Joomla! site syndication http://www.credit-card4u.com Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:27:07 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.credit-card4u.com/images/M_images/joomla_rss.png http://www.credit-card4u.com Joomla! site syndication http://www.credit-card4u.com/content/view/6/2/ Choose a credit cardCREDIT cards are evolving all the time as a spending tool, a short term borrowing tool and a useful transaction tool for our increasingly cashless society ( from the parking meter to shopping online).Step 1 - Choose the right cardChoose the appropriate credit card for your income and lifestyle. Compare all the options you want at cannex.com.au or infochoicecom.au.Students and low income earners who do not pay off the card each month, should choose a budget card with low interest rates. Interest rates vary from 7 per cent to 24 per cent, so if you don’t pay off your credit card at the end of the month, shop around for a budget card.Remember, paying the monthly minimum repayment will never clear a debt.Don’t use credit cards for long term borrowing.For bigger spenders, compare ‘package’ deals with ‘gold’ credit card at discount rates and fees for customers with big mortgages and spending. High credit limit cards can be a front line spending tool for cash flow management, linked to a line of credit account, where income goes into a bank account or mortgage account which then automatically pays the monthly bill, at a lower interest rate for outstanding balances.A high credit limit can be useful in an emergency or overseas holiday. Compare cards by rewards programs, travel insurance (worth up to $400 for a family trip abroad) free extended warranties (e.g. from 6 to 12 months on appliances etc) and other exotic features such as concierge service - if you’re likely to use them.Step 2 - Check out reward cardsAverage rewards cards charge more in annual fees than you’ll earn in rewards, although they can make sense for big spenders who put everything through their card. Consumer group Choice recommends sticking to a card with no annual fee if you only spent $1000 per month or less.No frills cards without reward schemes are useful as a line of credit for day to day spending and small loans, but can still be expensive if not paid off quickly.Step 3 - Look at fees and credit limitsCompare cards by these fees and charges as well as interest rates.Check how high fees can be for cash advances. Is BPAY considered a cash advance?Credit limits restrict debt but be realistic as there are $35 penalties for exceeding them or not repaying the low monthly minimum amounts.Go for a financial institution that will automatically directly debit the minimum payment – or the whole debt monthly if your funds are available. News - Latest Wed, 07 Jul 2004 11:54:06 +0100 http://www.credit-card4u.com/content/view/11/9/ Applying for Credit Cards OnlineThe internet has certainly served to simplify life in many different ways. Finding information, communicating, doing business and shopping, have never been easier. The same goes for banking. Before the internet, you had to physically go to the bank to transfer money, to pay your loans, to compare credit cards, and to request new credit facilities. Now just about everything can be done from your nearest computer, anytime day or night. Many consumers are availing themselves of this convenience, with a growing number nowadays using the internet to apply for credit cards online.If you are organised in your approach, you will find that to apply for credit cards online is less cumbersome, quicker and considerably easier than taking a trip to the bank. Here are a few tips on what to do before you click on the ‘apply for credit cards online‘ icon:Compare credit cardsYou need to know which credit card you need. So, the first step when you want to apply for credit cards online is to compare credit cards. Click4Credit has the facility where you can compare credit cards side by side to evaluate the different fees and features. You will notice while you compare credit cards, that some of the special introductory offers are only applicable to those consumers that apply for credit cards online.Get your information togetherWhen you apply for credit cards online, you will need the following information handy:• Personal Information: This will include name, address, date of birth and driver’s license number.• Income information: After-tax income, source of income, employer details and if you are self-employed, your accountant’s details.• Current financial commitments: Information on car repayments, mortgages, credit cards and any other form of debt you are repaying. If you want to do a balance transfer from your current credit card to a new credit card, also have the outstanding balance available.If you have all this information together, you can apply for credit cards online, quickly and efficiently. FAQs - Examples Wed, 12 May 2004 11:54:06 +0100 http://www.credit-card4u.com/content/view/2/9/ Credit Card TipsAre You Ready For a Credit Card?You may already have a credit card, but if you don't, you can be sure there will be many opportunities to get one once you arrive on campus.Many credit companies set up tables in the common areas of college campuses to encourage students to sign up for credit cards. Often, they give away trinkets such as T-shirts, water bottles, frisbees, coffee mugs, etc. in exchange for having you fill out an application. Sound easy? It is, but think twice before you do it.Unfortunately, many of the credit cards offered on campus may not be a good value for students. According to a study conducted by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), students who obtain credit cards at campus tables have higher unpaid balances than those who do not. Carrying high, unpaid balances is one of the quickest ways to incur too much debt and fall behind in payments.Why do Credit Card Companies Target Students?Surprisingly, students are a good credit risk, despite the fact that they often do not have jobs and are also borrowing student loans. Research has shown that student borrowers are valuable customers because they tend to stay loyal to their first card, continuing to make purchases for many years to come.The Advantages of Credit CardsLike loans, using credit cards can help you build a positive credit history. This can enhance your ability to receive a private student loan, buy a car, rent an apartment, get a job, and eventually, try to buy a house. Of course, there are other advantages to having a credit card including: * Security in emergencies; * Reduced need to carry cash or checks; and * Enhanced personal responsibility and independence.However, only one national card like a VISA or a MasterCard is necessary to receive these benefits.How Credit Cards are BilledUnlike repayment on a traditional loan, such as a student or car loan, credit cards do not allow you to spread the amount you owe over a fixed period of time. Instead, you are required to make a minimum monthly payment, which is the smallest amount you can pay and still meet your cardholder agreement (the terms you agree to when signing up for the card).The minimum payment is usually 2 percent of your outstanding balance. Unfortunately, by paying only the minimum each month instead of paying off your entire balance, your debt will continue to grow. Many credit card companies also charge late fees (usually 2 percent of the outstanding balance), and higher interest rates on cash advances.So, Are You Ready for a Credit Card?As a student, you will have to decide for yourself if you can handle the responsibility of a credit card. They are easy to get but not so easy to manage, especially if you end up with a high, unpaid balance on which interest is accruing, but payments are not being made. According to the PIRG study, of the 79 percent of surveyed students who use credit cards for multiple purposes, only 13 percent reported limiting credit card use to emergencies. Newsflashes - Newsflash Mon, 09 Aug 2004 08:30:34 +0100