SuperCharged Secret 3, Credit Card Utopia

TURBO-CHARGED KILLER RATE SAVING INFORMATION!

Let's just take a brief moment to recap:

If you've been following along on this journey with me, learning the 5 Super-Charged secrets to Credit Card Utopia, then you now know 2 very important things:





You now know how to take advantage of zero to low interest credit card offers.



You now know that there is safety in numbers, and you know the magic "Who's Who" of the major credit card companies. You know that one of them, in my opinion, stands out for consumers.

With me? Good. These are both essential foundations that you need to follow in order to live in Credit-Card Utopia.

Now, let me flavor it up for you.

What could be better than zero interest credit cards? What could be better than having the best, lowest, guaranteed credit card in your wallet?

1) How about cash? Would that work for you?

How about a big fat check at the end of the year, in the thousands and thousands and thousands of dollars?

Would you like to get PAID thousands of dollars each year, just for spending money that you ALREADY SPEND?

You might realize that I'm not talking DIRECTLY about interest rates. But listen, I can't get much lower then zero interest. I need you to think creatively with me now.

2) Rewards Cards, otherwise known as incentive-based credit cards. Let's start there.

These are no secret. Many of us have rewards cards. I have several, in fact, and I get many rewards for spending with them. I get airline miles, and I get gas vouchers, and I get discounts at online stores?AND?I get Cash.

But let me talk about a HUGE secret that most people are not yet fully exploiting for their personal and financial gain.

3) My family and I are just now getting into making money with Cash-Back offers:

Cash rebates, Cash-Back cards, those are the ones I want to focus on with you here, for a second.

How do these cash-back cards lower your interest rate? Well, at this stage, it's a semantics game, but if you have 9% interest for example, and you use a cash-back credit card that pays you 3% on all transactions?Well, that's like getting a 3% discount on the rate, so your charge is more along the lines of 6%. It's not EXACTLY like that, but you get the point.

More importantly, let's dig deeper.

4) I'm going to tell you how to TURBO-CHARGE this mechanism, and EXPLOIT IT FOR EVERYTHING it's WORTH.

You see, your credit card company wants you to spend as much money as possible with their plastic.

Yes, they'd like to charge you interest on debt. But even if you pay it off every month, did you know that they still make a profit on the transaction from the Merchant fees?

Yes, the credit card charges the merchant a fee for swiping your card. It can range anywhere from 1% to as high as 6%...

It does not impact you the consumer (directly), but it does give you some insight into why you can become business partners with your credit card company.

5) Secret # 3 revealed: Here's what my family and I are doing:

We use our cash-back credit card for EVERYTHING.

We simply have restructured our spending so that all expenses, or almost all expenses, go through our cash-back credit card.

Grocery stores, restaurants, shopping, dining, gas?Everything. In fact, as of the writing of this article, American Express® has developed a Bill-Pay type system so we are able to actually pay some of our bills using our cash-back credit card.

Can you imagine? A credit card company developing online bill-pay. Now, how SMART is that?

6) Let me ask you something. How much money do you spend every year on expenses?

Don't get your calculator out, because the answer is simple. You basically, spend?.AS MUCH AS YOU MAKE?

The vast majority of us do. So, let me ask you the same question a different way: How much money do you make?

How much is 3% to 5% of that?

I'll give you an example. If the average household income (and expenses) were around $50,000, then that means a savvy consumer, with a cash-back credit card, could generate a check every year of between $1500 and $2500.

7) Holly Cape Canaveral, Batman!!! That's $2500 free cash dollars, every single year!

What would YOU do with all that free money? Buy a vacation, a new TV, some jewelry?

Are you getting it, now?

You must start looking at the Cash-Back credit card as more then just an incentive or reward.

Frankly, it is a new source of income.

8) Now, here's the nitty-gritty on how we do this. It's simple.

The first step, is we gathered all our credit cards, put them in an envelope, and put that envelope in our lockbox in the attic. We replaced all our plastic in our wallet with the cash-back credit card of choice. We also put an emergency debit card in our wallet, but the primary method now for spending, is to use the cash-back card. This takes care of gas, food, restaurants, etc.

The second step, is the process of restructuring expenses through the online bill-pay system with our cash-back credit card company.

We re-route as many expenses as possible through our cash-back card. It takes a little time, and doesn't happen in one day.

But do the legwork. Be a smart consumer like my family and I.

9) There's a perk, too!

The perk is outstanding! Have you considered, that my family and I only really have one payment a month to make? That's the goal we're moving towards anyway.

So, think about how many bills you pay each month. Wouldn't it be nice to just make one payment out for all your expenses, rather then a check to the gas-card, a check to the utilities, a check to the Credit Card Company, etc.?

Think of the convenience and time saved, to just make one payment out each month.

10) A lot of information to take in, yes? Let's pause here:

If you've followed my train of thought, then you've come to the Secret knowledge of how to extract and exploit the power of these cash-back cards for everything they are worth. If you do this, even just the first part, you will take a money saving incentive program, and turbo-charge it into an actual income producing technology!

Pretty, cool, huh? SHHH! It's a Utopian secret.

We've enjoyed providing this information to you, and we wish you the best of luck in your pursuits. Remember to always seek out good advice from those you trust, and never turn your back on your own common sense.

Publisher's Directions: This article may be freely distributed so long as the copyright, author's information, disclaimer, and an active link (where possible) are included.

Disclaimer: Statements and opinions expressed in the articles, reviews and other materials herein are those of the authors. While every care has been taken in the compilation of this information and every attempt made to present up-to-date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that inaccuracies will not occur. The author will not be held responsible for any claim, loss, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of any information within these pages or any information accessed through this site.


Tom Levine

5 Killer Steps to avoid Credit Card SCAMS!

In August, 2004, the Federal Trade Commission issued their findings of a recent study, which showed that nearly 25 million adults were victims of fraud.

Now, most importantly, If you are a victim of fraud, please do not feel like you did anything wrong. It happens to all of us at one point or another, as the FTC's study clearly shows. Everyone likes a magic trick, and none of us are fully capable of noticing the con-artists' slight of hand. So, if you're a victim, take a deep breath. You're normal.

But, there's an old saying that goes something like this: Fool me once, shame on you?Fool me twice, shame on me!"

Here are 5 KILLER STEPS to protect yourself from Credit Card SCAMS!





NATIONAL NO-CALL REGISTRY.



TELEPHONE SOLICITATION



1-900 NUMBERS.



ANNUAL FEES, INTEREST RATES, ETC.



THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION

1. NATIONAL NO-CALL REGISTRY:

There's nothing more annoying then those credit card offers that you get over the phone. I don't know about you, but the last thing I want to be doing, while having dinner with my 1 year old daughter and my beautiful wife, is to be annoyed by phone calls from solicitors that just want to make money off me. Legitimate or not, these calls are a nuisance. If you're like me, and you would rather live without dealing with these calls, then go do this:







The FTC has created the National Do-NOT-CALL registry. Go find out more information about it. The website is: http://www.donotcall.gov



If it makes sense, complete the online form.



Take a deep breath, and relax. Within 30 days, the list will start working for you. I can personally attest that, while the solicitations have not stopped completely, they have significantly, significantly decreased.

Join the FTC No-CALL-Registry, and enjoy a reduction in telephone solicitation phone calls.

2. TELEPHONE SOLICITATION:

Believe it or not, the vast majority of lenders out there are legitimate. Also, believe it or not, a lot of these lenders utilize telemarketing as a method of reaching out to potential customers.







But beware of a wolf in sheep's clothing. Legitimate Lenders never ask for a processing fee in order to complete your application (this does not include appraisals during a real estate transaction in Escrow?We are discussing credit cards here).



Keep your personal information to yourself! Don't give out bank information, credit card numbers, social security numbers, etc., to someone you don't know, on a telephone call. Use your common sense.



If you don't have the offer in hand, or confirmed in writing, then don't pay. This is fraud. Who is this person on the phone anyway? Get their phone number, their address, their federal tax ID number, and then tell them you'll call back. If they're legitimate, they'll give it to you. If you question them, then I say trust your instincts. You're probably right on target.

Who is this on the phone? Don't trust people you haven't had a chance to get to know. Don't let one enticing offer on a phone call, be your guide...

3. 1-900 NUMBERS:

A 1-900 number is, of course, a phone number that charges the caller per minute for making the call. Whether it's a 1-900 number, or a future manifestation of the same type of telephone service, be wary of doing business this way.







The most common Credit Card SCAM, in all of its different forms, is called an "ADVANCE FEE LOAD SCAM". Typically, you will find these in the classified section of your local newspapers and trade magazines, and unfortunately, you'll also see them floating around the internet.



In a nutshell, the perpetrator will guarantee you a loan, but you have to pay them an upfront fee first. The fee can range from $100 to several hundred dollars. The charges can be extracted using telephone services like 1-900 numbers. Beware of courier services, and transactions that avoid the US Postal service, often conducted so as to avoid detection. The scam is that once the fake company has your money, they disappear from the planet, leaving you a victim of their con. You are out money, and no credit card.



Now lets' not confuse Advance Fee Load Scam artists with legitimate lenders and institutions. I can attest that there are real companies out there, trying to help you to get the credit, loans, and consumer debt services that you need. I believe in many of these services, and I believe in the convenience and power of the internet. However, use your common sense in all your business transactions in life, and that includes credit. Never give someone money without getting anything back in return. Never trust someone that you don't know. Never get enticed into a deal that's too good to be true.

Use your common sense, and don't fall prey to the con artists slight of hand, such as the Advance Fee Load Scam...

4. ANNUAL FEES, INTEREST RATES, ETC.:

Credit Card Scams come in all different shapes and sizes. Many of them are, arguably, not scams at all, but let's just call them credit card offers involving consumer unfriendly terms.







Read the fine-line. Every Credit Card Offer must provide the Consumer with written documentation on the terms of the offer.



Check the Annual Fee, the Interest Rates, the Cash Advance Fees, the Late Fees, and all other terms of the offer.c) Make sure you know what you are getting. Some offers are for secured cards, some are for unsecured cards, and some offers are for shopping portals online and offline (Like a department store card). So, while none of these are scams, by definition, it is important that you fully understand the terms of the credit card offer that you are agreeing to.



Be a responsible consumer, and read the terms and conditions of your credit card offer...

5. THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION::

The best place to go for direct consumer information, protection, and remedy, is the United States Federal Trade Commission...





The FTC website is: http://www.ftc.gov



The FTC can provide you with TONS of free information about Credit Cards, and other consumer related concerns. They can help you learn more about what to avoid, how to be a smarter consumer, and what to do if you believe that you are a victim of fraud, and what your remedies may be.

The FTC is there to help...

SUMMARY:

Use the No-Call Registry to cut down telephone solicitations in your home and places of business. While many legitimate lenders utilize telemarketing, be careful. Don't give out personal information to people you don't know, don't pay up-front processing fees over the phone, and get everything in writing. Consider yourself an advised consumer on "Advanced Fee Load" Scams, and look out for the signs, when these scams regrettably make their way to you. Read the terms of the offers that you are considering, and utilize the FTC website for trusted information, resources, and all related materials on consumer credit card issues.

We've enjoyed providing this information to you, and we wish you the best of luck in your pursuits. Remember to always seek out good advice from those you trust, and never turn your back on your own common sense.

Publisher's Directions: This article may be freely distributed so long as the copyright, author's information, disclaimer, and an active link (where possible) are included.

Disclaimer: Statements and opinions expressed in the articles, reviews and other materials herein are those of the authors. While every care has been taken in the compilation of this information and every attempt made to present up-to-date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that inaccuracies will not occur. The author will not be held responsible for any claim, loss, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of any information within these pages or any information accessed through this site.


By Tom Levine

SuperCharged Secret 4, Credit Card Utopia

YOU SCRATCH MY BACK, AND I'LL BUY SOME MORE BEER!

Let's just take a brief moment to recap:

If you've been following along on this journey with me, learning the 5 Super-Charged secrets to Credit Card Utopia, then you now know 3 very important things:





You now know how to take advantage of zero to low interest credit card offers.



You now know that there is safety in numbers, and you know the magic "Who's Who" of the major credit card companies. You know that one of them, in my opinion, stands out for consumers.



You now know how to take a low interest credit card with a rewards program, and convert it into a money making technology that could seriously improve your financial house.

With me? Good. These are all essential foundations that you need to follow in order to live in Credit-Card Utopia with me.

In fact, you would think that there's not much more that can be done.

Side note: I hope you are realizing the power of this information.

It may seem simple, but are you doing it? No. So, be smart. Study this information, reflect on these insights, and move forward with them so you can truly benefit from this secret knowledge.

On to Secret, #4:

1) It's very important that Utopians cover all bases, and leave no one behind.

The 3 secrets we've covered, really deal with those of us who have fairly good credit.

Now, if you don't have "good" credit, please don't discard these prior ideas.

I didn't have "good credit" once. Who cares? How many people, small businesses, corporations, and large industrial countries, have said the exact same thing?

2) So, don't feel left out.

Move towards Credit Card Utopia as a goal to move you into action.

Our website (and many other fine websites around the internet) can provide you with many, many resources to work on your debt issues, or your credit score issues, or whatever.

You might be surprised how FAST you can go from point A to point B.

(Here's a tip: Don't waste time. Find assistance. Don't go at it alone.)

3) Getting back on track: Want a zero interest credit offer? Want a low-interest, no annual fee, incentive-based offer?

Well, if you're struggling with credit or debt, then the first step is to tackle this issue from a different point of view.

Give up on Visa®, MasterCard®, and AMEX®?At least the "unsecured" kind, and at least for now.

There's nothing wrong with applying, and trying, but if you've been turned down, there are other ways to go.

4) Secret #4, revealed in an analogy:

Do you live in a small town? If you do, you might have a small-town pub. Does everybody know your name? Does the bartender know you, and know the drink you like? Do you go into your pub after work, and down a stiff one, after a long day of working in the coal mines? Maybe it isn't payday yet. Do you think the bartender cares? Of course not! He wants you coming in so he can move his inventory of fine beers and spirits. He knows you. So, what does he do? Let's say this is the 1800s, and there's no such thing as "credit cards" amongst our meager coal-working small town clan. What does he do?

Right! He runs you a tab.

No interest rates, no worries, no big deal. He runs a tab. Why? Because he knows you're good for it, and he's moving inventory. He doesn't care about the interest, because he's making a profit off the sale of his beer. He knows where you live, and he knows you'll pay him back in a few days when you come in for a drink after you get paid. It's a virtual certainty.

Now YOU, the small-town beer drinking coal worker, you're perfectly fine with this. The drink costs you the same whether you had cash now or later, and the bartender runs you a tab, in exchange for selling you more inventory. Everyone works together.

You scratch my back, and I'll buy some more beer.

5) This concept of free "credit" provided to purchase inventory, is not a new concept.

As you can see, it's been around for a long, long time. However, in modern times, it has tremendous application for folks with "poor" credit issues.

The secret is that you buy merchandise (On stuff you already need, or are already buying) almost exclusively from merchants willing to give you credit at low to no interest.

So, while you think you are in a tough position with credit issues, you actually turn it around, and allow it to become consumer buying power.

Only shop with merchants that scratch your back.

With me?

6) Now, where do you find these merchants?

Well, in the real brick and mortar world, it's not that hard.

You can start with department stores, gas cards, furniture outlets, electronics stores, jewelers, and a variety of other stores that you may do business with.

I can't guarantee, of course, that they'll approve you. But many of these merchants run their credit departments in-house, and like our bartender, they're interested in moving inventory.

So, I wouldn't take one "no" to mean that everyone will say "no". Not true.

Many of the larger corporate chains do not offer low to no interest rates. But almost ALL of them offer huge discounts on initial purchases as incentives to get started.

As of the writing of this article, for example, JCPenney® and Target® both offer 10% discounts on "new accounts". In addition, most of them do offer zero interest when balances are paid off each month, and some of them offer different plans to meet different customer's credit situations.

Also, look to no-interest incentive specials that are going on for many larger-ticket items. Televisions, Furniture, etc.

You'll also find many deferred-payment incentives that you can use to your advantage, or that you can utilize as a no-interest situation.

You just have to shop around. They are out there.

7) Now, what about cyber-space? Is there a place to take advantage of this back-scratching secret in Silicon? Actually, YES! There is. Check this out:

Many shopping portals online have realized the advantage of working with "poor" credit customers, and tailor-making a shopping experience that fits these specialized needs. We've listed several at our website, but of course, you can find them at any search-engine or at other reputable websites around the internet.

In a nutshell, the shopping website offers a membership card for making purchases on credit. You go to the online mall, make your purchases for things you would already buy anyway, and build or rebuild your credit score. The shopping portal helps you out by reporting your credit activity to the major credit reporting bureaus, which in turn, improves your credit history.

In addition, the membership benefits often times include such things as travel discounts, rental car discounts, and FREE credit reports.

They almost always advertise guaranteed credit lines of up to $7500, and incentives for joining can include free merchandise (such as a free DVD player), or a merchandise voucher.

Look for 30 day money-back guarantees, and look for no annual fees, and yes, look for "NO INTEREST" on the credit.

Most of these sites will require an upfront membership fee, but then they immediately turn around and provide a merchandise voucher. For example, one portal charges $150 for the upfront membership fee, but then immediately provides a voucher of $200 for merchandise at their site.

Because their customers generally have a history of poor credit, they do sometimes require an initial payment, or "down payment" on purchases until a relationship is established, but hey listen. So what? If you have credit issues, then you have to start rebuilding credit relationships somewhere. It sure beats Layaway!

What a creative way to solve this problem. Everybody wins.

You scratch my back, and I'll buy some more beer!

Meanwhile, you're moving closer and closer to the pearly gates of Credit Card Utopia!

We've enjoyed providing this information to you, and we wish you the best of luck in your pursuits. Remember to always seek out good advice from those you trust, and never turn your back on your own common sense.

Publisher's Directions:

This article may be freely distributed so long as the copyright, author's information, disclaimer, and an active link (where possible) are included.

Disclaimer: Statements and opinions expressed in the articles, reviews and other materials herein are those of the authors. While every care has been taken in the compilation of this information and every attempt made to present up-to-date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that inaccuracies will not occur. The author will not be held responsible for any claim, loss, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of any information within these pages or any information accessed through this site.


By Tom Levine

SuperCharged Secret 5, Credit Card Utopia

LIVING IN CREDIT CARD UTOPIA

Let's just take a brief moment to recap:

If you've been following along on this journey with me, learning the 5 Super-Charged secrets to Credit Card Utopia, then you now know 4 very important things:





You now know how to take advantage of zero to low interest credit card offers.



You now know that there is safety in numbers, and you know the magic "Who's Who" of the major credit card companies. You know that one of them, in my opinion, stands out for consumers.



You now know how to take a low interest credit card with a rewards program, and convert it into a money making technology that could seriously improve your financial house.



You now know how to work with merchants to harness your consumer buying power, even if you have bad credit, so that you can get low interest, incentives, and discounts through buying on credit.

With me? Good. These are all essential foundations that you need to follow in order to live in Credit-Card Utopia with me.

And NOW?On to the FINAL, most important, MOST significant secret that I have to reveal?

Secret # 5 revealed: Living in Credit Card Utopia:

1) I live in a world where there is no such thing as interest rates. There is zero interest, zero annual fees, membership benefits, and perks.

What world do you live in?

2) I live in a world where consumers are the ones in the drivers' seat. We are powerful, powerful creatures, us buying-spending-consuming maniacs. We have the power to make our own choices about how to wield this mighty sword.

Are YOU a powerful creature?

3) I live in a world where plastic is a money-making technology. I don't live for plastic, and plastic does not own me. I am my own person, beholden to no one. But, plastic and I?We're business partners. At the end of the year, plastic sends me a big fat check for thousands and thousands of dollars, and I take my family on a KILLER vacation.

Are you in business with plastic?

4) I live in a world where nothing is impossible. Life presents obstacles, and I overcome them. NO BIG DEAL?So, while you may not be able to get into the pearly gates of Credit Card Utopia right now?.Enjoy sitting on the front porch, bartering with merchants, while you get your ducks lined up in a row.

Are you lining up your ducks?

5) I live in a world of goals, objectives, action plans, deadlines, and in Credit Card Utopia, good things don't come to those who wait?Good things come to those who take ACTION, and move towards their goals.

Do you take action?

Do you have goals?

Are you working towards improving your life?

LIVING IN CREDIT CARD UTOPIA

In Credit Card Utopia, I am totally, totally satisfied. I am at peace with my credit cards, and they love me. We are the elite few. We are the ones that enjoy low interest rates, cash-back at the end of the year, and perks, perks, perks.

And I want you here with me. There is no limit to how many of you can join me, in Credit Card Utopia?There is no population growth control, no capacity restrictions, no ceilings.

This is Credit Card Utopia. All are welcome here.

So, open your mind.

Open your creative mind, and look at your life as a template for change.

Look in every corner and every crevice, and start clearing away the cobwebs and dust-balls of your structured thinking. Find answers. Find solutions. Don't limit yourself.

Stop thinking like a box, and start thinking like a winding, swirling, ever-changing thread of energy.

Living in Credit Card Utopia, is not about following steps 1 through 5 (although I gladly provide you with mine).

Living in Credit Card Utopia, is about following strange journeys carved out by mysterious neurons in your brain, to solve problems.

I've given you 5 creative ways to tackle plastic. But, for my 5 super Turbo-Charged secrets, there must be thousands, thousands more.

Living in Credit Card Utopia, is about looking at your obstacles, and converting them to opportunities.

Living in Credit Card Utopia, is about taking all your assets, and maximizing them to your highest advantage.

Living in Credit Card Utopia, is EASY?If you just open your mind to the freedom of possibilities.

The only restriction you have, the only thing that prevents you from coming up here with me, the only thing that is getting in your way?.Is You?.

WAIT A SECOND, WAIT A SECOND!!!! STOP!!!

So what IS secret #5, Tom? I'm confused. What are you saying? What is this secret, "LIVING IN CREDIT CARD UTOPIA?" Spell it out for me. I don't get it?It all sounds really esoteric, and mumbo-jumbo-ish... Come down from la-la land, and tell it to us in plain, simple talk.

I hear you cry.

Let me rephrase,

Let me put it another way,

Let me finally throw all my cards on the table...

If you want to "BE" Like me,

And all us Utopians up here?.

Then you need to LIVE?

More?

Like a Utopian.

Still unclear? You know, there's one person that can explain it better than I?Go ask your 5 year old daughter.

She understands. It's the way she is learning, to be just like you.

That's secret #5, and it truly is the most important one.

Welcome to Credit Card Utopia.

We've enjoyed providing this information to you, and we wish you the best of luck in your pursuits. Remember to always seek out good advice from those you trust, and never turn your back on your own common sense.

Publisher's Directions:

This article may be freely distributed so long as the copyright, author's information, disclaimer, and an active link (where possible) are included.

Disclaimer: Statements and opinions expressed in the articles, reviews and other materials herein are those of the authors. While every care has been taken in the compilation of this information and every attempt made to present up-to-date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that inaccuracies will not occur. The author will not be held responsible for any claim, loss, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of any information within these pages or any information accessed through this site.


By Tom Levine

Triple A in 30 Days

Have you ever wonder about how to get good credit with spending alot of money. Well here is a little secret I used to get my credit back up to par.

To work this plan you need at least $400 to begin. You should borrow this from your friends if necessary. Then go to a bank of your choice and deposit the $400 into a regular passbook savings account.

Wait a few days for the account to be posted and return to the bank to ask for a $400 loan - you offer the passbook as collateral. Since the bank is already holding your $400, you go to another bank open a savings account lending you another $400 and they won't even make a credit check. Then, with your borrowed $400, you go to another bank, open a savings account, return a few days later, borrow $400 from that bank using your passbook as collateral.

Then repeat the process at a third bank with your borrowed $400. Wait a few days to go to a fourth bank where you open this time a CHECKING account. Wait a few days and make a payment on each of the other three loans. A week later, make payments again on the three loans, and continue paying each week until you have almost paid off the balance.

A credit investigation at this point will show you with three active bank loans (which are considered hard to get), a checking account, and a paying history for the three bank loans - with you having paid up in advance. Thus, you have AAA credit in as little as 30 days. From here you go on to apply for loans, credit cards, and other items on credit.

By Darryl Power

Borrowing on a Credit Card

One of the easiest ways to borrow money of a financial institute is to use a Credit Card, available from all banks, building societies, and other financial organisations. The choices available are enormous, with a wide variety of interest charges, annual charges, loyalty schemes, and bonus points available. However there are two broad areas that you should look at:

Annual Interest Rate

Firstly if you do not intend to pay off your Credit Card bill at the end of each month, then you should look at the Annual Interest Rate (APR), this rate is typically between 13-17% at the moment, and you should be looking for a card that offers as low an interest rate as possible. You should also bear in mind that you are charged much higher rates of interest than other forms of borrowing money, so if you do not intend to pay of your bills for a long period of time, then you should seriously consider a different form of loan that is less expensive.

Extra Benefits

On the other hand if you do intend to pay off you credit card bill at the end of each month, then you should be more interested in the loyalty schemes that are on offer. These vary from being awarded points every time you purchase something (these points can than me used to purchased gifts or air miles etc), to simply being given 'Cashback' on everything you buy (typically 0.5%-1% of your purchase). You should also look at the level of service that your card company offers. They are obliged under law to offer certain protection to the consumer, but often they will increase this protection with other guarantees. Some offer extended warranties on electrical goods, extra travel insurance when you are on holiday, accidental damage insurance for any goods you buy, and even free commission on cash withdrawals when abroad.

Also some companies charge an annual fee for using their card (especially business credit card accounts), so these fees should be weighed up against the cards benefits.

Even if you usually do pay off your credit card bills at the end of each month, when you open a account you may be offered 6 months interest free credit. This is often an excellent way of saving money as you are basically given an interest free loan for 6 months. It is even more useful if you are allowed to transfer some credit card debt from a different company into the interest free offer. However there is a danger of becoming trapped in a bad debit cycle here, transferring your debt from card to card until it is completely unmanageable. The best advice is to make sure you always have enough money in the bank, or in a savings account, to pay off your debt when you are taking advantage of the interest free credit period. That way you benefit from earning interest on your savings in your bank, but as soon as the interest free credit period has expired, you can pay the entire bill off without being stung for high interest charges.

So to summarize

If you are not paying off your monthly credit card bills, look for a card that offers a low interest rate

If you are paying off your monthly credit card bills, looking for additional card benefits

Interest free credit periods are good news for saving money, but beware of being caught in a debt spiral

Credit Cards are an expensive way of obtaining a loan or borrowing money, and you should investigate other cheaper forms if you intend to borrow money in the medium to long term.

By Alastair Taylor

Make Sure Your Credit Report Is Correct to Improve Your Interest Rates And Lower Insurance Premiums

Did you know that you could make sure to get the best rates on your auto and homeowners insurance simply by having a good credit score.

Additionally a great credit score will allow you to get the best interest rates on your credit cards, car loans and even your home mortgage. With interest rates as low and as favorable as they current are why shouldn't you take advantage of them?

What to do - Probably the most important first step you can take would be to order your credit report in order to view its accuracy and check for any glaring errors that could cause you problems or lower your credit score. A good credit score generally speaking is above 750.

There are 3 companies that offer credit reports. TransUnion, Equifax and Experian. There is a slight cost however a new law allows consumers the right to one free credit report every year. As of this writing only consumers on the West Coast can enjoy this benefit. Mid-west states can start receiving their free credit reports around the 1st of March 2005. For those of you that live in the South expect to be able to order your free report starting 1 June 2005 and if you're on the East Coast you'll unfortunately have to wait until the beginning of September 2005 in order to claim your free report.

Please don't take this lightly - your credit score is very important to your financial success in life. Even if you have managed to avoid making late payments or over drawing on your current credit limits you can still be in harms way. Recent reports have suggested that almost 79% of credit reports contain an error of some kind. The really bad news is that 25% of these errors are harmful enough to where they could cause some serious issues in your attempts to receive credit, better rates and lower your insurance premiums.

Additional recommendations include the obvious such as continuing to make payments on time combined with an outstanding long-term credit history and low credit usage. You can use this to your advantage by keeping your oldest credit cards debt free. Also ask for credit limit increase every once in a while. However make every attempt to avoid signing up for new credit cards or other forms of credit unless absolutely necessary.

If you do find out that your credit report does indeed contain errors promptly contact the credit bureau that issued you the credit and dispute the errors. If the bureau is unable to verify that the errors are indeed correct within a 30-day time frame they must remove the erroneous information from your report.

Taking the simple precaution of verifying your credit score could result in a substantial deduction on all of your insurance premiums and could significantly improve your rates for a new home or car loan.

By Timothy Gorman