Credit Card Quick

How to Find the Best Travel Rewards Credit Card

Credit Card Rewards

Travel rewards credit cards are a great perk for travelers; but all travel rewards credit cards are not created equal.

Don’t assume that your travel rewards credit card is just as good as the competition, as travel rewards credit cards can vary greatly regarding their rewards, terms and conditions.

So, how do you know if you’re getting best rewards credit card? Start by looking for a travel rewards credit card that offers the following features:

• An attractive sign-on bonus – Many travel rewards credit cards now offer fantastic sign-on bonuses that lure customers to their card. Many sign-on bonuses include free companion flights or a large number of bonus points or miles when you make your first purchase. Because so many travel rewards credit cards offer great sign-on bonuses it only makes sense to find a particularly attractive sign-on bonus.
• Look for extra perks – Many travel rewards credit card companies encourage consumers to use particular retailers by offering double or even triple rewards points. Other travel rewards credit card companies also offer bonus rewards points for shopping at certain retailer categories, such as home improvement or travel-related companies, for example.
• Terms and conditions – Aside from the obvious travel rewards points and perks, it is important to pay close attention to the card’s terms and conditions. Often times, credit card companies offer great travel rewards upfront, but catch the consumer on the back end by charging high fees or interest rates. There is no reason why you can’t find a travel rewards credit card that has both attractive rewards and competitive terms and conditions – it is just up to you to find the card that best works for you.
• Weigh the card’s benefits – if you are a big spender then a travel rewards credit card is probably right for you, as you are likely to earn travel rewards more quickly. If you pay off your card in full each month then a travel rewards credit card is also probably beneficial for you. However, if you don’t spend much or if you are often unable to pay your card in full each month then you may want to consider a standard credit card with a low, fixed interest rate.

How to Stay on Top of Rising Interest Rates

Credit Card Debt

The financial crisis of the last couple of years has left many banks and creditors scrambling to recoup their losses. The overall losses are astronomical, and millions of customers are simply without the means to repay their credit card debt.

Unfortunately, whether we like it or not, the losses felt by many credit card companies and banks are simply passed onto customers in good standing. Although this certainly isn’t something that is said outright, many of us have likely experienced interest rate hikes and additional fees on our favorite credit cards over the last couple of years.

As a customer in good standing, you do have rights regarding interest rake hikes and other fees. In other words, don’t feel like you have no other option than to accept higher interest rate charges on your credit card if you have always paid your bill and kept your credit in good standing.

1.       Keep your credit card account in good standing – no matter what! You have little room for negotiation if you fail to pay your bill on time.

2.       If your credit card company sends you notice of a rate increase, immediately call the company to negotiate. Once again, if you have maintained an excellent credit history you will hold the cards regarding your interest rate. Ask the credit card company to maintain your current interest rate. If you have no luck, ask to speak to a supervisor and plead your case with him or her.

3.       If your current credit card company does not budge regarding your current interest rate, simply look elsewhere. If you have maintained an excellent credit rating, switching credit cards should not be a problem. Although obtaining credit may be harder than it was a year or two ago, individuals with good credit are still being sought out by creditors.

4.       Look for a credit card with a low, fixed interest rate or one that has a low, introductory offer. Also, look for a credit card that includes a low rate on balance transfers and or a low fee on balance transfers, as these costs can be significant, regardless of whether you have secured a low interest rate.

Have you Considered a Small Business Credit Card?

Credit Card Types

We all know that credit cards play an important role in our day-to-day living. It should therefore come as no shock that small businesses rely heavily on credit from time to time.

Bridge the Income Gap

Many small businesses use small business credit cards to bridge the gap between income and expenses. A revolving line of credit is important for many small businesses or start-up businesses, as this enables the company to continue operating the business, even when cash flow is an issue.

Search for a Low, Fixed Interest Rate

Small business cards are similar to traditional credit cards, as the credit card balances are subject to interest charges; therefore, it is extremely important for small business owners to shop around and find a small business credit card with a low, fixed interest rate.

Take Advantage of Online Tools

Small business credit cards may also prove useful to small business owners who want to track their weekly, monthly and yearly spending. Most small business credit cards offer a myriad of online tools to help small business owners track expenses. In addition, year-end account summaries are also very useful, as they enable small business owners to see the overall picture regarding their yearly expenditures.

Protect yourself Against Credit Card Theft

Like traditional credit cards, small business credit cards feature protection against fraud or credit card theft, as well. For many small business owners, the ability to check the account online is important, as they can monitor the account on a weekly – or even daily – basis to ensure that there are no unapproved charges on the card.

Include Additional, Authorized Users to the Account

Small business owners can also add certain employees to the account, thereby enabling them to purchase supplies when needed. And, because all expenses are tracked and accounted for, the small business owner does not need to worry about frivolous expenditures. For many small business owners that rely on employees to make purchases and order supplies, this account feature may prove extremely beneficial.

Keep Business and Personal Expenses Separate

For many small business owners, it may prove useful to separate business expenses from personal expenses, so it may be a good idea for small business owners to obtain a small business credit card and use it solely for business expenditures, thereby eliminating the problem of confusing bookkeeping.