http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/finance/credit/frequently-asked-questions-about-cash-back-credit-cards.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/credit/frequently-asked-questions-about-cash-back-credit-cards.html Wed, 22 Jul 2009 23:28:21 -0500
How does a cash back credit card differ from a regular credit card?

In many ways, it doesn't. You still have the same convenience that comes along with using a line of credit to make purchases, pay bills, manage your finances, and organize your expenses. You still receive a bill for the charges at the end of each billing period that you are to pay on or before a certain date. You still have the opportunity to take advantage of low interest rates, reasonable (or non-existent) annual fees, and other amenities that come along with many of today's credit plans. The major difference is that your credit provider offers you a reward for your loyal services and continued use of your card - cash back on every purchase... and who couldn't use a little more cash in their life?

How do I earn my cash rebate?

Although the policies will vary from card to card, the way these extraordinary programs work is actually very simple. Most cashback credit companies allow you to accumulate points that correspond to the dollar amounts you charge to your card at a rate of about a point per dollar. Some companies will give you two points per dollar or allow you to accumulate points at greater rates for certain types of purchases. Your points are then converted into cash at the end of a billing cycle. Still others may calculate your rebate in terms of a set percentage on your balance. Many companies mail this amount to you in the form of a check, but others will allow you to apply your points to your balance or cash them in other perks. It all depends on how the provider you choose opts to do things.

Is there a limit to how many points I can earn?

Again, this depends on the specifics of the policy attached to the card you sign up for. Some programs do impose a limit on the amount of cash credit you can earn. While any amount of cash is helpful and better than none, of course, this doesn't really allow people who use their cards to manage all their monthly expenses to benefit to the degree they could. Look for a program that either offers a high limit on possible points earned or no limit at all. They're definitely out there! You just need to shop around a little bit to make sure you're getting the right plan for you.

How do I apply for a cashback card?

The easiest way to apply is by filling out a cash back credit card application right online! It's convenient, efficient, and you could receive an answer to your inquiry within minutes. The sooner you get yourself signed up for your card, the sooner you can start saving. How can you beat that?

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Start earning cash back on your credit card purchases with the best cash back credit card. For extra cash back on gas, apply for gas reward credit cards.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/credit/3-features-every-cash-back-credit-card-should-have.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/credit/3-features-every-cash-back-credit-card-should-have.html Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:26:56 -0500
However, more and more people are discovering that there is a way they can get even more from their credit - by trading in their outdated, run of the mill card for a cash back credit card instead. These innovative and consumer friendly cards offer credit users a chance to earn cash back on every purchase they make. However, not all cards are created equal of course. Look for programs that offer the following to insure that you're truly getting the most out of the program you choose.

1. A High Rate of Return

Cash back rewards credit cards differ one from the other in that there are many different ways to accumulate and earn your rewards. The specifics depend on the program your credit provider is offering. Some allow you to accumulate points at the rates of one or two per dollar spent on your card. The points are then converted into cash to be returned to you at the end of a billing period. Others guarantee you a set percentage back on your balance. Whichever type you choose, be sure to look for a card that offers you a high rate of return on your balance. Why settle for a card that only gives you 2% cash back when you can have one that offers 10% or more?

2. No Limit On Earnable Rewards

Some cash back credit cards come attached to strict limits on the amount of rewards you can earn or be eligible for within a billing period or within a year. If you're someone who uses your card to manage a large number of expenses a month or finance large purchases, then this could put a big crimp in your savings. Look for a card that doesn't impose any earning limits on its rewards. Then you can rest assured knowing that the more you use your card, the more you save no matter what.

3. Low Interest Rates

If you plan on carrying a balance on your cards even occasionally, you definitely want to make sure you take the time to find a credit program that features a relatively low interest rate. What good are cash back rewards if they're quickly eaten up by accumulated interest or exorbitant annual fees? Instead of jumping at the first offer you stumble upon, make sure the card you pick really does have the lowest rates available before signing on the dotted line.

It really pays - literally, even! -- to do your research, compare interest rates, and pinpoint a program that offers you everything you're looking for in a credit card. You can even compare offers and fill out a cash back rewards credit card right online, so what are you waiting for? Start saving money and taking the bite out of the economic crunch for your family today!

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Start earning cash back on your credit card purchases with cashback credit cards. For extra cash back on gas, apply for gasoline credit cards.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/credit/how-to-choose-a-cash-back-credit-card.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/credit/how-to-choose-a-cash-back-credit-card.html Sun, 19 Jul 2009 01:43:27 -0500
Start with the basics - What is the interest rate? Is there an annual fee? What are the fees and what are their policies regarding late payments and how they relate to your rewards? Some cards will take away your rewards points if you are late with even one payment so make sure that you research the basics of each credit card. There are plenty of websites available that allow you to do side by side comparisons.

What do you buy the most? Think about what you purchase frequently and find a card that offers the best rewards for those purchases. For example, if you have a family and shop for groceries once or twice a week, you probably want a card that awards purchases at supermarkets. Some cards pay up to 5% for certain types of purchases.

Do the math on this. If you spend $1,000 on groceries each month, you are making $50 in cash back rebates. Maybe you don't spend quite that much but if you have a larger family, $1,000 may not be that far off. That's $600 per year just for spending what you would have spent anyway.

What are the hoops? It's nice to know that you have a sizable amount of cash coming your way but how do you get it? With some cards, it's easy while other cards take a fair amount of work to get those rebates coming. When shopping for a card, look for the card with the least amount of limitations. If it looks like the card company is making it difficult, they probably are. Look somewhere else.

Is there an expiration date? Here is an example of more hoops to jump through. Although most would not recommend it, some people save up their rewards for various reasons. Maybe the rewards are going to fund a vacation, for example. If that is your goal, make sure you know the company's rules on how long rewards can add up. Those rules and disclosure sheets can be lengthy and hard to read so call the customer service department and ask.

Is there a maximum amount or rewards per year? If you are a big spender, you don't want a card that is going to limit how much of a rebate you can get. You wouldn't want to get to October and reach your maximum. There are plenty of cards in existence that allow you to charge as much as you would like. Make sure to do your research carefully.

Make sure any time you talk to a customer service representative, you log the rep's name, the date and time you called, and what it was about. Some of the newer phones are able to record conversations. If possible, record it. Never trust that the credit card company will simply do the right thing.

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Start earning cash back on your credit card purchases with a cash back credit card. For extra cash back on gas, apply for a gas rebate credit card.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/credit/how-do-you-get-more-cash-back-on-your-credit-card.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/credit/how-do-you-get-more-cash-back-on-your-credit-card.html Fri, 17 Jul 2009 20:43:39 -0500
There are many ways to get more cash back. Money brings about innovation and the plethora of tips and tricks to maximize your cash back is huge. Here are just a few:

1. Watch for those double points - Often, cards have promotional offers where you can earn extra points on certain purchases. For example, you might get double points on all gas purchases you make. Open all of your credit card junk mail, read your statements carefully, and watch the website. Don't miss out on the promotional offers.

2. What Else Can You Put on Your Card? - The best secret is to charge everything on your card. It doesn't matter how big or small the purchase, charge it. Think of places where you could use your card. How many of your recurring bills can be charged?

3. Reimbursements? - Are you involved in a group where you buy items and get reimbursed? If you are, don't forget to use your cash back credit card. Some sizable rebates can be gained by doing somebody else's purchasing for them.

4. Don't forget about the indirect rebates - Do you get any type of discounted rates by being a card member? AAA, for example, may offer a discounted rate to people who have certain cards. That is an indirect cash back rebate.

5. Extended Warranty - Here's another indirect cash back rebate. Some credit cards offer a free extended warranty on larger purchases. Don't buy the warranty when you get it for free.

6. No fees allowed - Interest and late fees are not an option for at least two reasons. First, if you are late paying your bill, some cards will take all or a portion of your points away. All that work for nothing. Second, and it's worth repeating, if you are only getting something like 1% of your purchases back, that's $10 for every $1,000 you spend. Interest rates will most likely be at least 10 times that amount.

There are more ways to save but think creatively. The single best way to increase your rebates is to find ways to spend more without spending more. Don't pay with a check, don't pay another utility bill without using your credit card, and no purchase is too small.

One final word about your utility bills: Some of those household bills can be paid by credit card but they will charge you 2% or 3% to use your card. That is probably higher than your rebate so in that case, pay by check. We don't pay more to gain less.

It's always important to remember that taking advantage of offers like this are for the financially disciplined. If you are one of those people who spends a little too much and has trouble paying off the bill, don't do these kinds of things. Most likely they will be too tempting for you. The single most important secret to financial health is to stay out of debt.

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Start earning cash back on your credit card purchases with the best cash back credit card. For extra cash back on gas, apply for gas reward credit cards.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/debt/have-you-considered-a-debt-consolidation-loan.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/debt/have-you-considered-a-debt-consolidation-loan.html Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:36:04 -0500
I'll admit it too: When I was a young man in college dipping my toes in to the water of freedom, I fell victim to the dreaded table. The table sat in the student union of the university I attended and had two attractive females who were handing out free T-shirts. I stopped over one day and it all began. The table was from a certain credit card company who had for me the deal of all deals.

That day I went back to my dorm room with two things: A T-shirt and the promise of a credit card. The credit card came in the mail and within a year I had charged it to the max. Being gainfully unemployed at the time, there was only thing left to do: Get another so I did. By the time I graduated I had nearly $10,000 in credit card debt from 4 card companies.

The interest rate was high so I was paying far more than I should have been for the "freedom" that came with my new credit card. After some research I learned about debt consolidation loans.

A debt consolidation loan is exactly what the title says: It is a bank loan that is taken out to consolidate all of your unsecured loans. In my case, the bank took all 4 of my credit cards and paid them in full. Then, they took that lump sum and made one loan out of it. The best part about this loan was the interest rate. At the time, I think it was around 6%. To be honest I don't remember exactly but it was a fraction of the interest rate I was paying to the credit card companies.

I used that opportunity to double up on my payments and within 18 months that balance was wiped out.

How do you apply for a debt consolidation loan? I have to say this first: You have heard it before that you have to make sure you pay your bills on time no matter what. If you have to pay the minimum, do it but avoid paying late. The only reason I was able to get this loan was because no matter what, my bills were always paid on time. Other than my large debt, my credit was spotless.

If your credit is less than attractive, this option will not be available to you and you will continue drowning in credit card debt. The process is simple. Go to your local bank. I prefer a credit union because the interest rates are often lower. Ask to speak to a loan officer and tell them that you are interested in a debt consolidation loan. Most banks and credit unions offer this kind of loan. From there, the representative will guide you through the process and providing you have good credit, you should walk out of there feeling like you are on your way to a debt free life.

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Start earning cash back on your credit card purchases with cash back credit cards. For extra cash back on gas, apply for gas rewards credit cards.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/credit/balance-transfers-may-not-be-as-attractive-as-they-look.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/credit/balance-transfers-may-not-be-as-attractive-as-they-look.html Thu, 16 Jul 2009 22:14:03 -0500
These offers are sure to return in some form in the future so let's take a look at balance transfers and why they may not be the best idea for you. Knowing this information now will prepare us for the day when these envelopes start showing up in our mailboxes again.

You may have taken advantage of one of these enticing offers. Joan did. She wrote to my website and asked this question: "I have a credit card balance of approximately $5,000. I have great credit and received an offer to transfer my balance to another card for an interest rate much lower than my current card. Is this too good to be true?"

Joan's question is a question that most of us have asked about balance transfers. First, if you have excellent credit and you foresee paying you debt in full within a short amount of time, one balance transfer to a card that has terms and conditions similar to your current card may be just fine but we have to look at the offer on the new card without looking at the introductory rate.

In a certain amount of time, 6 months or 1 year normally, that introductory rate will run out and you will be left with a new set of terms and conditions so what will your interest rate be at this time next year? Is it 1% for 6 months and then 20% after that? That's not a good deal for somebody will great credit.

Is there an annual fee? If so, what is it? The implication here is that you will go through the hassle of applying for your new card, transferring the balance and hoping it all goes smoothly, save some money on interest and then give your savings back in an annual fee. It's not worth the time and effort on your part to do all of that work just to break even.

Did you know that you should try to minimize how many times your credit file is accessed? Bouncing from credit card to credit card doing balance transfers probably isn't a good idea because it is looked down upon when you are constantly applying for credit. That's a red flag in the minds of real lenders whom you might visit for a home or car loan or student loan.

Finally, there is no substitute for simply getting those bills paid off to get the specter of debt off of your back. Some people work so hard to get the best deal that they forget about the simple fact that there balance is doing nothing but getting larger while they're applying for card after card. As most of us will attest, dealing with customer service departments can take up valuable time in your day and often, it involves taking a day off of work when those larger scale problems arise. Stories abound about those who do balance transfers every 6 months to avoid paying interest on their debt. Something inevitably goes wrong and time has to be spent trying to get it resolved. Avoid problems like this by going without some wants for a while and paying off those credit cards. Your family and your sanity will certainly thank you in the end.

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Start earning cash back on your credit card purchases with the best cash back credit cards. For extra cash back on gas, apply for gas reward credit cards.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/credit/is-a-student-credit-card-right-for-you.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/credit/is-a-student-credit-card-right-for-you.html Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:22:26 -0500
How is student credit different from regular credit?

To qualify for a regular card, an applicant needs to have a steady income and an established job. This isn't the case with a variation meant for students, as credit providers that offer student credit understand that many students either go to school full time or don't enjoy a long term employment situation. These cards also do not come attached to any annual fees to help make them easier to maintain and use as well. In addition to this, student credit cards are meant to be used to manage college expenses and typically feature a lower credit limit than regular credit cards - somewhere around $1,000 - which is ideal for covering the costs of items like school books.

What is the advantage of applying for a student card instead of a regular card?

Student credit cards are designed specially to help students manage their expenses while allowing them to build a stellar credit score that will benefit them later in life. These days, good credit is necessary for everything from being approved for an apartment, to getting a car loan, to even landing certain jobs so the sooner a good credit rating is established, the better. Student credit programs also often come attached to rewards and benefits from financial institutions that can help make the journey through the school system smoother. A lower credit limit, online access, and stellar customer service all ensure that the card is easy to manage and use as well.

How can I apply for student credit?

The easiest way to apply for a student credit card is by filling out an application online. However, be sure to adequately consider and determine your individual needs before hand, as each program is different. Luckily, the convenience of the internet makes researching and comparing different programs a snap as well. Read over the terms and conditions of each card carefully. Then once you find the one for you, fill out an application and you could find yourself approved for credit within minutes! It really is that simple.

Building good credit and learning to use your credit to manage your everyday expenses is an important step in every modern life and student credit cards are the perfect way to get your life, your budget, and your credit score off to a great start right from the get-go.

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Before you head off to college, take some time to compare student credit cards. Here are some of the best college student credit cards online.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/credit/3-terrific-reasons-to-apply-for-a-gas-rebate-credit-card.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/credit/3-terrific-reasons-to-apply-for-a-gas-rebate-credit-card.html Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:10:37 -0500
1. Help take the edge off of today's hefty gas prices.

This is probably the most obvious reason to think about filling out a gas rebate credit card application, but it's also the most important. With gas prices continually on the rise and economic woes at an all time high as well, who would even dream of saying no to an opportunity to earn cash back on gas purchases...no questions asked? Thanks to these lifesaving cards, more and more people are finding a way to make ends meet a little more easily, and they're doing it simply by using their credit the way they normally do - to manage their everyday finances and budget.

2. Enjoy a higher reward rate in comparison to similar rewards cards.

This is especially so when it comes to the introductory rates that come attached to some of the most popular and trusted gas rebate credit cards. The usual rate of return on your gas purchases is around 3% which can definitely add up to huge savings over time. However, some introductory rates can offer you savings of up to double that as a special welcome to new customers. Before signing on the dotted line once and for all, shop around a little and figure out which of the cards available to you will offer you a savings opportunity that will help get things off on the right foot.

3. They let you enjoy the benefits of your rewards sooner rather than later.

With many rewards cards or cash back credit cards, you don't actually get to enjoy the fruits of your decision to sign up in the first place until you've been spending on your account for an entire year. However, with a gas rebate credit card, you see a check each and every month which can be much more helpful when it comes to managing bills you need to pay right now, as opposed to at the end of the year. Many consumers - especially those that deal with long commutes - can shell out hundreds of dollars in gas costs a month. Gas rebate credit companies understand that you need the relief of your rebate sooner rather than later.

If you're still using a typical run of the mill credit card when you could be using a gas rebate credit card, then you're literally losing money that you could be putting toward your monthly expenses. Isn't it time you started getting the most out of your credit at long last?

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Start earning cash back on your credit card purchases with cash back credit cards. For extra cash back on gas, apply for gas credit cards.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/credit/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-cash-back-credit-card.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/credit/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-cash-back-credit-card.html Tue, 14 Jul 2009 20:23:38 -0500
Don't spend just for the sake of racking up cash rewards.

The best way to get the most out of your cash back credit card is to think of the cash rewards you're earning as a "thank you" from your credit provider for using your card the way you normally do. Don't make the mistake of seeing the rewards as an excuse to overspend or abuse your credit. You'll quickly find yourself the proud owner of a sky-high credit balance that you're not able to stay on top of and any rewards you do earn will quickly be eaten up by interest on money owed.

Pay your balance off in full every month.

To get the absolute most out of your card, you should make it a point to pay your balance off in full at the end of each billing cycle. That way you never have to pay interest and are in effect making money you wouldn't have otherwise by using your cash back rewards card. Avoid using your credit to live beyond your means the way many people do. Instead, use it as a handy tool to consolidate your monthly bills and organize your expenses. This is an easy and effective way to maximize the rewards you earn without actually giving yourself any additional debt to worry about.

Know your terms of use inside out.

Each cash back credit card is different when it comes to the terms, rules, and limits that are attached to the consumer's use of it. Does your program feature a limit or cap on the dollar amount of rewards you can earn per month or year? Are you eligible to earn rewards at higher rates for certain types of purchases - gasoline or groceries, for example? It's your job to know the answers to these and similar questions if you really want to get the most out of your card.

When it comes right down to it, making the decision to fill out a cash back credit card application is just like every other important choice in life. The key to getting the best possible results lies in making smart decisions, being informed, and being responsible at all times.

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Start earning cash back on your credit card purchases with cash back credit cards. For extra cash back on gas, apply for gas credit cards.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/credit/3-reasons-why-you-need-a-cash-back-credit-card.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/credit/3-reasons-why-you-need-a-cash-back-credit-card.html Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:38:04 -0500
1. Using any card other than a cash back credit card means you're losing money.

Everyday, run of the mill credit cards just offer you the convenience of using them and that's it. However, a cash back rewards card actually offers you something in return - a cash return on every single purchase you make on the card itself. Depending on the program you use, you could be enjoying savings at rates up to 5%. Could you stand to benefit from getting 5% off your electric bill? How about your medical expenses, nights out with friends, or pretty much anything else under the sun? If so, then you owe it to yourself to make the switch as soon as possible. Every day you wait means more money lost!

2. Cash back credit cards are inexpensive to use.

Typical credit cards charge sky-high interest rates and sometimes even hefty annual fees just to be a part of their program. However, cash reward cards have some of the lowest interest rates on the market and many don't charge any type of annual fee either. Choose the right card, and you can even benefit from an incredible 0% APR for the first 12 months you have your account to help get things off on the right foot. Keep your balance low and pay it off in full whenever possible to help keep your APR low and maximize rewards even further.

3. Save the most on your everyday essentials.

Did you know that many cash back credit cards allow consumers to earn rewards at greater rates for purchases on essentials like groceries or gasoline? Gas prices especially are putting quite a dent in the average person's bank balance these days, so this is a major benefit to consider. Before filling out a cash back credit card application, do your homework as far as what's available and keep your eyes open for a program that will offer you this priceless opportunity to save even more.

These major benefits and many like them are yours in addition to the other perks that come along with using credit to help manage your finances. Credit is safer and more effective than cash or debit cards when it comes to fraud protection. Customer service is better and more efficient. Plus, using credit wisely helps increase your overall credit rating, making it easier to be approved for housing and loans or even to get a job. With a cash back credit card in your pocket, the sky's the limit when it comes to streamlining your life and making your hard-earned money go further than it ever has before.

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Start earning cash back on your credit card purchases with cash back credit cards. For extra cash back on gas, apply for a gas credit card.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>