Archive for April, 2008


Getting the Best Out of Your Reward Credit Card

If you’re one of the lucky people to qualify for a reward credit card and you’re simply waiting for the company to send your very own plastic money, congratulations! But just before you swipe your reward credit card for the very first time, do read this article first because we’re here to make sure that you make the best out of your reward credit card.

What You Already Know

This author is assuming that you’ve already reviewed the options open to you extensively and came to decide that between non-reward credit cards which offer low to zero interest rates and reward credit cards, you believe that your needs are better taken care of by the latter.

This author is also assuming that you’re already familiar with the basics of how a credit card’s reward system operates. You know that just by buying things - it could be movie tickets or even groceries - with the help of your ever trusty credit card, you’re able to instantly earn a reward point for yourself! You also know that the number of points you earn per purchase is entirely dependent on the full or total value of your acquisition or purchase.

What You May Not Know

Reward credit cards always charge higher interest rates to their users or owners, compared to non-reward credit card types. That’s normal and to be expected since in return, you get to win all sorts of items. Basically, it’s the high interest rate that’s the sole and major problem of most reward credit card owners.

How to Make the Best Out of Your Reward Credit Card

More to the point, this article is going to teach you how to save and earn more when it comes to using your reward credit card. These are going to be very simple and easy to do steps so there’s no need to worry about anything at all.

Pay As Early As You Can - That’s the golden rule when it comes to reward credit cards. If you can afford to pay early or at least before the cut off period then by all means, pay for them. There’s no way you can be charged with interest after that. If that’s not possible, pay as soon as you can so that the rewards you’ll be receiving in the future won’t be offset by the amount of interest you’re charged with.

Choose The Right Reward - If you’re always on the go then maybe it’s better to avail of the free gas option offered by your reward credit card. Try to choose a reward that can be of greatest use to you.

Take Advantage of Product or Brand Affiliates - If your credit card company has tie ups with certain product lines, you’ll be able to save more money if you patronize these products because you’re sure to be given a discount.

You may freely reprint this article provided the following author’s biography (including the live URL link) remains intact:

About The Author

John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help homeowners find the best available loans via the http://www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.

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Selecting the Best Reward Credit Card Company

So you finally managed to come to a decision on the type of credit card you plan to apply for and you ended up with one that gives you reward points instead of low interest rates. But wait, your work isn’t over yet - there’s just one last thing to do before swiping time. And that’s selecting the reward credit card company that’s ideal for your wants and needs.

The selection process can be achieved in several, trouble-free steps.

Step 1 - Consider Only Reputable Credit Card Companies

Okay, it’s obvious that reputable credit card companies have more requirements to demand from you and there’s a lesser chance of passing but it’s equally obvious that there are more advantages to enjoy when you do get to own a reward credit card from a reputable company.

Among others, there would be more stores who’d accept your reward credit card, you’ll be probably paying a lower interest rate compared to others and the service is sure to be more reliable.

Step 2 - Consider the Rewards

Rewards, are, after all the very main reason why people apply for reward credit cards. Hence, it’s only quite logical that the type of rewards being offered would figure prominently when you consider which reward credit card company you should apply to!

And because there is literally a great deal of reward credit card companies who are eager to offer their services, never ever settle for second best. Go for what you want and nothing less!

Step 3 - Consider the Time Given To Earn Points

How much time are you given by the reward credit card company to earn and save points? This is an essential aspect to consider because if the time given to you by the reward credit card company is limited, you might be stuck with earning little prizes for the rest of your life.

Step 4 - Consider the Reward Credit Card Company’s Affiliates and Alliances

Let’s just say that your reward credit card company has close ties with airlines but unfortunately, you have a phobia of flying. That wouldn’t do any good at all, would it? So do choose a reward credit card company with affiliates and alliances that would also be beneficial to you.

Step 5 - Consider the Interest

There may be times that you’ll be unable to pay your credit card bills on time and which means you have to contend with the interest rates. Make sure however that you’re not paying more than you should.

Step 6 - Consider the Reward Point System Used

Overall, how is the reward system of the credit card? Are they quick in providing customer support?

Step 7 - Consider Consulting with Friends

A second opinion should never harm anybody because you’re just trying to be safe than sorry.

Step 8 - Consider for the Very Last Time

Thinking hard is better than not thinking at all.

Step 9 - Choose and Apply.

Step 10 - SHOP!
And this is the ultimate point of owning a credit card, isn’t it?

You may freely reprint this article provided the following author’s biography (including the live URL link) remains intact:

About The Author

John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help homeowners find the best available loans via the http://www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.

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Where Do I Find My Credit Score

Unfortunately your free credit report does not contain your credit score. The Fact Act does entitle consumers to obtain one free copy of their credit report each year, getting the actual credit score is not free. The government allows the consumer credit reporting agencies to charge you a fee to give you your actual credit score number. The scores determined by Experian and Trans Union are not widely used by lenders. The score provided by Equifax however is used by most lenders to determine whether or not they should lend you money and how much interest to charge you. Equifax will sell you its FICO score. It is recommended that you request and pay for this score. Once requested, the consumer credit reporting agencies will provide to you the scores and information on as many as four key factors that are negatively affecting your credit score. This will help you to know and understand what you should do to improve your credit score.

A credit score is a three digit number based on information contained in your credit report as it compares to millions of other people. This system brings your entire credit history to account into one objective number. This number is more or less a statistical prediction of how likely you are to either default or pay your bills on time in the future.

This score will determine your interest rate and if you will get a loan at all. The higher the score, the better your chances are of getting your loan approved as well as giving you a better rate of interest. On a mortgage loan this score can mean savings of many thousands of dollars in interest over the term of the loan.

The FICO score ranges between 300 and 850 and is based on the following factors:

Payment History (35% of score) Amounts Owed (30% of score) Length of Credit History (15% of score) New Credit (10% of score) Types of Credit in Use (10% of score)

This article was written by Kriss Standke who is an accomplished Webmaster and publisher of Free Credit Report Spot, Your Free Credit Reports, as well as Credit Score Resource where he provides detailed and informative articles, tips, and advice on free credit reports, how to get yours, and what to do with the information once you receive it.

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