Student Credit Cards

By admin on February 9th, 2010

Everyone has heard about credit cards and their advantages, but few of us know that there is a possibility for students to get a credit card specially designed for them. Whether this is a good or bad thing is a matter of various elements, but those who lack funds to pay tuition fees or other expenses related to school can make use of this product.

Student Credit Cards can be obtained by high school-, college- and university students. These cards’ primary characteristics are the better terms and conditions they provide compared to traditional credit cards. Isn’t it great? Besides being more advantageous, these cards provide students with an extraordinary opportunity to implement money-management skills and thus to prepare themselves for more complicated financial transactions and tools. Moreover, college and university students can make use of Student Credit Cards by building up an excellent credit-report. By using this card properly, these students can have such a good credit rating that will open them other financial opportunities after graduation, such as good-term loa ns with lower-than-average interest rates. These loa ns may be used to purchase car, house, or to go to a dream-holiday.

What should interested students know about the eligibility criteria and the application procedure? Almost anybody can get a Student Credit Card, but high school students can only obtain it if an adult co-signs their application. A minimum income declaration is also needed from this adult for security-reasons by the credit card company. Many people (especially parents) who have heard about this option for the first time are afraid of students being too naïve and unprepared for such a serious financial responsibility. However, there is a solution to this anxiety. Pre-paid credit cards are a good alternative for immature high-school students who need time to learn how to manage their personal finances. But a prepaid student credit card is safe enough and may help students to improve their money-management skills as well as to become aware of the existence of financial limits.

Second, College student credit cards

do require neither a minimum-income declaration nor an adult co-signer. These credit cards are quite common, and as a result there are various credit card companies offering them. Some of these companies’ incentives are attractive credit-limits, advantageous and simple repayment-options, discounts, bonus points, low interests, interest-free periods, 0% introductory APR (annual percentage rate) both for purchases and for balance-transfers, but the list is endless. So for college students who can use it in a responsible way, this card provides numberless benefits. Those who intend to get a College Student Credit Card are advised to shop around, ask the opinion of a more experienced person, and choose wisely!

Third, university students are offered an even more advantageous credit card. But these individuals have to be attentive enough to make balance payments in full and in time each month, as otherwise they will suffer due to high late payment fees that are charged.

Those who intend to get a Student Credit Card need to understand that these cards are very different from debit cards. The latter works as follows: the owner of a debit card can make purchases from the amount that is put on the account to which the card is attached. The amount of the purchase is deducted from the amount present at the declared bank-account. Student Credit Cards, on the other hand, have their principal amounts offered by the credit card issuer. So these cards practically work as a loa n: students are required to pay back the amount they have spent. There is a possibility of creating a monthly balance, but this can cost the card owner a lot, due to the high interest charged. So besides enjoying the benefits of credit cards, students should be aware of the drawbacks of not managing their finances responsibly. So they should only have a credit card if they are able to spend money carefully and can prevent adding up unnecessary expenses and debts.

Students interested in credit cards should know the important features of successfully selecting their first cards. Choose such a card that can build a good credit history for you. This is of primary importance from the viewpoint of students’ future finances. Based on a healthy credit history, lenders will provide students with good term loa ns in the future. Besides credit reporting, applicants have to pay attention to the type of the card. There are ‘secured’ and ‘unsecured’ student credit cards. Secured cards are given for those who can secure collateral against their future cards, or who provide a security deposit, while unsecured cards do not require any collateral from the applicant.

Secured Credit Cards are safer because parents can have better control over the spending of their child. Similarly, the card owner can only increase the spending-amount if somebody deposits more money into the account.

When making their decisions, students (and parents) are advised to take into consideration the lending institution, the charges, as well as their ability to make payments in time before accepting any deal. They should also read the credit card agreement carefully, and check the logo on the credit card. This may be a sign of the card issuer company’s reputability.

Finally, we can agree that student credit cards are more convenient than carrying cash. But students should not forget to pay attention to their spending habits and prevent accumulating interests and other charges. Be aware of the risks of possessing a credit card, but after having this knowledge do not forget to make use of the opportunities and benefits offered by this product!

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A guide for choosing the best credit cards

By admin on October 21st, 2009

Why do people use plastic money or credit cards as they are called? Because most items can be purchased by using credit cards.

Credit cards can be classified as standard, secured, business, entertainment and so on. There is a long list of credit cards available in the market. You should http://www.compare2save.com.au/ which have flooded the market before you apply it. There are a couple of variable you need to watch: balance transfer rate, annual fee, and most important interest rate. Here are the best credit card that I found using http://www.compare2save.com.au/credit-cards/.

The St.George Vertigo Card has a balance transfer rate of 2.99% with an annual fee of $55 and an interest free period of 55 days. It has interest rate of 10.99% per annum.

The Aussie Mastercard has a balance rate of 4.99% with a year of balance transfer period. The annual fee is 49$ and with 55 days of interest free period. You will enjoy 11.49% of interest per annum with this plastic money.

Another feather in the cap is the ANZ Low Rate Mastercard. The privileges that you would enjoy with this card is 0% balance transfer rate, 6 months balance transfer period and an annual fee of a meager $58 and 55 days of interest free days. The rate of interest is 11.74% per annum.

CBA Low Rate Card also qualifies the criteria for ‘best credit cards’. The balance rate of 4.99% with a balance rate of 9 months and an annual fee of $48 with 11.74% rate of interest per annum. You will enjoy 55 days of interest free period.

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How to save money on credit card

By admin on September 13th, 2009

Having a credit card is very convenient since carrying a lot of cash becomes unnecessary and you might even have a hard time leaving your credit card at home. But with its advantages comes also its disadvantages. Since you can always buy things without carrying cash around, you are always tempted to buy something that you come across. If you have excellent control on your finances then good for you. If you have a hard time managing your credit card, then these pointers can help you.

Get organized

First thing’s first, obtain your credit card records to have a better idea of your spendings. Be sure to double check the records for errors and ensure its accuracy. A good example would be to find out if you have outstanding debts that should not be there as well as the accuracy of the listing of your former and present address.

Evaluate your credit card

Go over your recent credit card records and look at the interest rates. Some credit card companies have promos wherein they offer lower interest rates for a period of time and this promo may already be over yet you have no idea and are already paying at a higher interest rate. Also take note of the membership fee which they charge annually since some have very high membership fees. Consider canceling this if you are not using it frequently.

Pay on time

It is important to pay your bills on time since it can have a negative effect on your credit record or rating. You will also be able to avoid getting charged because of not paying on time. Try asking the credit card company to remove the overdue charge if you have forgotten to pay it on time for the first time.

Manage your debts

If you see that you have more debt than what is comfortable, think ahead and plan out how you will repay it or at least reduce your debt. Devise a way to pay more than what is required of you so that you will have a reduced payment schedule. Prioritize the card that has the highest interest rate. Do not bring your credit card always when you go around since temptations abound.

Don’t bite more than you can chew

As the saying “don’t bite more than you can chew” goes, do not spend more than you can afford. True, a beautiful gold bracelet may be enjoyable to wear but its price tag may mean paying a lot for the next months. If you are bent to save money when using your credit card, unnecessary items like jewelry and the like should be at the bottom of your considerations.

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Visa black card

By admin on September 5th, 2009

UK bank Barclays launched a new premium credit card last December called BLACK CARD. It’s the world’s most prestigious and versatile credit card.

Here are benefit of the card:

  • Limited Membership: Membership is limited to ensure the highest caliber of personal service is provide to each Cardmember.
  • 24-Hour Concierge Service: Enjoy the personalized assistance of a 24-hour Concierge Service catering to entertainment, travel, business, shopping and lifestyle needs.
  • Exclusive Rewards Program: Redeem points at a higher rate for flights on any airline at any time.  No blackout dates or advance purchase requirements.
  • Luxury Gifts: Cardmembers receive luxury gifts from some of the world’s top brands.
  • Travel Lounge Priority Pass: Complimentary membership which provides access to over 600 lounges in more than 100 countries.
  • Patent Pending Carbon Card: The unique carbon design is sure to get you noticed.
  • BC Benefits: Cardmembers are eligible for benefits including Worldwide Travel Insurance, Baggage Delay Insurance, Trip Interruption Insurance, Warranty Manager Service and Purchase Security.


Experience the Exclusive Black Card

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Credit Card Interest Should Not be More than 30%

By admin on August 22nd, 2009

In what was termed as a great move, the Supreme Court has refused a stay made by national consumer forum stating that banks cannot charge more than 30% interest rate annually if the full amount on the balance is not paid on the credit cards. Some banks are even charging around 50% as interest charges annually. This will definitely put a halt on these credit cards issuing banks who have been the customers for granted in this issue.

Now, we will have to wait and see how well this is implemented and how the customers are benefited from it since this is just a stay and a full law should be made in this regard. And also the foreign banks are going to appeal against this stay.

It is to be noted what these banks have listed as the reasons why they are overcharging us, very funny,

  • Processing cost for setting up a new card in operating system
  • Cost of courier and cost of embossing the card
  • Cost of providing phone banking service
  • Cost of sending monthly statements
  • Cost of providing internet banking facility
  • Cost of waiving charges for service reasons
  • Cost of marketing and promotional offers
  • Cost of rewards and loyalty programme

And what’s more even funnier is the fact that they have mentioned the call rates that they have to take up to call the random customers to persuade them to buy their credit card!! It is not us who are asking them to call us to get the credit card, but it is those banks who do this for their profit and they are not doing any social service.

There should definitely be a cap put somewhere to stop these credit card companies from over charging using various hidden and other charges as well as the interest charges.

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People these days have got the tendency to acquire things which in fact they actually do not really need. Various technological services and gadgets came into being which in turn targeted a huge market of buyers and this surfacing of new gadgets and things have actually made the people blind.

Since money has become a major concern for us, the people, a new range of financial options and services have emerged. The most known and never finishing mode of financial management option is the credit card.

Although credit cards might offer you convenience and even many people would even vouch for it, it does not actually mean that such conveniences may not actually apply for you or any one for that matter.

There might be several reasons on why someone applies for a credit card. It could be for preparing for a bigger expenditure, or needing more money or even to well manage the finances. Although there may be such different reason to apply for a credit card but one major reason could be the convenience it could bring in. Right now you would have got your own pre-approved or yet to approved credit card offers got junked in your regular mail as well as your email. Because some people are easy to fall prey any credit card companies attract such people by offering no annual fees or low APR and many such offers to them. Mostly these offers are to get the people that are wishing to apply a credit card to sway between deals.

There is no doubt that there too numerous to count pros as well as cons attached to it when you are applying for a credit card, but there are some tips and guides given below which can help you a great deal if you have indeed decided to get yourself a credit card.

There really are three easy to follow steps or rules that you will need to follow if in fact you have decided to apply a credit card. The initial rule is to do the necessary research on the credit cards at the net. If you could do this, you are actually getting yourself familiarizing with different types of credit cards and its types and terms. Secondly you would be able to compare various credit cards that actually would serve you better and also you would be able to apply for a credit card just by filling up the application for the credit card either through online or through a bank representative.

Just make sure that you have indeed become an expert when it comes to knowing the credit card terms to find the ideal credit card the easy and faster way before in fact you apply for the credit card. Before applying for a credit card you must be knowing what exactly is this credit card. Since it involves various charges and conditions as it is just a form of a borrowing option you must know about these before you actually apply for a credit card. Hence it is advisable that you just compare all the fees and
terms involved. Make sure that you know the terms like APR or annual percentage rate, etc.

Before applying for a credit you should know the effects of APR in your credit account. Since it is just a cost of credit which is actually mentioned in an yearly rate, it should clearly be disclosed before in fact you apply for a credit card hence you will not need to be obliged to the bank later. Apart from the APR, the annual rates and other rates should be mentioned to the card holder before you in fact apply for the same, so that the customers would know about the total outstanding available on their credit card. The next most important terms you should know are the interest free period, transaction charges and annual fees involved with these credit cards and other fees and charges involved with your credit card.

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Comparison credit card for Australian

By admin on July 25th, 2009

Credit Card City is a credit card comparison website for Australians. You get get comparison of the best credit card deals online. They are independent reviewer, so you don’t have to worry about their reviews. You can find which credit card that have cheap low interest, low balance transfers, best rewards, or frequent flyers.

Credit Card City has many features that help you to choose credit card, like latest news on the credit card industry, credit card calculator, and credit card directory. Credit card calculator can be use to calculate your credit card repayments and credit card directory is used to quickly find credit card assistance phone numbers.

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Personal loan

By admin on June 13th, 2009

Recently I talk about personal loan very often. Sometimes you do need a personal loan. If you need for money and you don’t have it. It’s time to borrow. You can use the money to your personal use, office use, home improvement, business acquisition, and expansion.

Lately I found a good personal loan website. You can have unsecured loan from $10,000 to $150,000 with them. Unsecured loan means you do not need a collateral to have a loan. They do not charge upfront fee’s, and do not need any documents to apply. You don’t need to spend much time with them, just apply their 5 Minute Application.

The best part of them is 100% guarantee for approval. If you are not approved, you can have free consulting service. Before you get started you can go here to find out whether you qualify for a loan or not. Another important thing to consider is don’t have a loan when you don’t really need it bad.

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