Most likely you’ve seen some great offers, especially recently, for zero percent credit cards. Some credit cards won’t charge you any interest on the purchases you make with the card. Other cards offer you a 0% payment on the balances you transfer to them. But the question is – is a zero percent credit card really a good deal?
To put it simply – it can be a good deal, if you follow all the rules. Like all business out there, the card-issuing companies also need to make money. They make their money by attaching hidden strings to these great deals. So as you look at zero percent cards, you’ll need to watch out for these things:
- Limited-time offers: Most zero percent cards offer 0% interest only for the first few months. After the predetermined time has passed, the rate will skyrocket, and probably right when you’ve just started to get a somewhat large balance on your card. Offering zero percent does cost the issuing company a bit, but that’s nothing in comparison to how much they’ll make after the interest rate rises and you have to pay plenty of extra money in interest.
- Required transactions: You might be required to make a minimum number of purchases each month just to qualify for the 0% rate. That means two things: if you don’t make the minimum number of purchases, your rate will go up. And, by making more purchases, you’ll probably have a higher balance once the 0% rate expires.
- Penalty rates: Often if you make even a single late payment, charge beyond your credit limit, or bounce a payment check, your interest rate might skyrocket to 20% or more.
- Higher-rate balances don’t pay off as fast: Most cards apply payments to the lowest-rate part of your balance first. So, if you transferred your balance at 0%, but your purchases were made at a higher rate, your payments will first be applied to the 0% part of the balance as the higher-rate balance continues to build.
If you are currently experiencing credit problems, you might think that there is no way out. There are several ways to repair your credit and one of them includes using a credit card. Those with bad credit histories can still get credit cards from some particular organizations that specialize in giving credit to those who are in debt. These cards are referred to as secured credit cards. Getting these cards is easy no matter how bad the credit history.
A secured card works like the regular cards but the only difference is that you will be required to put in a deposit against the card’s limit. This is the money the lender will use as security if you default on your payments.
The secured credit card will help you with your credit repair when you prove that you are able to make regular payments on the card. It is important to ensure that the credit card company that you get the card from reports to all the 3 credit agencies so that the payments you make are reflected on all the reports and credit scores. This is one of the ways you can prove to future lenders that you have a good payment history.
Once you get approval for the card, it is important to keep in mind that you are going to use the card for credit repair by building a positive credit history. This means that you should not use the secured card to acquire debt. The card should only be used for making small purchases that can be easily paid off at the end of the month. If there is a purchase that you cannot afford to pay for, avoid charging it to your account.
Most of the credit companies will give you a regular card once you have made regular payments on your secured credit card for a period of 1-3 years. The regular payments will act as evidence that you have actually turned your financial situation around which gives you the opportunity to get a regular card that does not require a deposit and also help with your credit repair.
Chase credit cards come in a variety of styles and with a variety of benefits.
If you’re looking for a credit card company that offers a wide variety of services and premier cards, Chase Manhattan bank is the company for you. Chase offers many services, including lending, insurance and credit cards. Chase credit cards are some of the most popular, as they offer cards to fit every personality.
Among Chase credit cards are ones for travelers which offer travel rewards and auto and gas rebates as well as cards for shoppers which reward the shopper with discounts at their favorite stores. The wide variety of Chase rewards cards let’s you decide how you’ll be rewarded including cash back, points and even cards that support specific charitable organizations.
In addition to the credit cards with rewards, Chase offers cards for more specific needs. Students can appreciate the Chase credit cards specifically designed for them with special student benefits and the option of having your school’s name on your card. Chase also offers credit cards specifically for school alumni, with school designs and colors as well as a way to benefit your former school with the use of your card.
Whether you want a card for your business or a card with great personal rewards, considering filling out an application for a Chase credit card. You can apply online, or by mail. When you apply for a credit card with Chase Manhattan bank, you’re getting a card that fits your needs perfectly.
If the business does not meet these criteria, the business credit card issuers will use the credit history of the principal making the business credit card application as their basis for evaluating credit risk.
Do note that most business credit card issuers will not approve your application for a business credit card unless you agree to the personal liability provision. This essentially makes a business credit card the same as a personal credit card from a personal liability point of view. Hence, whenever your business fails to repay the business credit cards, the issuer may invoke the personal liability agreement in order to collect payment from the business credit card principal.
Because of this personal liability provision on your business credit card application, your personal credit reports will also contain a record of your business credit card history. You will therefore damage your personal credit score if you make late payments on your business credit cards. If your business accumulates a big debt, it will inflate your personal debt burden and cause you to appear overextended.
The personal liability agreement, however, is not always cast in concrete. If you can show that you diligently make your regular payments, you should be able to convince the issuer of business credit cards to remove the provision after a few years. It would really be up to the issuers whether they decide to grant you your request or not. Nonetheless, you could always try to negotiate with them. Whatever the case may be, endeavor to have the business establish its own credit history. This will eventually allow you to separate your small business credit card from your personal credit records.
You must be aware that since business credit cards are not intended to be used by consumers, the consumer protections applicable to personal credit card are not necessarily present in business credit cards. When making use of personal credit cards, the law grants you the right to dispute billing errors on your account within the specified period of time. Within this period, the card issuer cannot mark the disputed amount delinquent or cancel the card. This particular right of the consumer is not applicable to the holders of business credit cards.
When you receive ordered merchandise in poor condition, you cannot dispute the charges and in case the vendor refuses to cooperate, request the business credit card company to intervene on your behalf – as they do in the case of personal credit cards. With business credit cards, you are largely on your own.
So, should you carry a small business credit card rather than a personal credit card? The answer is: Yes. Once your business has established its track record, you can separate personal and business finances. That will work well – both for you and your business.
Do you want more credit at your fingertips? Applying for a credit card is now faster and easier than ever. With instant approval credit cards, you can find out whether you have been approved online in less than a minute. Here’s what you need to know about instant approval credit cards.
The Instant Approval Process
The process to get an instant approval credit card begins with an online application. You’ll need to fill in basic financial information. For instant approval cards, when you submit the application, your credit report is quickly reviewed. Usually, the approval is based on your FICO score. FICO, which stands for Fair Isaac & Company, gives you a credit score between 300 and 850. If you have good or excellent credit, it is very likely that you will be approved.
You will receive a confirmation notice of your approval. The actual credit card will then be sent to you in the mail. You can plan on its arrival one to two weeks after the card has been approved. Once you have followed the steps to activate the card, you are free to begin using it.
Compare the Benefits
While the resounding feature of instant approval credit cards is their quick online response, many include other benefits. Some offer a 0% introductory rate on purchases and balance transfers. Others come with a plan to receive cash back or rewards. If you frequently travel, look for a card that will award you with free air miles. If you have a long daily commute, check into a card with gas rebates. By evaluating your lifestyle, you can find an instant approval credit card that will have lasting benefits.
Understand the Fine Print
In addition to the card’s features, it is important to understand the details of your credit card. If the card comes with a low introductory interest rate, find out what the regular APR is. This will tell you what you can expect to pay on interest after the introductory period is over. Also look to see if the card has an annual fee or additional finance charges. Sometimes there are fees involved with balance transfers, late payments, or reward programs. Be sure to read through the fine print. This way, you will know what to expect after the credit card has been instantly approved online.
Check for Security
In many ways, applying online can be more secure than sending in a credit card application through the mail. Your information is sent directly to the needed source, and you do not have other people’s hands handling your mail. Most credit card companies use the latest, most secure data encryption available. To be safe, check the website before you apply online. Look for indications of security, such as a small lock on the page. If you have any questions, check further into the site before applying.
Life often feels like driving in the fast lane – we need things done quickly. Instant approval credit cards offer you the convenience you need through a process that is easy to follow. And with the Internet, you have plenty of options right before you. You can look at a variety of cards as you search for the one that best fits your needs. Apply today and enjoy the excitement of being instantly approved.
Copyright Ed Vegliante. Free online reprints of this article are allowed provided the resource box remains intact with a live link back to http://www.credit-card-surplus.com.
Bad credit unsecured credit cards can help rebuild the creditworthiness of people with bad credit, charge-offs, and arrears. Your chance of getting an unsecured credit card depends on your credit rating, earning potential and financial stability. Sometimes these are offered to people with a poor credit history. All major credit card companies, such as MasterCard and Visa, provide bad credit unsecured credit cards.
A person with bad credit has to make a small deposit, which serves as a security to the lenders if you fail to make payments. Depending on the unsecured credit card providers, the deposit amount may vary. Bad credit unsecured credit cards are issued on the basis of minimum requirements. When bad credit unsecured credit cards are approved, the borrowers are not allowed a credit line exceeding the amount deposited. The main advantage of bad credit unsecured cards is that one can easily withdraw cash in times of financial crises.
The APR (Annual Percentage Rate), card fees, account set-up fees, and programs fees for these credit cards are relatively high. Bad credit unsecured credit cards have a credit limit ranging from $250 to $500. If the borrowers make regular payments, the lender gradually increases the credit limit.
Most of the lenders provide flexible payment plans and free services. However, you have to guard against scams which occur through fraudulent emails, letters, and phone calls. Therefore, utmost care and proper research must be undertaken to select a bad credit unsecured credit card provider. You have to be cautious about some lenders who charge high fees in the form of yearly rates and additional hidden charges.
Most of the credit card companies now render online applications and instant approvals. So the Internet is considered the best source to find bad credit unsecured cards.