You just got an offer in the mail for a low-interest credit card. That sounds great, right? Interest charges make debt pile up faster, so you’re inclined to jump on this credit offer right away. <p> Hold your horses, friend. Before you take the credit card company up on its offer, there are some things you need to know about low interest credit cards. They’re not all created equal, and even the phrase “low interest” can mean something very different depending on the company – or the type of charge. <p> When you get an offer for a credit card – any credit card – you should read the fine print before making a decision. Many companies will try and lure you in with offers of very low interest rates, or even no interest. But these rates don’t last forever. If you check out the card’s terms and conditions, you will almost always find that the really low interest rates are just part of an “introductory” period. These can last as little as three months or as long as fifteen, with six to twelve months being standard. <p> If you have some important purchases coming up, or if you want to transfer your debt from a high-interest card, then a low- or no-interest credit card could be a good choice for you. Pay off the balance in full before the introductory phase ends to take full advantage of the reduced rates. <p> Also check out the fine print to see which types of charges the low interest applies to. You might be paying 8% interest on purchases, but cash advances can spike that rate to 20% or higher. Balance transfers and over-the-limit purchases are also subject to higher interest rates. If you incur these types of charges very often, you’re better off with an average interest credit card that charges the same amount for cash advances as for purchases. <p> While you’re reading through the card’s terms and conditions, check out the policy on universal default. If the company participates in universal default, you should look elsewhere for your next card. Universal default means that any time you’re late on payments, your interest rate can be increased. And that increase isn’t just for late credit card payments. Your late utility bill or late car payment could affect the interest rate on your credit card. It’s best to avoid universal default. <p> Another factor to consider is the card’s grace period. A grace period is the amount of time you have between making a purchase and having that purchase start to accrue interest. The average length of a grace period is about 22 days, but some cards don’t even offer one anymore. Look for one that does. <p> Sometimes things sound like a good offer until you get into the details. Always educate yourself about a card’s terms before agreeing to become a card holder. Low interest is a great offer, but first you’ve got to determine if it’s for real. <p><br><br>This article has been provided by Creditor Web. At CreditorWeb.com you can compare over 100 credit cards from multiple banks and apply for <a href="http://www.creditorweb.com/">credit cards</a> online.

Thanks to the intense competition among credit card companies, the rewards programs and extra perks for cardholders just keep getting better. You can often use rewards programs to take free trips – or at the very least, extremely discounted vacations. Here are 21 ways credit cards can save you money on your next trip: <br><br> 1. <b> Airline Miles.</b> If you're going somewhere, you need a way to get there! Many credit cards, including the <a href="http://www.creditorweb.com/categories/airline-miles-credit-cards.html"> WorldPerks Visa Cards </a>, offer rewards in the form of airline miles. Every time you buy something with the card, you earn points or miles towards flight tickets. You may earn one mile per dollar spent, or on a handful of cards, up to five miles per dollar spent. Look for cards with a new account bonus- many cards give you enough points after your first purchase (of any dollar amount) to earn a free flight, or a sign-up offer of additional points just for becoming a cardholder. <br><br> 2. <b> Hotel Nights.</b> The next necessity when you travel is having a place to sleep! There are several credit cards that offer enough rewards points for 2 to 4 nights of free hotel stays for making your first purchase (of any dollar amount) on your new credit card, including <a href="http://www.creditorweb.com/categories/hotel-rewards-credit-cards.html">Citi Hilton Hhonors Card </a>. <br><br> 3. <b> Cash Back </b>. The other thing you need when you travel is cash. Cards that offer cash back can act like a savings account that you aren't physically contributing to. If you know you're going to take a trip in a few months, or a year, let all of your cash back rewards build up until you're ready to go and then 'cash' them in. Some cash back rewards program provide the reward in the form of gift cards, such as the <a href="http://www.creditorweb.com/categories/cash-back-credit-cards.html">Discover More Card</a>, which are also handy for travelers. <br><br> 4. <b>Go Cruising</b>. A variety of travel rewards credit cards have started offering discounts and reward point redemption towards the cost of going on a cruise, including <a href="http://www.creditorweb.com/creditcards/blue-sky-from-american-express.html">Blue Sky from American Express</a>. If you've always wanted to go on a cruise, or are a regular cruiser – here's an opportunity to save money the next time you set sail. This benefit is usually part of a basic travel or airline miles card, and is an alternative way to redeem your rewards. <br><br> 5. <b>Full Vacation Packages</b>. Travel rewards credit cards, like <a href="http://www.creditorweb.com/creditcards/miles-card-from-discover-card.html">Miles from Discover Card</a> often allow you to redeem your points or miles to obtain a full vacation package. The requirements of the offer and the destinations will vary based on the credit card you use; but for a free trip, most people won't be overly picky about where they get to go! <br><br> 6. <b>Car Rental</b>. The majority of rewards credit cards offer either free car rental opportunities or discounts on renting a vehicle when you use your credit card. <a href="http://www.creditorweb.com/creditcards/worldperks-visa-signature-card.html">WorldPerks Visa Signature Card</a> offers 3 free days of car rental. <br><br> 7. <b> Car Rental Insurance</b>. Many people don't realize that when you rent a car using a credit card, like the <a href="http://www.creditorweb.com/creditcards/citi-platinum-select-aadvantage-world-mastercard.html">Citi Platinum Select </a>often you can decline the insurance offered by the car rental company because your credit card offers a collision damage waiver and/or loss damage coverage automatically. (Just make sure you know what's covered before you decline the rental company insurance!) <br><br> 8.<b> Airport Lounge Access</b>. Your credit card rewards program may entitle you to some VIP service at the airport, including rewards offered through the <a href="http://www.creditorweb.com/creditcards/merrill-plus-card.html">MERRILL+ card</a>. Roll out the red carpet! Airports have private lounges set aside for frequent travelers and people who travel on business (or who have a lot of money and pay extra for the lounge access). Some lounges offer complimentary beverages and snacks, internet access, and televisions to help pass the time during a layover or plane delay. <br><br> 9. <b> Travel Accident Insurance </b>. Many travelers purchase travel accident insurance whenever they're going on vacation or traveling for business. What you may not realize is that there are hundreds of credit cards that offer travel accident insurance coverage, including the majority of <a href="http://www.creditorweb.com/issuers/chase.html">Chase</a> issued cards, whenever you use the card to make your travel arrangements. There are both domestic travel accident insurance options and worldwide travel accident insurance. <br><br> 10. <b>Walt Disney World</b>. What family doesn't want to take a trip to see Mickey at Walt Disney World? There are a number of credit cards offering specific rewards programs that help you save money on a Walt Disney World vacation, including the <a href="http://www.creditorweb.com/creditcards/disney-rewards-visa-card.html ">Disney Rewards Visa Card</a> - from Disney hotel stays, to the airfare that gets you there, to theme park tickets and Disney themed merchandise. <br><br> 11. <b>Wireless Phone Discounts</b>. When traveling, you pretty much always have a reason to call home. Several credit cards include wireless phone discounts, including the <a href="http://www.creditorweb.com/creditcards/att-universal-platinum-card.html">AT&T Universal Savings Platinum Card</a>, which offers 30 free phone minutes each month as well as 2 free directory assistance calls per month. <br><br> 12. <b>Dining Rewards </b>. You've got to eat, whether at home or on the road. Thousands of credit cards provide dining rewards, including the majority of the <a href="http://www.creditorweb.com/issuers/bank-of-america.html"> Bank of America</a> issued credit cards, in the form of gift cards to specific restaurants or discounts on your dining bill. <br><br> 13. <b> Emergency Roadside Assistance</b>. Just about every <a href="http://www.creditorweb.com/issuers/capital-one.html">Capital One</a> credit card offers this feature, among other credit cards. This credit card benefit is great whether you're at home or traveling. If you breakdown and your credit card offers emergency roadside assistance, you can make a simple phone call and get help. <br><br> 14. <b>Emergency Cash Disbursment</b>. Some credit card's include a benefit to assist you if you find yourself without cash in an emergency, including the <a href="http://www.creditorweb.com/creditcards/worldperks-visa-platinum-card.html">WorldPerks Visa Platinum card</a>. Call the number for customer service, explain your situation, and money will be made available to you. <br><br> 15. <b>Membership in Travel Clubs</b>. A number of credit cards offer the additional benefit of complimentary membership into a travel club, such as the <a href="http://www.creditorweb.com/creditcards/worldperks-visa-signature-card.html">WorldPerks Visa Signature Card</a> and the Hideaway Aficionado Club membership. The specific benefits of each travel club will vary, but can include things like VIP services at resorts, hotels and villas, upgraded rooms on cruises, and more. <br><br> 16. <b>Theft Protection</b>. When you use credit cards offering theft protection coverage (no liability for unauthorized purchases and fraudulent use) you can avoid the hassle of getting and using travelers checks. Almost all credit cards provide some level of theft protection these days, including <a href="http://www.creditorweb.com/creditcards/american-express-preferred-rewards-gold-card.html">American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Card</a>, and the majority of <a href="http://www.creditorweb.com/issuers/bank-of-america.html">Bank of America</a> issued credit cards. <br><br> 17. <b>Free Companion Ticket</b>. Watch for special travel bonus offers, such as the “free companion ticket” currently offered from <a href="http://www.creditorweb.com/creditcards/citi-premierpass-card---elite-level.html">Citi PremierPass Elite</a>- you basically get two flights for the price of one with these offers, perfect if you're traveling with a partner. <br><br> 18. <b> Concierge Service</b>. As individuals lives get busier, credit cards are attempting to service the busy lifestyle by offering a benefit of a concierge service. Some cards, including the <a href="http://www.creditorweb.com/creditcards/merrill-plus-card.html">MERRILL+ card</a>, offer 24/7 concierge service to cardholders and can help you find a destination, make travel arrangements or send gifts. <br><br> 19. <b>Gas discounts</b>. If your idea of a good vacation or trip involves hitting the open road, a gas rebate or discount reward program is a good way to save money on the high costs of fueling up. <a href="http://www.creditorweb.com/categories/gas-credit-cards.html">Gas cards</a>, including the BP Visa Rewards Card, offer 5% rebates on all gas purchases. <br><br> 20.<b>Regional Discounts</b>. Whether you live or travel frequently to Chicago, LA, or New York, there are three credit cards that offer discounts in each of these cities to cardholders of the <a href="http://www.creditorweb.com/creditcards/in-la-card-from-american-express.html">IN:LA</a>, <a href="http://www.creditorweb.com/creditcards/in-chicago-card-from-american-express.html">IN:Chicago</a>, and <a href="http://www.creditorweb.com/creditcards/in-nyc-card-from-american-express.html">IN:New York </a> cards offered through American Express. <br><br> 21. <b>Sports Travel Discounts</b>. Cards like the <a href="http://www.creditorweb.com/creditcards/nfl-extra-points-visa-card.html">NFL Extra Points Platinum Plus card</a>, give cardholders the opportunity to save on sports event tickets, gain VIP access to events, and save on sports themed merchandise at participating retailers. <br><br> <br><br> <i>Rewards, discounts, and benefits of specific credit cards mentioned were accurate as of 3/28/08; and can change at any time at the discretion of the credit card issuers.</i><br><br>This article has been provided by Creditor Web. At CreditorWeb.com you can compare over 100 credit cards from multiple banks and apply for <a href="http://www.creditorweb.com/">credit cards</a> online.

For many of us, credit reports are mysterious, and sometimes scary, records of our financial history. We know that we should check them often; invalid items show up sometimes which need to be disputed. But did you know that businesses can pull your credit report without your permission? It’s true. And when you consider the fact that pulling your report can potentially lower your credit score, it’s no wonder some card holders are unhappy. <p> Why does it affect your score when someone checks your credit? It doesn’t always. Sometimes creditors can check your credit report with a “soft” inquiry, which doesn’t count against you. This is the type of credit check that is performed when you check your own credit or get pre-screened by credit card companies. “Hard” inquiries occur when you actively apply for a line of credit, such as a credit card or a loan. These inquiries can decrease your credit score. Creditors don’t like to see a lot of hard inquiries in a short period of time. When too many hard inquiries are present, the suggestion is that you’re applying for more credit than you can handle – a big no-no. <p> Problems start when businesses use hard inquiries without a person’s knowledge or consent. It’s typical for employers to check your credit in this way, but even rental car agencies will pull your credit report if you reserve a car using a debit card rather than a credit card. Renting a car is not a good reason for a decrease in your credit score. Some customers have been able to dispute these hard inquiries in the same way that they dispute other items on their credit reports. Others aren’t overly concerned. Hard inquiries lose their impact over a relatively short amount of time. <p> There are other circumstances where your credit report can be subject to hard inquiries without your consent. These include credit transactions and collections; any business transaction that you initiate; underwriting insurance; reviewing any open account to ensure that your credit is still good enough to qualify for said account; and determining your eligibility for government benefits which are dependent upon your financial situation. <p> If you’re concerned about items that could be having a negative impact on your credit score, order a copy of your credit report. You’re eligible for one free copy per year. Visit a site like <a href="http://www.annualcreditreport.com">AnnualCreditReport.Com</a> to request your report from all three of the major credit bureaus – Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. <p> Once you receive your report, dispute any items that you feel are undeserved. You can do this by sending a certified letter to the creditor and the credit bureaus stating your claim that the items are invalid and should be removed. The FTC offers a <a href="http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre21.shtm">sample letter template</a> on their web site. The creditor will have thirty days to respond. If they fail to prove that the item is valid, it will be removed from your credit report. You’re entitled to a copy of the corrected report. Also, think about subscribing to a low-cost credit monitoring service to keep an eye on your credit score and the things that affect it. <p> It’s a sad truth that we don’t always have control over the things that impact our credit score. But by ordering your credit report and disputing any unwarranted negative items, you will have the satisfaction of righting the wrongs and saving your financial future. <p><br><br>This article has been provided by Creditor Web. At CreditorWeb.com you can compare over 100 credit cards from multiple banks and apply for <a href="http://www.creditorweb.com/">credit cards</a> online.

Maybe you’re trying to improve your credit score so that you can qualify for a home loan. Maybe you’ve found that the rising cost of gas and groceries is leaving you with precious little money with which to pay down your credit cards. Or maybe you’re just tired of seeing hundreds of dollars fly out of your wallet each month to pay for that lovely family vacation you took – two years ago. The reasons vary, but the story remains the same: All over the world, people want to get rid of their debt. And they want to do it fast. <p> Is it even possible to pay off thousands of dollars of debt in a short amount of time? Yes, if you’re willing to do what it takes. A little scrimping and penny-pinching today will save you from heavy debt and interest charges down the road. Wouldn’t you like to be debt-free by this time next year? Surely that would be worth sacrificing a few trips to Starbucks. <p> To pay off your credit cards in a timely manner, you must first forget that you ever heard the phrase “minimum monthly payment”. Paying the minimum amount required by your credit card company will do nothing to get rid of your debt. In fact, it could take decades before your cards are paid off with minimum payments. <p> Find a way to double or even triple your credit card payments each month. If your minimum monthly payment is $150, send in $300 instead. This might sound daunting, but it’s the surest path to a debt-free tomorrow. Make some small changes in your daily life to compensate. For example, start cooking at home instead of eating out. Negotiate lower interest rates on your credit cards. Reduce your energy bill and other utilities. Get rid of monthly charges you don’t really need, like super-deluxe satellite television packages. When you down-size your other bills, you can devote more money to getting rid of your credit card debt. <p> Debt consolidation is another option. Go with a lender you trust, such as your personal bank. Try to arrange a personal debt consolidation loan, then use it to pay off the balances on your cards. The loan will likely have a much lower interest rate than the cards. You’ll end up with one loan rather than many indebted accounts, and you’ll have lower payments to tackle each month. <p> If your credit card debt is small to moderate but subject to high interest rates, try transferring it to a 0% interest credit card. Just be sure to pay off the balance before the 0% introductory phase runs out – typically 6 to 12 months after card activation. <p> These debt-reduction strategies can be used by anyone. Start now before your debt becomes unmanageable. You don’t want to file for bankruptcy just because you overspent! Instead, take the hard road for a few months in order to have smooth financial sailing down the road. <p><br><br>This article has been provided by Creditor Web. At CreditorWeb.com you can compare over 100 credit cards from multiple banks and apply for <a href="http://www.creditorweb.com/">credit cards</a> online.

Universal default – two words that should strike fear into the heart of any credit card holder. What is it? Why is it so terrible? And does your credit card participate in universal default? <p> Universal default is a clause in many credit card agreements which states that if the card holder defaults on payments – any payments – they can be subject to an increase in interest on their credit cards. And when we say that any payments can affect this, we mean any: utilities, car notes, mortgages, and other payments that have nothing whatsoever to do with your credit card account. This might not sound fair, but it’s the basis of universal default. <p> It makes sense, in a way. If you are late on payments, it can affect your credit score. And when your credit score is lowered, you become a less desirable customer for credit card companies. The agreement you signed was tailored to your credit score at the time. The same agreement might not be a safe bet for a customer with a worse score. <p> Still, it just feels shady and opportunistic, as if the companies are looking for any reason to raise your rates. That, too, makes good business sense, as the industry is facing high levels of default and delinquency. But it doesn’t do much to endear customers and earn their loyalty. <p> If your credit cards participate in universal default, you could have an unpleasant surprise any time something occurs which lowers your credit score. Imagine struggling through a difficult financial period, only to find that your cards’ interest rates have doubled or, in some cases, tripled. Critics of universal default point out the dangers of overcharging someone who is already in dire straits, causing them to risk default with all of their lenders. <p> There is also the fact that credit reports aren’t infallible. Creditors make mistakes, and identity theft can account for charges that you never authorized. If your credit card interest rate has increased because of errors on your report, you have the right to get your previous interest rate reinstated. Credit bureaus are also required to correct the problem and send you a free copy of the corrected report. <p> To protect yourself, take a hard, close look at the terms and conditions of all of your credit card agreements. Look for a clause that mentions universal default. If you’re still unsure, call the customer service number and speak to an agent. Ask them if they use universal default. If they do, go elsewhere to get a credit card. Credit cards are a business, and the companies will look after their own best interests. It’s only fair that you look after yours. <p> Congress itself has warned the credit card industry against what they deem an unfair and predatory practice, but only CitiBank has voluntarily removed their universal default provision. As Congress pushes for change, these provisions might start disappearing altogether – voluntarily or not.<br><br>This article has been provided by Creditor Web. At CreditorWeb.com you can compare over 100 credit cards from multiple banks and apply for <a href="http://www.creditorweb.com/">credit cards</a> online.