Credit Card Late Fees - How to Avoid Them
By Joseph Kenny
Credit cards have become a common means of paying bills. It is very convenient because you need not make any cash payments from your pocket. Though credit cards are easy to use, they come with a fee that is charged by the credit card company. It is advisable to pay credit card fees on time because being late will cost you a lot of money.
Many credit card companies charge a penalty for late fees, so it is advisable to pay up in time, to avoid the penalty. The average late fee for credit card used to be 12 dollars in 1994; by 2004, it rose to 32.65 dollars. It has now gone up to a whopping 39-40 dollars. Hence, it is prudent not to delay your payment.
You can stay away from late fees by various methods.
1. The best way to avoid late fees is to be fully aware of all the conditions and restrictions related to your credit card company. You can get the information of the guidelines on the back of the credit card bill that your company sends you. Try to make use of the specified instructions of payment in order to ensure that your money reaches them on time, without any problem.
2. Having a good record can always help. As a responsible credit card user, you must try to maintain a good record of your payments because many companies that issue credit cards make considerations on the late fees if you have a good payment record. They do this as a special courtesy for their responsible customers.
3. If you forget to pay your credit card fees, and the due date is already upon you, you can avoid the late fees by paying via the telephone, instead of using the mail. To enable this, there is a toll free number on the back of every credit card. In order to make payment you need a check number and a bank routing number. You can find these numbers at the bottom of every check. Once you make the payment you should tear off that check, as you cannot use it again. Some credit card companies keep this facility free of cost for their customers while others charge about 5 to 20 dollars. Make it a point to ask your credit card company about this facility.
4. In case your company does not offer you the facility to pay your bills by phone, then you can always use express mail for payments. Although using the express method may cost you extra money, it will be less than the late fee that your issuer may impose on you. Besides, it will help you send your money to the company as soon as possible.
5. Try paying online. Many companies accept payment through the Internet. This method can prove to be very useful if you are traveling.
6. If you do not have the required cash to pay your bills and the due date is approaching, then you can talk to your credit card company and set your own due date for payment. Set the due date at a time when your salary arrives. Hence, enabling you to pay your bills without late fees.
Therefore, in order to keep your credit card use hassle-free, remember to make your payments on time and in the right manner specified by your credit card issuer. Try and stay out of the late-payment cycle to avoid the extra cost in the form of late fees.
Joe Kenny writes for CardGuide.co.uk, offering UK credit card comparison, visit them today for more best buy credit cards.
Visit today: www.cardguide.co.uk
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Kenny
http://EzineArticles.com/?Credit-Card-Late-Fees---How-to-Avoid-Them&id=346522
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Monday, April 9, 2007
credit card processing company in USA
Leading Credit Card Providers
By Jin Kim
There are hundreds of banks and financial organizations providing credit cards in the United States. American Express Co., Discover Financial Services, Citibank of America, Chase Bank and HSBC Bank are some of the prominent players in the business.
American Express Co., operating in over 130 countries around the globe, offers a number of credit cards to meet the different needs of various customers including common man, businessman and students. Some of the American Express credit cards currently available are: Blue from American Express, Blue Cash, Blue for Students, Blue Sky from American Express, Optima Platinum Card, Clear from American Express. The company also provides city-based credit cards like New York City Card, Chicago Card and Los Angeles Card. You can avail several benefits with these cards.
Blue from American Express has no annual fee and a competitive 0% APR for the first 15 months. It provides a grace period or free period up to 20 days. You can also apply for additional cards and you do not have to pay any fee. Besides, you can share all the benefits and services with the additional card holders. It is also suitable for balance transfer. It offers a low balance transfer fixed APR of 3.99% until you pay the balance in full. There are several other benefits you can get with this card.
Another big player in credit card market, Chase Bank offers a number of credit cards under different categories. It provides general purpose credit cards, rebate credit cards, retail cards, student cards, entertainment cards, travel cards, military cards, sports cards and business cards. Under general purpose cards, it has Chase Flexible Rewards Visa Cards, Chase Free Cash Rewards, Chase Platinum Master Card, Chase Platinum Visa Card, Chase Perfect Card and Chase Travel Plus. There are cash back offers, discounts in purchases with these cards.
With Chase Flexible Rewards Visa Cards, you can get incentives with every dollar you spend. You will get 1 point for every $1 you spend and when you collect 2,500 points you can redeem for your choice of travel, cash, and merchandise or gift certificates/gift cards. You do not have to pay any annual fee for this card. It charges 0% fixed APR for up to 12 months and after that you will be charged a variable APR of 13.99%.
Discover Financial Services, a business unit of Morgan Stanley, provides Discover credit cards. Under this card brand, you can avail Discover Classic Card, Discover Gold Card, Discover Platinum Card, Miles Card from Discover Card and an array of affinity cards. It has also special cards like Discover student cards and Discover credit cards.
With the Discover Platinum card, you will get cash reward with every purchase. It provides 5% cash back on purchases made at some select products and up to 1% cash back on all other purchases. Its APR is 0% for purchases until the last day of the billing period ending August 2007. Thereafter you will be charge the standard APR, an estimated rate between 11.24% and 18.24%. It offers 0% APR for balance transfers till the last day of the billing period. After that the standard APR for purchases is charged. In case of default, the APR will be between 16.24% and 28.99%. For cash advances, it charges 21.99% for Discover Gold Card, 20.99% for Discover Platinum Card, and 22.99% for Discover Classic Card.
Bank of America, one of the world's leading financial service companies for individuals, small businesses, commercial, corporate and institutional clients, offers credit cards for different categories of people beside the standard credit cards. It has a wide variety of low APR, 0% intro APR, airline mile and reward credit cards. There are other credit card providers like Capital One, MBNA Corporation, First USA Bank, Providian JCB International Credit Card Co., Juniper Bank, Cetelem, Orchard Bank, AirPlus International, Direct Merchants Bank, USA Paycard, RBC Royal Bank, First Premier Bank, etc.
CreditMe.com is a free online credit cards review and application website. We offer credit cards selection from visa, master cards, bank of America, orchard bank, discover, American express, citicards, visa credit cards, and many others. We have quite some categories and hundreds of credit cards selection to fit your need. Compare credit cards at CreditMe.com now.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jin_Kim
http://EzineArticles.com/?Leading-Credit-Card-Providers&id=516632
By Jin Kim
There are hundreds of banks and financial organizations providing credit cards in the United States. American Express Co., Discover Financial Services, Citibank of America, Chase Bank and HSBC Bank are some of the prominent players in the business.
American Express Co., operating in over 130 countries around the globe, offers a number of credit cards to meet the different needs of various customers including common man, businessman and students. Some of the American Express credit cards currently available are: Blue from American Express, Blue Cash, Blue for Students, Blue Sky from American Express, Optima Platinum Card, Clear from American Express. The company also provides city-based credit cards like New York City Card, Chicago Card and Los Angeles Card. You can avail several benefits with these cards.
Blue from American Express has no annual fee and a competitive 0% APR for the first 15 months. It provides a grace period or free period up to 20 days. You can also apply for additional cards and you do not have to pay any fee. Besides, you can share all the benefits and services with the additional card holders. It is also suitable for balance transfer. It offers a low balance transfer fixed APR of 3.99% until you pay the balance in full. There are several other benefits you can get with this card.
Another big player in credit card market, Chase Bank offers a number of credit cards under different categories. It provides general purpose credit cards, rebate credit cards, retail cards, student cards, entertainment cards, travel cards, military cards, sports cards and business cards. Under general purpose cards, it has Chase Flexible Rewards Visa Cards, Chase Free Cash Rewards, Chase Platinum Master Card, Chase Platinum Visa Card, Chase Perfect Card and Chase Travel Plus. There are cash back offers, discounts in purchases with these cards.
With Chase Flexible Rewards Visa Cards, you can get incentives with every dollar you spend. You will get 1 point for every $1 you spend and when you collect 2,500 points you can redeem for your choice of travel, cash, and merchandise or gift certificates/gift cards. You do not have to pay any annual fee for this card. It charges 0% fixed APR for up to 12 months and after that you will be charged a variable APR of 13.99%.
Discover Financial Services, a business unit of Morgan Stanley, provides Discover credit cards. Under this card brand, you can avail Discover Classic Card, Discover Gold Card, Discover Platinum Card, Miles Card from Discover Card and an array of affinity cards. It has also special cards like Discover student cards and Discover credit cards.
With the Discover Platinum card, you will get cash reward with every purchase. It provides 5% cash back on purchases made at some select products and up to 1% cash back on all other purchases. Its APR is 0% for purchases until the last day of the billing period ending August 2007. Thereafter you will be charge the standard APR, an estimated rate between 11.24% and 18.24%. It offers 0% APR for balance transfers till the last day of the billing period. After that the standard APR for purchases is charged. In case of default, the APR will be between 16.24% and 28.99%. For cash advances, it charges 21.99% for Discover Gold Card, 20.99% for Discover Platinum Card, and 22.99% for Discover Classic Card.
Bank of America, one of the world's leading financial service companies for individuals, small businesses, commercial, corporate and institutional clients, offers credit cards for different categories of people beside the standard credit cards. It has a wide variety of low APR, 0% intro APR, airline mile and reward credit cards. There are other credit card providers like Capital One, MBNA Corporation, First USA Bank, Providian JCB International Credit Card Co., Juniper Bank, Cetelem, Orchard Bank, AirPlus International, Direct Merchants Bank, USA Paycard, RBC Royal Bank, First Premier Bank, etc.
CreditMe.com is a free online credit cards review and application website. We offer credit cards selection from visa, master cards, bank of America, orchard bank, discover, American express, citicards, visa credit cards, and many others. We have quite some categories and hundreds of credit cards selection to fit your need. Compare credit cards at CreditMe.com now.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jin_Kim
http://EzineArticles.com/?Leading-Credit-Card-Providers&id=516632
Friday, March 16, 2007
Credit Card Processing Company in USA
How to Understand Credit Card Processing
By Mario G. Churchill
Many people are aware that after they fill out a credit card application, it has to go through a few considerations on behalf of the credit card company, and that this is known as credit card processing. This process may seem to be a vague technicality for individuals who apply for a credit card, through which they will eventually learn if their application for the credit card will be approved or denied. By understanding specifically what happens during the credit card processing procedure, an individual can make sure that their information will be applied to a card that they will be more likely to get accepted when it comes to their application. If a person tries to apply for too many cards at once, they may be denied only on the basis that too many people or companies are accessing their credit file at that point in time. A person that applies to a bunch of credit cards all at once may be desperate about their financial situation and will apply for any and every credit card just to help ensure that they will be able to get some help. However, this approach may end up hurting the individual more than helping, and they may not be able to get any help from any of the credit card companies for which they apply. By understanding what is being looked at in the credit card processing state, an individual can more accurately ensure that they will be able to get a credit card by making sure that their personal information falls in line with what the credit card company is looking for in their candidates.
A credit score is a person’s rating based on the credit that they have accumulated over the years. The higher a person’s score is, the more likely they are to be considered a successful candidate for the credit card company and in return be issued a card. There are a number of things that will influence a person’s credit rating and even if a person does not know their exact credit score, they can generate a fairly accurate idea of what it would be by looking at the different things that generate the score. For example, making timely payments for other credit cards and bills will increase the rating. Missing payments will likely detract from the rating. Having more bills and credit cards and loans will make a person less likely to get another credit card, and this is especially the case when the individual has missed payments on any of these things within the last 12-24 months. There is one instance in the United States in which a person’s credit will not be affected. This is if a person misses a medical bill payment or has outstanding debt with a physician, hospital or other medical company.
The social security number will be needed as well. This is required to be valid and will be used in order to check the credit of the individual. Because of this, it is very important that the person be able to supply the correct and accurate social security number. If the name and social security number do not match up, the individual will not be able to get approved since the company will not be able to accurately research the individual.
Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written many articles on various subjects. For more information on blue american express or to get a american express blue card checkout his websites.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mario_G._Churchill
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Understand-Credit-Card-Processing&id=479143
By Mario G. Churchill
Many people are aware that after they fill out a credit card application, it has to go through a few considerations on behalf of the credit card company, and that this is known as credit card processing. This process may seem to be a vague technicality for individuals who apply for a credit card, through which they will eventually learn if their application for the credit card will be approved or denied. By understanding specifically what happens during the credit card processing procedure, an individual can make sure that their information will be applied to a card that they will be more likely to get accepted when it comes to their application. If a person tries to apply for too many cards at once, they may be denied only on the basis that too many people or companies are accessing their credit file at that point in time. A person that applies to a bunch of credit cards all at once may be desperate about their financial situation and will apply for any and every credit card just to help ensure that they will be able to get some help. However, this approach may end up hurting the individual more than helping, and they may not be able to get any help from any of the credit card companies for which they apply. By understanding what is being looked at in the credit card processing state, an individual can more accurately ensure that they will be able to get a credit card by making sure that their personal information falls in line with what the credit card company is looking for in their candidates.
A credit score is a person’s rating based on the credit that they have accumulated over the years. The higher a person’s score is, the more likely they are to be considered a successful candidate for the credit card company and in return be issued a card. There are a number of things that will influence a person’s credit rating and even if a person does not know their exact credit score, they can generate a fairly accurate idea of what it would be by looking at the different things that generate the score. For example, making timely payments for other credit cards and bills will increase the rating. Missing payments will likely detract from the rating. Having more bills and credit cards and loans will make a person less likely to get another credit card, and this is especially the case when the individual has missed payments on any of these things within the last 12-24 months. There is one instance in the United States in which a person’s credit will not be affected. This is if a person misses a medical bill payment or has outstanding debt with a physician, hospital or other medical company.
The social security number will be needed as well. This is required to be valid and will be used in order to check the credit of the individual. Because of this, it is very important that the person be able to supply the correct and accurate social security number. If the name and social security number do not match up, the individual will not be able to get approved since the company will not be able to accurately research the individual.
Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written many articles on various subjects. For more information on blue american express or to get a american express blue card checkout his websites.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mario_G._Churchill
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Understand-Credit-Card-Processing&id=479143
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