Credit Card Processing Terminals
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Morva]Thomas Morva
Today, about 80% of customers choose credit cards to pay for online products and services. If an online firm doesn?t possess credit card payment facilities, certainly it loses consumers and sales. Credit card payments are safe and secure, and they guarantee the best customer service. Besides, these payments give a more professional look to any business.
Several different types of credit card processing terminals are available in today's market. These terminals are also referred to as point of sale (POS) terminals. Their type and style depend on the kind of business and style of credit card processing. Prices also vary according to their functions and the technology they use.
Card readers with a small keypad and display are the most basic form of the POS. These are the most economical type of terminals. A credit card processing terminal first checks the customer?s card information. After that, it withdraws money for the purchase from his account and places it directly into the merchant account.
Most merchants prefer a terminal without an attached printer, while retail merchants usually go for a terminal with an integrated printer. There are also wireless machines that are more costly, but the processing volume supports their cost. Wireless credit card processing terminals are mainly used for businesses that continually change their location. Door-to-door salesmen, taxi cab drivers, and seasonal shop owners are the main other consumers of wireless terminals.
Manual credit card processing is a difficult task and it is more time consuming too. The finest choice is to automate your manual credit card processing machine, if possible. Credit card processing machines use different software packages that provide for instant processing, and encrypted SSL (secure socket layer) for safe deals. Of course, any leaks or losses of personal information immediately break the credibility of a business.
Some latest credit card processing terminals can handle multiple merchant accounts. Examples include Nurit 2085, Omni 3750, Nurit 3020, Omni 3740, and Verifone Tranz 380x2. All these terminals provide retailers a fast, low-cost way to approve and process credit card sales. [http://www.i-CreditCardProcessing.com]Credit Card Processing provides detailed information on Credit Card Processing, Online Credit Card Processing, Credit Card Processing Software, Wireless Credit Card Processing and more. Credit Card Processing is affiliated with [http://www.e-CreditCardTerminals.com]Wireless Credit Card Terminals.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Morva http://EzineArticles.com/?Credit-Card-Processing-Terminals&id=353153
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Credit Card Processing
Credit Card Processing On The Internet
By Ted Roxan
So you have finally finished your e-commerce web site, hired
the best web publisher, added all the bells and whistles,
outstanding graphics, and great merchandise. Now, how does your
prospective customer pay you for your products? Clearly, it is
necessary for your site to accept, and process credit card
payments, in real time. Failure to do so, would result in a
failing enterprise.
Before you can begin the application process, there are several
standards that all credit card processors have set. Follow this
checklist and you will save yourself a significant amount of
time, and aggravation.
1) The checkout, and transaction pages must be secure. This
protects the customer from credit card, or identity fraud,
which has become epidemic. You achieve this “security” by
installing a secure socket layer certificate, or SSL. SSL
encrypts information being entered on your site as it is sent
across the Internet, so hackers are unable to steal the
transmitted information. This Certificate has become very
common, and any web host would be able to assist you.
2) A robust Shopping Cart software that utilizes the highest
degree of security, and is compatible with the credit card
processor. This program must be able to receive, and process
orders. Collect personal data, and securely transmit the credit
card data from software to the credit card processor. Most
importantly, the software should provide the building blocks
for a complete, successful customer experience.
3) Your server must have a firewall, especially if you plan on
storing the credit card information on your server. Basically,
a firewall is a combination of software, and hardware, that
inspects incoming data, and filters unwanted, or potentially
destructive packets of information. This firewall will not
allow hackers to enter your server, and steal sensitive
information.
When all these conditions have been met, you are ready to
contact your bank to open a credit card merchant’s account.
Once your account is opened, your bank will suggest a credit
card Gateway. A credit card Gateway receives the customer’s
credit card information from your web site, approves or
declines the charge, and ultimately transmits money to your
bank.
Although the process appears to be very complicated, it is
quite straightforward when you know what you are doing. Plan
ahead, avoid frustration, and provide your customers with an
easy, secure experience that will make them come back for more.
About the Author: Ted Roxan is a contributing editor of
Internet Credit Card Processing Resource. For more details on
Internet merchant accounts and Credit Card processors go to:
http://myinternet-credit-card-processing.com/
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By Ted Roxan
So you have finally finished your e-commerce web site, hired
the best web publisher, added all the bells and whistles,
outstanding graphics, and great merchandise. Now, how does your
prospective customer pay you for your products? Clearly, it is
necessary for your site to accept, and process credit card
payments, in real time. Failure to do so, would result in a
failing enterprise.
Before you can begin the application process, there are several
standards that all credit card processors have set. Follow this
checklist and you will save yourself a significant amount of
time, and aggravation.
1) The checkout, and transaction pages must be secure. This
protects the customer from credit card, or identity fraud,
which has become epidemic. You achieve this “security” by
installing a secure socket layer certificate, or SSL. SSL
encrypts information being entered on your site as it is sent
across the Internet, so hackers are unable to steal the
transmitted information. This Certificate has become very
common, and any web host would be able to assist you.
2) A robust Shopping Cart software that utilizes the highest
degree of security, and is compatible with the credit card
processor. This program must be able to receive, and process
orders. Collect personal data, and securely transmit the credit
card data from software to the credit card processor. Most
importantly, the software should provide the building blocks
for a complete, successful customer experience.
3) Your server must have a firewall, especially if you plan on
storing the credit card information on your server. Basically,
a firewall is a combination of software, and hardware, that
inspects incoming data, and filters unwanted, or potentially
destructive packets of information. This firewall will not
allow hackers to enter your server, and steal sensitive
information.
When all these conditions have been met, you are ready to
contact your bank to open a credit card merchant’s account.
Once your account is opened, your bank will suggest a credit
card Gateway. A credit card Gateway receives the customer’s
credit card information from your web site, approves or
declines the charge, and ultimately transmits money to your
bank.
Although the process appears to be very complicated, it is
quite straightforward when you know what you are doing. Plan
ahead, avoid frustration, and provide your customers with an
easy, secure experience that will make them come back for more.
About the Author: Ted Roxan is a contributing editor of
Internet Credit Card Processing Resource. For more details on
Internet merchant accounts and Credit Card processors go to:
http://myinternet-credit-card-processing.com/
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Friday, July 27, 2007
Credit Card Processing
Credit Card Basics
By Mansi Aggarwal
“Which bank’s credit card do you have?”, “what is its credit
limit”, “what type of card is it”…such questions are on
everybody’s lips today. The world seems to have been squeezed
and wrapped into a credit card. Nowadays everybody speaks and
grasps the language of credit cards. The credit card syndrome
seems to have gripped all of us.
But are credit cards only beneficial? Let us analyze the pros
and cons of this pocket plastic and see what outweighs the
other.
The Benefits of a Credit Card:
• Keep heavy cash in abeyance—money is the most coveted thing
in this world. Carrying lot of cash wherever you go is always a
bone of contention. A credit card facilitates you to travel
without heavy cash and have a carefree and happy trip or
shopping.
• Imagine yourself out for shopping in a wonderful mall. While
you shop, you remember to take boots for your son, spectacles
for mother, necklace for your beloved wife…but falling short of
money! The credit card is your best friend in such a situation.
• Even if you lose your credit card, you need not be
apprehensive and scared the way you get when you lose your
cash. This is because you can get the card freezed or blocked
from the bank and relax.
• Credit card works anywhere and everywhere nowadays. You just
need to bag your card and make a move to any destination
without bothering for money.
• Loan facility can also be availed via credit cards.
The Negative Aspect of Surge in Credit Card usage
• Generally everybody does not meet the eligibility criterion
to hold a credit card. yet in order to enhance their sales and
as part of marketing strategies, companies, private banks etc.
do away with giving these cards to who so ever caters even to
the minimum terms and conditions.
• The loan factor-the cards provide you with huge credit
limits. The consumer ignorant of the forthcoming trouble, keeps
on drawing money from his card and most often when he realizes
his mistake, it is too late. He not only comes in the debt of
the money he withdrew but also the massive interest that is
charged by these companies and banks.
• Many credit card companies provide lucrative offers almost
every month in the form of incentives. These incentives are
basically meant to boost the sale of their product. Incentives
like travel programs, gas purchases etc. are a very common
phenomenon these days. But one should not get lured by these
for it is well said that everything that glitters is not gold.
Initially the cards might be promising for some cheerful
moments but once you become habitual of them they can land you
in soup.
• The addictiveness- it is most often the addictiveness of
these cards that is a source of trouble. People, who keep on
drawing from the bank’s or company’s credit, suffer largely.
• Debit cards are believed to be different from the credit
cards. But actually the difference is minute. A debit card can
also be used as a credit card at times and there are some
eminent banks that charge fee with the debit cards too. So more
or less the situation remains to be the same.
When you make up your mind to go for a debit card, consult some
advisor. Know the details of the interest rate, the tenure to
repay the amount and other such things. Do not be carried away
by brand names. Just make a survey first and then decide which
one to go for.
About the Author: Mansi aggarwal writes about credit card.
Learn more at http://www.wisecreditcarduse.com .
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By Mansi Aggarwal
“Which bank’s credit card do you have?”, “what is its credit
limit”, “what type of card is it”…such questions are on
everybody’s lips today. The world seems to have been squeezed
and wrapped into a credit card. Nowadays everybody speaks and
grasps the language of credit cards. The credit card syndrome
seems to have gripped all of us.
But are credit cards only beneficial? Let us analyze the pros
and cons of this pocket plastic and see what outweighs the
other.
The Benefits of a Credit Card:
• Keep heavy cash in abeyance—money is the most coveted thing
in this world. Carrying lot of cash wherever you go is always a
bone of contention. A credit card facilitates you to travel
without heavy cash and have a carefree and happy trip or
shopping.
• Imagine yourself out for shopping in a wonderful mall. While
you shop, you remember to take boots for your son, spectacles
for mother, necklace for your beloved wife…but falling short of
money! The credit card is your best friend in such a situation.
• Even if you lose your credit card, you need not be
apprehensive and scared the way you get when you lose your
cash. This is because you can get the card freezed or blocked
from the bank and relax.
• Credit card works anywhere and everywhere nowadays. You just
need to bag your card and make a move to any destination
without bothering for money.
• Loan facility can also be availed via credit cards.
The Negative Aspect of Surge in Credit Card usage
• Generally everybody does not meet the eligibility criterion
to hold a credit card. yet in order to enhance their sales and
as part of marketing strategies, companies, private banks etc.
do away with giving these cards to who so ever caters even to
the minimum terms and conditions.
• The loan factor-the cards provide you with huge credit
limits. The consumer ignorant of the forthcoming trouble, keeps
on drawing money from his card and most often when he realizes
his mistake, it is too late. He not only comes in the debt of
the money he withdrew but also the massive interest that is
charged by these companies and banks.
• Many credit card companies provide lucrative offers almost
every month in the form of incentives. These incentives are
basically meant to boost the sale of their product. Incentives
like travel programs, gas purchases etc. are a very common
phenomenon these days. But one should not get lured by these
for it is well said that everything that glitters is not gold.
Initially the cards might be promising for some cheerful
moments but once you become habitual of them they can land you
in soup.
• The addictiveness- it is most often the addictiveness of
these cards that is a source of trouble. People, who keep on
drawing from the bank’s or company’s credit, suffer largely.
• Debit cards are believed to be different from the credit
cards. But actually the difference is minute. A debit card can
also be used as a credit card at times and there are some
eminent banks that charge fee with the debit cards too. So more
or less the situation remains to be the same.
When you make up your mind to go for a debit card, consult some
advisor. Know the details of the interest rate, the tenure to
repay the amount and other such things. Do not be carried away
by brand names. Just make a survey first and then decide which
one to go for.
About the Author: Mansi aggarwal writes about credit card.
Learn more at http://www.wisecreditcarduse.com .
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Credit Card Processing
Accepting Credit Cards: A Need of Every Business
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Paul_MacIver]Paul MacIver
Credit cards are fast replacing the cash payment mechanisms. With online shopping a way of life now, it is imperative that businesses are able to accept credit cards. Today, an average citizen has at least four credit cards, and they are ready to shop using cards for anything, be it online or in shops.
With such good penetration of credit cards, any business owner, even if the scale of business is not too big, should not miss out on implementing credit card payment gateways at their business establishments or websites.
Implementing the Credit Card Payment System:
There are three important parts of a credit card processing system. The first part is a secure form; one that is S.S.L. enabled and will be used to take the credit card details of the customers. This form will capture the details of the customer's credit card and the total payment will be made.
S.S.L. is short for Secure Socket Layer, a way to encrypt the sensitive credit card information, and is supported by all major browsers and ISPs.
The second thing is getting a merchant account with the bank where all the money will be deposited. For that, you will have to get in touch with a bank that will set up the account etc.
Thirdly, you need payment-processing software, which will connect you with the bank and help you accept payments.
If you want, you can bypass all this and implement a third party account as well, which will take care of all these hassles while you get all your money. However, they charge on a per transaction basis, so on every transaction that they process, you will need to pay a fee. Some may also charge a one time account setup fee as well.
Benefits of Accepting Credit Card Payments:
Accepting credit cards is quite beneficial for all merchants, be it small business owners or large sellers. If a small business owner does not accept credit cards, he/she may lose on the huge crowd of customers in the market, as people prefer more and more to shop with cards.
Next, all the international customers like business travelers, or tourists, prefer to use credit cards when shopping. Tourism and travel are on an all time high, and any merchant who does not offer the facility to accept credit card payments will lose out to them.
There are many facilities which small business owners can derive from such a payment system. Visa has come up with a new cash and credit management product for small business owners. Most credit cards in the world are Visa cards.
Since online purchases can be safely and quickly made using credit cards, most people prefer card payments only. If a small business owner has not implemented the credit card facility for online customers, he/she may lose out to a large number of online shoppers.
Many customers are impulsive buyers. Such customers will buy whenever they see something interesting, wherever they see it. They may not have cash on them at the time, but if they like something, they will buy it with their credit card. So to harness such customers, small business owners need to put a credit card payments system in place.
Some customers may not have enough cash reserves to shop, but may choose to buy now and pay the credit card company later.
Checks cannot be used as a reliable method of accepting payments, as they may bounce due to insufficient funds. Credit cards relieve the merchant of the concerns whether he will get his money or not.
Small business owners can make money as well as save money, as credit card payments are faster modes of payment especially if the business is run online.
Paul MacIver is a contributing author for [http://www.mega-info-spot.info]Mega Info Spot - Visit [http://www.your-creditcard-guide.info]Accept Credit Cards for further info on [http://www.your-creditcard-guide.info/sitemap.php]Credit Card Processing and setting up a merchant account.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_MacIver http://EzineArticles.com/?Accepting-Credit-Cards:-A-Need-of-Every-Business&id=269919
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Paul_MacIver]Paul MacIver
Credit cards are fast replacing the cash payment mechanisms. With online shopping a way of life now, it is imperative that businesses are able to accept credit cards. Today, an average citizen has at least four credit cards, and they are ready to shop using cards for anything, be it online or in shops.
With such good penetration of credit cards, any business owner, even if the scale of business is not too big, should not miss out on implementing credit card payment gateways at their business establishments or websites.
Implementing the Credit Card Payment System:
There are three important parts of a credit card processing system. The first part is a secure form; one that is S.S.L. enabled and will be used to take the credit card details of the customers. This form will capture the details of the customer's credit card and the total payment will be made.
S.S.L. is short for Secure Socket Layer, a way to encrypt the sensitive credit card information, and is supported by all major browsers and ISPs.
The second thing is getting a merchant account with the bank where all the money will be deposited. For that, you will have to get in touch with a bank that will set up the account etc.
Thirdly, you need payment-processing software, which will connect you with the bank and help you accept payments.
If you want, you can bypass all this and implement a third party account as well, which will take care of all these hassles while you get all your money. However, they charge on a per transaction basis, so on every transaction that they process, you will need to pay a fee. Some may also charge a one time account setup fee as well.
Benefits of Accepting Credit Card Payments:
Accepting credit cards is quite beneficial for all merchants, be it small business owners or large sellers. If a small business owner does not accept credit cards, he/she may lose on the huge crowd of customers in the market, as people prefer more and more to shop with cards.
Next, all the international customers like business travelers, or tourists, prefer to use credit cards when shopping. Tourism and travel are on an all time high, and any merchant who does not offer the facility to accept credit card payments will lose out to them.
There are many facilities which small business owners can derive from such a payment system. Visa has come up with a new cash and credit management product for small business owners. Most credit cards in the world are Visa cards.
Since online purchases can be safely and quickly made using credit cards, most people prefer card payments only. If a small business owner has not implemented the credit card facility for online customers, he/she may lose out to a large number of online shoppers.
Many customers are impulsive buyers. Such customers will buy whenever they see something interesting, wherever they see it. They may not have cash on them at the time, but if they like something, they will buy it with their credit card. So to harness such customers, small business owners need to put a credit card payments system in place.
Some customers may not have enough cash reserves to shop, but may choose to buy now and pay the credit card company later.
Checks cannot be used as a reliable method of accepting payments, as they may bounce due to insufficient funds. Credit cards relieve the merchant of the concerns whether he will get his money or not.
Small business owners can make money as well as save money, as credit card payments are faster modes of payment especially if the business is run online.
Paul MacIver is a contributing author for [http://www.mega-info-spot.info]Mega Info Spot - Visit [http://www.your-creditcard-guide.info]Accept Credit Cards for further info on [http://www.your-creditcard-guide.info/sitemap.php]Credit Card Processing and setting up a merchant account.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_MacIver http://EzineArticles.com/?Accepting-Credit-Cards:-A-Need-of-Every-Business&id=269919
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Credit Card Processing
Credit Card Processing On The Internet
By Ted Roxan
So you have finally finished your e-commerce web site, hired
the best web publisher, added all the bells and whistles,
outstanding graphics, and great merchandise. Now, how does your
prospective customer pay you for your products? Clearly, it is
necessary for your site to accept, and process credit card
payments, in real time. Failure to do so, would result in a
failing enterprise.
Before you can begin the application process, there are several
standards that all credit card processors have set. Follow this
checklist and you will save yourself a significant amount of
time, and aggravation.
1) The checkout, and transaction pages must be secure. This
protects the customer from credit card, or identity fraud,
which has become epidemic. You achieve this “security” by
installing a secure socket layer certificate, or SSL. SSL
encrypts information being entered on your site as it is sent
across the Internet, so hackers are unable to steal the
transmitted information. This Certificate has become very
common, and any web host would be able to assist you.
2) A robust Shopping Cart software that utilizes the highest
degree of security, and is compatible with the credit card
processor. This program must be able to receive, and process
orders. Collect personal data, and securely transmit the credit
card data from software to the credit card processor. Most
importantly, the software should provide the building blocks
for a complete, successful customer experience.
3) Your server must have a firewall, especially if you plan on
storing the credit card information on your server. Basically,
a firewall is a combination of software, and hardware, that
inspects incoming data, and filters unwanted, or potentially
destructive packets of information. This firewall will not
allow hackers to enter your server, and steal sensitive
information.
When all these conditions have been met, you are ready to
contact your bank to open a credit card merchant’s account.
Once your account is opened, your bank will suggest a credit
card Gateway. A credit card Gateway receives the customer’s
credit card information from your web site, approves or
declines the charge, and ultimately transmits money to your
bank.
Although the process appears to be very complicated, it is
quite straightforward when you know what you are doing. Plan
ahead, avoid frustration, and provide your customers with an
easy, secure experience that will make them come back for more.
About the Author: Ted Roxan is a contributing editor of
Internet Credit Card Processing Resource. For more details on
Internet merchant accounts and Credit Card processors go to:
http://myinternet-credit-card-processing.com/
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By Ted Roxan
So you have finally finished your e-commerce web site, hired
the best web publisher, added all the bells and whistles,
outstanding graphics, and great merchandise. Now, how does your
prospective customer pay you for your products? Clearly, it is
necessary for your site to accept, and process credit card
payments, in real time. Failure to do so, would result in a
failing enterprise.
Before you can begin the application process, there are several
standards that all credit card processors have set. Follow this
checklist and you will save yourself a significant amount of
time, and aggravation.
1) The checkout, and transaction pages must be secure. This
protects the customer from credit card, or identity fraud,
which has become epidemic. You achieve this “security” by
installing a secure socket layer certificate, or SSL. SSL
encrypts information being entered on your site as it is sent
across the Internet, so hackers are unable to steal the
transmitted information. This Certificate has become very
common, and any web host would be able to assist you.
2) A robust Shopping Cart software that utilizes the highest
degree of security, and is compatible with the credit card
processor. This program must be able to receive, and process
orders. Collect personal data, and securely transmit the credit
card data from software to the credit card processor. Most
importantly, the software should provide the building blocks
for a complete, successful customer experience.
3) Your server must have a firewall, especially if you plan on
storing the credit card information on your server. Basically,
a firewall is a combination of software, and hardware, that
inspects incoming data, and filters unwanted, or potentially
destructive packets of information. This firewall will not
allow hackers to enter your server, and steal sensitive
information.
When all these conditions have been met, you are ready to
contact your bank to open a credit card merchant’s account.
Once your account is opened, your bank will suggest a credit
card Gateway. A credit card Gateway receives the customer’s
credit card information from your web site, approves or
declines the charge, and ultimately transmits money to your
bank.
Although the process appears to be very complicated, it is
quite straightforward when you know what you are doing. Plan
ahead, avoid frustration, and provide your customers with an
easy, secure experience that will make them come back for more.
About the Author: Ted Roxan is a contributing editor of
Internet Credit Card Processing Resource. For more details on
Internet merchant accounts and Credit Card processors go to:
http://myinternet-credit-card-processing.com/
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Friday, July 20, 2007
Credit Card Processing
Tips For Choosing A Credit Card Company
By John Daley
Credit Cards are essential for any consumer today. However,
when choosing a new credit card company, many people do not
know what to look for. It is important to have a good company
because bad credit card companies can lead users into quite a
bit of trouble. Whether you are a college student getting your
first credit card, or someone looking to switch, choosing the
company and type is very important. These few tips should help
make your decision easier.
1. Pay attention to interest rates. In truth, all credit card
interest rates are ridiculous. However, it is always a good
idea to choose the best interest rate for your needs. If you
think you may have the potential to miss a payment or two, then
a lower interest rate will suit your needs better than a higher
interest rates. If you are completely confident in your ability
to pay credit card debts off immediately, than interest rates
should not be a problem. Always look for the median interest
rate. Credit card companies offering extremely low interest
rates may have other hidden charges. Extremely high interest
rates are simply nonsensical.
2. The type of credit card must also be taken into account.
Different credit card types have different offers. Major cards
like American Express, Visa, Master Card, and Discover all have
their positive and negative elements. Along with the type comes
the credit card plan. Some credit cards are designed for
college students, and have special bonuses for grades. Other
credit cards offer reward points for shopping at a certain
store. Always go for the credit card promotion that fits you
best. If you eat frequently at a certain restaurant, then maybe
a credit card offering reward points for that restaurant is a
good idea.
3. Keep in mind the bank associated with the credit card, and
the credit card company’s policies on security. Identity theft
is a large issue and continues to increase. Be sure that your
bank has specific security plans to keep your personal
information safe. In the event of credit card fraud, it is
always good to have a company with great identity theft
policies. Some credit card companies will work tirelessly to
correct the identity theft problem and clear your name. Other
companies may not be so eager to give up their time and money
to protect your credit status.
4. Lastly, keep in mind some tricks credit card carriers may
employ. Some banks will attempt to destabilize someone with
good credit by sending their bills at different times. Other
credit card companies will offer great rewards, but have hidden
fees and high interest rates. It is always good to see a
company’s policy on late payment. Some companies will take
advantage of a late payment by raising interest rates
drastically and severely injuring your credit. Never be afraid
to read the fine print of any credit card agreement, because
you might find something that you don’t agree with.
Getting a new credit card can be scary. Credit is a big deal
because it dictates what you are able to borrow and do
financially. However, with careful planning and
decision-making, you will surely get a credit card that is
worth having.
About the Author: John Daley is very interested in financial
topics and gives advice on credit cards. Learn more at
http://www.creditcardlowdown.com .
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By John Daley
Credit Cards are essential for any consumer today. However,
when choosing a new credit card company, many people do not
know what to look for. It is important to have a good company
because bad credit card companies can lead users into quite a
bit of trouble. Whether you are a college student getting your
first credit card, or someone looking to switch, choosing the
company and type is very important. These few tips should help
make your decision easier.
1. Pay attention to interest rates. In truth, all credit card
interest rates are ridiculous. However, it is always a good
idea to choose the best interest rate for your needs. If you
think you may have the potential to miss a payment or two, then
a lower interest rate will suit your needs better than a higher
interest rates. If you are completely confident in your ability
to pay credit card debts off immediately, than interest rates
should not be a problem. Always look for the median interest
rate. Credit card companies offering extremely low interest
rates may have other hidden charges. Extremely high interest
rates are simply nonsensical.
2. The type of credit card must also be taken into account.
Different credit card types have different offers. Major cards
like American Express, Visa, Master Card, and Discover all have
their positive and negative elements. Along with the type comes
the credit card plan. Some credit cards are designed for
college students, and have special bonuses for grades. Other
credit cards offer reward points for shopping at a certain
store. Always go for the credit card promotion that fits you
best. If you eat frequently at a certain restaurant, then maybe
a credit card offering reward points for that restaurant is a
good idea.
3. Keep in mind the bank associated with the credit card, and
the credit card company’s policies on security. Identity theft
is a large issue and continues to increase. Be sure that your
bank has specific security plans to keep your personal
information safe. In the event of credit card fraud, it is
always good to have a company with great identity theft
policies. Some credit card companies will work tirelessly to
correct the identity theft problem and clear your name. Other
companies may not be so eager to give up their time and money
to protect your credit status.
4. Lastly, keep in mind some tricks credit card carriers may
employ. Some banks will attempt to destabilize someone with
good credit by sending their bills at different times. Other
credit card companies will offer great rewards, but have hidden
fees and high interest rates. It is always good to see a
company’s policy on late payment. Some companies will take
advantage of a late payment by raising interest rates
drastically and severely injuring your credit. Never be afraid
to read the fine print of any credit card agreement, because
you might find something that you don’t agree with.
Getting a new credit card can be scary. Credit is a big deal
because it dictates what you are able to borrow and do
financially. However, with careful planning and
decision-making, you will surely get a credit card that is
worth having.
About the Author: John Daley is very interested in financial
topics and gives advice on credit cards. Learn more at
http://www.creditcardlowdown.com .
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Credit Card Processing
First Credit Card Hazards
By Steve Wilcott
It seems like every time I check my mail there is at least one
or two pre-approved credit card applications. I’m sure you get
them, too. The thing is, you can have terrible credit and still
they flood in. Beware if you just filed bankruptcy because you
will get more of them then you know what to do with!
Credit card debt is all too easy to get into--over and over
again. We don’t feel like we are spending real money until the
bill comes, and then it’s too late. The credit card companies
know how to make it very tempting to fall back on any good
habits we’ve created and just spend away. It’s hard to get away
from, but we have to resist temptation.
When establishing good credit, one of the things we’re told to
do is to get a credit card and then use it to spend wisely.
Experts advise us to pay our bills on time and not to exceed
the credit limit. However, no one really talks to us when we
get that first card about how easily and quickly we hit that
limit, or how easy it is to miss that first monthly payment.
Once you get behind, it can be really hard to catch up.
Oftentimes, credit cards come with introductory interest rates
that are nothing or very low. But many times, those rates soon
change and you can find yourself with a full balance on your
card with an 18 or 20 percent interest rate! That interest rate
can then put you over your limit, if your not paying at least
the minimum payment, now making you susceptible to
over-the-limit fees. Before you know it, you are getting bad
reports on your credit reports for credit card debt on a card
that you haven’t even had very long.
Unfortunately, when times are hard, abusing credit cards is all
too easy. When the economy is bad and cash is tight, you might
find yourself putting your daily living expenses on your credit
cards. If there is any kind of pattern like this in your credit
card spending, it can fill up your credit reports pretty
quickly. When you are not making your payments, the credit card
companies do inquiries to verify your address or other
information. Every time someone makes an inquiry on your credit
report, it makes you look like even more of a high risk, further
worsening your credit report. All the credit card debt on your
report, even if some of it is good, can make you look high risk
for car loans or mortgages – especially if any of those cards
hold high balances. Even worse, that bad credit report can keep
you from renting an apartment or getting a job that requires a
background check.
As tempting as it is to pay with plastic, choose the “debit”
option next time and keep your future in mind. It’s normal to
risk it all when times are tough, but doing so creates more
problems later that can take years with a credit counselor to
fix. Credit card debt has long time risks, but if you use
credit cards wisely, you can build credit that brings rewards
instead.
About the Author: This article provide courtesy of
http://www.debt-removal-guide.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By Steve Wilcott
It seems like every time I check my mail there is at least one
or two pre-approved credit card applications. I’m sure you get
them, too. The thing is, you can have terrible credit and still
they flood in. Beware if you just filed bankruptcy because you
will get more of them then you know what to do with!
Credit card debt is all too easy to get into--over and over
again. We don’t feel like we are spending real money until the
bill comes, and then it’s too late. The credit card companies
know how to make it very tempting to fall back on any good
habits we’ve created and just spend away. It’s hard to get away
from, but we have to resist temptation.
When establishing good credit, one of the things we’re told to
do is to get a credit card and then use it to spend wisely.
Experts advise us to pay our bills on time and not to exceed
the credit limit. However, no one really talks to us when we
get that first card about how easily and quickly we hit that
limit, or how easy it is to miss that first monthly payment.
Once you get behind, it can be really hard to catch up.
Oftentimes, credit cards come with introductory interest rates
that are nothing or very low. But many times, those rates soon
change and you can find yourself with a full balance on your
card with an 18 or 20 percent interest rate! That interest rate
can then put you over your limit, if your not paying at least
the minimum payment, now making you susceptible to
over-the-limit fees. Before you know it, you are getting bad
reports on your credit reports for credit card debt on a card
that you haven’t even had very long.
Unfortunately, when times are hard, abusing credit cards is all
too easy. When the economy is bad and cash is tight, you might
find yourself putting your daily living expenses on your credit
cards. If there is any kind of pattern like this in your credit
card spending, it can fill up your credit reports pretty
quickly. When you are not making your payments, the credit card
companies do inquiries to verify your address or other
information. Every time someone makes an inquiry on your credit
report, it makes you look like even more of a high risk, further
worsening your credit report. All the credit card debt on your
report, even if some of it is good, can make you look high risk
for car loans or mortgages – especially if any of those cards
hold high balances. Even worse, that bad credit report can keep
you from renting an apartment or getting a job that requires a
background check.
As tempting as it is to pay with plastic, choose the “debit”
option next time and keep your future in mind. It’s normal to
risk it all when times are tough, but doing so creates more
problems later that can take years with a credit counselor to
fix. Credit card debt has long time risks, but if you use
credit cards wisely, you can build credit that brings rewards
instead.
About the Author: This article provide courtesy of
http://www.debt-removal-guide.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
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