Prepaid Credit Cards - Explained!

by G.Bunn

Say hello to the newest addition to the plastic fantastic family, the Pre Paid Credit Cards! Providing a huge range of consumers with the facility to own a zero risk credit card to suits their needs!
So you like the idea of having a credit card but you're unsure if you'll qualify? Perhaps you've had past credit problems, a poor credit file, or have no secure income with which to apply? Alternatively, maybe you want the security of having a credit card in case of emergency, but without the risk of overspending or spiralling interest?

Well there's an answer to suit you! Pre paid credit cards are a great way to get your hands on a credit card without any of the associated risk. These cards work on the same principle as a standard credit card but with one major difference. Pre paid credit cards have to be loaded with funds before you can spend on them, which eliminates the possibility of getting into financial trouble. Simply top up your card and away you go! Most of the major industry players offer these type of cards for customers who might otherwise find it difficult to get a credit card elsewhere. There's no need for a credit check and there's no interest charges either!

However some providers do charge a small fee, sometimes as a one off issuing charge, to open your account. Pre paid credit cards are accepted everywhere regular cards are, which makes them very useful to have in your wallet or purse. They're also a great way for those without regular cards to make purchases safely over the telephone or online. You can find out more about pre paid credit cards by visiting us here.

About the Author
Gary is the Editor of Think-CreditCards.com, The consumer orientated credit card comparison site designed to help you find the perfect credit card while avoiding high interest rates, charges, and fees!

Credit Cards - Handle Them With Care

by AJ Adams

Credit cards can be useful financial tools, but they can also get you into a lot of debt if you use them improperly. In order to make the most of a credit card, you should look for certain things when deciding which credit card you will use. If you make your decision carefully, you can avoid a lot of future grief.
Part of your decision will hinge on how you plan to pay back your debts. If you know that you can pay back your balance in full every month without carrying over any debt, then the APR won't matter. The APR refers to the interest rate of carrying over a balance. If you pay it back every month, then you won't be affected by a high APR! With this type of card, you will be able to find a deal with no annual fee, and longer grace periods (extra time to make your payment).

If you plan to use the credit card as a sort of long-term borrowing tool, then a high APR will be financial suicide. You should look for a deal with a low APR rate, but make sure to read between the lines. Some credit cards offer introductory APR rates that are quite attractive, but will change to a less appealing rate after several months. You should also beware of penalty APR rates that charge extra money if your balance exceeds a certain limit.

One thing you will quickly realize is that credit card companies frequently hit you with unexpected fees and charges. That is why it is important to read the contract they give you, no matter how intimidating it is. Find out exactly what you are getting into, and you will be able to use the credit card to your own benefit, to assist you in your financial troubles instead of creating new ones.

About the Author
Get a No credit check mobile phone at http://www.squidoo.com/badcreditmobile

Six Ways to Find the Right Credit Card for You

by Kenneth Kelly

No matter where you go and what you do, you will need a means to pay for it. More often than not, you will be using some form of credit card. Credit cards are accepted by almost every vendor across the world.

Each has different rates, requirements, restrictions, rules, and yes, perks too.

The following are six easy steps to find the right credit card for you:

1. Understand your credit - You must have a thorough understanding of how credit works before applying for credit cards in the first place. First, understand that the issuance of credit is a loan that must be paid back. Second, understand that you should pay your credit card bill on time monthly to avoid adverse information being placed on your credit file. Third, review your credit regularly; every 60 to 90 days is adequate. Fourth, if something is out of the ordinary, report it immediately.

2. Know Thyself - Before you begin your investigation into currently available credit card offers, first evaluate your credit card needs, especially your spending habits and bill-paying habits. Why do you want another card? What do you plan to use it for primarily? Big purchases, regular use, or emergencies? Do you pay your monthly balances in full or do you pay them off slowly over time? Are you looking to consolidate debt or take advantage of an enticing rewards program? Once you know why you want a credit card and how you plan to use it, you're better able to evaluate which credit cards would best suit your needs.

3. Prioritize Features - What qualities of your ideal credit card are most important to you? Low interest rate? Special 0% promotion on balance transfers? High limit? Airline miles? Cash back at the gas pump? Longer grace period? By the same token, ask yourself if there are any features that really don't matter to you that much at all.

4. Compare, Contrast, and Narrow Your Choices offers currently available. Check with banks. Check online - Now it's time to look closely at credit card credit card directories and review sites. Check your mailbox for the latest offers. Check everywhere you can think of and rule out all those that don't meet your criteria. Now let's take a look at what you've got left.

5. Look Deeper - Take this, hopefully, fine-tuned list of offers that meet your basic criteria and read the Terms and Conditions to all of them. Read all the fine print, no matter how tedious it seems. They may all look alike, but they're most definitely not. Find out what makes each of these cards different. Maybe one has an annual fee. Maybe one has a fee for balance transfers and another doesn't. Maybe one offers lower APRs on cash advances or better protection against identity theft or a heftier penalty for late payments. Each institution can devise their own rules and restrictions because as long as you agree to it by signing on the dotted line, it's valid and enforceable. What Terms and Conditions are you most willing to sign? Or, to put it another way, which one are you least unwilling to sign?

6. Confirm - Confirms everything you've just found out about the card that you've decided to apply for. Applying for too many cards can damage your credit. Better to find one or two that seem right for you and apply only for those. Check with the bank or financial institution directly to confirm the terms of the offer and see if there are any additional stipulations not listed in the offer. Check third-party sources for reviews and customer feedback on your chosen creditcard(s). Check with the Federal Reserve for the most updated version of any card's Terms and Conditions

Finally you're ready to apply, with this confidence of having done your due diligence. Once you submit your application, good luck and, assuming you do get the new credit card you desire, use it wisely.

About the Author

Kenneth C. Kelly is the President of Strativia, a financial management software development and services company specializing in applications for personal and business use. Strativia is the developer of Budget Forecaster, a sophisticated home budget and personal finance management software package.

Website: http://www.strativia.com Contact: info@strativia.com

Article Source : http://www.goarticles.com

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