RSS feedAre Airline Cards Right For Me?
For the past few years, I have been paying for everything with my credit card. When I fill my car with gas, I put the cost on my card. When I do the grocery shopping, it goes on card. When I eat out, or pay bills, it all goes onto the plastic fantastic. Indeed every time I pay for something, it’s all through my credit card.
And the reason I do this is because I have learned that I can accrue literally thousands of free airfare mileage points.
Since I have started paying for every last purchase with my credit card, I have been able to take one free domestic flight per year, which makes visiting the folks at Christmas that much easier.
There are hundreds of airline mileage cards out there, and choosing the right one for you is not always an easy task. The United Mileage Plus Airline Card offers 17,500 bonus miles after your first purchase and the safety of zero liability on unauthorized purchases. The Citi Premier Pass Card Elite Level offers a 0% introductory balance transfer APR as well as some phenomenal air travel rewards. Both of these are great airline cards to choose from, and you can take a look at more at our site. Be sure to choose one soon, though, so you can start getting your free miles before the holiday season.
Chris (July 18, 2007 13:29)
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Will That Be Cash or Credit?
Not many people really think about it, but carrying a credit card is much safer than carrying cash.
If you lose cash, it is generally gone for good. If you lose a credit card, you have the power to call your bank and report the loss, putting a stop on the account. That way you aren’t liable for any unauthorized purchases.
Even if your card is stolen, the thief still has to forge your signature convincingly. Shop tellers also may request the thief produce additional pieces of identification, which will usually mean they are stopped from making illegal purchases on your card.
Moreover, choosing a credit card might mean extra rewards just for buying your normal purchases. From airline miles to cash back, you may get a reward just for buying things like laundry detergent. How great is that?
Chris (July 18, 2007 13:27)
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Prepaid Credit Cards
Some credit cards offer what are known as “prepaid credit cards” which are perfect for people that have a habit of overspending with regular credit cards.
Prepaid credit cards function in much the same way as conventional credit cards, but unlike their counterparts you add or reload credit onto your card before you use it. In other words, you have to actually possess the money before you spend it.
I have two credit cards myself, and I use my prepaid card for regular everyday purchases. My other so-called “real” credit card I only use for more expensive or urgent purchases. It is like my “emergency back up” and having it there gives me peace of mind.
One great prepaid card product is the Impact Visa Card. Everyone is approved, you can pay your bills over the phone, and you have twenty-four hour access to cash through any ATM machine. Take a look at a few other prepaid cards, then decide which one is right for you.
Chris (July 18, 2007 13:26)
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Losing Your Credit Card
It’s one of those nightmare situations, but it happened to me. It can happen to anyone with a credit card, so we all need to be super careful.
Yep, that’s right, when I last went traveling, I lost my credit card. I was in the middle of Paris, couldn’t speak a word of French and was very close to losing my cool. I had been warned about pickpockets too, so I was freaking out that someone had stolen my card and was using it to buy up thousands of dollars of goods.
Thankfully that wasn’t the case, so I got lucky that time, but I have learned a good lesson from the experience. You should always be familiar with the policies related to card cancellation while you are traveling. Moreover, it helps to be aware of your card company's policy with regard to unauthorized purchases. Choosing a card with the right safety features from the start might help as well.
Chris (July 18, 2007 13:25)
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May I See Your Identification, Please?
When I go shopping, I am always very happy to present extra photo identification when I buy something with my credit card.
I know some people get offended if sales people ask to see photo identification, but the fact is it is a much safer practice, so people should welcome this request. After all, if a thief gets a hold of your credit card and learns to forge your signature you can be liable for some purchases, and you have to go through the hassles related to identity theft.
In this day and age, shoppers should expect to be asked for extra identification. I commend stores that insist on it because they are really looking out for their customer’s best interests.
Chris (July 18, 2007 13:24)
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The Power of Worldwide Shopping
The best thing about owning a credit card is being able to shop globally. I spend hours looking at merchandise and clothing on the internet, and some of the best purchases I have made have been from far-off countries.
Credit card shopping online lets you find those unique and exclusive items that none of your friends or family own. It also means you can really shop around for a bargain because there is literally so much competition out there on the web.
These days, I rarely do my clothing shopping in my own city because I want to wear something that nobody else has. With a credit card, you can do the same and take your buying power to the world.
When shopping on a global level, though, keep these tips in mind:
-Install both a firewall and a spyware detector on your computer.
-Make sure there is a "lock" icon on your browser's status bar when you submit your personal information.
-Try to use a secure online payment service (like PayPal or WorldPay).
Shopping worldwide can be both fun and safe if you follow these tips.
Chris (July 18, 2007 13:23)
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A Little History
Not many people know this but Diner’s Club was the first universal card to ever be issued. By “universal” I mean that it was the first credit card that was not attached to a particular business, but allowed you to shop on credit at a range of different shops and businesses. The Diner’s Card was released in 1950, and while the company itself doesn't exist anymore (it was bought by MasterCard), the idea clearly made history and spawned an entire industry. These days I have a number of credit cards, but I still find the history of the industry an interesting concept.
Chris (July 18, 2007 13:23)
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Making Minimum Payments
Credit cards can be a godsend, giving you the freedom to buy what you need, when you need it, even if you don’t have the cash.
Delaying payment is one of the obvious benefits of owning a credit card. Another benefit is that although you may end up paying somewhat more than paying with cash, owning a credit card allows you to spread out bigger purchases. And if you really do your homework and look around for the lowest interest rate possible, the extra needn't be too much. One great low interest rate card is Blue from American Express. Look into it today.
No matter what card you have, though, the most important factor about having a credit card is getting in the habit of making more than the minimum monthly repayment. Providing you make just a little more than the minimum repayment on time, you can avoid high interest charges, pay your card off sooner, and therefore, really get the most out of your card.
Chris (July 18, 2007 13:22)
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Watch Out! Finding The Best Credit Cards
Everyone looking for a credit card should really read the fine print of each credit card on offer.
Amongst other things, you need to weigh up each card's benefits and disadvantages. Be sure to look into any free period that is offered, and try and get the longest free period you can. You also need to find out what annual fees are imposed because different cards vary a lot. It is rare, but some issuers have annual fees that are in the hundreds. Take note of the individual transaction fees as well. Transaction fees add up, so you need to be fully aware of what you are likely to pay.
Chris (July 18, 2007 13:20)
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Snatch Up A Student Credit Card
One of the best pieces of advice I can give to younger people is to get a credit card while you are a student at a university.
Even though it is only a small step, having a credit card and paying it off in a timely manner will help you build up a good credit rating. Your credit rating will allow you to borrow for personal loans or a mortgage further down the track.
Generally speaking, banks are generous when it comes to issuing credit cards to students, so you should take advantage of their policies while you can. You will find it a lot harder getting a credit card if you are unemployed!
One of the best student cards I know is the Chase Student Flexible Rewards Card. You can redeem your points at places you go anyway like Best Buy and Chili's, and you get six months of a 0 percent APR.
You can see other good student cards here. Choose the right one for you today.
