Ever since we were young, we have been thrilled with rewards for good behavior. As babies, we learn to talk and deliver our talents in exchange of prizes or rewards. As we grow older, in elementary, we are given stars or medals for achieving a certain behavior. This continues until our adolescence, and even as we grow older, but in a more mature form involving money. Yes, even credit cards reward you nowadays for good spending behavior.
But what exactly is a good spending behavior? I don’t think good or bad spending habits matter that much to banks. What counts in the end of the day is how much you spend with their cards and how it benefits their economy. Banks … (more) May 31, 2009

Posted in Credit Card General, Promotional Offers, Rewards Comments Off

We might have experienced, in one way or another, getting offers from our favorite stores. For instance, they could offer their very own credit card that allows us to get up to 10% discounts on our purchases. That can be a very hard thing to resist, especially on branded clothing or techie gadgets. After all, this gives us savings of up to $30.
But before we fall into the pit once again, it is best to weigh pros and cons before making hasty decisions that could make or break our financial future.
The first thing we should always ask ourselves is whether we need to have a new credit card. Although it is always enticing to get a new credit card approved … (more) May 30, 2009

Posted in Credit Card Advice, Credit Card General, Credit Card Tips Comments Off

Since ancient times, trade has been a fundamental dynamic of the human society. Today, the world of trade revolves in a fast-paced universe where efficiency is the driving force. Doing more in a shorter period of time is the common philosophy shared inside the business industry. The same idea gave birth to the modern credit card in 1950. Since then, the credit card has evolved and became the sole tool needed in trade.
Credit cards allow you to purchase airline tickets or make hotel reservations when traveling. These transactions could either be done through phone or the more popular way of using the internet. Online transactions mainly utilize credit cards. So, it would be a need if your business is done … (more) May 29, 2009

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The idea of credit cards has been around longer than that of bills. The first forms were called credit markers. These markers indicated different amounts that were borrowed. Later on, business establishments adopted the concept and introduced prepaid charge cards to insure loyalty from their customers.
It eliminated traveling around with large sums of money and provided security for customers. The downside is that not all parts of the country had the same establishments that the owner has subscribed to. Hence, individuals at that time had to get 12 cards or more, especially those who travel a lot.
The modern credit card, designed by Frank McNammara, enables every purchase in various stores and business establishment to done using only one card. This … (more) May 28, 2009

Posted in Choosing Cards, Credit Card Advice, Credit Card Tips Comments Off

Getting tired of those telemarketers who unbelievably know your phone number and even how fat your bank account is to offer you their very expensive services? Or tired of getting promotional pamphlets from people you don’t know enough to have business with? I understand you; I feel the same way. We aren’t alone. In fact, if you care to know, you can actually be protected from these promotional items and phone calls.
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Modernization Act of 1999 is a law that gives you the right to tell your bank that you don’t want your information shared. However, this is only limited to their third parties that do not have affiliations with them. This means that banks can automatically exercise the … (more) May 27, 2009

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There are times when you would need to secure a copy of your credit report out of need or want to manage your credit accounts effectively. Whichever among these is your reason, it is always wise to secure a copy of your annual credit report. It is your right anyway — you might as well exercise it.
First things first — make sure to get your credit report from each of the three credit-reporting agencies (TransUnion, Equifax and Experian). It is common misconception that getting one of these would be enough. Remember: creditors have the option to choose which among these three they would want to subscribe to so a complete credit report would be such report from all these three … (more) May 26, 2009

Posted in Credit Card Advice, Credit Card General, Report and Score Comments Off