Credit Cards ABC Credit Card Reviews

The New Disney Credit Card

02.17.2011 · Posted in Credit Card Review

What if you could turn your daily purchases into some hands-on Disney magic? Well now you can! Bank One is now offering a new Visa Disney credit card that provides you and your family with Disney rewards each time you use the card. You could turn your credit card debt into a fun-filled vacation for you and your family. The credit card company, Bank One, has partnered with the Walt Disney Company to offer this family-fun card to everyone who qualifies. You will be asked to pass a standard credit check with a major credit bureau before qualifying for the Disney Visa card.

How does it work?

When you make a purchase with your Disney credit card at your local grocery store, mall, or online store, you automatically earn points, or Disney rewards. These reward points accumulate with each purchase. As you earn points, you can shop the Disney Store, Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Cruise Line, the Disney catalog, or DisneyStore.com for merchandise like DVD or Disney toys, vacation packages to your favorite Disney theme park, and other featured rewards, including travel and special passes.

Pros

The Disney credit card is a great way to put your credit card debt to good use. The credit card company is essentially giving you back some of what you spend.
There are no blackout dates for vacation packages earned with your Disney reward pounds.
Platinum card benefits
No annual fee
Reasonable interest rate
No interest for six months on several travel packages
Opportunities to save on Disney merchandise and travel packages

Cons

As you accumulate Disney rewards, you also accumulate credit card debt. Unless you are skilled at managing your finances, this type of incentive program could cause you more trouble than its worth.
The more you buy, the more rewards you get. But dont forget that the more you buy, the more interest you pay as well. The credit card company isnt offering this deal out of charity for their customers. They want to make some money.

Special features

The Disney credit card has a unique card design that will delight families: Mickey Mouse on a sparkling red background. The card can be used as a family card by any member to help contribute to future vacation plans or holiday gift times. Consider giving the card to younger members of the family as a starter card that can be used for expenses away from home. The rewards can be enjoyed by the student or by the whole family.

The reward points are much more flexible that with other reward cards. You can use the points to gain entrance to a Disney theme park, access parking privileges, purchase merchandise online or at store locations or from the catalog. You can even use the points to purchase items inside the parks. With Disney Cruise Line, your options are limitless as you use your reward points to buy cruise tickets, entertainment, and the ultimate Disney experience.

To apply for a Disney Visa card, call 1-888-878-7222.

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The Nest Credit Card American Express Helps The Newlyweds Build

02.10.2011 · Posted in Credit Card Review

The Nest Credit Card American Express Helps The Newlyweds Build Their Nest

Amex has a credit card for literally everyone and The Nest Credit Card American Express is aimed at lovebirds with the JUST MARRIED tag. The Nest Credit Card American Express caters specially to the needs of the newly wed couples, when they start their life together. If you are “JUST MARRIED”, then this is the card for you. The card is for helping the newly weds to earn rewards and combine their finances when making future plans.

On becoming a Nest Credit Card cardholder, you will be getting an exclusive welcome kit that comes with a planning binder to help you in smoothly managing and arranging your home expenses and joint finances. On the first use of your card, you will get 5000 membership reward points, which is redeemable for a 50 gift card.

Card Advantages

The Nest Credit Card American Express provides various discounts along with home-related savings and gifts offers. As a Nest Credit Card cardholder, you can also avail of offers, like discounts from participating partners and special travel offers provided by the American Express Vacations.

The cardholders are naturally enrolled in the Membership Rewards Options program, which is charge free and provides the option of getting points for purchases made.

The newly wed couples obtain the Nest Planning Kit, which is a custom-created binder to help the couple better plan and organize their conjugal life, including home maintenance, home dcor, budget, insurance and more.

Card Features

The Annual Percentage Rate or the APR is reasonably low for purchases and the balance transfers, especially for a reward card. This American Express Card has no annual fee and helps you to pay your balance in full every month. You can also carry a balance from one month to the next month. If you want to benefit from the special offers and reward program, then the Nest Credit Card American Express is the credit card for you, only that you will need to have excellent credit rating.

Other Benefits

If you make this card your primary card, then you can spend over 15000 each year and obtain an extra 10000 bonus points. You can use your card instead of cash and pay one bill for all the monthly expenses every month.

With the Nest Credit Card American Express, you gain one point for spending a pound. The points do not expire when you use your card once within a three-year period. You can cash in on your points for traveling, shopping and for your other needs.

The card also offers purchase protection plans, up to 100000 travel accident insurance coverage, extended warranty on purchases, legal referral services, return protection, roadside assistance, travel and emergency assistance, different Internet account related services, auto rental insurance and many other services, which help you plan your life.

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Low Interest Rate Credit Cards Understanding The APR

02.03.2011 · Posted in Credit Card Review

When shopping for a credit card, it is important to understand the annual percentage rate (APR) to find the best deal for your situation. If you pay off your bill every month, a no fee and moderate APR plan may be best. However, if you take out cash advances, you will want a low APR on that feature.

Various APRs

Each credit card has several different APRs. At the minimum they will have a rate for purchases, cash advances, and transfers. Typically, cash advances will carry a higher rate than for purchases or transfers. Transfers usually carry low rates. Sometimes you can even find an APR of 0% for an introductory period.

To entice you to open an account, credit card companies offer introductory and delayed APRs. An introductory rate lasts for a certain period, usually six months to a year. Delayed APRs charge no interest until a certain month.

Some cards also offer tiered rates, which keeps rates low for those that carry a small balance. For example, a card might offer 15% on balances between 1 – 1000 and 18% on balances over 1000.

Credit card companies also have penalty APRs. These apply when a payment is late, as outlined by the cards terms.

Fixed Versus Variable APRs

A fixed rate APR doesnt change. Usually these types of cards have an annual fee with them. But they usually offer lower rates with some security, making them attractive to those who carry large balances. It is important to remember that even fixed rates can change, but the credit card company has to give you notice.

A variable rate APR flexes with the index they are tied to, typically the prime or T-bill rate. Variable rate APRs are not the same as an introductory or delayed APR.

Picking The Right Card

Research all the APRs when you are looking for a good credit card. Know your credit habits, and pick the card with the rates that will give you the best deal.

You can even open multiple accounts, using them for different credit purposes. For example, you can use one card for cash advances but another for purchases.

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Low Interest or 0% APR Credit Cards Take Your

01.27.2011 · Posted in Credit Card Review

Low Interest or 0% APR Credit Cards Take Your Pick

While many credit cards offer rates hovering between 20% and 24%, some of their competitors offer far lower interest rates, including introductory offers of zero percent interest and ongoing rates below 10%. These rates, obviously, make it much simpler to transfer and pay off balances quickly. Low interest credit cards are in high demand currently and credit card providers have provided a wide variety of low interest and 0% APR offers to keep their place within the steep competition in the credit card market. You could even find some retailers offering 0% APR credit cards, often including purchase rebates andor discounts. Some credit card providers even offer the 0% APR for up to 15 months. Utilizing a low interest credit card offers an excellent opportunity when making large consumer purchases as well.

Because the market for consumers with excellent credit is so competitive, low interest credit cards are often available with no sign up or annual membership fees. Many times, these fees will keep the cream of the crop credit customers from applying for their cards. If your credit is unblemished, you can take your pick off offers and you should never have to pay a fee to acquire a low interest credit card or 0% APR credit card ever. The fees are only for those with poor credit, who are a significant risk for nonpayment. Shop around until you find a credit card company that is willing to compete for your business by eliminating fees.

The obvious benefit of a low interest credit card is that you will spend a lot less money over time on interest and fees. One thing to watch is the length of the introductory period. Many cards offer low or zero percent interest for several months, and then the interest rate jumps directly up to 20%. Make sure you read the fine print of any credit card offer before you sign up. The more information you have about your credit card upfront, the fewer unpleasant surprises you will face down the road.

One of the most popular ways to save money with 0% APR credit cards is to transfer a balance from a higher interest loan to a new credit card account. Sometimes, the introductory credit card rates are even better than auto loan rates, so there are some who would transfer their remaining car loan debts onto a new credit card and save on interests, knowing they can pay off the balance of the car before the introductory period expires.

Be aware that cash advances may come with their own fees, and with their own correspondingly higher interest rates. There may be separate interest rates for balance transfers, new purchases, and cash advances. While one way low interest credit card companies make money is from the percentage they gain from retailers and merchants, they also make a significant amount of money from people who do not take the time to read all of the specific terms and conditions that go along with their new low interest credit cards. Again, read the fine print before signing up!

Properly researching the card offer in advance will definitely save you a lot of headaches in the future. Do not be one of the many victims of credit card debt; instead, use your low interest credit card to your financial advantage. The key is to find and utilize the available information. The more information you can gather, the better decision you would make. It would be a shame to rejoice over a newly gained low interest or 0% APR credit card, just to open up your bill after the first month of purchases to find an unpleasant surprise. Low interest credit cards could be a real financial lifesaver, but they could easily become a trap for the unaware. Stay ahead of the game, and know what you are getting into before you apply.

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Low Interest Credit Cards Offer Shrewd Savings

01.20.2011 · Posted in Credit Card Review

Credit card offers, including a variety of low interest credit cards, are easy to find. You hear about credit cards in discount stores while you check out, you read about credit cards in offers that come in the mail, and there are even times when you hear about credit cards when the phone disturbs an evening meal. Its easy to get a credit card, but it may not be as easy to find low interest rate credit cards.

Many of the easiest cards to get will generally have a higher interest rate. It may be a common practice to compare insurance rates and look through several car lots for the perfect vehicle, but if the same thoughtful research were applied to credit card offers, you could see significant annual savings.

Practicality of Low Interest Credit Cards

Low interest rate credit cards are an important tool in keeping excess consumer debt from tying you down in future financial affairs.

Some of the low interest credit cards that provides very few frills are found in the Visa or MasterCard offers, yet the offers last for a limited time. The fixed interest rates on these cards is among the lowest available. The credit cards were developed for those with an excellent credit history. Since the rate is one of the lowest available, proof of income and a tax return or pay stub are required to verify eligibility. An annual fee of 35 is charged to customers, but the significant decrease in interest rates may offset the additional fee. If you have good credit and excess consumer debt this may be one of the better low interest credit cards to consider.

Frills, but Low Interest Rates
For low interest rate credit cards with a rewards program, you might consider some of the American Express card offers. This credit card does not charge an annual fee and provides an introductory 0% introductory rate for up to 15 months. The ongoing APR’s are very competitive and comparably low after the introductory rate expires. Many consumers appreciate the Smart Chip that provides online security for cardholders. Customers have also voiced appreciation for immediate notification of approval when applying online.

Americans are fond of cheap credit cards, so credit card companies are responding with low interest rate credit cards that respond to the spending habits of consumers.

Points of View
If you have significant consumer debt, but you also have good credit, you might want to consider some of the very attractive Visa or MasterCard offers that are available to help minimizing annual consumer debt. This is true even when the annual fee is factored into the equation.

If, however, your consumer debt is moderate, then a card like Blue from American Express may provide a low rate with no annual fee and a rewards program that provide benefits with every future purchase.

Overview:
Low interest rate credit cards offer a benefit from the very first day. With many companies offering a 0% introductory APR you can pay down debt more rapidly. The savings will far outweigh the time you take in reviewing offers and checking all applicable fees and services.

If you have good credit, there is no reason to accept a high interest credit card unless it provides a desired acceleration in bonus rewards. Just be sure to pay off your balance as quickly as possible if this is your choice of credit options.

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Low Interest Credit Cards – The Who, What, Why, Where

01.13.2011 · Posted in Credit Card Review

Low Interest Credit Cards – The Who, What, Why, Where and How

Low interest credit cards are one of the perks of having a good credit history. For individuals who do not have a history of bad debts, possess good financials and can show a steady income over a period of time, cards with low APRs are the most cost-effect credit card alternative.

Though credit card companies issue cheap credit cards with discretion, it is possible for individuals with so-so credit to find credit cards that are a good deal. With usage of the card and good credit history, their APR can be lowered as their credit worthiness improves.

The key factors to look into when weighing the benefits of two cards that are competing for your credit are:

1) Introductory APR
2) The Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
3) Annual Fee
4) Offers, rewards, bonuses etc

The APR or the yearly rate of interest on the card is one of the prime determinants of the financial benefit that your card offers you. Some low interest credit cards offer an introductory APR of zero. In such cases you need to analyze the length of the introductory period and the regular APR charged after that. The best low interest credit card offers are those with a long introductory period and a low regular APR on your low interest credit card.

Credit card companies usually charge an annual fee. However if your credit history is good enough, some card issuers will waive the annual fee for the first year. The ideal low interest credit card for you is one which aggregates the cost and benefits in a manner that gives you the maximum financial advantage. Having a cheap credit card with lowno APR, and lowno annual fee that also offers customer rewards is like owning a luxury car that guzzles little or no fuel!

Just Before You Get Your Low Interest Credit Card

Most importantly, remember to do your comparison shopping to find the right card. For instance, is your low interest credit card a fixed rate or variable rate card? Cheap credit cards that are variable rate can be billed at different rates without notification. But remember, a low interest credit card rate, like all other credit cards, can be increased only after a 15 day notice when interest rates go higher. A little homework before you apply can save you a lot of pounds later.

Cheap Credit Cards: How Cheap Are They?

Is a cheap credit card really cheap? There are precautions that must be observed in looking at the cost of your low interest credit card over time. Sometimes credit card issuers offer low interest credit cards with an initial APR of zero. After the introductory period, the interest rate rises to negate the potential financial benefit obtained from the initial offer. Also be aware of the method your credit card uses to charge interest. Some rate calculation systems like the two cycle system may be costlier than you bargained for.

Low Interest Credit Cards: A Take-Home

1) Low interest credit cards are optimal for those with good credit
2) Find out which credit card is in sync with your needs, taking into account the carrying cost (APR) as well as rewards
3) Be aware of hidden details in your low interest credit card to avoid getting surprised
4) Use good financial sense once you have acquired your card.

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Leaping Miles with Airline Miles Credit Cards

01.06.2011 · Posted in Credit Card Review

Introduction of an airline credit card proved to be an amazing discovery and a boon for frequent travelers. Airline credit cards were aimed at fulfilling the needs of the travelers and thereby encouraging the consumer to spend. Constant and collaborative efforts of credit companies and various airline companies led to the creation of an airline credit card.

Airline miles credit cards is another innovation which allows frequent fliers to count each mile. These cards work on the same lines as normal credit cards, but differ only in the variety of services they offer and of course their ability of buying an air ticket. Both the cards follow similar procedures for fees and transactions.

Types of Airline Credit Cards

Gold, Platinum Cards are the various forms of popular airline credit cards that are available. Different cards grant a variety of Bonus Miles on the initial credit charged to the card. A Bronze airline credit card gives 5000 Bonus Miles on the first credit card charge and awards a mile for every 2 expended. 15000 Bonus Miles are offered on Platinum airline credit cards for the first credit card charge while1 mile is awarded for every 1 that is spent.

Airline Miles Credit Card Incentives

Airline miles credit cards also allow the usage of a points system where each mile traveled is counted as a point. Frequent flyers can gather mileage points after every flight. Once they touch a particular points figure, travelers get the incentive of taking free flights to different places of their choice. Hence airline miles credit cards allows the consumers to avail a facility where they can convert the rewarded points at the rate of one mile for every 1 or 2 pound charged to the credit card. This allows frequent flyers to build up miles at a quicker pace, which in turn can be bartered for flights, lodging, or even for renting a car.

Many credit companies offer lucrative sign-up incentives to their airline credit card holders. Some of them include attractive sign-ups without charging any yearly fees. Other perks include a 5000 Miles bonus on every first purchase by the airline credit card, a 0% APR charge for the initial twelve months and on every 1 expense a reward of one mile. Transfer of balances is also allowed on the airline miles credit cards.

However, APR rates keep on varying and but are valid for any airline, any seat and also do not impose blackout dates. An airline miles credit card gives the liberty to plan a trip without any worry and provides excellent facilities if you have a good credit record. Every second airline credit card offers incentives that are subject to change and also allow association with other airline companies. Some airline miles credit card allow exchanges with selected airlines all over the world, with the major car rentals, and also with some selected hotels. A relatively high regular APR after the completion of the 0% APR period is a drawback. Nevertheless, with only a good credit rating required, this card may be easier to obtain as compared to competitor airline credit cards

These credit cards also find their efficient use in shopping malls, carwashes, and hotels. Airline miles credit cards can be set to a maximum value by the airline companies to limit the monthly expenditure of the cardholders. Clients can avail of any choice from the list available. Airline companies offer various limits which are cost-effective and rational. Airline credit cards can be accessed through the internet like the other credit cards. One can do away with the pains of traveling to the nearest airport for getting an air ticket. So an air ticket is just a mouse click away by using your airline credit card.

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Know your Privileges when Using a Credit Card

12.30.2010 · Posted in Credit Card Review

Most people are not comfortable with having cash in their bags. When they go shopping, they use their credit card to pay for everything that they want to buy. Credit cards are in some ways better and safer to use than cash.

Given that you have been using your credit card for a number of years now, do you know that you are provided with certain privileges as its user? If you do not know anything about it, then it is high time you teach yourself about these rights. For instance:

1.If you buy a damaged product using your credit and the company refuses to replace it with a new one, you can have an option. You can either refuse to pay for it or you can stop the payment on your credit card and file a dispute.
2.If you find errors on your periodic account, the law will grant you a way to correct these.
3.If you lost your credit card or if it was stolen from you, your responsibility for unlawful charges is restricted provided you follow appropriate noticeable actions.

Will the company claim extra identification?

Most credit card businesses require only that a company match your signature on the proof of payment with the signature presented on your card and make sure that the card is still valid. When a clerk obliges you to write your address and telephone number or demands that you present your driver’s license, he or she is breaking a law. If this happens to you, file for a protest.

Will you present your card when you write down a check?

Writing checks for your purchase is one of the positive aspects in using a credit card. But, in some U.S states, the company does not have the right to write the credit card number on your checks. Getting your card number will still not secure the company in any manner especially if you did not sign in a credit card receipt. If for example your check bounces, the company is forbidden from charging your card for the bounced check payment.

Therefore, before using any credit cards ask for the card company about your rights to avoid any unnecessary situation between you and any other businesses.

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Know Your Cash Back Credit Card

12.23.2010 · Posted in Credit Card Review

Cash back credit cards are great for those who pay off their balances every month and don’t require a super-low interest rate. For the reward seeker who wants cold hard cash in exchange for his or her credit card loyalty, cash back credit cards pay you cash back or rebate a percentage of the money that you have spent on your credit card. Cash back credit card offers may all appear the same, however, in reality there are many different types of cash back credit cards so it pays to do a little homework before you choose your cash back credit card. Also, if you own or plan on applying for a cash back credit card know what percentage is earned on purchases, what spending categories are rewarded at higher rates and the method by which rewards are delivered to the customer.

Cash back credit cards began about 15 years ago and are very popular. The first cash back credit cards were issued by Discover and were rather simple, offering a flat percentage rate (typically 1% of purchases) rebated back to the customer in the form of a check at the end of the year or a statement credit.

Now there are many different types of cash back credit card offers out there. Some are simple others are rather complex to keep track of. Simple cash back credit card offers calculate the flat rate against all spending (or different rates for cerain category puchases, as in the case of the Citi Dividend Platinum Select Card) and show the earned amount on each month’s billing statement. The consumer may call to order a check once the amount reaches 100. However, the more complex programs can be confusing since the banks rarely show which purchase amounts earned cash back at which rate. A single earned amount is generally reported on statements or is available upon request of the reward check.

Cash back rebates are not always presented to the customer in the form of a check but also as a statement credit. Some credit card companies that provide statement credit probably find it to be the easiest delivery process since it is electronic but may not be as satisfying for you since it is reflected as a reduction on your outstanding balance. Other credit card companies will mail you a check, either on an annual basis or once you have hit a pound earnings threshold of 25, 50 or 100. In the previous years reward checks were automatically mailed, however, now it seems more common for the cash back credit card issuer to require the card members to order their reward check. This requirement means increased profits for the issuer when consumers fail to collect their earned rewards so it’s important to remain active and monitor your earnings, either online or by calling your credit card company.

At the end of the day cash back credit cards will not make you rich but it is really a nice feature of the market that you can get paid several hundred pounds per year to use a no annual fee credit card. It certainly beats being in debt and paying interest!

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Know more about the history of Credit cards

12.16.2010 · Posted in Credit Card Review

Credit cards that we use today have been all around for over half a century. The first credit card appeared in the year 1951 when some of the loan customers of the Franklin National Bank of New York were screened for credit and those who were approved were given a card to make credit purchases. The merchants who participated copied the customer information from the card to the sales slip and then the bank credited the merchant account for the loan.

Later, in the year 1958, The American Express Company began to issue a charge card for travel and entertainment charges which was accepted at the restaurants, hotels and online merchants who participated.

People who had plastic charge cards enjoyed the convenience as well as the line of credit being offered by the new bank credit cards. Merchants found that credit card customers usually spend more than when it came to pay with cash. To accept bank issued card was much safer for the merchant dealing with cash and also less expensive as compared to creating and maintaining merchant-specific credit program.

In the year 1959, Bank of America started to issue the BankAmericard within the state of California and was the first universal credit card with wide spread merchant acceptance. In 1966, Bank Card Associations began and it was the time when Bank of America formed licensing agreements with other banks. This made it possible for them to issue credit cards on a widespread basis and also to settle transactions among the participating banks.

In 1966, a group of 14 US banks formed interlink a new bankcard processing association with the ability to exchange information on credit card transactions. In the year 1967, four California banks formed the western states Bankcard Association and also introduced the Master Charge program to compete with the BankAmericard which was later renamed as Visa in the year 1976.
Visa and MasterCard are organizations both of which issue credit cards through member banks and also set and maintain the rules for processing.

With the passing time, as the bank card industry grew, banks were interested in issuing cards also became members of the Visa Card Association or the MasterCard Association.

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