Where once the choice of credit card in the UK was extremely limited, now there is a plethora of companies bombarding everyone with promises of low interest rates, balance transfers and cards which are a status symbol for the holder. In addition to this, most of the High Street stores now offer their own store cards, giving you credit to spend in their store or a chain of stores only.

When you reach the checkout at a clothes store, for example, you are offered a reduction on your purchases if you take out their store card at that point. This makes it extremely easy to say yes and many people agree so that they get the discount without checking any of the small print or terms and conditions. The danger of this is that these cards have notoriously high interest rates of up to 29.9% and for many this is the start of the decline into debt.

Credit cards and store cards work in much the same way and some credit cards have interest rates as high as the store cards, However, if you have a balance on your credit card and cannot afford to pay it off in full, there are ways to use them to your advantage. Many card suppliers offer interest free periods for balance transfers. This will allow you to transfer your existing balance on to another card and pay off as much as you can afford for a set period, often six months, without paying interest on it. This can give you a real opportunity to reduce your debt.

If you have substantial debts on credit and store cards and as a result can only afford to pay the minimum payment on each you may well find that for some of them the monthly interest is actually greater than the amount you are paying and so your balances may actually increase. This is a scary situation to be in as there often seems no way out. In these cases it is often worth trying to take out a personal loan to consolidate all your debt. This will have a significantly lower interest rate than many of the cards and will also reduce the minimum amount you have to pay each month.

How to Save Money With a Credit Card Balance Transfer

Would you like to know how a credit card balance transfer can save you hundreds of dollars from your credit card bills? Do you currently have trouble keeping up with your credit card balances? If yes, then a balance transfer may just be what you need.

Getting a Balance Transfer Credit Card

What is a Balance Transfer credit card and how is it different from standard credit cards in the market? If you try to shop around for credit cards, youll notice that some credit cards offer 0% APR as part of their introductory offer. The 0% interest rate will usually apply on purchases but if you take a look closely at your choices, youll find credit cards that offer 0% rate on balance transfers. If youre lucky, you can even find a credit card that offers 0% APR for both purchases and balance transfers.

Why should you take advantage of 0% balance transfer credit cards? Carrying over your balances with each billing cycle increases your debt due to additional interest fees. With balance transfer credit card, you can focus on paying your original charges without the interest. Do the math, and youll realize how much you can save from the interest rates alone on your existing balances.

Finding the Right Balance Transfer Credit Card

Does this mean that all balance transfer credit cards are right for you? Take note that different credit card issuers also provide a variety of terms and conditions. Naturally, youll want to go with a company that will give you the best deals.

For instance, how long will the 0% introductory period last? Never forget that the zero interest offer is just a temporary option. Some companies offer as little as three months while others offer up to a year or more. Ideally, enjoying at least 12 months of 0% interest offer should give you enough time to repay your balances completely.

How much is the interest rate after the introductory period? Will the interest rate still be reasonable when the introductory offer ends or will it soar high? Its best to choose a card that will still give you a reasonably low interest even after the 0% APR expires.

How much is the interest on purchases? If the 0% APR is limited to balance transfers alone, how much will the interest be on your charges? If the interest on purchases will be expensive, you may want to consider using this particular card for balance transfers only.

Another thing to keep in mind is how much are the annual fee? Some balance transfer credit cards may have very expensive annual fees. If you have to pay such a large amount each year, will it still enable you to save your money? There are balance transfer cards that have no annual fee so youll want to take your time looking for the right card to fit your needs.

Credit cards easily get out of control. You simply don’t realize how much you are charging and how little you are paying. Before you can even think about paying your card off entirely, you have to simply regain control of your credit card debt.

Here are five simple steps that will help you regain control, and eventually pay off your debt. Follow them step-by-step and you will find that they aren’t overwhelming or too difficult. In fact, they don’t take much time at all.

1. Pay more.

You shouldn’t carry a balance on your credit card from month to month, but you probably are anyway. If you are only paying the minimum payment, you are slowly killing yourself. This will stretch your payments out for decades. Yes, decades. You need to start putting extra money to each credit card payment. Even if it is only $15, you are saving time and money.

2. Make a phone call.

Take the time to call your credit card companies and request a lower interest rate. It isn’t hard to do. You simply request a better interest rate. If you are a good customer who makes his or her payments on time, you will probably be successful. Tell them that you want the lowest rate possible. You can even say that you have received an offer to transfer your balance to another card at a better interest rate. You want to give them a chance to compete. If they won’t lower your rate, consider switching to a card with a lower rate.

3. Say goodbye.

Send your cards on a little vacation. If you have debt and you can’t pay it completely off, you need to stop using your credit card for now. Put it somewhere that you won’t be able to easily access. This removes the temptation to simply charge this one thing. I suggest a safe deposit box at the bank. This usually always works. If you have a true emergency, you can get it. But it often isn’t worth the hassle to get it to just buy a new sweater.

4. Look for money.

Now is the time to start paying that debt off with what you already have. If you have an 18% credit card and money in the bank earning 5%, you are losing 13% each month. Take your savings and pay off your credit card. This will save you interest and a lot of worry. Then work on building back up your savings by having the amount you paid in credit card debt automatically deposited into your savings each month.

5. Vow to change.

Now that you have seen the stress and problems that credit cards bring, you can make a committment to change. Credit cards aren’t the problem, they just contribute. The problem is the way you spend. You need to realize that you cannot continue to shop the way you do. You have to change your spending habits so that you aren’t tempted to use your card. It is hard. People slip back into it easily. But you need to find a way to remind yourself that it isn’t worth it. Regain control of your credit and turn it around.

Instant Credit Card Approval – Can It Work For You?

The possibility of getting your own credit card by the means of online instant credit card approval is a reality of the times. It only takes a few minutes to fill out your application, and then, in just a few short minutes you can have your answer. This could be the thing you have been waiting for. Have you received yours yet?

Getting your instant approval credit cards may be only a few minutes away for you, as you fill-out your secure online credit approval forms. But before you start the process, there are a few things you will want to know that you should look for when it comes to getting the best credit card for you.

In order to get the best deal on an instant credit card approval online, you will need to do a little research. It pays to look for the best deals with instant approval credit cards, so if your credit rating is good – why not go for one of the best? Here is what to look for.

A Good APR

A credit card is only as good as its APR. Once it loses its edge there – its time to think about another one. It is possible to get 0% APR cards that hold that rate for up to 15 months. While a number of cards will offer this feature, it may be only for three months, or six months. After the introductory time period, remember that the APR goes to the regular rate — so be sure you get both a good introductory rate, and a rate as low as possible after that period is passed.

Permits Balance Transfers

Balance transfers from other credit cards are one thing that makes a good credit card – if you have any credit card debt. Not all cards will allow you to do this. But again, it is important that you make sure that you have a 0% APR balance transfer rate. Some cards will charge a fee for this transaction.

Look For The Bonuses

Your instant approval credit cards should have some really great bonuses – this is what makes one card better than another. There is quite a bit of leeway when it comes to the value of all the options mentioned – but this is the icing on the cake. Bonuses are usually referred to as being cash back, or rebate cards. Some come with great options up front –received as soon as you make your first purchase. This could be in the form of 10,000 points – which are as good as cash, or can be exchanged for prizes, or, a travel type card might give you as many as 5-20,000 air miles – on your first purchase. Other cards offer rebates for purchases on such things as groceries, medicines, and gas. Make your decision based on what your greatest needs are, and it will be a great benefit to you, in the form of extra savings. This will help put a smile on your face when you get your monthly statement.

Check The Annual Fee

Some companies will also charge you an annual fee on your instant approval credit cards.
Look for an annual fee because it could take away some of the value of your benefits if you have to pay a yearly fee of anywhere between $15 to $135.

With this many tips on how to get your instant approval credit card online, again, we ask – what are you waiting for? It will only take a few minutes.

There comes a time in the life of any small-business owner when he or she poses the question: Can I apply credit in a smarter way without getting my business into too much debt? The basic answer to that is: Yes, by protecting your credit.

The first three years of a business life are the most crucial. During this time, the business owner will need to carefully budget business expenses and realistically project income. This forces the owner to give the important numbers a good, hard think. It is important to develop a picture of the monthly cash flow, particularly in the first year. This ensures that you know where your money is going and that you are keeping tabs on every aspect of the business.

The Small Business Administration says that many businesses fail because of undercapitalization that is, not recognizing how much you really need to start the business and / or not having the means to access the capital. This is where business credit cards can help. Business credit cards are a common funding option for small businesses. So good, in fact, that there is a general observation that small business owners often overuse their business credit cards during their first years of business. And, if they do not yet have small business credit cards, they normally end up overloading their personal credit cards.

Small business owners understandably heavily rely on business credit cards to help them over those rough periods when the bank balances are low. Unfortunately, in using the business credit cards, some of the small business owners defer paying off the balance for too long and often suffer the penalties of charges in late fees and interest as a result.

The first thing to remember when it comes to using business credit cards is that you should reserve the use of business credit cards for short-term spending only. Business credit cards will allow your business to start building a credit history. If you pay off a large portion of your business credit card balance each month, or even the whole balance when you can afford it, this favorable credit behavior will enable you to build a solid credit reputation under the business name, which will make cheaper commercial loans accessible sooner. That kind of payment behavior also helps you avoid the dangers of falling behind on your business credit card bill.

Remember you already have a budget worked out. Use the monthly statements for your business credit cards to note down your expenses and to track your cash flow status. The business credit card companies already classify your charges, so it should be much easier to do. You can even download your business credit card transaction history from the websites of the business credit card companies. This should speed up your expense reconciliations and give you the time to focus on making your business grow.

Learn to use the discounts offered by business credit cards for business expenditures. Using business credit cards for certain purchases can entitle you to as much as 5 percent discounts. This feature in business credit cards can actually help you save and will go far towards balancing your budget.

Instant Approval Credit Cards Online – Compare and Contrast for Maximum Benefit

While considering instant approval credit cards online, realize that all credit cards have stipulations. The Instant Approval feature is an effort to attract visitors with the thought of instantly available credit. Once you read the all of the card stipulations, you will learn that the instant approval applies only if you have at least good credit and most card issuers prefer excellent credit. Furthermore, regardless of the credit card applied for, fees are almost always attached.

Some of the fees might include annual fee membership, finance and interest rate charges, balance transfer charges, cash advance fees, and so forth. Some banks will include annual fees on these credit cards; however, the fees are often waived up to six months or longer. One of the cards that offers a 0% APR is Blue from American Express. This instant approval card has a limited time offer and will waive the annual fee and balance transfer for up to 15 months.

Another card that employs instant approval status is the Citi Dividend Platinum Select card, which offers 5% cash back on purchases made at supermarkets, gas stations, or drugs stores, and any other purchases earn 1% cash back. The ongoing rate of interest on this card might be considered a bit steep, but is comparable to other cards in this category.

Instant approval credit card marketing campaigns are geared toward those with excellent or good credit. If your credit is proof worthy, you will receive an approval in a short time, usually minutes, or even in seconds. If you have pending credit issues, the credit issuer will most likely need to investigate your credit-worthiness further, which means you should expect a delay in the approval process.

If you already know your credit standing, you shouldnt have any problems. But if you know credit issues exist, try to clean up your credit before applying. You should wait six months before applying for a credit card after clearing up your reports. Otherwise, you can search the Internet for credit cards for bad credit or “less than perfect” credit.

Different Types of Card Offers

Some of the banks offering instant approval cards include Chase, Citi, American Express, Visa, and MasterCard. The cards can differ slightly, or dramatically, so thoroughly researching the various offers is highly recommended when considering instant approval credit cards.

Contrast and Compare

It is important to compare and contrast all details while considering any credit card. For instance, the Citi Diamond Preferred Rewards Card is one of the instant approval cards to consider offering 0% annual fees up to one year including balance transfers. The cardholder, once accepted will receive 5,000 bonus points on the initial purchase and a gift card worth $50. Rewards include 5 points per dollar spent on any purchases made at supermarkets, drug stores or gas stations for a limited time.

Also consider the Blue Cash from American Express instant approval card, offering 5% cash back rebates, no annual fees up to six months, and an extremely competitive ongoing APR. You pay a bit more in interest for the Citi Diamond Preferred card, but you’ll receive additional benefits compare to the Blue Cash card.

As you can see, taking the time to thoroughly compare and contrast will help you to see the pros and cons of each instant approval credit card and assist you in making the right card choice. As with any credit card offer, however, you will always need to read the terms & conditions, being mindful of credit stipulations and hidden fees.

Balance transfer credit cards can be an effective solution, properly used, for consolidating existing debts and avoiding a high APR on an existing card. However, customers should be aware of what to know before applying for a card, as well as what problems balance transfer cards will not solve. Customers should be aware of whether or not the balance transfer card’s introductory rate increases over time, canceling out the benefits of the balance transfer card offers in the first place. They should also be aware that previous bad credit history can complicate the use of a balance transfer credit card, and that only prudent overall financial habits in conjunction with occasional balance transfer use makes for a lasting solution.

Anyone who’s used a credit card for any period of time has likely found himself or herself faced at least once with the specter of debt: perhaps a paycheck doesn’t clear in time, a friend’s assistance fails to come through, a last-minute furniture sale attracts no customers. The outstanding balance is high, and an interest rate that at first seemed only theoretical (“I won’t have to worry about that,” the user thinks, “as long as I’m careful”) now seems disturbingly real. This situation is always possible, a natural product of any necessary financial risk, and there’s no shame in it. All that matters is finding a solution for the situation.

And solutions exist. It’s a common enough situation, in fact, that an entire variety of credit card has sprung up to cater to exactly this kind of user: balance transfer credit cards. The principle behind a balance transfer credit card is simple: the card encourages its user to consolidate his or her outstanding balance onto a single card with a very low introductory APR, often 0%. The user is then free from whatever higher APR might have crept up on his or her existing card, and it seems as if all financial worries have been eliminated in a moment by balance transfer credit cards: the magic bullet, it would seem, of the financial world.

But it’s important to realize that a balance transfer credit card is not a magic bullet: it’s a financial solution, like any other, with its own advantages and potential pitfalls. And it’s important for the potential balance transfer customer to keep a few things in mind when considering whether or not to save money by using balance transfers to consolidate debts.

The most crucial factor to consider is that the introductory rate on most balance transfer credit cards does not last forever. If the user thinks of balance transfers as outright eliminating debt problems–or at least eliminating them until some nebulous future time–that user could potentially run out the initial 0% grace period (most often twelve months) and find himself or herself faced with an APR that typically ranges anywhere from $11 to $18–not an unreasonable rate for someone who’s expecting it, but otherwise a possibly disastrous surprise.

So potential customers should make certain to research the full details on any balance transfer credit card (or any credit card) before making the decision to apply. Some cards also have options that could be deal-breakers (an high initial balance transfer may be required), or options that could be highly useful (some cards allow the user to maintain the initial 0% rate until all initial balances are paid off.) As in any situation involving credit or finance, the informed customer is always the more effective customer.

Another, perhaps more fundamental factor to consider before applying for a balance transfer credit card: balance transfers are not, in and of themselves, a cure for existing debt problems. They are a treatment, and one that only works in conjunction with good financial habits all around. Some balance transfer credit cards determine their introductory APR or regular APR (or both) by looking at the applicant’s overall credit history, meaning that in these cases existing financial problems, rather than being eliminated by a card, will actually prevent the card from doing its work. So balance transfer credit cards should not be looked at as a lifeline or a magic bullet, an excuse for building up high balances in hopes that a timely transfer will wipe all history out: rather, balance transfer credit cards are a tool, one useful only when accompanied by general financial prudence.

No one is perfect, and in the case that things go wrong and debts mount with no immediate method of paying them off in sight, consolidating balances can be a powerful (if in many cases temporary) remedy. But before making the decision to apply, customers must remember first of all to become informed about their options, and must further remember the first rule of finance: never assume the existence of a magic solution to problems; never substitute an attractive credit option for judiciousness and a sound financial plan.

Five Credit Card Billing Problems and How to Fix Them

It goes without saying that your first and best defense against paying fraudulent or unfair charges on your credit card is knowing what your bill says! When you receive your credit card statement each month, sit down with it and check each item to make sure that you actually DID purchase it. If you do run into inaccuracies or problems, there are procedures to follow to report and deal with the charges. If you don’t follow the procedure and the card company decides to notify a credit reporting agency, it could affect far more than just your balance on that one credit card.

What are the most common billing problems and how should you deal with them?

1.Hey, I didn’t buy that!

If you notice a charge on your credit card statement that you didn’t make, take steps to deal with it IMMEDIATELY. It could be a store error – but it could be the first sign that someone else is using your identity. Heading off problems before they start is vital. Call your credit card company and report the charge that’s in error – but don’t leave it at that. Follow up with a written letter stating that you dispute the charge, and requesting that they investigate the situation. The credit card company has 45-60 days to complete their investigation and notify you of the result. During that time, they can not make any attempts to collect that amount from you, nor report you to a credit reporting agency because of it.

2.Wait – I canceled that subscription!

If you cancel a subscription for which you pay via credit card – to a magazine, a club or internet service provider for instance – it may take a month or two for the cancellation and ‘chargeback’ to show up on your credit card statement. Again, notify the credit card company that that account has been canceled and request that the charge be removed from the bill.

3.My bill just doesn’t add up right!

They’re rare, but mathematical and reporting mistakes do happen. If you notice a discrepancy on your bill between their reports and your receipts, write a letter to the credit card company – being sure to use the address for reporting credit card disputes. Include copies of both the bill and your receipts for the disputed charges.

4.I returned that dress!

Like a canceled subscription, it sometimes takes a billing cycle or two for charge-backs on returned items to appear on your credit card bill. Write to the credit card company and enclose copies of your return receipt, asking that the charge be removed from your bill.

5.What do you mean, there’s a late fee??

Your best defense against late fees is to make sure you send your payment in plenty of time to reach the credit card company by posting date. Keep in mind that credit card companies date payments by date received and/or posted, not by date mailed. Because of the effect a late payment can have on your credit card billing and your credit history, though, it’s sometimes worth a try to get them to ‘take it back’. If you have evidence along the lines of a check cleared to your bank account before the payment was posted to your account – and it’s before the late payment date, you can write to the credit card company and ask for a review of the charges.

Choosing a Business Credit Card – Comparing Business Credit Card Applications

Does your business pay too much for its credit card? Too many businesses just settle for a basic credit card from their local bank. Those businesses end up paying too much interest or high annual fees. For the money you already give the bank, doesn’t your business deserve better?

A smart business compares available credit card offers to find the card that best suits them. Just because you have a bank account just down the street, it doesn’t mean
you’re stuck choosing from their credit cards. Check what the other banks have to offer.

First you should decide what is important to your business. Do you just want the lowest interest or do you want the best rewards? Analyze your credit card use to see what
saves you the most money. Look at factors such as:

• monthly credit card spending totals
• average running balance
• payment habits
• where you spend the most

Those factors and more will determine which credit card type is right for your business:

Low Interest Business Credit Cards

If you keep a running balance on your credit card, a low interest rate should be top priority. Make sure that the card doesn’t have a high annual fee that offsets the
low interest rate. Also remember to check both the intro apr and the standard rate.

Cash Back Business Credit Cards

Get cash back on all your credit card purchases with a card offering this feature. Get a percentage discount everywhere you use these cards. Does your current business
credit card give you 5 – 10% back on all your business expenses?

Airline Miles Business Credit Cards

If you need to travel you should consider a credit card that offers travel rewards. You can earn free flights or other rewards. These cards offer rewards for either
a certain airline or for most major airlines.

Balance Transfer Business Credit Cards

Do you owe money on your business credit card? You can transfer that balance to another credit card that offers a special balance transfer interest rate. For their
introductory period you can get interest as low as 0%. After that period you could even transfer the balance to your old card.

A lot of the best business credit cards will offer a few of those features. Consider your priority of these features when comparing card offers. You don’t necessarily
need a card that has all of those features. Your business may only need a card that concentrates on one reward. Compare the best offers and then apply online for fastest
approval. If you are paying too much for your current credit card, you want to start saving today.

Finding the best balance transfer credit cards is not as difficult as you might think. In fact, there are a number of balance transfer credit cards to select from, making the most difficult part deciding which one of the great deals you should take advantage of.

Balance Transfer Credit Card Interest Rates

Since you are looking for a card to transfer your current balances to, you most likely do not intend to pay the balance off in full at the end of the billing cycle. Therefore, you want a card with a low interest rate. Ideally, you should find a card offering a 0.00% introductory rate. The longer this introductory period lasts, the better. Be aware that the interest rate can go sky high on some cards after the introductory period is complete. So, pay special attention to what the interest rate will be after the introductory period is over. The best balance transfer credit cards will keep the introductory rate on your transferred balanced until you pay it off in its entirety.

If you do choose to get a balance transfer credit card that has a low APR for a limited time, be sure to pay off the balance before the introductory period is over. This way, you won’t have to pay finance charges on the higher APR. Also, hold out for a balance transfer credit card with a 0.00% APR. With so many great introductory offers out there, you are bound to find one with a 0.00% APR that meets your needs.

Balance Transfer Credit Card Fees

The majority of credit cards assess a fee to your card when transferring balances. With balance transfer credit cards, this fee should be waived. If the balance transfer credit card you are considering does not waive the fees, you should move on to a different card. There are too many cards out there that are willing to allow you to transfer balances for free – take advantage of them.

Additional Benefits of the Balance Transfer Credit Card

There is absolutely nothing wrong with getting a credit card solely for transferring balances. If you do this, you should only transfer your balances, set the card aside, and use another card for your purchases. If, however, you want to transfer balances and still use the same card for your routine purchases, pay attention to the other benefits associated with the card. For example, some cards offer purchase protection, extended warranties, fraud protection services, auto rental insurance, travel insurance, and more. In addition to looking at the APR and balance transfer fees, consider the additional benefits associated with the card. Don’t just apply for the first card with a 0.00% APR and free balance transfers.

Don’t be Fooled by Balance Transfer Credit Cards

In addition, to choosing the card with all of the right benefits, don’t let yourself be fooled by balance transfer credit cards. Several have great introductory offers on balance transfers, but the interest rates on purchases are high. Be careful to find out what the interest rate will be on purchases if you choose to use your balance transfer credit card for regular purchases. You might be disappointed. In addition, keep in mind that the credit card company can choose to apply your payments toward any portion of your balance that it wishes. Therefore, while you might have a 0.00% APR on balance transfers, you might have a 19.99% APR on purchases. Every dollar you send toward your credit card balance can be used to pay off the balance transfers before the balance for purchases is even touched. So, basically, you are paying off the 0.00% balance while the 19.99% balance goes untouched – and accumulates finance charges.