overdraft facilities provided by the credit card companies are easily accessible but are really costly. The rate of interest is significantly higher than the available credit options. The one time overdraft fees and subsequent charges are sure to make a deep hole in your pocket. In fact the situation worsens with the multiple credit cards and you opting for overdrafts from most of them. If this is the situation with you, a credit card debt consolidation loan can see through the problem. With the credit card debt consolidation help you can consolidate all our existing credit card dues and pay for that one debt.

As all your credit card loans are getting transferred to one single loan you save significantly on the interest you are now paying for all your loans. To get the maximum benefit from the credit card debt consolidate, it is always wise to avail of the credit card debt consolidation counseling. The expert counsellor will explain all the options you have for consolidating your credit card debts. With professional credit card debt consolidation help you will be able to choose the right debt consolidation scheme for yourself.

There is another smart way to get the credit card debt consolidation help. You can search for the debt consolidation offers at the internet. Most of the websites with debt consolidation services have a credit card debt consolidation calculator, which is an online tool to calculate the payment that you need to make for consolidating all your credit card debts. With this calculator, just a few mouse clicks will find out the best consolidation proposition for you.

4 Ways to Accept Credit Cards Directly to Your PayPal Account

4 Ways to Accept Credit Cards Directly to Your PayPal Account

by Egidijus Andreika


Accepting payments through credit cards online is a huge plus factor for any online merchant. Customers and potential clients, first and foremost, look for convenience and credibility when browsing websites they want to buy products or get services from. To gauge these factors, potential clients and customers look at one of the most basic components any reliable online merchant should have - an efficient and secure payment system.

When people talk of payment systems, nothing is more reliable than a PayPal account. Online merchants like you can benefit from setting up a PayPal account in order to accept credit card payments directly online. Below are the steps in setting up and accepting credit cards directly to your PayPal account:

1. Sign up with PayPal. Register for a PayPal Business Account to get started. Signing up is easy as PayPal will walk you through the registration process.

2. Verify sign up information details to activate your account. You will need to verify your information by clicking the link sent to the email address you provided during registration. This is done to ensure the website's security.

3. Opt for the Website Payments Standard option. This is the basic option for most online merchants. You can look up information on the other payment options to see which best suits your website's needs.

4. Choose your shopping carts and buttons. PayPal offers custom-designed shopping carts that are free and a variety of HTML buttons you can put on your website to facilitate the payment process. You can choose from a variety of buttons for different functions like "Buy Now," "Add to Cart," "Subscribe," "Donate," and "Buy Gift Certificate."

5. Start accepting payments online. PayPal accounts work this way: Customers browse your site and look for products they want to purchase. When they have added all the products they want in their shopping carts, they will proceed to the checkout counter where they will be directed to a secure and encrypted PayPal page designed to match the look and feel of your own website. The credit card payment transactions as well as those for PayPal are done here. After the transaction, the customer is directed back to your website.

One advantage of accepting credit card payments through your PayPal account is letting go of the things you do not really need to attend to: customer problems (they do not need a PayPal account to use your service), separate gateways, fees for setting up, application, or monthly rates, long-term contracts, and security of financial information. PayPal can solve and manage these tricky areas for you with additional benefits of efficient monthly sales reports.

You can use your PayPal account as it is or choose to work with a third-party internet marketing and affiliate network to better facilitate your online financial and payment transactions. This type of network is provides basic and extra business features online merchants like you may need. Aside from having facility in processing financial transactions without waiting for days and weeks, joining internet marketing and affiliate network like Click2Sell.EU ( http://www.click2sell.eu )can also boost your sales since you can benefit from its extensive network and stable of internet marketing tools.

Credit Card : Offers Galore To Benefit You More

Credit Card : Offers Galore To Benefit You More

by Smith James


Credit card is no longer a luxury. It is turning out to be a basic need. Recognising the increasing need for this convenient resource in the face of a dynamically growing number of financial transactions, there are many companies who are coming up with innovative offers.

There are a lot of business card plans which the major companies have devised, in order to see to your convenience. Essentially, many of them offer you cards at low-interest rates or they may offer many shopping discounts. It is upon you to decide the one best suited to you according to your convenience, especially keeping in mind your budget and spending habits.

One of the best places to look out for a credit card is on the Internet. After logging online, you can check out various offers available in the market. Card offerings are many and the Internet can supply you with a lot of resources to find that out. It is a good idea to glance through the lists of offers available.

In fact, it is most important to carefully go through the quotes provided for each credit card and to compare the terms and conditions of every offer that you find interesting. When you decide the one that suits you, you can fill out the application form to request for a credit card. You would require filling in general details, such as your address, age, credit history, and the like. After verification of your request and approval thereafter, which is done in not more than a few minutes by the credit card verification officers, you can receive the card via postal mail in a few days.

One important thing to remember with the use of any credit card is to clear all outstanding balances at the due dates, failing which you are likely to incur huge penalties as well as unnecessarily miss out on the available interest-free period.

Monday, February 23, 2009

Careful Selection of Your Credit Card According To Your Needs

Careful Selection of Your Credit Card According To Your Needs

by Smith James


Credit card is an important shopping tool that takes care of your needs. It caters to your domestic and business purposes. And, of course, there are so many options of these shopping cards available these days that it is necessary for you to know what exactly the deal is that you are opting for. Do not jump at any attractive-looking offer from different companies, which many people tend to do.

This is because you could unnecessarily end up losing a lot of money. Some cards may be doing a popular round in the market. However, there has to be better guidelines to find out the credit card that suits one's spending patterns best. After all, everybody's needs are different, and there is a card out there for everyone. You can choose among the offers by checking them online and comparing them.

Check out all the necessary details about the credit card and how it can be useful to you. Take a stock of the transactions that you have been into. You should have your reasons clear as to why you want a particular card. You may be getting discount offers on certain items upon availing a particular card. However, check whether you are allowing yourself to overspend by purchasing things you do not quite require. Spend within your means and make payments of outstanding balances in time. This helps you avoid unnecessary waste of money, as in penalties.

It is definitely a better idea to go for a low-interest credit card if it is not within your budget plans to pay off the full outstanding balance each month. There are cards with extended credit limit and which help you avoid penalty, in case you surpass the shorter due date on other cards.

Start Limiting Your Credit Card Use

Start Limiting Your Credit Card Use

by Peter Kenny


Many consumers are discovering that their credit card payments are all but eating up every penny of disposable income that they have at the end of the month. What may be a surprise to some is that this cash crunch is no longer a problem only for those with lower incomes. Consumers of all income levels are struggling to make ends meet. If you happen to be one of those consumers, here are some tips that might help.

For many consumers who are having trouble meeting their bills at the end of month because they have too many credit card payments to make, one answer is to freeze some or all of the cards. Freezing a card begins by putting the card away somewhere and not using it for additional purchases and especially not using it for cash advances. If your credit cards are not in your wallet or in your purse you cannot use them. It is that simple.

If you find that you simply have to use the card then make sure that it is used only for those items that are essential for living, such as food. Even so, there is really no way to bring your expenses down per month until you begin to eliminate future purchases placed on your credit cards.

If your credit card payments are really high and you feel you may be at risk of not being able to pay them on time, you may need to consider a bill consolidation plan. A bill consolidation plan is a program that is worked out with a third-party. The third-party agrees to pay off your credit card balances and then invoice you once a month for a single payment. In almost all cases, this single payment made to the third-party agency will be less than what you have been paying in the past for the credit card payments.

In other words, if you have been paying, say, $500 a month to the various credit card companies, you may be able to make a deal with a consolidation agency that requires you to pay only $300 per month. This allows you to keep extra cash in the household budget each month.

These consolidation loans are not without some drawbacks, however. The first is that you will probably have to pay longer in order to get the balance owed to them down to zero. Second, most of these transactions end up on your credit report. They may not cause your credit score to drop by much but they are entered onto the reports and some future lender may not approve a loan because of it.

For many of today's consumers, issues with future credit are not as important as taking care of today's problems. Being late on your credit card payments will certainly hurt your credit history and bankruptcy is also a major blow. With that being the case for many people, bill consolidation programs are a good idea as it beats the alternatives.

Even with a bill consolidation loan, it is imperative that the consumer not get any further into debt. This happens more often than you might imagine. A family suddenly discovers they have more money at the end of the month after they have taken out a bill consolidation loan and the first thing they do is use it to get right back into trouble. Do not let that happen to you.

Protection from Credit Card Fraud

Protection from Credit Card Fraud

by Ernie


These are some key tips to help you from idenity fraud

Sign new cards immediately. When you receive your new or replacement card in the mail, sign it, in ink, right away. If it is a replacement card, destroy the old card by cutting it into many small pieces.

Shred old credit card receipts. You can purchase an inexpensive paper shredder at an office supply store. All old receipts with your credit card number and any unneeded documents with your social insurance number or other sensitive personal information should be shredded before disposal. This prevents the common practice of criminals going through the trash to find receipts and stealing your identity

Never fax your credit card number. Your credit card number can lie for hours in the fax basket at the other end. Anyone passing by can record your number and begin to use your card number fraudulently. It is even possible for criminals to intercept your credit card number while the fax is in transmission.

Use caution when giving your credit card number out on the phone or on the Internet. Only give out your credit card number on telephone calls you initiate to business or organizations you trust. Never give your number out to callers who call unannounced, no matter how legitimate the call sounds.

On the Internet, look for an Internet address that begins https:\. The “s� indicates that it is a secure connection and a small padlock symbol should appear in the bottom right hand corner of your screen, indicating it is safe to transmit your credit card number.

Call your credit card company instantly if you suspect trouble. All credit card companies have 24 hour lost and stolen help lines. If you lose your wallet or purse or have it stolen, call without delay! Much fraud happens within the first hour or two, before the victim realizes the cards are missing. Your credit card company will block your cards from being used and stop you from being responsible for any charges thieves incur.

Take advantage of any security features your card offers. Many newer cards have the option of including your photograph on the card. This is excellent protection and is highly recommended.

Balance Transfer Credit Card Offers: What You Need To Know

Balance Transfer Credit Card Offers: What You Need To Know

by Ed Vegliante


Is a balance transfer credit card your ticket out of credit card debt? It can be. If you're having trouble paying off a steep balance and the high interest that goes with it, a balance transfer credit card could be the right solution for you. But before filling out an application, take a few factors into consideration. Educate yourself on the balance transfer process, and you'll get the most out of your credit card experience.

What Balance Transfer Credit Cards Are

Balance transfer credit cards have a certain appeal that separates them from other forms of plastic. They offer applicants the chance to shift a balance from a high-interest card to a low-interest one. In fact, most balance transfer cards come with an initial 0% interest period. This means you can make payments that are directly applied toward the balance. As you pay down the debt, you can save hundreds of dollars on interest expense.

How to Compare Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Many balance transfer credit cards appear to be the same, but in reality they vary quite a bit. Check the following details as you sift through the options:

Length of introductory period - The initial period of no interest may be as short as three months, or as long as fifteen months. If you aim for at least 12 months of 0% interest, you'll have ample time to pay off the balance.

What the 0% APR applies to - Some balance transfer credit cards offer you 0% APR only on the balance. This means that you will be charged a higher interest rate when you make a purchase. Moreover, all the payments you send in will first be applied to the balance, and then to the purchases. While you pay down the balance, the new purchases and their attached high interest rates will sit and accrue on your statements. Eventually, you could pay more in high interest than you planned on. To avoid this, look for a card that offers 0% APR on both balances and purchases. Or limit the use of your card until you pay off the transferred balance.

Check the fees - Most balance transfer credit cards charge an initial fee for bringing over the new balance. This is sometimes a certain percentage of the balance amount. Banks often include a cap, such as $50 or $75, on the balance transfer fee. The savings you receive on interest usually outweighs this expense.

Additional benefits - While balance transfer cards offer you a chance to pay off nagging debt, many come with other features as well. Some balance transfer credit cards include a rewards program. Others have a low interest rate that kicks in after the introductory period. Think long-term before you apply. Consider what benefits you'll want after you are debt-free. Using your Balance Transfer Card

Balance transfer credit cards can be a solid solution if they are used properly. After you have made the balance, think about creating a payment plan to get rid of the debt. Set aside money each month for card payments. If at all possible, pay off the balance before the introductory period runs out. As the balance dwindles, you'll gain control of your finances. You'll also begin to build a stronger credit history. When the balance is gone, you'll be able to enjoy the card's additional benefits.

Choose The Credit Cards That Suit Your Needs Best

Choose The Credit Cards That Suit Your Needs Best

by Smith James


When you go out for credit cards, take care of what you are going for and what you are going to get. Some card may be very popular but may not exactly suit your purpose for the simple fact that your needs are different. There are different card schemes and each one is suited for a particular condition.

It is your responsibility to inquire about the card as relevant to your situation but of course to do that you should study your situation well. This means identifying what your transaction needs and do you really need to get a particular card. It is wise to avoid temptation of going for high-interest cards just because they give you more discount on shopping offers. The question is do you really require all those purchases. Acknowledging this means knowing your shopping priorities and not just splurging money because you have easy payment options afforded by the credit card.

Take an example. You do not intend to pay off the full balance each month. In such a case, it is better to go for a card with as low an interest rate as possible, notwithstanding the other tempting facilities that it does not offer. This is because these cards with extended credit help you save a lot of money due to the low interest rate incurred. With all the convenience that credit cards have to offer and yet the heavy interest the companies charge for the facilities, it is becoming a concern for many people for falling into credit card debts. One needs to keep in mind the due date of outstanding balance payments.

And these days now with offers of credit cards online, you can choose from them, carefully comparing the suitability of selected cards to your needs. You can fill in the application form, furnishing the details required and once your application is verified and approved, you can get your card via post in just a few days.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Reward credit cards

Reward credit cards

by Stephanie Wendy


Although credit cards are often seen as bad guys, with high interest, fines for late payment and that nagging temptation to spend little more, disciplined borrowers can earn some great rewards just by taking out the right kind of card.

If you manage to pay off your balance each month, avoiding the interest that the British Banker's Association says 75 per cent of cards carry, you'll find some great rewards for the picking - from cashback to free flights.

What's on offer?

There are three main types of reward credit cards available; loyalty cards, points schemes and airmiles.

Whichever type you go for, remember that you absolutely always have to pay your card off in full at the end of the month. As soon as you start paying interest, you'll simply be paying for those "freebies" you're working towards.

Loyalty cards

These reward credit cards encourage you to spend your money with a certain company - to be loyal to that company. The best type of loyalty card is one that gives you points for things you would be buying anyway such as your weekly supermarket shop.

Cashback

These reward credit cards are great because they give cold, hard cash in return for what you spend - and obviously you can spend it where ever you want. Some have restrictions on how much you can spend but by using it as much as possible, but you could still make as much as five per cent on some of the current best buys.

Airmiles

Because it can take a long time to collect enough points to actually get anywhere, airmiles reward credit cards fell out of fashion for a while. However, a new breed has emerged, some offering bonus points that encourage you to spend more in the first three months, and others that just offer higher returns.

Make reward cards work for you

You have to be 100 per cent disciplined in your finances and never pay interest at the end of the month.

If you think that you might be tempted to run up high bills in order to earn more points without avoiding interest, then don't even consider reward credit cards - try a zero per cent purchases card instead. And if you

5 Tips to Help Eliminate Credit Card Debt

5 Tips to Help Eliminate Credit Card Debt

by Max Anderson


If there's one thing almost all consumers have in common, it's the desire to eliminate credit card debt. Whether it's a few hundred dollars or a few thousand, credit card debt can really put a dent in a household budget. Here are five tips to help eliminate your credit card debt while building a healthy and solid financial future.

1. No Minimums Apply

Credit card companies have this thing that they like to call a minimum monthly payment. I call it keeping you in debt for as long as possible while they make as much money off you as they can. If you really want to eliminate credit card debt, forget that the minimum monthly payment option even exists (unless, of course, you're having a hard time even making that payment).

Don't make the mistake so many consumers make by paying only the minimum payment to each of their credit card companies when the bills come in. Instead, pay as much as you possibly can towards your credit card debt each and every month.

2. We're Not Gonna Take It!

Shrinking grace periods, increasing interest rates, hidden fees and charges -- don't put up with them! If you want to eliminate credit card debt you need to avoid incurring unnecessary expenses, and that includes the nickel and diming that some of the credit card companies try to get away with.

If you feel that your credit card company charges too many fees or too high an interest rate, switch over to a more favorable card. If you really want to eliminate credit card debt, you need the right tools to do it. That includes a credit card that works for you, not against you.

3. Sacrifice Is Necessary

Sometimes you have to sacrifice to get what you want and if you really want to eliminate credit card debt, some sacrifices are going to be involved.

You know that expensive vacation you've been wanting to take? It's going to have to wait. And those $4 lattes you've been guzzling almost every day? Gonna have to cut back to once a week. All that money needs to go towards paying off your credit card debt.

By eliminating expenses that aren't necessities (and those lattes are NOT a necessity, regardless of what you've been telling yourself) you can put extra money towards your credit card debt each and every month.

4. Kill Two Birds With One Stone

Want to kill two birds with one stone? Clear the clutter in your home while you eliminate credit card debt.

A garage sale is a great way to take a chunk out of your credit card debt. Go through your home. Anything that you haven't used in a year put in the garage and get ready for a garage sale. Some consumers have been able to knock hundreds of dollars off their credit card debt from the proceeds of a successful garage sale.

5. Put 'Em on Ice

If you really want to eliminate credit card debt, you can't be using your cards while you pay them off. If this means locking them away in the freezer, then do it.

If you pay off $200 in one month and then charge another $100, it's literally like taking two steps forward and one step back. Don't do it. Avoid using your cards at all costs until your credit card debt is eliminated.

Once your credit card debt is gone, you'll be able to save more and spend more. You can go back to planning that great vacation or indulging in the daily latte -- as long as you have the cash to do it. While it may not be easy to eliminate credit card debt, it is most definitely worth it in the long run.

Be Disciplined With Your First Credit Card

Be Disciplined With Your First Credit Card

by Debbie Dragon


It can be so easy to think of the funds available to you through your credit card as free money, especially when it's your first card. You never actually see any cash--you just hand the cashier this piece of plastic that some nice company sent you in the mail, and the cashier gives you your purchases. You don't see the cash until it starts disappearing from your savings, after you've maxed your credit card out and are buried up to your neck in late fees and penalties, and your credit score starts going down the tubes.

That's why it's so important that you establish disciplined credit card practices from the first day you get your card. Responsible credit card use can build you a great credit history and help you toward a great future, but reckless credit card use can throw your finances off-course for years. Start on the right foot with your credit card, and side-step the worries.

The most valuable piece of advice you can when it comes to responsible credit card use is so simple that many people overlook it: never carry a balance. Especially when you've only just started using your credit card, you should never make purchases with it that you don't already have the money to pay off.

This might seem counterintuitive. If you already had the money, why would you be using a credit card? Learning to use your credit card intelligently when you first start out requires a little re-thinking of what your credit card can provide you. You should think of it as a means to build good credit, possibly get rewards points, and a source of funds for extreme emergencies--and that's all.

Most credit cards available to first-time users don't have the best interest rates, so overextending your budget on your first card is never a good financial move. You're paying more interest on the loaned money than you should, and by paying more interest, you're making it less likely that you'll be able to pay off your balance. If you can't pay off your mandatory minimum, you're incurring even heavier fees, making it even less likely that'll you'll be able to pay off your balance. To add insult to injury, if you're falling behind on your payments it will affect you're credit score, making it less likely that you will be able to get a credit card or loan with a better interest rate in the future. Sound like fun?

This might all sound like an extreme example, but exactly this is happening to more and more people every day. Don't get caught up in the cycle of bad debt. Keep careful track of your credit card expenses, only using it when you are certain that you will have the money to pay your balance at the end of the month. Make sure that you always make your payments, and always make them on time, to avoid costly an avoidable fees and penalties.

It might seem difficult, but a little discipline will go a long way toward protecting your financial future. By using your card sparingly, you will be building a stronger credit history, making yourself eligible for better credit cards and loans with lower interest rates. Then, if you absolutely have to, carrying a balance won't be as costly. Not only that, but you will be teaching yourself highly valuable budgeting skills that will help improve your quality of life, for the rest of your life. So which sounds better--budgeting carefully, or a new flat-screen TV that you wouldn't be able to afford without your credit card?

How To Process Credit Cards At A Flea Market

How To Process Credit Cards At A Flea Market

by Debbie Dragon


If your business operates at flea markets, you may not realize that you still have the ability to accept credit cards from your customers. It's no secret that shoppers spend more money when they use their credit card, so you definitely want to offer your flea market customers a way to swipe those cards to increase your sales volume.

If you're just starting out, or are a small-time business that occasionally rents booths at flea markets, it may not be in your best interest to sign up for a merchant account with a bank and then purchase the somewhat expensive equipment that would let you physically swipe a card at your flea market booth. On the other hand, if you are a thriving flea market business, you may be able to do just that- and use a satellite internet connection to send the credit card details to the processor.

Using A Telephone to Process Credit Card Payments From Customers

Most of the small and medium sized businesses with flea market or vendor fair booths can't justify the expense of the merchant account equipment. Fortunately, that doesn't mean there is no way to accept credit cards on-site! One of the easiest methods of accepting credit cards from customers in a flea market situation is to use a phone-in method.

Some merchant accounts actually let you call a toll free number, enter in your personal account number to verify your business, and then using your cell phone's keypad, you would enter in the credit card details. The automated system can tell you whether or not the credit card has funds available for their purchase and you can proceed with the sale. This is a superior method to simply writing down the customers card details on an order form, because you never know if the credit card will go through until you've returned home or to the office and entered the details- long after the customer has already received his or her merchandise from your flea market booth!

The fees for an accept-by-telephone credit card processing method are often much less than a traditional merchant account as well. Not only do you not have to purchase the equipment to process the card, but your monthly fees are usually lower. You can expect to pay a one-time fee to join the program, around $100 or so; and then an affordable monthly fee around $5. When you process credit cards by phone, each transaction will be discounted by the discount rate (typically around 3-4% of the transaction price).

Using Your Laptop and Internet Connection to Process Credit Card Payments

If you have a laptop with a wireless connection that works pretty much everywhere you go for flea markets or vendor fairs, your other option is to use a credit card processing system that allows you to accept credit cards via a web form.

For each customer, you would type in their payment details including their name, address, card type and number, expiration date, and even the three or four digit security code found on the back of the card. The web form would send the information through a secure server and return a response to let you know whether or not the card is valid- at which time you can continue processing the sale for the customer or tell them the card was declined.

Using these alternative methods of credit card processing makes it possible for small and medium sized businesses operating booths at vendor fairs and flea markets to increase their sales volume by accepting credit cards as payment.

Tips For Applying For Credit Cards

Tips For Applying For Credit Cards

by Joseph Kenny


Applying for credit cards is a fairly normal routine for most consumers. Banks, credit unions, and credit card companies often send mailers asking consumers to fill out applications and return them in order to get new cards. For some people, this is a good way to get credit, but for many others, this can spell financial ruin. There are many things to consider when establishing new accounts but one of the most important is the APR.

APR stands for Annual Percentage Rate and by law it must be posted on all credit card offerings that are sent out to consumers. The APR will tell you how much you will have to pay when you use the credit associated with the account. This amount of interest, however, only applies to that amount of money that you cover over into the next billing period. If you pay off the entire balance within the grace period you will not be assessed any interest. This is an important issue to keep in mind.

Common sense would dictate that when applying for credit cards that you apply for those with the lowest APR. You might be surprised at how much money this can save you over the life of the account. But do be aware that the APR can change depending on how you use the credit cards.

For instance, with nearly all credit cards, you will pay a certain interest rate when you purchase goods. These goods might be anything from food to music CD's. Unless you pay off the full amount when due, you will have to pay an additional amount that corresponds to the stated APR for purchases. However, if you use the credit cards to take cash, also known as a cash advance, you are most likely going to be charged a higher APR for that transaction. It is for this reason that you carefully read and understand the various percentage rates that are attached with each account. It is also important to remember that these percentage rates can change with each company. Nearly all credit cards will charge a much higher rate for cash withdrawals than for simple purchases.

Consumers are also advised to read very carefully to see if their credit cards allow any grace period for cash advances. Many companies do not allow any grace period at all when cash advances are taken. What this means is that the interest rate for the cash advance will begin as soon as you make the transaction. This interest will have to be paid even if you pay off the full balance of the amount of cash withdrawn at the end of the month.

Lastly, it is a good idea when applying for credit cards to see if the company uses a tiered system for interest rates. Some companies will charge a certain rate up to a certain amount. If you go over that amount, a higher rate will apply to those new charges. This can become very expensive for consumers who are not paying attention to their current balances.

APPLY CREDIT CARDS