The first “Modern Credit Card” that can be used for paying parties other than the card issuer was started in 1950. It was issued by Diners Club in New York City. Initially they were issued to about two hundred people, most of them known to the owner. These were used mainly at the restaurants and were accepted at 14 places initially.

Since then there have been many developments in the credit card industry. Here is a choice of 10 interesting facts about credit cards.

1. Most Expensive Credit Card

Black Centurion Card offered by American Express is the most expensive credit card at the moment. It has an annual fee of $2,500 and requires the cardholder to spend at least $250,000 a year through credit card transactions. In some countries it also requires a
one-time joining fee.

2. How Visa Card Came Into Existence

In 1958 a credit card was issued by Bank of America. In 1970 the other American banks also joined and its control was handed over to a joint financial venture. In 1976 the name Visa was given to this operation.

3. Cash Back Bonus

Sears introduced its Discover Card in 1985. It was a big hit not only because it did not charge any annual fee, but it also actually offered an up to 5% Cash Back Bonus.

4. Is Low Minimum Payment Good For You?

The answer is a big NO, because that means more of the unpaid debt, which ultimately means more INTEREST.

Read the full story

People always struggle to achieve and maintain the good credit score. It becomes very hard to rebuild the good credit history in order to obtain the approval of new credit card. It can be observed that the origination of the cards were continued to decrease 50 percent every year from the second quarter of 2009. Generally, a lot of time is required to build the good credit history and maintain the good credit, due to limited number of options. These opportunities might be small and very complex but not impossible to maintain the good credit. There is, however, small number of options for rebuilding or establishing the credit history. Some of these options are briefly discussed here.

Options for establishing the credit Choice of Secured cards

The role of secured cards is very important to solve this issue. These are usually consists upon the minimum deposits as $200 or $300 made by the consumers which is used as the credit line. The proper reporting to the agencies might be helpful to build the credits.

Fico scoring

There is method of FICO scoring which is generally used to evaluate the secured cards. Most of the credit card companies will improve the status of unsecured cards after a definite period of time. This is usually occurred within a period of 18 months. Read the full story

If you have bad credit score then it doesn’t mean that it can stop you from getting a credit card. However, it can make the entire process of getting credit card longer. Moreover, it is also capable of making things more difficult such as, larger purchases etc. Still there are certain ways by which you can get credit card and simplify this complicated process.

Tips to Get a Credit Card with  Poor Credit

If you are dealing with bad credit and still want to get a credit then following tips will help you in doing so, here you go:

Go for Smaller Retail Store

This is the important one. Try to apply for credit card at any of the smaller retail stores. That’s because sometimes smaller companies show willingness to work for you. Make small purchases after getting your application approved. Establish a habit of paying off at least minimum monthly payments on regular basis. Make sure neither you delay nor you miss any payment.

Contact your Bank & other Saving Institutions

If any of these institutions have already in business with you then they are more likely to give you credit card.

Consider Getting a Secured Credit Card

If every other option fails then consider getting a secured credit card. You will have to open and maintain a saving account in the term of security for your line of credit. This credit line will act as the percentage of your deposit. Read the full story

The most heightened debt that all of us are familiar with is our credit card debts. We are mean, all time hungry and devouring for the next best thing approaching the market. We can’t help to sustain the jealousy and envy we keep in our heart when our friends or neighbors have a new all improved innovative barbecue range standing out so boastful in their garden. We can’t stand the sight of their latest LS600h parked with pride in front of their porch and for the women it is a mere moment of burning up in flames when they see that 24 karat crystal clear, diamond cut ring on their friend’s finger a sign of their recent anniversary gift. So these many wonders of world and luxury filled trinkets keep our inner most heart content.

It is for this purpose that the poor Visa or Master card is punishingly swiped a number of times to purchase these items and belongings so that you can pamper and spoil yourselves. But take a moment to think, that where is the money coming for all these things, its’ not from God’s account or some anonymous person. It’s your own account, it’s your own savings being spent so frivolously, your own envy and jealous is sending you to hell. So the journey arises when you set off to pay off your credit card debts before it is too late and you are slashed into the court for bankruptcy. A situation that God forbid brings anyone to his knees begging.

Credit cards are among the most useful financial instruments available to almost everyone. In the last few years, it has taken the shape of need rather than a want or desire. Most of us are having more than one credit card since people find it more handy to keep these credit cards instead of cash.

No doubt, credit cards are more convenient in use while making your daily transactions and shopping, but at the same time you have to be more alert and carful while spending, since a person usually keeps on buying from his credit card without keeping an eye on budget, this can even put you in trouble.

Credit cards come in various types and with different terms. every bank or credit card company has something to offer with their credit cards as a tactic to attract new customers, while retaining the existing ones along with motivating them for paying their balances on time.  Some of these credit cards come up with different reward programs along with other features. Some of them give you free membership to golf clubs or other renowned  clubs. Some platinum cards even offer free or discounted stay to different lounges at Air Port. Some of them come up with discounted coupons for shopping at famous outlets.

Read the full story

There are many Credit card companies that are offering lower rates to tempt new customers, but at the same time, credit card fees are rising and putting more financial burden on you. Here are the few tips to avoid extra fees on your credit card.

Pay your bills, twice a month

It is an effective practice to pay your bill twice a month, it will not only give you cost benefit but also provide you with more financial control on your payment schedules especially when you are to make a big number of payments pay every month.

Sign up for automatic bill payment

Automatic payment of bills helps ensure timely payments of your credit card bills and thus refrain you from late fee payments. Read the full story

Credit card balance transfers enable a person to pay off his old bills by opening a new credit card. It can be considered as a refinance, as your old credit card balance is paid off, and you start off with a new credit card balance with a new rate and terms.

Let’s look at a quick example

Let us suppose that you have an American Express Card with a balance of $1,000 and a 20.99% APR. Whereas you can get a new Visa card with a credit line of $5,000 and 0% APR for 12 months.

If you choose the balance transfer offer using your new Visa card, you’ll pay off the $1,000 balance which you had with American Express with your Visa credit card, and the balance on your Visa card will become $1,000.

Read the full story

Forums, chat room and blogs are recently overflowing with complaints from credit card users from across America. Those customers who are complaining are talking about a mysterious $0.25 cent charge on their credit card statements.

These 25 cents have been charged by Adele Services, Melville, N.Y.  A simple search on internet reveals that there is no such company in Melville. even more surprising is that no business by this name was ever registered in state of New York.

People are presenting many theories for explanation of such absurd charges. One is, that it is quite possible that some one got his hands on a large database of credit card numbers and customer information. they are trying to verify the credit card authenticity before ringing up bigger charges on these cards.

Read the full story