Monday, 9 March 2009

Credit card for the students




Student credit card

For students, the student credit cards are the best way to enter the fascinating world of credit cards. Student credit cards help the students in taking advantage of the various benefits associated with credit cards in general e.g. convenience, safety, rebates etc., much earlier in their life. Moreover, student credit cards act as training ground for students, most of whom haven’t had any experience with credit cards. The student credit cards help the students in gaining hands-on knowledge about the various aspects of credit cards and their use. Most credit card suppliers also include a small guide that helps the students in gaining a good understanding of credit cards, upfront. The students learn more and more with every transaction on their student credit card and as they experiment with the various benefits associated with the student credit cards using their student credit cards in various ways. Another important benefit is in terms of the time that student credit cards save for the students. As we know, time is very valuable for students and by using their student credit card to order things online, they can actually save a lot of time too. Moreover, the students might require short term loans (in case there is a delay in the arrival of funds in their account, for whatever reason); and student credit cards facilitate this very easily taking the burden off from the student (so students can use their student credit cards like a loan for making payments in the meantime). As such, money is the other critical thing for students. Student credit cards again become handy here by saving them some money in terms of rebates from retail stores, grocery shops etc. Moreover, the students also receive additional rewards/benefits from the members reward programmes that come with all credit cards (including student credit cards).

As students use their student credit cards, they keep building their knowledge database. This knowledge becomes handy when they are out of college and into their job and looking for a full-fledged credit card (i.e. credit cards which have lesser restrictions, more credit limit etc as compared to a student credit card). Hence the student credit cards help the students in making a knowledge-based decision rather than a fancy-based one. Such decisions and the knowledge about using the credit cards in a disciplined manner, acts as a deterrent to one of the most serious problems being faced by credit card industry i.e. the problem of credit card debt.

With so many advantages on the plate, the student credit cards are really an essential for every student.

Application of credit card online


Apply online for credit card

Is it ok to apply online for credit card?

With the fast pace of our everyday lives, we don’t have time for anything really. This is where the combined power of commerce and technology comes in. The capability to apply online for a credit card is one such example. Yes, you can apply online for a credit card. The revolution behind providing you with the ability to ‘apply online for credit card’ is called ‘internet’. You can not only apply online for credit card but also use your credit card to do online shopping (and get the goods delivered to your door at no extra cost compared to the local store).

So, it is possible to apply online for a credit card. To apply online for credit card, you just have to fill-in an application form that is presented to you on the website of the credit card supplier (who provides the capability to apply online for credit card). This application form is very similar to the one you would have filled-in in person – the details asked are same and the processing of the application is same too. You will find that a lot credit card companies encourage you to apply online for credit card. This is because they save on the costs related to salary of representatives, paper, etc. Moreover, when you apply online for credit card, your details can smoothly flow into the database of the credit card supplier i.e. the manual intervention is minimal when you apply online for credit card. This will in turn lead to faster processing of your application. Though it is not necessarily true, if you apply online for credit card, your credit card might reach you much faster. Moreover, if you apply online for credit card, you save on all the time and hassle associated with approaching a credit card company etc etc. You can compare the credit cards (again online) before you apply online for credit card.

Some people don’t like to apply online for credit card. The main reason is their discomfort in giving out the personal information online. One quick check, before you apply online for credit card, is to see if the website address of the page (where you are required to enter your details) starts with ‘https’. ‘Https’ indicates that it’s a secure website (you might also check if the security certificate is provided by a reputed organization e.g. VeriSign). If you don’t see an https, you should not apply online for credit card of that company. Besides that, some people don’t apply online for credit card because they are not comfortable in filling up the form all by themselves. In such a case, you might either not apply online for credit card (and apply in person instead); or you might just go through the form, note down your questions/problems and seek the answers by calling the customer service centre of the credit card company.

So, applying online for credit card is surely a good option.

Monday, 8 December 2008

5 Reasons Why a Secured Visa Credit Card is Better Than Prepaid


Many people assume that a prepaid Visa card is the same thing as a secured Visa credit card. This actually couldn't be further from the truth. A prepaid Visa credit card is significantly different from a secured Visa credit card. Here are five reasons why.
1. The Credit Factor
If you're trying to decide between a prepaid credit card or a secured Visa credit card, chances are that your credit isn't exactly spotless. If you want to improve your credit rating, understanding the differences between prepaid cards and secured cards is critical.
If you opt for a prepaid credit card, you're not doing anything to improve your credit rating. This is because prepaid credit cards typically aren't reported to the credit bureaus. On the other hand, when you are issued a secured Visa credit card, your account activity is reported to the credit bureaus, improving your credit.
By managing your secured Visa credit card properly, you aren't just gaining access to a credit card and the benefits that go along with carrying one, but you're also increasing your credit score and rebuilding your credit history.
2. The Money Factor
There is one thing that prepaid credit cards and secured credit cards have in common. Whether you open a secured credit card or a prepaid credit card, you're going to have to send in money. That, however, is where the similarity ends.
When you give money to a prepaid credit card company, they credit the amount to your prepaid card and then you can spend the money you've put on it. That's it -- end of story. When all the money is spent, you either add more or throw the card away.
When you send in money to open your secured Visa credit card account, the money is put into a savings account and you earn interest on that account. Then the credit card company extends you a revolving line of credit equal to the amount of that account.
3. Monthly Statements
When it comes to a prepaid credit card, there aren't monthly statements to pay. With a secured Visa credit card, however, you receive a monthly statement that must be paid on time (or it will affect your credit). You will have the choice of paying the minimum amount due, the balance in full or anything in between. This activity is then reported to the credit bureaus.
4. Hotels and Cars
Nowadays when you check into a hotel they ask you whether or not you are using a prepaid credit card and many hotels and car rental companies won't even accept prepaid credit cards as a form of payment. However, there is nothing differentiating an unsecured credit card from a secured Visa credit card, which means you can use your secured card to book hotels and car rentals without any hassle.
5. Moving Forward
If you carry a prepaid credit card, there will never be a chance of it evolving to an unsecured credit card. However, it is not uncommon for a secured Visa credit card to evolve into an unsecured credit card once you have established a payment history and have proven that you can be trusted with the card.
So while a prepaid credit card may look a bit like a secured Visa credit card, the fact remains that they are very different in many ways. If you want to rebuild your credit, then a secured Visa credit card is really the only way to go.
For more tips on secured credit cards, saving money and avoiding getting taken, check out CreditCardTipsEtc.com, a website that specializes in providing credit card tips, advice and resources.

BY-Max Anderson
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Max_Anderson

Information on Visa Credit Cards



Visa. Clearly one of the most known credit card companies, the Visa symbol is known worldwide. There are many different types of Visa credit cards offered, and this article will review some of them to give you a better feel for the company. Visa credit cards are not actually distributed by the Visa Company, merely banks that back up the Visa standard, so rates may be different.
The Visa classic is one of the most commonly seen credit cards. It is an ideal first card that is simple, flexible, and usable worldwide. Many different banks issue this type of card. These cards normally start off with lower credit rating, however, it can all depend on income, current credit score and other personal circumstances at the time of the application.
The Visa secured is a great way to begin to build credit, or help reestablish bad credit. By placing down a deposit, you can effectively guarantee that you will be approved for this card. Once approved, be sure to pay your monthly bill on time, and if you can, pay more than the minimum payment. Before you know it your credit score will begin to rise if you maintain the payments.
For those with established history, the Visa Gold can be the next step up. It generally features lower APR rates and higher credit limits.
For those in the higher echelon of the credit world, the Visa Platinum is a standard for credit excellence. Featuring phenomenally low rates and high credit lines, this card is the who’s who of Visa credit cards. After finding out about the various types listed here, you can generally figure out which card is right for you. Remember to browse around before making a decision. There are many review sites online which offer comparisons on the many cards available.
Simply find a bank that offers the card, and you’re well on your way to becoming a Visa cardholder!

By- John Gibb