Building Your Credit History

Today, credit is an indispensable part of our lives. In order to get the things you need, such as a home or a car, you have to apply for a credit. But you cannot get a credit without having a credit history, and you cannot get a good quality credit without having a good credit history. So, it is important to start building your credit history when you're young.

When applying for a credit, if you don't have a credit history, it is possible your credit application to be denied. This means you definitely need to start building a credit history. There are different ways to start a credit history. If you're a student, you can get a student card from the companies that offer such special cards. On this credit card you can charge your necessities and at the same time build your own credit history.

When you're a young adult and you have always used checks or paid cash for your purchases you'll soon realize that you cannot apply for a credit as you don't have a credit history. A secured credit card can really help you. These secured credit cards are considered a first step for those with no credit history. For obtaining a secured credit card a deposit is required and the spending limit is equal to the amount of the deposit. To make sure you're building a good credit history with this first credit card, be careful not to go over the limit and pay your bills on time. After some time, depending on each company, you can apply for an unsecured credit card but only if you have a good credit history.

There are also other more simple ways of starting a credit history. One easy solution is to open a savings or checking account that will definitely show how you are able to manage your money. Or if you have a cellular phone or a pager and pay your bills on time every month, you can demonstrate that you're capable to control your money wisely. Another way is to consider applying for a card offered by gasoline companies or retail stores. This type of card has a low credit limit and can be paid off each month.

All above methods are just first steps in building a credit history. The next steps are also important because they will greatly influence the history you have started building. Every time you pay or not pay a bill on time your credit history registers it. Having a good credit history shows that you are a person that treats debts responsibly and you're likely to pay back the money that you want to borrow. To gain the confidence of the credit companies they have to see on your credit history that you treat with responsibility every bill. So make sure to pay the total minimum due on every one of your bills and do an effort to pay them by the statement due date so that they arrive on time. Also do you best to pay at least the minimum, if not the entire, balance each month. Try to never skip payments; it doesn't look good on your credit history.

If you ever feel that your debts are getting out of control, immediately seek help from a financial counselor. He will be able to evaluate the entire situation better than you can and he can find the best solution that will get you out of that massy situation. A financial counselor will also advise you to annually check your credit report for any errors that may appear. Then, if any errors are present, correct them immediately.

It is not difficult to start building a credit history; it just takes time and a lot of patience from your side. Yet, we have to admit that the difficult part is to build a good credit history for which you must be able to demonstrate that you can wisely manage your money. Keep in mind that a good credit history will only bring you benefits.

Identity Theft Exploding: Here's How You Can Avoid Becoming A Victim

Americans are more concerned about identity theft than unemployment or corporate fraud, according to a survey of 2,000 people conducted by Star Systems.

Nine out of ten Americans demand new federal legislation, while two-thirds say the financial services industry needs to do a better job of verifying the identity of customers who open bank accounts (66 percent) and credit card accounts (72 percent).

Some 5.6 percent of respondents reported being victims of identity theft, which translates to 12 million people. When debit and credit card fraud and identity theft were combined, close to 15.9 percent of consumers say they have been the victim of one of these crimes. (Source: Star Systems, 2003)

For most of us, using your debit or credit card to make a purchase has become an every day aspect of life. Many of us do it every day and feel safe in doing so.

But it is far from safe. People with your debit or credit card information may make purchases with your card information over the telephone, via the Internet, or at a local retail store.

As we moved to a cashless system of transactions by debit or credit card, a relatively simple crime niche has grown – identity theft and fraud.

Some law enforcement authorities are not pursuing the crime in a coordinated and cooperative fashion. Thus, a situation has grown that affords the people who perpetrate such acts of theft and fraud, act with a degree of confidents that they will not get caught.

What can you do to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of identity theft or fraud?

Here is a list of actions that you can take to avoid becoming a victim of identity crimes.

1. Never throw receipts or statements away that have personal information on them. The trash is the greatest repository of information for the identity thief. Even better, shred everything that has identifying information on it (transaction receipts, etc.).

2. Pay to have an unlisted telephone number in your local telephone directory.

3. Take as much identification off of your personal checks and driver's license as possible. Thus, no home addresses, phone numbers, or social security numbers on personal checks. Last only your last name and first initial rather than your full name. You want a retail clerk to check your ID when you are cashing a check.

Most states now provide a photo ID on all new automobile drivers licenses issued. If you do not have one, conceder getting your licenses renewed now to get a photo ID for identification purposes. Do not put your social security number on your driver's license.

4. Check your bank accounts for suspicious activity everyday, this can be done online via the Internet.

5. Have your middle initial removed from all public documentation if possible. Middle initials help identity thieves narrow down their searches for victims.

6. If someone calls you asking for your personal information on the telephone – do not provide any personal information to anyone over the phone.

7. Don't leave your mail out overnight. If you will be away from home for any period of time: have your home mail delivery stopped. If possible, secure a locked mail box at your local post office or a retail store mail box service for your home mail delivery.

If you go on vacation, have your mail and newspaper delivery stopped and arrange to have your yard maintained. Include the post office, newspaper service, and your friends or neighbors to insure that your home looks as if it is occupied while you are gone.

For a checklist for your home security while you are away see – www.ProtectionConnect.com/homesecuritychecklist.html or www.ProtectionConnect.com/sitemap.html#home

8. Write “Check ID” on the back of your debit or credit cards next to your signature. In that way, when a retail store checks your signature on your card, they will verify that the card is being used by the proper individual.

9. Be aware of people standing too close to you and “shoulder surfing” you while you conduct your ATM transactions.

If you do become a victim of an identity crime – do the following:

1. Demand to file a police report no matter how unwilling the law enforcement office may be. Make sure to get a copy or at least the report number.

2. In the case of card fraud, make sure to cancel your card and report it as stolen to your credit card company as soon as you find out.

Immediately, fill out affidavits with the appropriate financial institution denying that you were the one who made the relevant purchases. In most cases, the banks will respond with up to a 30-day process that requires the businesses that accepted the fraudulent transactions to repay the banks.

3. Report the fraud to the three major credit bureaus:

* TransUnion

Post Office Box 2000

Chester, PA 19022

* Equifax

Equifax Equifax Credit Information Services, Inc

Post Office Box 740241

Atlanta, GA 30374

1.888.766.0008

* Experian

Consumer Information

Post Office Box 1909

Orange, CA 92865

4. The U.S. Secret Service handles fraud cases that cross state borders. If you know that your case applies, contact their local office to make them aware of your case. If it is part of a broader fraud case, you may be contacted by an agent.

5. You can also fill out a complaint form with the Federal Trade Commission, although this is strictly used to track national identity theft statistics.

Copyright Steven Presar

Do you Know the Benefits of Checking your Credit Report?

Do you know why you should check your credit report?

Of course you do, because you have undoubtedly experienced one working in your life!

No matter where you roam, your credit report follows you through life, updating all aspects of your life: your employment, where you live, your opened credit accounts, your closed accounts, your payment history, and even public records on you.

In this country, a good credit history brings you benefits of all kinds--a home mortgage, an apartment lease, an auto loan, or even more credit--with ease.

Like a job resume, your credit file carries a lot of weight, that's why you need to keep an eye on what it says about you.

Many options are cut off to you if you do not look "credit worthy" on paper. A bad report can mean higher rates on loans and insurance. It can also mean whether you get hired or promoted by a growing number of employers who now use them in the evaluation process.

Even if you think you have a good credit standing and you pay your bills on time, you still need to review your credit file for accuracy.

Studies have shown that credit files have an error rate as high as 70%, often the result of simple human or computer error.

Sometimes these errors show you being late in paying your bills when you are not. Your file might even leave out information that could sway a decision in your favor. The most common error is where damaging information of another person, with a similar name or account number, is mixed into your profile.

Monitor your personal credit file so that you are alerted whenever negative or derogatory items are reported against you.

A neglected credit file can lead to some major inconveniences in your life in the future.

You should fix mistakes or remove any incorrect information as soon as you find it. Errors that creep onto your report take time to correct. Catching these mistakes when they occur helps resolve them faster.

When you improve your credit worthiness you can qualify for better rates - which adds up to big savings for you.

Even if you think you have an unblemished past, checking your report lets you know what a future lender or employer will learn about you.

If your credit report is less than perfect now, you can deal with lingering problems effectively, and move towards a better credit standing in the future.

A good credit rating means more money in your pocket and less out the door!

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(c) Mary Arce - All Rights reserved

Minimize your Risk for Identity Theft

Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America. According to the Federal Trade Commission, the number of identity theft incidents reached 9.9 million in 2003. These crimes are estimated to have taken the average victim $500 and 30 hours to resolve.

From stolen credit cards to total identity kidnapping, these ugly and prevalent crimes are hard to prevent and often difficult to correct. Although it is hard to truly avoid becoming a victim of identity theft, there are a few ways you can guard against this damaging crime.

1. Types of identity theft

Identity theft crimes range from purse snatchings to kingpin-style fraud rings. The definition of identity theft is a crime in which an imposter obtains key pieces of personal information, such as a Social Security number, in order to impersonate someone else. Identity theft can occur when someone takes your mail, steals your wallet or swipes your records from an institution. Most cases can be resolved fairly easily if they are caught early. Creditors and banks usually hold you responsible for only the first $50 of fraudulent charges. The most serious cases of fraud can take several years and many resources to resolve.

2. Preventative measures

In this world of smiling strangers, it can be tough to keep your identity safe. The best security policy is to be aware of fraud and cautious about where you share personal information. Check your account statements carefully each month and keep an eye out for suspicious activity on your credit report. A paper shredder can also be a powerful tool for making sure personal information and pre-approved credit offers don't end up in the wrong hands.

3. If your identity is stolen

If you suspect that your identity has been stolen, the first step is to get all the facts about the damage. Become your own detective-search your credit report and bank accounts for clues. Ask your creditors to immediately cancel any fraudulent charges and consider putting a security alert on your credit report. If the theft is serious, file a police report. If fraudulent records start to show up on your credit report, send letters of dispute to the reporting agencies with copies of documentation supporting your claim. Signing up with a credit monitoring service will inform you of changes to your credit. It may take a while to fully recover the security of your accounts, but it's crucial that you don't let the fraud escalate.

Get your credit report and score NOW! at Legal Helpmate Corp

Keep Your Credit History Clean - Remove A Negative Credit Record From Credit Report

The three major credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax and Trans Union are similar and feature a "Credit Score", which is created from credit report data submitted to them about you.

But very often your credit report includes inaccurate, wrong or incomplete information (credit records).

In this situation you have to prepare and send letters to each of the credit bureaus. Also learn your credit rights by familiarizing yourself with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

The FCRA gives you the right to dispute inaccuracies or omissions, and it requires credit bureaus to investigate your complaint (generally within 30 days), send you a prompt response and correct any errors. The law also requires the source of inaccurate information (such as a bank) to correct the record at the credit bureaus to which it initially provided the erroneous information.

Consumers working on their credit reports say many times their letters are ignored by the credit bureaus. Consumer's say even with proof a credit record is not theirs; its removal from their credit report can take three or four challenge letters, because the credit bureaus may have only verified it in their computers and not on the credit report.

Send your dispute letter by CERTIFIED RETURN RECEIPT MAIL. This should not be done with the first attempt.

Keep a record of when you sent the dispute letters and what date you should expect a response.

If you have received no answer to your dispute after 30 to 37 days, send a certified return receipt letter requesting an updated credit report demanding the disputed credit record be deleted.

If the bureaus do not reply within the 30 days, it must be that the information was either inaccurate, or it could not be verified. In either case, according to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the credit record must be immediately deleted from credit report.

Some consumers have eliminated negative marks on credit reports simply by going through this process of disputing credit records several times. Since some creditors will not take the time to respond, you may be able to win by default.

In addition, some consumers working on their credit report have seen another negative credit record or two disappeared. Usually some progress is made each time you challenge. Remember, the credit bureau would like you to quit bothering them because if you aren't disputing the credit report, they can legally continue selling it as profitable information.

To obtain the excellent credit report service, correct your credit, get FREE online Credit Report, make your Credit Score higher or avoid becoming a Victim of Identity Theft visit at Legal Helpmate Corp

Your credit score is important for obtaining credit. Your credit score is important to know, whether you need a new credit card, an auto loan, or a mortgage. Lenders use your credit scores to decide whether you are a good credit risk. If you have a high credit score, you are more likely to obtain the best rates.

Top 5 Reasons To Check Your Credit Report Regularly

#1 Make sure mistakes aren't hurting your credit.

Reviewing your credit report can help you avoid costly errors. In one recent study, more than 50% of the credit reports checked contained errors. Other studies have shown similar results with as high as a 70% error rate. The most common error occurs when the information of another person, with a similar name or account number, is recorded in your credit profile.

#2 Track your history of payments.

Potential lenders want to see a history of timely payments before they'll consider offering you a loan or credit. Check your report to see that your payments are being reported accurately to the credit reporting agency (CRA). A history of late payments will result in higher interest rates being charged or having your credit application or a loan denied. Late payments will also lower your FICO score.

#3 Protect against potential identity theft.

Identity theft has become the fastest growing crime in our nation. Identity theft complaints jumped 75% from last year according to a recent Federal Trade Commission report. The monetary loss from identity theft crimes skyrocketed to a combined $53 billion in 2002! Accounts that appear on your credit report that weren't opened by you could be a sign of identity theft. Report any such occurrences to all three major credit bureaus immediately and have them place a fraud alert on your account. The three bureaus can be reached at:

Equifax 800-997-2493 www.equifax.com

TransUnion 800-888-4213 www.transunion.com

Experian 888-397-3742 www.experian.com

#4 Keep your inquiries to a minimum.

Make sure all of the listed inquiries were authorized. If there are unauthorized inquiries, write to the credit bureau and to the company that made the inquiry informing them that you did not authorize the inquiry and to remove it from your credit file. Potential creditors can regard too many inquiries within a short period of time (30-60 days) as a negative and can result in the refusal to extend further credit.

#5 Stay on top of your credit without hurting your credit score.

A credit score, also called a FICO score, is a numerical grade given to each consumer . Your grade or score is an analysis of your credit risk based on your credit history. Credit scores range from 300 to 900, and those with scores in the range of 640 to 700 are considered excellent credit risks. Those with FICO scores below 500 are considered to have the highest risk of defaulting on a loan and therefore most lenders won't even consider them. Consumers with higher credit scores receive the best rates and terms on credit and loans.

© 2004

Tips For Getting Your First Credit Card

Most of us get a credit card on our name when we go to college or when we are in our senior years of high school and all of us stumble into the same types of difficulties when it comes to finding an issuer and managing the credit card. Most banks ask for a prior type of credit history that most of the time lacks and for some type of warranty that we will be good payers. It is true, finding the right issuer and building a credit card history is not easy, but it can be done.

When you apply for a credit card the bank will usually ask you questions regarding your previous credit lines. Most young people do not have any type of credit history and this makes the banks unable to positively respond to their application.

There are two things that you can do to go around this problem. One is looking for an issuer with a special offer, as there are many banks that offer credit cards for people who are just starting their first credit line. It is true that you will not have an extended credit line at first, but if you prove to be a good-payer and a loyal customer to the bank, you are likely to receive more credit line in time.

If, however you cannot find an issuer that will give you a first chance with credit lines, you will need to build a credit history yourself. You can do this by getting credit cards from gas stations or from stores. There are gas stations, as there are supermarkets and department stores, which offer fidelity credit cards to their customers. Once you become the owner of such a card, make sure to balance it wisely and after a couple of months you can re-apply for a bank-issued credit card.

Actually, the most useful tips for those who get their first credit cards now are not those about how to actually obtain the card but about how to use it. Some happy card holders hit the shops as soon as they have the little plastic card and spend much more than they can pay back. The banks will never like that and there are no exceptions or grace periods only because you are new.

All late payments count as bad credit and if you make such reckless spending, you are in danger of having your credit ceased as soon as it was approved. You will also be considered a "bad" client if you lose your credit card or if you forget credit card information often. Avoid carelessness when you deal with money and note down all the information regarding your card and the transactions you have made with it.

Another good advice that all new card holders should follow is about owning only one credit card in the beginning. This is a good idea because it helps you get familiarized with the banking world, the card system and it is also a test to see if you can balance money. After one year or so, of good credit history you may apply for a second credit card; however, if you've had payment problems it is wise to stick to that one single card until you can correctly manage card-money.

It is always difficult for new-comers to break through in the baking world, yet with patience and a bit of wits you can become the owner of a new credit card. The difficult and tricky part begins when you start balancing it. Keeping records of card information, of the transactions made with it, remembering never to overspend or delay payments and generally having a careful and wise banking-attitude will make you a good client and a satisfied customer at the same time.

Avoiding Credit Card Traps

The next time you open your credit card statement, take a closer look at the small insert titled “changes to your credit card agreement”. You know the one I'm speaking about. It's that small, folded paper written in legalese that you promise to read some other time (but of course that time never comes) or you just discard it with the other “junk” inserts.

First and foremost you must understand that using your credit card after you've received this notification results in your automatic “agreement” to the new terms in the notice. To prevent these new terms from affecting your account you must stop using that credit card immediately or by the date given in the notification statement.

The most common modifications to credit card agreements include new APR's (annual percentage rates), new fees and/or changes to existing fees, or a change to the grace period on your account. The grace period is the number of days during which any credit used for purchases may be repaid in full without incurring a finance charge.

Not knowing or not keeping track of the dollar amount limit on your card is another trap you should avoid. Credit card issuers will allow you to charge a small amount over the limit set on your account. However, don't be surprised when you get hit with an “over limit fee”, usually around $35.00 or higher, on your next statement. Also, be prepared for your APR to be increased if you go over your credit limit.

You'll also trigger an increase to your interest rate if you miss your payment due date. Some companies consider your payment late if not received by noon or 1 p.m. on the date due. Along with the higher rate, you'll also pay a “late fee” of $29 on up. Be sure to use the company's preprinted envelope when sending your payment. These envelopes allow the pre-printed bar code to be scanned by the post office so that it can be delivered more efficiently.

If you've counted on those few extra days from the time you mail your check and the time the check clears your bank, beware! Many credit card issuers have switched from the traditional method of processing checks to a new electronic process. This new system shaves off a day or more from the traditional method it normally takes for your check to clear by electronically debiting your account.

If you're considering paying your credit card bills online, check to see if any additional fees will be charged for using this type of payment. I recently received an e-mail message from one of my credit card companies announcing how easy it would be to make my payments online. Included in fine print at the bottom of the e-mail was this note - “A fee of up to $14.95 may be charged for this service and will be deducted from your checking account”. Hmmm, spend 37 cents on postage and mail my payment five days before the due date or pay now and get charged an additional $14.95 fee? I'll bet you can guess which choice I made.

Taking the time to carefully read and understand your credit card agreement now will help you save money by avoiding unnecessary fees or climbing interest rates later down the road.

© 2004, http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com

Credit Card Companies Are Out for Your Money

You're probably thinking "Tell me something I don't know" but in this time of low interest rates you might be thinking that you've got a great deal since credit card interest rates are low. Wrong. Credit card companies have a cutoff as to how low their interest rates will go.

So when interest rates are low for lending, that doesn't mean your credit card rate will be low as well. If you don't know, or aren't sure, if your credit card company has a minimum interest rate just look at the fine print on your next credit card bill. If you can't read that small of print, and most of us can't, give the customer service a call. If your credit card company does have a minimum interest rate then I'd plan to look around and go with the credit card companies that don't. Because when the interst rates drop, you should get a break on your credit card rate.

The fixed rate on credit cards actually rose in the last twelve months. Why? Because the credit card companies have been actually losing money due to record numbers of delinquencies and bankruptcies. Those who can't pay now for their purchases in the past are sticking their bill to the rest of the credit card holders.

So you may think that you want to get that credit card insurance being pushed by credit card companies that will pay your bill if you become disabled or unemployed. Not so fast. The average payout on a credit insurance policy is 30-50%. The National Association of Insurance Commissions actually recommends a payout of at least 60%. Payouts for debt cancellation and debt suspension is in the 1-3% range. That's definitely not worth the premiums. Get enough regular life insurance and disability insurance to cover your debt as their premiums are much cheaper and have greater payouts.

Beware of a credit card company trick that I recently ran into. I mailed a payment a week early but yet was still charged a late fee. Impossible I say. I found out the payment had to be in the credit card company's processing center by a certain time on the due date.

Think of my credit card payment making it's way through the mail, to a P.O. box, then getting picked up, sorted, sent to the processing center, opened and recorded. And this has to be done by a certain date on the due date. Ouch. I suggest mailing in your payment at least two weeks early.

The Advantages of Credit Cards

There are many evils associated with credit cards, but there are benefits that are hard to ignore. One benefit is having the credit card company act in your behalf to recover funds from a disputed transaction. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act the credit card company has to investigate the dispute and either take the charge off your bill or explain why it is correct. Even better, you don't have to pay the portion of the credit-card bill or related interest charges while the dispute is being investigated.

The types of blling disputes/errors covered by the Fair Credit Billing Act are:

• Charges that list the wrong date or amount.

• Charges for goods and services you didn't accept or weren't delivered as agreed.

• Math errors.

• Failure to post payments and other credits, such as returns.

• Unauthorized charges.

Before you dispute any of issues you must first contact the retailer and try to settle the dispute. If they ignore you, or the dispute is not settled then contact the credit card company. Usually you need to have your dispute in writing to the credit card company. The address for billing disputes is different then the address to send payments. The billing dispute address can be found on the back of your monthly statement. If it cannot be found, call the credit card company's customer service for the billing dispute address. You usually only have a certain number of days to dispute the billing error so make sure you mail in your dispute before the deadline.

If contacting the credit card company doesn't resolve the dispute, you may contact the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency's Customer Assistance Group. Their website is http://www.occ.treas.gov/customer.htm and phone number is 800-613-6743.

How To Choose A Credit Card

Your credit score may just be a little number, but it packs a big punch. A poor credit score can keep you from getting a mortgage or a car loan. In addition, your credit score may haunt you for a long time if it suddenly drops. Of course, if you have a good credit score it opens a lot of doors for you. This is just one reason why it is important to think about which credit card you apply for before you do.

Every time you apply for a credit card, the company has to check your credit score. This is a bad thing. Numerous inquiries from credit card companies look bad on your credit report because it looks as though you are scrambling to open lines of credit, which can be a sign that you are struggling financially. Of course, this may not be the case. However, credit scoring companies all look at it the same way.

You can avoid scarring your credit score with credit card applications by choosing your card wisely. Choose a card that matches your lifestyle and works for you instead of against you. If you plan to pay off your balance each month, you might want a charge card instead of a credit card. American Express offers a number of charge cards with flexible spending programs that are perfect for people who plan to pay off their balance each month. They also offer some flexibility so that if you have an emergency you can use the card and pay off large charges over time. In addition most of their cards offer you reward points for using the card. On the downside, American Express charges an annual membership fee for having the card.

If you do not plan to use the card often, but plan to make large purchases on the card, which you will pay off over time you should get a revolving credit card, which allows you to carry a large balance over time. Of course there cards require you to pay interest on everything you buy. Interest expenses can get very high.

Other kinds of cards include:

1) A check guarantee card, issued by your bank, that you can use to ensure that your cheque will be honoured up to a certain limit.

2) A debit card, issued by your bank, where whatever you spend is immediately deducted from your bank account

Do you need a credit card?

a) A credit card means you don't need to carry huge amounts of cash around and risk losing it.

b) A credit card means you can buy items over the internet.

c) A credit card means you can make purchases abroad without having to worry about local currency.

d) A credit card gives the opportunity to spread the cost of a large payment over several months.

e) A credit card is useful in an emergency. For example, an unexpected repair to your house or car.

What You Need To Consider:

1) APR (Annual Percentage Rate)

This is the rate of interest that you will pay on any outstanding balance.

2) Special Introductory Rates

You may be offered a low or 0% rate of interest for a limited time (Up to 6 months) when you sign up for a new card. A higher rate of interest may be charged for cash withdrawals.

3) Balance Transfer Rate

Card issuers may offer you a lower rate of interest if your swap your balance from another credit card to theirs.

4) Interest Free period

Remember to check when interest payments will begin. Will you pay interest from the day of the purchase? Or will you have a number of days interest free before you begin to pay? There is usually no interest free period for cash withdrawals.

5) Cashback and Rewards

Some cards over points or rewards for every pound spent on the credit card. Make sure that these are appropriate for you. For example, there&'s no use collecting airmiles if you never fly.

6) Minimum Repayment

Remember to check what the minimum monthly repayment will be. If you borrow £1000 on your credit card the monthly minimum repayment will probably be in the region of £25. But if you only pay this amount each month it will take a long time to pay off the balance and cost a lot in total when you include the interest payments.

7) Annual Fees

This is the fee that the issuer will charge you every year for using their credit card. Not all credit cards have an annual fee, so remember to consider this when you are choosing which one is right for you.

8) Late Payments

There will be an extra charge, as well as the interest owed, if your payment is late. This charge may even be more than the amount you owe so be very careful to check what the charge is, and to ensure that all your payments are made on time. A good way of doing this is to set up a direct debit from your current account.

9) Exceeding Your Limit

You may also be charged a fee if you exceed your credit limit.

Choosing the right credit card is a complex decision, but it can be made easier by using the free online credit card finders at http://www.creditcardbuzz.com.

The Three Largest Factors In Your Interest Rate

There are three major factors that affect how much you pay for a loan. Understanding these factors can save you time, money and frustration.

1. The Federal Reserve Discount Interest Rate.

Banks and other lending institutions borrow money from the Federal Reserve Banks. The discount rate is the interest rate a Federal Reserve Bank charges eligible financial institutions to borrow funds on a short-term basis. This rate is set by the boards of directors of the Federal Reserve Banks. The discount rate has a direct effect on the “Prime Interest Rate”, which is the interest rate on short-term loans that banks charge their commercial customers with high credit ratings. You can get live information on the current Prime Rate at www.FedPrimeRate.info.

Of the three major factors that affect your interest rate, this is the one you have the least amount of control over.

2. Your FICO Score and Credit Report.

There are companies that gather and sell information about information on where you work and live, how you pay your bills, and whether you've been sued, arrested, or filed for bankruptcy. They are called Consumer Reporting Agencies (CRAs). The most common type of CRA is the credit bureau. Potential lenders will get your credit report from the credit bureau.

The FICO score is a method of determining the likelihood that credit users will pay their bills. It condenses a borrowers credit history into a single number.

You can protect your FICO score and credit report by paying your bills on time and not over-extending yourself. You also have the right to have false information removed from your credit report.

3. Lender Business Factors.

Banks and other lenders are in business to make a profit. They also exist in a competitive market. Like all businesses, they will balance their profit margin with competitive factors. If they charge too little, based on your credit history and the prime rate, they risk going out of business. If they charge too much, they risk losing you to a competitor. Therefore, in order to get the best deal you can, you should shop around.

Keep one thing in mind when you are shopping around. One of the things that affects your FICO score is the number of times your credit report has been accessed in a certain period of time. Therefore allowing too many potential lenders to run your credit report in a short period of time could be counterproductive. Three or four is typically a safe number. If you request an on line quote from several lenders, they won't typically run your credit report until after they have made their initial quote.

(You must explicitly provide a potential lender with permission to run your credit report. For that, they usually need your Social Security Number.)

In summary, the three major factors you pay for a loan are the prime rate, your credit history (FICO score) and business conditions such as competition. In order to get the best rate you can, you can do two things, keep up a good credit history by paying your bills on time, and shopping around for the best rate.

Rewards Cards - Are They Right For You?

Rewards cards have become the latest rage in the credit card industry. In the past, consumers shopped for credit cards that offered the lowest interest rate. Next came cards with low interest rates and no annual fees. Today, consumers can shop for cards based on what type of “reward” they can earn for using a specific issuer's card.

How does a reward program work? Typically, the program awards points, "dollars" or a cash value based on the amount you charge. The rate at which you collect points varies depending on what you charge or where you charge it. Some programs offer extra points for using their card at a specific place such as a supermarket or fast food restaurant or for certain items.

Some programs offer a variety of rewards. Consumers can earn meals, tickets to sporting events, airline tickets, electronics, or even create their own reward program.

The goal is to get you the consumer to use your credit card as much as possible. Why? FEES! The credit card issuer makes money from two sources each time you use their card. First, from the merchant who pays the issuer a merchant transaction fee and secondly, from you through finance charges and late fees.

A recent survey found that nearly half of U.S. cardholders enrolled in a credit card rewards program have never redeemed their points. However, 60% of consumers said rewards program influences their decision when deciding which credit card to use for a purchase.

When considering an offer for a card that offers rewards, be sure to read the fine print. Find out what you have to do to earn points. Look carefully for any restrictions as to when you can redeem them. Also check to see if your points carry over from one year to the next.

Reward programs most benefit those who pay off their balances monthly. For those who carry a balance or even pay late, the resulting higher balances and fees aren't really much of a reward, are they?

© 2004, http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com

Why Americans Find Predatory Lending Offensive

"Menis - the author translates as "indignant rage" - It is the kind of rage arising from social betrayal that impairs a person's dignity through violation of "what's right." (p21), Achilles In Viet Nam - Combat Trauma and the Undoing of Character, Jonathan Shay, M.D., Ph D.

"The vulnerable relationship between child and parent is a metaphor for the relationship between a soldier and his army. It is also more than a metaphor when we consider the formation and maintenance of good character. The parents betrayal themis - (the ability to feel good about oneself , self esteem, self image) - through incest, abuse, or neglect puts the child in mortal danger. Despite intellectual limitations, the small child usually grasps the danger, although the child's mental representation of the danger differs from adults. The child's inner sense of safety in the world emerges from the trustworthiness, reliability, and simple competence of the family.

"Similarly, the child's acquisition of self-control, self esteem, and consideration of others depends upon the family. Absent inherited mental disorders, good parenting will produce good character and all the other adult resources of dignity and maturity, including ideals, respect for others, self respect, ambitions, self-care, pro-social rather than anti-social activity, reliable capacity to distinguish reality from fantasy, and so forth.

"Lurking behind these supposedly settled truths is the platonic assertion that good character is a firm wall between a good person and evil acts, regardless of the betrayals of "what's right" and other blows, such as bereavement that may simply happen to an adult. Often there is the invisible unstated assumption that those that hold power in society exhibit loyalty and care in fulfillment of themis. (p 32)

"If military practice tells soldiers that their emotions of love and grief - which are inseparable from their humanity - do not matter, then the civilian society that has sent them to fight on their behalf should not be shocked by their "inhumanity" when they return to civilian life. (p 67)

"Viet Nam narratives reveal that the events that drive soldiers berserk are betrayal, insult, or humiliation by a leader; death of a friend-in-arms; being wounded; being overrun, surrounded, or trapped; seeing dead comrades who have been mutilated by the enemy; and unexpected deliverance from certain death." (p 80)

Even in families without children the parents are leaders. Parents make financial decisions that impact the future of their children, their stature in the community, self worth, and dignity. There is nothing dignified about the effects of predatory financing. Yet there is an initial assumption that those who impact the credit scores of Americans are exhibiting loyalty and care in fulfillment of their chosen occupation. Americans believe our laws and regulations such as Regulation "Z" protect their rights. There is a strong belief that the system will work.

The economic downturn of 2000 through 2002 is firmly grounded in consumer spending and consumer debt. The real estate boom infused more disposable income into the economy. Exportation of manufacturing and services sector jobs to foreign countries, plus the huge trade deficit add to our woes. In early 2003 the federal budget deficit and the threat of war add to troubled economic times. Bankruptcies achieved record high levels. However, as with history and military battles, we must learn from the past to see the future and prevent future mistakes.

William F. Aldinger started his career with CitiGroup, learning quickly that sub-prime financing in the CitiFinancial subsidiary was a lucrative business. After leaving Citi, Aldinger went to Wells Fargo, and then to Household International as CEO. All three companies are now classified as predatory financing companies, and all three have been forced to settle with the states, government, and consumers. Household restated earnings for the entire time that Aldinger was with the company. HSBC has a four year agreement with Aldinger to continue as Chairman and CEO of Household under HSBC, and then he will become chairman and CEO of HSBC North America, Inc and director of HSBC Holdings. The past tells us the future. HSBC contends that there will be no changes to their business model. Therefore it is safe to predict that HSBC will become the largest global predatory lender ever witnessed by a civilized orderly society.

Those that managed to delude themselves into thinking they are financiers providing a service to society, while masquerading as predators, argue that they are servicing a sector of society that would otherwise not receive adequate attention. Countering that argument, the Community Reinvestment Act perhaps should be revisited and strengthened. Perhaps federal and state governments should remove predatory abilities from the private sector while providing structure and funding. Americans should not be abused by a system that is failing.

Historically, if we use the actions of predators to show us what areas need reform we can reverse the economic downturn we see today. Just like gangs, organized crime, and similar activities, the government should look for the cause of the problem while instituting prevention and removal of the opportunity for predators.

Credit cards are responsible for a huge portion of American debt. Easy credit and the need for credit is expected in today's society. Again predators have an opportunity. Household International provides financing for, and ongoing compensation to merchants under their existing contracts. Again, there is an initial assumption that those who impact the credit scores of Americans are exhibiting loyalty and care in fulfillment of their duties, that they will follow Fair Credit Reporting and Fair Credit Billing, etc. With over twenty million transactions a day, and over sixty participating merchants, Household International impacts the lives and family values of many taxpaying Americans every day.

Consumer watchdog organization Household Watch receives consumer complaints daily. Based on their web site log statistics Household Watch only receives complaints from 5% of those who visit. Many others get the information they need from their web site data. Over 400 people per day use the Household Watch web site to find links which enable them to pay their bill online.

The Federal Trade Commission, therefore, recognizes Household Watch and sister site BestBuyCard as a source of consumer help. Where predators see an opportunity the government should step in to stop them. When the government does not step in, consumer organizations step in to fill the gap. We sincerely hope, therefore, that the consumer organizations will be heard a loudly as the predators and the government when decisions are made. They speak for the public, with emphasis on the public that experiences violations of regulation "Z" and other areas where they expected special trust and confidence.

Warning: Today's "Non Profit Credit Counselors" Are Yesterday's Bill Collectors!

Here's a dirty secret, today's "non profit credit counselors" are often just front organizations paid lucrative commissions by creditors to keep consumers from declaring bankruptcy!

In the "debt collection biz", creditors will sell your outstanding debt along with the debt of hundreds of others to a collection agency for cash up front.

The collection agencies will work this debt until they've made all the money they can.

Then they'll keep selling this block of business to whomever will buy it.

This explains why you can stop being pestered by a bill collector for a while then a completely different bill collecting psychopath will start calling your house or sending you threatening letters out of the blue when you thought they were finished.

The Fair Credit Reporting Laws have put some damper on their crude activities, as have the bankruptcy laws.

But yesterday's bill collectors have gotten wise.

If people go bankrupt, the creditors get virtually nothing.

So why not figure out a way to get people to voluntarily pay much more than they would otherwise by going through bankruptcy?

So today, yesterday's bill collectors often masquerade as "non profit credit counselors".

Business must be good for these "non profits" because they're out on the internet paying $10 per lead for potential debt consolidation clients!

Their "come on" to the consumer is "Don't declare bankruptcy! It will RUIN your credit and cost you money! Use our FREE service instead."

There's no such thing as a free lunch of course.

What unsuspecting consumers DON'T KNOW is that using these services may ruin their credit anyway.

And these "Free Services" are being paid handsome commissions on every dollar the collect from you!

Then they report exactly what they've done to the credit reporting firms and potential creditors in the future MAY consider you a potentially WORSE candidate than a formerly bankrupt person because if they extend you credit and you fall on hard times again, you stil have the option of going through bankruptcy!

Learn your rights.

It's possible for ordinary people with a computer and printer to use the law to "lick bill collectors with a stamp!"

Without giving up your privacy, without having a credit counseling firm "rat" on you, it's possible to achieve the same results that others have used expensive attorneys to achieve - when you know your rights!

Cleaning your credit report is something you can do.

Paying off debts for pennies on the dollar is something you can do.

Educate yourself at sites about free credit repair techniques like http://www.CreditRepairDude.com ... and beware today's Bill Collector Wolves in Non Profit Sheep's Clothing!

Building Business Credit

Most businesses want to be able to borrow money when they need it, without the owners having to guarantee the loans personally. This means less risk to the owners. But wanting to get credit for your business and actually getting it can be two different things.

One company recently approached us because over the past two years they had created a successful business, with over twenty employees. But they couldn't get a business loan because they hadn't taken the time to build a business credit profile and didn't know where to start.

You may have seen marketing hype about how a business credit profile can overcome a bad personal credit file. In most cases, however, it's important that small businesses have both good business credit, as well as solid personal credit on the part of the owners. This is especially true in the current environment where investors and venture capitalists aren't handing money out to just anyone who can breathe and has a business idea! Even established businesses will find it necessary in some cases to provide the business owner's personal guarantees on some loans or credit cards.

Building business credit is completely different from building personal credit, though your personal credit may be linked in some ways. For example, credit reporting giant Experian sells a business credit score that is based on both the risk of the business and the personal credit of the owner of the company.

In addition, you don't have the same credit protection laws with business credit that you do with personal credit. So you want to make sure you start out on the right foot, or it can be difficult to make corrections.

The key to properly establishing business credit is twofold:

1. Set up the proper business structure and take basic steps to ensure your business appears “real” and stable to the business credit bureaus. That means getting the proper occupational licenses, and a phone number that is listed with directory assistance in the businesses' name, among other things. Your business will generally need some form of corporate structure to effectively build a business credit rating.

2. Borrow or buy products and services from companies that will report your credit history to the major business credit reporting agencies such as Dunn & Bradstreet and Experian.

Unlike personal credit ratings, where you can have a small income yet get a top FICO credit score, the best business credit scores are reserved for large stable businesses, those with several million dollars in sales a year and 25–50 or more employees.

But don't let that stop you! By taking a few careful steps, you can start small and still build a decent business credit rating to get you the borrowing power your venture needs.

A few warnings:

1. Don't try to “buy” good credit! Some companies will offer to “sell” trade references for a large sum of money. This is a rip off and if the credit reporting agencies find out, they will purge those references.

2. Don't spend large sums of money on a shelf corporation from a company that “guarantees” you will be able to use it to get loans. More often than not, the company won't have the kind of credit rating you'll need to be successful.

3. Don't try to get business credit as a substitute for bad personal credit. If you have damaged personal credit, work on rebuilding it while you're building business credit.

Entrepreneurs are usually hard-working, creative and willing to get the job done. Fortunately, those are the same qualities that will help you through the process of building strong business credit. Get started now! For more information about building business credit, visit www.BusinessCreditSuccess.com

Comprehending a Credit Report

Obtaining a credit report is an excellent way to begin taking control of your financial future. It's recommended that you review your credit report once a year, not only to be aware of your standing with creditors but to also keep abreast of errors and fraud. However, once your report arrives you may have trouble making sense of it. How are you to read and understand a credit report?

There are three major credit reporting agencies that issue credit bureau reports; Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. It is recommended that you obtain reports from all 3 credit report agencies as they most likely contain varying information since creditors subscribe to agencies on a purely voluntary basis. The credit reports provided by each of the different bureaus may present somewhat differently but generally speaking the information will be broken down in much the same way.

There are four main parts to the credit report: personal profile, credit history, public records and inquires. Check each section carefully for any errors. Note any errors you may discover on a separate piece of paper as you read over your report.

Personal Profile

At the top of the credit report you will find all your basic information such as your full name, current and previous addresses and employers, social security number, and date of birth. Your spouse's name may also appear if applicable. In addition, you may notice several variations of your name listed. This can occur when creditors record the information incorrectly. These discrepancies are usually left on your credit report. It is important however, to ensure that your address is correct. An incorrect address could alert you to a possible identity theft.

Credit History

The next section is your credit history. This provides you with an itemized list of your current active, past closed accounts and their balances or arrears. Listed first is the name of the creditor and your account number for each bill--sometimes the account numbers may appear partially obscured for security purposes. These debts could include real estate mortgages, credit cards, car loans, or medical bills.

There will be a column for identifying the nature of the account; Joint, Individual, Undesignated, Authorized User, Terminated, Maker, Co-signer or Shared. There will also be a notation of the date when the account was opened, number of months the account payment history has been reported and date of last activity. The report will show your high credit limit or the maximum you are allowed to borrow, if applicable. There is a column for Terms which indicates the number of instalments or monthly payments remaining on the account.

The next few columns will show the balance remaining on the account, any past due amounts and the status of the accounts. There are two types of accounts; instalment and revolving. An Instalment account means that there are fixed payments and a specific ending date, such as with a car loan. A revolving account is one with no fixed ending date as with credit card debts. Creditors like to see few revolving debts.

The credit report will indicate the different types of accounts and also may assign it a numerical ratings system. You may see such symbols as R1, R2, R3 or I1, I2, I3.The R or I indicates Revolving or Instalment and the numbers indicate the payment history of the account as follows;

• 0- account hasn't been used yet

• 1- paid as agreed

• 2- 30 plus days past due

• 3- 60 plus days past due

• 4- 90 plus days past due

• 5- 120 plus days past due

• 7- Collection account or bankruptcy

• 8- Repossession or foreclosure

• 9- Charged off or bad debt

The credit report will also show a record of any debts that have been turned over to a collection agency. It will show the date the collection was reported, the name of the company handling the collections and the company or lender that the loan was originally issued with and the balance remaining on the account.

Public Records

These are reports obtained from local, state and federal courts. They will indicate records of bankruptcies, tax liens and monetary judgments. Overdue child support records may also be shown. These public records will remain part of your credit history for seven to ten years and reflect negatively on your total credit score.

Inquiry Section

This section reveals any parties that have obtained a copy of your credit report over the last two years. There are generally two types of inquires, hard and soft. A hard inquiry is one initiated by you, whenever you apply for a loan or fill out a credit application. A soft inquiry comes in three forms; companies that wish to offer you promotional applications for credit, current creditors that are monitoring your account or credit bureau inquires requested by you, the consumer. These soft inquires do not show up on credit reports that businesses receive, only on copies provided to you. Although many lenders will view too many inquiries on your report as negative, it is important to note that two or more 'hard' inquires within a 14 day period count as just one inquiry.

Credit Score

The credit report can also reveal your credit score. A credit rating scores is a means of calculating an individual's credit risk to determine how likely they would be to make good on a loan. The score is a three digit number ranging between 300 and 850. The higher your score, the better it reflects on you as a borrower. A good credit rating score will enable you to negotiate for better interest rates.

Disputes

What if you should find an error on your credit report? Once you have discovered an error, contact the credit bureau that issued the credit report and state in writing what you found to be inaccurate. You will find the contact information listed at the top of your credit report.

The credit reporting companies must reinvestigate the claim within 30 days. They will then contact the party that submitted the item and attempt to resolve the dispute as quickly as possible. Remember, you have the right under the Fair Credit Reporting Act to dispute any inaccurate or fraudulent information that may appear on your credit report, and should do so in a timely fashion.

Once you learn to read and understand a credit report, you are moving towards a more secure financial future. Obtain your report today!

New Credit Scoring Model Could Help Millions

Mark and Beth, a young married couple in their twenties, established a goal to buy a home within the first three years of their marriage before starting a family. They budgeted and used their money wisely in order to save for the down payment. Whenever they purchased something they always paid cash - no credit cards for them. Why waste money by paying interest to a credit card company?

Within two years they'd reached their savings goal and began house hunting. They found their “American Dream” home in a new community with lots of amenities that seemed perfect for their soon-to-be family. They were elated that their years of saving were about to finally payoff.

But, they ran into a big problem when they went shopping for a mortgage. Even though they had enough income to make mortgage payments and enough money saved to afford the down payment, they had no credit history. Lenders had no FICO score to evaluate their creditworthiness in order to offer them a loan. Fair Isaacs Co. established a credit scoring system in the 1980's and since then FICO scores have been used to determine if someone will qualify for a mortgage and the interest rate they would pay.

Over 50 million U.S. adults fall into the same category - they have either too little credit history or no credit history at all. But now thanks to a new FICO formula, called FICO Expansion Score, lenders will now have opportunities to extend credit to consumers based on non-traditional credit data that are excluded from credit bureau reports.

FICO Expansion will consider a wide range of financial transactions including payment activities such as rental payments, deposit accounts, payday loans, book or CD club payment plans, and retail lay-away plans.

Who stands to benefit from this new scoring model? Anyone who makes little use of banks, credit cards, or checking accounts. The “credit underserved” claims Fair Isaac Co, which includes young adults, low-income consumers, widows or divorcees, and immigrants.

And while those in the credit card and mortgage industry see this new scoring model as a potential benefit, those in the credit counseling sector foresee potential problems.

Fair Isaac CEO Tom Grudnowski is excited about his company's new credit-scoring resource. “This extension of the FICO score gives lenders and other businesses another powerful tool ..., while expanding service options for consumers who have missed out on opportunities simply because they lack a traditional credit history.”

The opposition, namely debt and credit counselors, see both the good and the bad. Some consumers will benefit by qualifying for less costly credit arrangements. However, others could fall prey to becoming overextended unless they also receive some basic credit and debt education.

Tom Hicks, a credit counselor in Chicago, worries that “with the average American household owing $8,000.00 in credit debt, this could open the door to others finding themselves unable to handle credit properly. Ultimately the burden lies with the consumer,” he says.

Fair Isaac Co. estimates that at least half of those without traditional credit profiles will benefit from this new scoring method.

How To Read Your Credit Report

The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, signed into law on Dec. 4, 2003, gives every American the right to a free credit report every year from each of the three major credit bureaus -- Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

What the law doesn't do is give every American the ability to read their credit report. Not one word in the law says the credit bureaus have to write it in plain, easy-to-understand language. Go to http://www.ftc.gov and click on consumers then credit and read it for yourself. Hopefully you'll stay awake .

While all credit reports follow a basic format, some vary so what you are about to read doesn't apply across the board. If you didn't get it directly from one of the bureaus mentioned above, your best bet for a translation is the source providing your copy.

Here is the four part skeleton most bureaus use. Part one is your identifying information. This would be information like your name, social security number, previous addresses, current address, date of birth, driver's license number, telephone number, spouse's name and your employer and length of employment. As with all sections, pay close attention because chances are pretty darned good, some of it is wrong.

It is wrong because this information comes to the bureau from a myriad of sources and the bureau doesn't take the time to update or correct it. That leaves you as your own correcting agent.

Part two is your credit history. This is usually the longest part of your report because you probably have had department store accounts, multiple credit cards, multiple bank and other financial institution loans, mortgages, car loans, lines of credit, home equity loans and other transactions involving credit.

Sometimes you will see the bureau calls these accounts trade lines. No big deal because they are still your accounts.

These accounts usually start with when you opened the account then tell the type or kind of credit (installment, car loan, personal loan, etc.) and whether it is in your name or someone else is on the account with you. The total amount of the loan with your high credit limit or if it is a credit card, your highest balance follows. The next thing it shows is how much you still owe and if the payments are fixed or minimum monthly amounts. Your status, open/inactive/closed/paid, follow your payments then comes the item everybody wants to know, how well you've paid on the account.

This is where the bureaus list if you are late, and if late, how late and how often you've been late. If you are not late, it will show you pay on time.

Part three is called Public Inquiries or Public Records. This is where tax liens, judgments, foreclosures and bankruptcies are listed. You want this part to be blank and I do mean blank. If you see anything here, attempt to correct immediately if not sooner.

Part four is the Inquiries section. It is divided into two parts. Part one are the inquiries you initiate by filling out a credit application. This section is generally referred to as the hard inquiry section because you are the initiator of the inquiries.

The second part is called the soft inquiry section. What you'll find here are the names of companies who have sent you offers of credit or current creditors who are monitoring your account.

Sometimes there is a fifth section called Remarks. Read it because you never know who reported what about you.

Each credit report bureau places an explanation of terms usually on the backside of the report pages. In it, they explain what the numbers and letters you see next to your accounts mean. So, if you see something like I9, don't fret as it should be defined in the explanation of terms.

Of course, I9 could be negative, so you may have to fret. Either way, you are now almost totally armed to deal with that free credit report the law said the bureaus had to give you.

Good luck and may all your credit be A+.

How To Use Your Credit Cards Wisely

Are you one of the thousands pulling your hair out trying to figure out how you're going to pay your credit card bills? Using your credit cards wisely and sensibly will help you avoid financial problems and establish a strong credit rating, so here's some information to help you get your credit card problems under control.

Credit cards are convenient for buying things now and paying later. Credit card companies are in business to make money. Don't forget that every time you use your credit card you are borrowing money. You will pay a finance charge if you don't pay off your balance each month.

Millions of people use credit cards to avoid carrying large amounts of cash, for emergencies, to track spending, etc. However, charging more than your income allows can be worrisome and potentially devastating to your finances and your credit rating. The pitfalls of credit card use are the accumulation of large amounts of debt and the inability to make more than the minimum monthly payment.

It's important to look out for your own interests. Some credit card companies have lowered minimum monthly payments to less than two percent of the balance. It could take 30 years or more to pay off your credit cards if you pay only the minimum payment. Debit cards should not be confused with credit cards. There is no credit extended with a debit card. The money is deducted directly from your savings or checking account. The bottom line is don't spend more than you can afford to pay on a monthly basis.

Limit the number of credit card applications you fill out. There will be an inquiry into your credit report for each application you submit. Your credit report contains a record of every company or institution that has evaluated your credit. It reflects negatively on your credit score if you have an inquiry that does not lead to the issuance of a credit card. Obtaining too many credit cards can affect your ability to finance other purchases as well, such as homes or automobiles. Too much available credit can cause suspicion in the eyes of a lender as to your ability to repay your potential debt.

Consider what you are looking for in a credit card such as the interest rate, annual fee, grace period, and credit line. Be wary of companies offering cards with a low introductory interest rate that often lasts for only a brief period of time, after which they become considerably higher. The average interest rate for credit cards is over fifteen percent. Choose a credit card with no annual fee. Credit card issuers are paid a percentage from the vendor each time you make a purchase. Many companies have waived the annual fee to attract customers. Avoid cards offering a high credit limit. There is great potential to overspend. Instead, pay down your balance before using your card to make additional purchases. Send in your payment well ahead of the due date. Issuers may charge late fees, and late payments could result in a considerably higher interest rate than the advertised rate.

So the bottom line is by using your credit cards wisely you can reduce adverse effects of credit cards and maximize the benefits by spending wisely, using self-discipline, and paying off your balance as quickly as possible to avoid unnecessary fees.

How To Eliminate Credit Card Debt

There is almost nothing more troublesome than having too much debt to pay each month. Consumers incur debt for many different reasons. Sometimes illness, accidents, or just bad luck can make it seem impossible to get finances under control. Other times it is simply because we spend more money than we earn. The first step toward taking control of your financial situation is to learn how to eliminate your credit card debt.

Develop a budget. Start by listing all sources of income. First list fixed expenses such as mortgage payments, insurance premiums, and auto loans. Next, list the expenses that vary from month to month such as utility bills, recreation and clothing. If there is any hope of controlling your credit card debt you must create and stick to a budget.

There are different kinds of debts. Mortgages and auto loans are debts secured by collateral. In the event of default on a secured debt, a lender may foreclose on your home or repossess your car. Unsecured debts are loans with no collateral and often have variable interest rates and are assessed a fee for late payments. In the event of default on an unsecured debt a lender may report to a credit-reporting agency, contact the debtor repeatedly by mail or telephone, and in general make life miserable for those who find themselves in financial trouble.

If you are among the millions who have found themselves in a financial crisis, consider your options - budgeting, debt consolidation, or bankruptcy. Which works best for you? It depends on your level of self-discipline, how much debt you have, and your future financial prospects. While eliminating debt may seem next to impossible, your life does not have to go from bad to worse.

Self-help may be the easiest, cheapest way to eliminate debt. First, stop charging now. Incurring more debt will only compound the problem. Make a list of all your credit card bills starting with the smallest. Pay as much above the minimum payment as you can afford on the card with the lowest balance. Continue until this debt is paid in full, and then proceed to the next card. Systematically paying off your credit cards one by one will reduce your debts dramatically. The fastest way to eliminate credit card debt is to put every penny you can towards paying off your credit cards. Do not underestimate the effect an extra five or ten dollars paid repeatedly over time can have on eliminating debt.

You may be able to reduce the amount of your combined monthly payments and lower the interest rate by obtaining a home equity line of credit or a second mortgage. Think carefully before taking this route. Your home becomes collateral with these loans. If you make late payments or miss payments you could lose your home. These types of loans may provide certain tax advantages but the fees can really add up. The same goes for debt consolidation. You eliminate or reduce interest rates and the amount of your monthly payments, but the length of the contract and the fees can be more than your original debt.

As a last resort, bankruptcy could be considered. A bankruptcy remains on your credit report for 10 years, making it difficult to obtain credit, get life insurance, or buy a home. However, it can be a fresh start for those who cannot otherwise satisfy their debts.

Credit Traps Snag Consumers

Nearly 20 years ago I worked for a small consumer advocacy organization in Washington, DC. Each week we received sacks full of mail from consumers across the country requesting our list of credit cards with low interest rates and no annual fees. If you wanted a low interest rate on a credit card back then, you often had to apply to a bank in Arkansas where interest rates were capped by state law.

Those were the good old days.

Now, interest rates range from zero percent to a high 39 percent. It's tougher to find (and keep) a good credit card than ever before. That's because there are many new traps that can snag unsuspecting consumers.

At the top of the list is the "universal default clause" which allows issuers to monitor you credit report and raise your rate if you are late on any bill that appears on your credit report. One major issuer, for example, will hike a 0 percent rate to 24.99 percent if you slip up!

In fact, true "fixed rates" are rare. Many consumers don't realize that a "fixed" credit card rate isn't the same as, say, a fixed-rate mortgage. In most states, card issuers can raise the interest rate on a fixed-rate credit card with just fifteen days' written notice. The new rate can typically apply to existing balances as well as new purchases.

Fees are also on the rise. Take late fees, for example, twenty years ago a late fee on a credit card was still fairly unusual, and typically wasn't charged unless you were 15 days late with a payment. Now you often must get your payment to the issuer by a certain hour in the morning or you'll be charged a late fee of as much as $39. Go over the limit and you'll not only pay more interest, but a steep over limit fee as well.

Foreign travelers are often charged a "currency conversion charge" of 1 - 2 percent of the amount of their purchase. As the result of a class action lawsuit, Visa and MasterCard were ordered to provide refunds of those fees in certain circumstances. The problem wasn't that the fees were illegal, but it was determined they weren't properly disclosed. The case is being appealed.

Here are some findings from the nonprofit Consumer Action's annual survey of credit cards (www.consumer-action.org):

-- The vast majority of surveyed cards have significantly higher penalty rates that are triggered by one or two late payments in a period of six months to a year.

-- One-fifth of surveyed issuers have shifted to tiered late payments, which Consumer Action interprets as a deceptive way of charging higher-than-average late fees.

-- The number of cards with $35 late fees has more than doubled from last year.

-- More than half the cards surveyed require cardholders to pay only 2 percent of the monthly balance each month - a disturbing trend that dramatically increases the overall interest paid by cardholders.

-- More than one-third of surveyed institutions will not provide a firm annual percentage rate (APR) until they have screened the applicant's credit history. Instead, they give only a meaningless range of rates before screening, which makes comparison shopping difficult if not impossible.

Don't get me wrong - I am not saying that credit card companies should not make money. In fact, easy access to credit has helped fuel our economy, especially when the going gets rough. But many consumers now are literally trapped by high-cost debt with few options. I've spoken to consumers who feel they have no choice but to file for bankruptcy because their credit card companies all raised their interest rates to between twenty and thirty percent, and they simply cannot manage to pay the balances down. With all the landmines out there for credit card users today, the best strategy is still to pay down debt as quickly as possible and limit yourself to a couple of cards to avoid problems.

Sometimes, of course, that's easier said than done!

For more information on ways to build great personal and business credit, visit www.BusinessCreditSuccess.com.

Student Credit Cards 101

If you're a college student, you probably already have a credit card. If not, you may have plans to get one or more soon. So why should you read on?

• Because financial debt is one of the main reasons that many students end up dropping out of college.

• Because your college years can be some of your most memorable—and some of your most costly. They don't, however, have to be the beginning of an adult life strapped with debt.

• Although you may still feel in limbo between your teen years and adulthood, it's time to take charge of your finances and manage them as an adult. The sooner you do, the sooner you'll be able to start saving and spending your own money.

For those new to credit cards and for others who know all about credit, let's go back to the basics.

Why do credit card companies court college students?

It's obvious by the friendly representatives who offer a free t-shirt or CD just for signing up in the student center. Or the applications slipped into bookstore bags. Or mail boxes crowded with card offers. Credit card companies want college students to carry their card.

Did you ever stop to wonder why? One reason is loyalty—once a person has a card in their wallet, they are likely to keep that particular card and its upgrades for years to come. Another reason: college students are good customers.

While this may seem ironic considering that most college students are without a steady source of income, Robert Manning, Ph.D., Professor in the College of Business at Rochester Institute of Technology and author of Credit Card Nation, says this is one example of how the credit card industry has changed radically in the past decade or so. “Previously, conservative rules deemed a good customer as one that paid their bills on time,” he says. “Now, a good customer is one that can't repay their debt.”

“Credit is no longer an earned privilege,” continues Dr. Manning. “It's now considered a social entitlement, and the screening criteria (for card applicants) is weak.”

Banks make money by charging annual fees, late payment penalties and interest fees on unpaid credit card balances. Therefore, card holders with revolving debt (those who do not pay their balances in full each month) are desirable. NellieMae.org illustrates this point beautifully through an example of a student with a credit card balance of $7,000 at an interest rate of 18.9%. If this student faithfully makes the minimum monthly payment of 3% or $25 – whichever is higher, and does not charge anything else to the account, it will take more than 16 years and $7,173 in interest fees to repay the bill!

Additionally, Manning notes the banking industry has learned that college students will draw upon various sources of income to pay their debt—including student loans, money from part-time jobs, and as a last resort, many will ask a family member to supply the funds to get them out of debt.

How to make credit work for you, not against you

According to Nellie Mae, 81% of college freshman have at least one credit card. And for good reason. Credit cards enable online purchases—from text books to concert tickets, make it possible to rent a car, and help with medical emergencies or vehicle breakdowns. Used wisely, credit cards can be helpful throughout college, and can assist you in the development of financial management skills.

As soon as you get your first credit card or loan, you have entered the world of credit reports and scores. A credit report is compiled by credit bureaus and contains information about your identity and credit relationships, among other things. Credit scoring is a system that lenders use to help determine your ‘credit worthiness.' Credit scores are based upon your bill-paying history, the number and type of accounts you have, late payments, collection actions, outstanding debt and the age of your accounts.

It's vital to know that your credit score affects your ability to get loans, car loans, and home mortgages. Future jobs and insurance premiums can also be influenced by your credit score. By paying your bills in full or in a timely manner, a credit card will help you establish a good credit score. Late payment or no payment will help you earn a poor credit score. For more information on credit reports and scores and how they affect you, check out CardRatings.com.

Developing a new view about credit

Mary Ann Campbell, CFP, founder of MoneyMagic.com and a money educator, cites unrealistic expectations as a major reason for high student debt.

Campbell, who teaches personal finance courses, says “Many students' expectations of their earning potential after college far exceeds what their actual income will be.” She notes that some students use their credit cards with abandon during college, planning to pay off their debt when they land that great job after college. Indeed, some students forget that in order to get to the top of the career ladder, there are a few rungs, i.e., less paying jobs, they have to climb first. And the expense of starting a new job and life on your own can just add to existing debt.

Manning's website, CreditCardNation.com, contains a great resource for students seeking a more realistic view of the first few years after college. Using the ‘Budget Estimator,' a module designed by Manning, students can identify an average yearly or monthly starting salary for jobs in their particular major. The program automatically figures in estimates for taxes and social security payments. Students can then plug in expenses for housing, car payments, utilities, food, insurance, telephone and internet bills, clothing, credit card bills, student loan payments, and entertainment, etc. The module lets you know when you have spent more money than you make, and allows you to adjust payments as necessary until you get the hang of how your money is best distributed.

Students that seem to have the most credit woes? Those who believe their standard of living during and after college should not vary from when they lived at home on their parents' income. Cable television, cell phones with cameras, and new cars become ‘necessities' instead of nice extras.

Advice to grow on

When it comes to credit cards, students have great advice for other students. Heather, a college junior from Arkansas, recommends getting one card with a low limit. “This limits the amount of credit you have access to and therefore removes the temptation to spend more than you have or more than you can pay off immediately,” she says.

Another student recommends selectivity. “Don't sign up for a card that charges an annual fee to use it, and read the terms of the card before applying. You wouldn't believe how many people don't know what an APR rate is.” For more information on finding the best rated cards, check out CardRatings.com. You can read reviews of cards from other students and get the lowdown on perks of various credit cards.

Campbell has three recommendations for students: The first is open communication. Campbell says students who are educated about financial matters seem to have a better overall attitude regarding credit cards. Students should find a trusted source to talk openly with about money issues. Second, students should switch from spending behaviors (such as shopping) to activities that help you achieve the same feeling of gratification or reward, such as intramurals, exercise or campus organizations.

Last, but certainly not least, enroll in a personal finance course as soon as your schedule allows. Says Campbell, “If it's not required coursework, take it as an elective. You will learn a set of life skills that will not only help you right now, but also after college and for the rest of your life.”

Secured Credit Cards- Consumer Tips

Whether you have no credit or damaged credit, secured credit cards are a good tool for building a good credit history.

Several months ago Tom, a member of CreditBoards.com, filed for a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. Now he is in the process of rebuilding his credit history. It's a task that is not easy, but with patient persistence he is seeing progress already. Daily he checks his credit score and is slowly seeing improvement.

1 - In addition to correcting every mistake, even the smallest ones, on his credit report, he is using a secured credit card.

2 - This secured card is an important tool in the overall process of building or rebuilding credit.

Who should consider a secured credit card?

Someone who has no credit history.

Someone with a damaged credit history.

What is a secured credit card?

Secured cards are credit cards opened with a deposit into a savings account, money market or certificate of deposit. The amount of deposit required varies from card to card, but generally minimum amounts range from $250 - $500. These funds are considered your security and will even earn a little interest since they are being held in a savings account. Your credit limit is determined by the amount you deposit into the savings account. Sometimes the limit will be for the full amount of the deposit; other times it will be a percentage of the total.

It is important to keep in mind that a secured card is a credit card, not a debit card. If full payments are not made each month, then interest is charged on the outstanding balance. And the lending institution uses the security money to pay off the debt only as a last resort. Even though the card is secured, it is still possible to damage credit.

What are the benefits of a secured credit card?

Establishing credit. If you have never had a credit card, a good first step in establishing good credit is applying for a secured credit card. Assistant Professor of Economics at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN, Jerry Plummer says, “A secured card is most useful for the person starting out on their credit history, since it says that the person is willing to take the extra step to establish credit.”

Reestablishing credit. If your credit history is damaged, you may only be able to qualify for a secured credit card. Using this secured card appropriately and within the set parameters will help rebuild your credit and qualify you for an unsecured card. If you have had to file for bankruptcy, however, you may not qualify until it has been discharged.

Preset limit cannot be exceeded. If poor spending habits were part of the cause for bad credit, then a secured credit card will help keep spending in check.

Useful for transactions that require a credit card. Hotels and car rentals require the use of a credit card. If you don't qualify for an unsecured card but you do for a secured card, then you are still able to make the transaction.

What should I look for or avoid when shopping for a secured credit card?

Fees. This is the area you will really want to research when shopping for a secured credit card. Some cards will come with fees that run into the hundreds of dollars, eating away much of the credit you secured with the savings account. Professor Plummer says a card with no fee is the best, but a small one-time fee can be okay. Annual fees for attractive secured cards typically range from $20-$35. Be sure to watch out for hidden fees such as “registration charges” and “setup fees.”

Interest Rate. Just because you have no or poor credit doesn't mean you have to settle for the highest interest rate. Interest rates for attractive secured cards should not exceed 19%. Shop around and get the most competitive rate available.

Read the fine print. Linda Tucker, Director of Education for Consumer Credit Counseling Service for Arkansas and Memphis, TN, stresses the importance of reading the fine print. Doing so will let you know your exact obligations to the issuing company: for example, the grace period, what happens if you don't make a full payment, and what fees are attached if you don't make the full payment. Understanding these details will help make sure you are not further damaging your credit.

Fraudulent Offers. As with unsecured cards you need to watch out for fraudulent offers.The Federal Trade Commission gives the following advice to protect yourself from credit card fraud:

• Offers of easy credit. No one can guarantee to get you credit. Before deciding whether to give you a credit card, legitimate credit providers examine your credit report.

• A call to a '900' number for a credit card. You pay for calls with a '900' prefix -- and you may never receive a credit card.

• Credit cards offered by "credit repair" companies or "credit clinics." These businesses also may offer to clean up your credit history for a fee. However, you can correct genuine mistakes or outdated information yourself by contacting credit bureaus directly. Remember that only time and good credit habits will restore your credit worthiness.

When will I qualify for an unsecured credit card?

It can take several months to see an improvement in your credit history. Bankrate says it's a good indicator when you start receiving flyers in the mail for unsecured cards that your credit is improving. However, it's a good idea to continue taking things slowly. Using a secured card will help you learn healthy habits so that when you do get an unsecured credit card you remain in control of your spending and credit.

Where can I find a secured credit card?

Most companies don't advertise secured cards. But you can visit the Card Reports section of http://www.CardRatings.com to find out where and how to apply. Click on the link entitled “Cards for Consumers with Poor or No Credit”.

Other tips

Tom recommends sticking with only one or two cards and keeping spending to a minimum. The goal is to pay the card off each month.

Tucker emphasizes the importance of paying the amount due each month; otherwise late fees can be charged, interest rates raised, privileges lost, and credit history negatively affected.

Make sure you are getting a credit card as opposed to a gas card or a department store card.

Make sure a reputable bank or credit union, even a local one, is issuing the card. And, don't automatically assume a bank is issuing the card.

Not all issuers report to the three major credit agencies (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion). It's important to get a card that does report to all three agencies; otherwise you will be wasting your time. Fortunately, secured cards normally report to the credit agencies just like unsecured cards (you should verify this before applying).

If you have filed for bankruptcy, you may need to wait until it has been discharged before qualifying for a secured card.

Get one only if you cannot get credit, since you have no credit record; or if you have poor credit. Plummer says, “Many companies will not even count them as credit, such as automobile F&I (Finance and Insurance) people, although they will not admit it.” So, if you don't really need a secured card, you will be doing more harm than good.

Finally, whatever situation you are in, no credit or poor credit, the best way to build good credit is to set up a budget and then stick with it.

1 You can pay membership fees to any one of the three credit bureaus – Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax- to be able to check your credit score online daily. Visit our Credit Information section for more details. Tom recommends purchasing Microsoft Money 2004, which comes with a one-year membership to Experian (value of $99.00).

2 To find out more about correcting errors on your credit report, read our article How to Correct Mixed or Split Credit Reports.

Stop Credit Card Offers

You can stop receiving credit card offers in the mail! It's really easy to do - just phone 1-888-567-8688 and follow the prompts and provide the requested information including Social Security number, date of birth, etc.

Do this for every adult member of your household, including college students. Your "opt-out" status will be sent to each of the four credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion and Innovis). In four to six weeks, you will reduce the number of these kinds of offers.

Protect your identity, save a tree and make your postal carrier's life easier, too!

Credit Cards For People With Bad Credit Scores

Sometimes life lands you in a situation that causes your credit to suffer. A job loss or illness can send your credit rating south leaving you with nothing to do about it. Some creditors may let you slide a month or two, but your records will still show a delinquency. A stolen identity can also leave you feeling violated and unable to resume a normal life with credit. It is during these times you may have to search a little harder to find companies that wan to deal with people who have bad credit. There are a handful of lenders who will help you re-establish your creditworthiness by using one of their credit cards.

The price you will pay

Searching the Internet will give you a good idea of what types of credit card companies will deal with bad credit. Companies like Capital One, Orchard Bank, Providian Financial and even Citibank have plans to help you get back on your feet again. But at what price will you have to pay? The price is interest. Interest rates from these companies can be up to 25-30% annually. So it is important to manage your money and credit more wisely.

One of the many benefits of using one of these preferred lenders is that they report positively to the major credit scoring repositories. That means if you make timely payment it will be in your favor and will help boost your credit rating back up. The interest you pay is a small price to pay to get back on your credit worthy feet.

The secured credit card route

Most of the major banks and lending institutions may seek a deposit matching mechanism called a secured credit deposit before backing a credit card for you. This card is used the same way that a normal credit card is, however the cardholder must fund it before using. If the cardholder deposits $100 into the interest bearing account their credit card is funded at 100% of their deposit. Some credit cards can at their disposal issue double or triple matches to boost the amount the creditor can spend. The deposit of $100 can return $300 in credit terms. Secured credit cards also report positively to the credit agencies and will eventually become normal revolving accounts and the balances held for deposit are credited back to the cardholder's account. A very positive way for people with bad credit to obtain the financial vehicles they need.