Credit Cards ABC Credit Card Reviews

Is A 0 APR Credit Card Legitimate?

12.09.2010 · Posted in Credit Card Review

You see all the ads for 0 APR credit cards all around you today. However, are they for real? The truth is yes, they are for real, however, this special 0% APR does not last. You can find all kinds of credit card companies offering a 0 APR credit card for people with excellent credit. Many credit card companies are now offering 0 APR credit cards as part of their incentive program to get you to apply and begin using their credit card for all their purchases. However, there are downsides to some of these offers.

Although they are advertising a 0 APR credit card, the 0 percent APR is not for the entire time that you are a cardholder. You will have to pay close attention to learn how many months they are offering this special 0% APR, you can find them for 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months and if you are lucky for 15 months. However, now you must check if the offer also includes all new purchases and balance transfers. One company may offer 0% only on balance transfers. If you are using one of these 0 APR credit cards, you will find that you will have to pay the normal interest rate for all new purchases and all money that you pay monthly will be for paying off the original balance, so you will get stuck paying the higher interest rate on your purchases.

It goes something like this say you did a balance transfer of 5,000. This money will not incur finance charges. But then you make a purchase of 1,000 and this money will incur finance charges. You then pay off the 1,000 before you think you will incur any finance charges, however, the 1,000 is applied against the original 5,000 balance transfer. So now you will have 4,000 on the original balance transfer without any interest being charged but the 1,000 in additional purchases is being charged the regular APR, which tends to be pretty steep. Therefore, you may find that it really was not worth the money to use this 0 APR credit card after all.

Another downfall to the 0 APR credit card is that if you do not pay off the entire balance transfer before the introductory offer expires, you may find that you are paying a higher interest rate than you were with your other credit card. Reading all the terms and conditions can aid you in making an educated decision about a 0 APR credit card and whether it is for you.

As such, many of the 0 APR credit cards may sound appealing, however, after the introductory period ends on these offers, the ongoing interest rates and other fees tend to be higher than average, so you may find yourself between a financial rock and a hard place. Just because you can find a 0 APR credit card and get approved this does not mean that you are necessarily going to enjoy a financial life of luxury. Remember, however, there are other fees that are applicable so the credit card issuers are still making tidy profits with annual membership fees and fees for balance transfers. So as usual, it always pays to read the fine print.

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Introductory Rate Credit Cards: Some Popular Features

12.02.2010 · Posted in Credit Card Review

Using introductory rate credit cards has become a popular way for UK borrowers to manage credit card debt. Introductory rate credit cards offer borrowers a preferential interest rate when they first sign up for a new card. There are three main ways in which this can happen. All of the ways offer significant advantages for credit card borrowers.

0% Balance Transfers

The one that is most appealing to consumers is the 0% balance transfer offer. This offers a nil rate of interest on balances transferred to a particular credit card. There is usually a limit to how long this offer applies, but this can vary from three to 12 months, so most people will be able to find an offer that suits them.

The trick to using 0% balance transfers effectively is to move balances from card to card before the expiry of the offer period. This is known as rate surfing. Credit card companies don’t like it, because it loses them hundreds of thousands in interest. For consumers, however, rate surfing offers the chance to clear some or all of an outstanding debt. This is because payments to 0% cards reduce the debt each month instead of being applied to interest.

Fixed Low Balance Transfer Rate

Another typical introductory credit card incentive is a fixed low interest rate for the lifetime of a balance transfer. That means that the lower interest rate will apply for as long as the debt remains on the credit card. For example, if the standard variable interest rate is 13.9%, a credit card issuer might offer a reduced rate of 4.9%.

This is a good option for borrowers who have a loan or debt on which they are paying a higher interest rate. Transferring to this kind of deal can save consumers hundreds of pounds and can help them to repay debt more quickly. With this kind of deal, there is little advantage to rate surfing unless another card issuer is offering a better preferential rate.

Permanent Low Rate

A third type of credit card incentive offers a low rate on spending on the card. This is usually a few percentage points below the standard variable rate. This type of offer can be a good option for consumers who spend regularly on their credit cards. This is because most balance transfer offers have higher rates for other types of transactions such as purchases, cash withdrawals and credit card cheques.

Other Features Of Introductory Rate Credit Cards

As if low rates were not enough, many credit card issuers offer other incentives to new customers. These include:
- the ability to contribute to charity by using a particular credit card
- discounts off purchases from particular manufacturers
- cash back on purchases
- additional insurance on purchases or travel

Many credit card companies have got wise to rate surfing and now apply a one-off charge for balance transfers. It is worth shopping around to get the best combination of interest rates and other incentives.

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Introduction to Credit Cards Terminology

11.25.2010 · Posted in Credit Card Review

Ever since Stacey Smith got her credit card, she has been trying to decode the alien credit card terms that the credit card companies use. Deciphering credit card terms is a task in itself! The credit card companies use fancy language, which we dont use in our everyday use. So much so that even filling the application form is a pain. What is needed is a good credit card glossary to enable mortals like us to understand credit card terms.

We have complied a simple to understand credit card glossary. In simple words, it is card which can be used to obtain cash, goods or services up to a stipulated credit limit. The glossary covers some of the most commonly used credit card terms.

Lets begin with the most basic account number. It refers to a unique number that is assigned to every credit card. Next in the credit card terms come annual fees. Some of the credit card holders are charged annually for holding the card. This is known as annual fees. Another credit card term that would be used frequently is APR. It is the rate at which card companies charge you every year for your account.

No credit card terms dictionary is complete without the term balance transfer. It simply means moving your credit balance from one credit account to another. It helps in saving your interest payments. A credit card term that most people are afraid to come across in credit card terms is bad credit. It means poor or bad credit rating. It can be caused by late payments, exceeding card limits etc.

In credit card terms, the next word would be, cash advance. Cash advance means a loan taken through your credit card, using an ATM. Then in credit card glossary comes credit report. It is a record of your credit history that is usually consulted by lenders in order to decide whether they should lend you money or not, and how much.

In credit card terms, you will also find the term debit card. Debit card allows you to spend money on the balance available in your account – usually from a current or savings account.

Next in our list of credit card terms is grace period. It is the time period between the transaction date and billing date when the payment can be made without incurring any interest rate.

If you are going through a money crunch then this credit card term is essential for you to understand the minimum payment. Minimum payment is the smallest payment that you can pay to keep your account in good standing.

Another very important credit card term to understand is PIN number. It is the security code that you need for authorization while making money transaction through your credit card.

Next credit card term is pre approved. This means a customer who has already passed the initial credit bureau evaluation.

Heres to hoping that you would now feel more confident about using your credit cards with at least the credit card terms making some sense to you!

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Instant Credit Cards Online

11.18.2010 · Posted in Credit Card Review

Instant credit cards can now be applied for with the ability to use the credit card in just a matter of one minute. Nothing could be easier than applying and being approved online for instant credit cards.

You may be wondering how all this came to be since at one time not too long ago, it could take up to a month or more to be approved for a credit card, then receive it in the mail so you can begin reaping the benefits. What changed all this, of course, is easy access to the internet. All the major credit card companies such as American Express, CitiBank, Chase, and many more now give you the chance to fill out an application online. These websites offer a safe and secure way for you to complete the application online and then submit the application by just pushing the submit button. Now, just give them a few seconds and you will receive a response via email. Most of the time, if you have excellent or even just good credit, you will be approved, almost as fast as pushing the button and your credit card will be on its way.

Because of the internet all the information that you supplied can be verified online so you can receive approval for your instant credit cards. The banks or credit card companies can verify your credit by checking with the three national credit bureaus online, which are TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. They will get your FICO score to see what your credit rating is and learn if it meets their criteria for approving your credit card application.

Why should you apply for these instant credit cards? The answers are easy. Banks and credit card companies are always offering great incentives to get your business such as 0% APR on balance transfers or new purchases, and other types of reward programs. You can only find these special offers most of the time by surfing the internet. Needing credit quickly is another advantage of applying online for instant credit cards, because there is no wait time. You will not have to wait for 4 to 6 weeks after applying to learn if you were approved. The approval is instant. Some credit card companies that offer instant credit cards will also be able to give you special code that you can use immediately normally in the amount of 300 to 500 on the day that you are approved.

Applying online for instant credit cards can even be more secure than sending your information through regular mail. All financial websites have a way it which to code all of your information so the only people that will see the information are the ones that really need the information.

So, when you begin to think about applying for instant credit cards check out all the specials you can find online, you may be purchasing in no time.

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Instant Credit Cards – Instant Gain?

11.11.2010 · Posted in Credit Card Review

Tempted to grab those instant credit cards at the checkout counters of your favourite stores to get those cool discounts? Before you sign on the dotted line, you may want to read the fine print. Some companies offering instant card approval may not be packing as much punch as they seem to promise and saving a few bucks today with some of these offers may end up costing you quite a few more than you bargained for. But with so many options out there, there are still quite a few instant credit card approval offers that might still make sense for you.

What Are Instant Credit Cards?

While many credit card companies take time to process your application before the card arrives at your doorstep with instant credit cards, you can qualify for the card almost immediately. You can find them at retail checkout counters, department stores as well as online. And we should not forget about the never ending stream of offers received via regular mail from credit card companies pitching hard for their latest offering.

Downside Of Instant Card Approvals

Setting aside the immediacy of an instant credit card approval, there are significant pitfalls of instant card approvals to be aware of. A common misconception regarding instant card approvals is the notion that you will gain instant access to credit. The instant approval process is a filter that merely qualifies card applicants for the application process. But you still have to fill out a card application and go through the approval process like anyone else. With an instant approval, you qualify for the application process but not necessarily the card itself.

Instant credit cards can also carry higher much interest rates than traditional card offerings in the marketplace. In such cases, the card will end up costing you more money in interest than you gained in benefits. Unlike traditional card offers that currently exist, some instant credit cards will not offer an introductory interest-free period at all. And similar to traditional credit cards, the people most likely to get instant credit card approval are those with good credit histories. Instant credit cards will require an inquiry about your credit history from at least one of the major credit bureaus so make sure not to attempt to gain approval for multiple instant card approvals at once as too many credit inquiries at the same time can adversely affect your credit rating.

If you thought instant approvals were to good to be true, you may have been right. But that is no reason to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Spend some time researching various instant credit cards and compare them side by side. You can find a solid instant card approval offer with very competitive rates of interest, attractive rewards programs, balance transfer features and more. And while these type of benefits are not necessarily typical with instant credit cards, they are available, and with a little bit of effort, you can locate some very attractive offers.

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Instant Credit Card Approval – Is It Truly Instant?

11.04.2010 · Posted in Credit Card Review

The reality of instant credit card approval is somewhat different from what most people truly think. However, this does not mean that it is not the right decision for many people out there looking for a new credit card.

You see the ads all the time in newspapers, magazines, TV and on the Internet. “Instant Credit Card Approval – Apply Today!” Now you think to yourself, I could do with a new credit card, especially some instant approval credit cards. I’ll apply now and have my application sitting on their desk tomorrow, and have a new card by the end of the week. You might even use the Internet and get your instant approval credit card online. All you need to do is fill in an online form and you’ll get your card by mail in a day or two. It’s that simple! Isn’t it?

Well the reality of actually receiving instant approval credit cards this way may be a little different. When companies advertise instant credit card approval, their definition of instant and your definition may be somewhat different. Now, to you or me applying for instant approval credit cards means you get your card back instantly right away. Now for most of the credit card company’s the meaning of instant approval should read -we will start processing your application immediately.

The credit company will check your credit using the information available from credit bureaus. They normally search for information regarding your past credit history and your current status. It’s normal for a bank or credit card lender to get three or more of these reports and analyze them to make sure they make the right decision whether to give you credit or not. Unless you have an exceptionally good credit rating, sometimes as high as the top 4% in the country, then there’s no way you will get instant credit card approval. This type of search and analysis will take up to three days maybe longer. Yes-even if you have applied for an instant approval credit card online. They will still perform the same searches. It’s going to be at least four to five days but usually longer (a week or two) before your card will reach you.

If you have poor credit rating it’s probably not worth your while applying for an instant approval credit card online. When you get to the website of the majority of lenders, you’ll find it says these instant credit card approval offers are normally only available to people who have a good credit rating. It’s important you look closely at the terms and conditions stated by the card issuer or bank. Although most of them will state clearly that to be considered for these kind of instant approval credit cards you must have a good credit rating, it’s still worth applying. The companies aren’t going to break the rules, but they may bend them slightly if your credit rating is near to their qualifying standard. Don’t forget card companies and banks need customers, the person that’s dealing with your application may well take a chance and approve your application.

You may be lucky and receive notification quickly that you have been approved for an instant approval credit card online. The card will be mailed to you, you receive it and you can then go and buy whatever you want. That is quite a common misconception for people who apply for instant approval credit cards. They think they have instant access to the credit that’s been approved. A lot of banks and credit card companies will have a process where you have to validate the card, normally by phone.

As you can see, although instant credit card approval isn’t quite as instant as you might expect, it’s still a lot quicker than the old way of sending an application by snail mail, and waiting weeks for approval, so why not take look at the options available and apply today? An instant approval credit card online might just be what you have been waiting for.

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Instant Credit Card Approval – Can It Work For You?

10.28.2010 · Posted in Credit Card Review

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.

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Instant Credit Card Approval – An Ideal Way To Get

10.21.2010 · Posted in Credit Card Review

Instant Credit Card Approval – An Ideal Way To Get Credit

For those that are looking for instant credit card approval, why wait until the mail arrives? For those that are looking for a way to secure credit faster and in a simpler manner, instant approval credit cards may be the ideal choice. What are these credit cards and how do you get involved in getting them? Believe it or not, it is quite easy to benefit from these services. In addition, virtually all credit card companies are offering this service.

What Is The Service?

Instant approval credit cards are just what they sound like. They are an opportunity for you to enter your personal information and then to obtain the benefit of having an instant answer. You will find out within a matter of minutes, in most cases, if you qualify for the credit in the first place. This allows you to have answers instantly rather than waiting days or weeks for an answer in the mail. This can be a great way for you to secure the credit you need now so that you can benefit right away from it.

How Does It Work?

Securing instant credit card approval is easy to do. In short, you just need to provide your personal information. One of the most popular ways of doing this is to use an instant credit card approval online. This allows you to do all of the work on the web, cutting down the hassle and the time even more so. All you need to do at this point is to enter your personal information into the system. Then, the computerized network will pull up a credit report on you, use the information provided there, and make a decision about whether to provide you with credit or not. You get an answer instantly.

How Can I Use This?

There are several ways that you can use this type of service. First most people that are looking for credit will still be obtaining credit card applications in their mail. If you obtain one of these offers through the mail, it is quite easy for you to benefit from them. Simply, you will be able to open these mailings, determine if the credit card offer is the right one for you and then go online to accept the offer that they have presented to you. Most of the time; these credit mailings are not guaranteed if you do qualify or not. They are usually a pre screening tool. In any case, you will want to insure that the credit card offer is what you want it to be. Finally, you will be able to get instant credit card approval online simply by inputting your information on the web.

Another common way for you to secure the instant credit card approval that you are after is to simply go on the web, look for credit card offers from various merchants and then to apply for the credit card. There are some ideal websites set up that can provide you with exceptional offers for various credit cards. Visit and make the selection as to which is the right offer for you. Input your personal information. They will then do a credit check, instantly, and come back with an offer for you. You can accept the offer and secure your credit within a matter of minutes.

It Is An Opportunity

Instant credit card approval opportunities are a great tool to have. Not all credit card companies will provide for instant approval, but most do. Still, the buyer should realize if they are getting the offer that is appropriate for their needs. Then, they can secure the credit that will help to improve their lives, allow them to obtain the thing necessary and it will allow you to benefit time and time again instantly. The instant credit card approval online is an opportunity to have what you want quickly.

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Instant Approval Credit Cards – How Instant Are They?

10.14.2010 · Posted in Credit Card Review

Instant approval credit cards appear to be offers that sound too good to be true, but many people are benefiting from them in their daily lives. Our tendency is to see things skeptically, which is a reflection of the society we are living in. But such apprehensions are misplaced at least in the case of instant approval credit cards, which are often times misunderstood.

It is called an instant approval credit card because, after submitting the application, the person concerned could get the response from the credit card company regarding the status of the application within a short duration irrespective of whether it is an acceptance or a rejection. If it is a rejection, then the battle, as it were, is over. If it is an acceptance, the customer could receive the credit card by mail in a few weeks time.

But keep in mind that all of these type of credit card approvals may not be that instant. It is highly dependent on the applicants credit history and credit rating. The following article will demonstrate the exact grounds on which the credit card approvals will be instant and situations in which it may be a pending approval.

Instant approval credit cards online generally happen within a matter of seconds if the applicant has the security of an excellent credit history. The credit card company may have some credit score benchmark requirements and if the applicants figures match their criteria, they immediately approve the request. Such cases are generally cleared in less than a couple of minutes.

On the other hand, if the credit card company feels the credit rating of an applicant is less than ideal or if the credit score falls short of the benchmark, they may seek some additional information and until they finish with their background check on your credit worthiness, they will keep the application under pending status. True, such a procedure cannot be called an instant approval. But it will not lag to the degree that a traditional credit card application can. Most applications should be approved or rejected in a couple of days time.

Once the credit card has been approved, the card will be mailed to the cardholder and the entire process should take only about two weeks. So, even if it is an instant approval credit card, the applicant still has to wait around 2 weeks to receive the credit card and start using it. But, as previously mentioned, the entire process is still quicker than the traditional applicationapproval process. So if you want to expedite the credit card application process, instant approal credit cards online are definitely worth considering.

Caution Look out for those instant approval credit card companies that charge a processing fee for the instant approval. Also it is advisable to compare the benefits and reward programs associated with the instant approval credit cards against a traditional credit card before applying for one. If there is no much advantage with an instant approval credit card offered by a credit card company, what is the point in applying for one?

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Instant Approval Credit Cards – Frequently Asked Questions

10.07.2010 · Posted in Credit Card Review

Instant approval credit cards online are becoming increasingly popular among consumers. In a fast-paced society, the speed of an instant approval credit card is sought after by many individuals. But, it is important to understand as much as you can about instant approval credit cards before you choose to apply for one.

What are Instant Approval Credit Cards?

Instant approval credit cards are those that can be approved within a matter of seconds. To qualify for one of these instant approval credit cards, online applications are completed on a secure website. Using the information gained from the application, the credit card company can determine instantly if you qualify for a credit card.

Am I Guaranteed to Get an Instant Approval Credit Card?

No. Instant approval credit cards are not secured credit cards. Therefore, they still need to look at your credit history in order to determine whether or not you qualify for a credit card. If you have a poor credit history, you may be turned down for an instant approval credit card. Whether or not you receive credit approval depends on the guidelines followed by the credit card company and your personal credit history.

Can I Still Be Approved, Even if it’s Not Instant?

Yes. Instant approval credit cards sometimes need more information than what can be gained instantly in order to decide if they will approve your application. In this case, they will send you a notification letting you know that your application is being reviewed further. In this case, you will generally still know whether or not you have been approved for the credit card within a week or two, which is still much faster than non-instant approval credit cards.

Can I Start Spending Immediately?

No. Although instant approval credit cards can tell you within seconds whether or not you have been approved for an instant approval credit card online, you will have to wait to physically receive the credit card before you can start using it. Usually, your instant approval credit card will arrive to you within a couple of weeks, which is still much faster than traditional credit card application that typically take six to eight weeks.

Are There Any Differences in the Way Instant Approval Credit Cards Look?

No. Instant approval credit cards look the same as any other credit card. No one but you will know it was an instant approval credit card.

Are There Any Drawbacks to Instant Approval Credit Cards?

Maybe. Some instant approval credit cards do assess a processing fee for the convenience of receiving instant approval. If this concerns you, shop around for an instant approval credit card that does not assess these fees. There are plenty of options available. Furthermore, you might want to reconsider applying for an instant approval credit card if you do not have a need to get the card right away. If you can wait to receive the card, it better to apply for a traditional credit card in order to avoid paying unnecessary fees.

Do Instant Approval Credit Cards Have the Same Benefits as Other Credit Cards?

Yes. No two credit cards, whether they are instant approval credit cards or traditional credit cards, are the same. Therefore, they do not always include benefits such as travel insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty coverage. Nonetheless, there are plenty of instant approval credit cards available with desirable benefits such as those found on traditional credit cards.

Can I Participate in a Special Rewards Program with Instant Approval Credit Cards?

Yes. There are instant approval credit cards available that offer special cash back and rewards programs to cardholders. If you are interested in participating in one of these programs, browse through the many instant approval credit cards available in order to find one that best suits your lifestyle and needs.

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