Bank Credit Card
The Lowdown on the Orchard Bank Secured Credit Card
When your credit history is proving to be a hindrance to your financial well-being, perhaps it is time for you to get a secured credit card. One of the cards worth your consideration would be the Orchard Bank MasterCard secured card issued by the HSBC Bank of Nevada.
This card targets customers with poor or limited credit ratings, and aids them towards improving their credit histories. A secured credit card works by requiring the card holder to deposit cash into their credit card account prior to utilization. This way, this credit card prevents its card owners from incurring more debt whilst helping them re-establish their credit history.
An additional advantage unique to this card is that the deposits in the account are paid interests by the bank. In the effort to establish a healthy credit rating, customers must bear in mind that late payments must be avoided, and they have to be aware of the current annual percentage rate for the card as the APR of the Orchard Bank Secured Credit card is based on a variable rate. Although, the regular rate now stands at 15.90%, the actual rate is dependent on the Prime Rate. APRs for cash advances are higher than most cards at 23.40%, with a minimum rate of 19.99%.
Interestingly enough, the annual fees for the Orchard Bank Secured Credit Card is lower than other most unsecured credit cards. Balances above $1000 will only incur fees of $35 whilst card holders who have charged more than their credit limits will only be charged only $29. Also, there are periodic reviews of the credit limit for each account, so regular payments will enable the card holder to obtain higher credit limits and at the same time improving their credit history.
Finally, the Orchard Bank secured credit card also offers a lot of perks not evident in other competing credit cards. These would include Internet services, emergency replacements for stolen cards as well as numerous protection services against fraud and identity theft.
The Consequences of Credit Card Company Created Bankruptcy
Chances are that back when you first began using credit cards, the credit card companies were never shy about offering you more cards and larger credit lines. They acted this way because they wanted you to live beyond your means and take on more debt than you could reasonably pay off on a monthly basis. These companies do not make money when customers charge low amounts and pay off their balances in full; they make money when customers carry high balances and pay hefty interest rates. Then, once these same consumers are maxed out and finding it difficult to make even the minimum payment, what do the credit card companies do? They raise their interest rates even higher!
Based on these business practices, it should be no surprise that the credit card companies actively sponsored recent legislation making it harder than ever to declare bankruptcyeven for those who need it most.
Legally, there are two types of bankruptcy available to individuals: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Most people think of bankruptcy in terms of Chapter 7, which means almost all current debts are canceled, and after they file, they owe nothing. They also get to keep all of their current belongings. The credit card companies are obviously against Chapter 7, because it means they will never see any more money from those customers.
The more common type of bankruptcy (and the one preferred by creditors) is Chapter 13. A person filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy has their debts, income, and assets carefully looked over by a court representative. The court then decides how much, if any, of the debt they still have the ability to pay, and then sets up a strict payment plan (often, money is taken directly from paychecks). Any and all personal assets, from a car to furniture and clothing, can be ordered by the court representative to be sold to pay off your debts.
While the credit card companies would prefer bankruptcy did not exist, they greatly prefer it when people file for Chapter 13, because the companies have a chance at receiving even more money. New legislation passed in 2005 made it harder than ever to qualify for Chapter 7, which means even more consumers may be forced to sell their vehicle or their family home to satisfy debtsdebts that in many cases were actually paid off years ago, with only the years of high interest payments left.
The Real Consequences of Bankruptcy
After filing for bankruptcy, you no longer have your old debts, but you also no longer have any of your old lines of credit. For someone who has been living beyond their financial means for a long time, this new situation can be a painful and difficult shock.
If you filed for Chapter 13, you will start with a five-year repayment plan, as ordered by the court. You will not have access to old credit lines, and have very limited (if any) access to new credit. Shockingly, your bankruptcy does not actually start to count down until the end of this five-year period.
Bankruptcy goes on your credit report, and remains there for up to ten years. (With Chapter 13, the ten years start after your five-year repayment ends, adding up to as many as 15 years in total.) Immediately after filing, your credit score will go down, and for at least the first year getting any new line of credit may be impossible. Over time, your credit score will slowly improve, and you may be eligible for some credit offers. Be wary of opening any new accounts, remembering your earlier debt problems. Remember, you can only declare bankruptcy once every seven years, so no matter what new circumstances come up (medical expenses, death, etc.), you are completely liable for any new debts for at least seven years forward.
Your first credit offers post-bankruptcy will likely be for small credit lines (a few hundred dollars), with high interest rates and usually an annual fee. To get back on track to good credit, open one of these cards only if you are ready for the responsibility. Pay on time, and don’t exceed your limit. As time goes on, you will be offered cards with larger credit lines, lower rates, and less or no fees.
Student Credit Card Or The Bank Of Mom And Dad
Student Credit Card Or The Bank Of Mom And Dad
Student credit cards can be a quick and easy solution to an unexpected cash crunch. Lets say you work at a local hot-dog stand on weekends to help make ends meet. But the boss ran into a little gambling problem and couldn’t pay you this week. But you bought a case of beer for the weekend and your last text book will finally be in at the bookstore on Monday (only a month late). This is an excellent situation to put a student credit card to use. You know you need the book, you know that your boss will have the money next week, and you’ll be able to pay off the debt easily. This is a great situation to use a credit card as a student.
Now lets say that horror of horrors the hot-dog stand job falls through. Now you’re in a serious bind. Not only are you short on cash, you’ve got no new cash coming in, perhaps for a long time. In a case like this, for those who can, it is time to call on the bank of Mom and Dad.
Now I should perhaps explain what the Bank of Mom and Dad is supposed to be. Well it is basically just what it says: Hitting up your parents for a low/no interest loan to see you through a hard time. Now of course not everyone has this background support. In that case, you can think of the Bank of M&D as being any low/no interest source of funds you can find (real banks, line of credit, scholarships/bursaries). The basic principal remains the same.
In a situation where you are going to need money for a longer period of time use money that costs you the least to borrow. Typical credit cards, especially for students, start at 19% and go higher. These days, if you qualify, a line of credit or a personal bank loan can be in the 6% range. There are many scholarships and hardship bursaries available on every campus, often from multiple sources (student union, your department, the university, private sources).
Regardless of whom you are or what you are studying, you need to take care of your finances while you are a student. You will most likely end up in a situation where your money runs out and you need to pay for something essential like food. When it happens to you, calmly size up the situation and decide which route is best for you at that moment: a quick fix with your student credit card or a longer term solution with a low or no cost loan from the Bank of Mom and Dad (or similar sources).
Straightforward Ways Of Getting A Credit Card After Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy administers a devastating blow to your credit card. A bankruptcy may remain on your credit report for up to 10 years. But these effects do not remain long lasting; it starts to diminish on your credit report as soon as your case is closed.
Even before bankruptcy drops your previous credit report, you could qualify for credit with good rates and terms. In fact, newly discharged debtors are frequently solicited for enrollment onto new cards. However, before you plunge back into the credit world, consider the extent to which easy credit lead to a bankruptcy filing before you sign up for new cards. You must ensure that a responsible credit habit is maintained for payment of bills, and only a small portion of the available credit should be used.
Most credit card companies will allow you to keep their credit card for use even after you have filed bankruptcy. This is on the condition that you agree to reaffirm the balance on the card and enter into a new agreement, which is signed after the bankruptcy filing. Most creditors want your future business, and hence will be willing for you to use their cards.
A recent bankrupt may give you trouble to qualify for a regular, unsecured credit card. It may even turn out to be more expensive than before, and available with lower limits. Financially, secured credit cards offer you a better deal than any of the unsecured cards youre likely to run into after your bankruptcy.
So it is best to opt for a secured card, which sets a limit for you. This credit limit in a secured credit card is equal to an amount you have to deposit at the card-issuing bank. A secured credit card requires up to $500 to be deposited. This amount may seem miniscule as compared to exorbitant credit limits you may have enjoyed before bankruptcy.
A secured credit card is usually available at lower rates than unsecured credit cards. But secured credit cards have gotten a bad rap, because most dont help you rebuild your credit history.
Also, you must choose your secured card wisely. Look for a card, which has no application fee and a reasonable annual fee. Some secured cards demand huge upfront and annual charges.
If you maintain a good credit limit and make your payments on time, after 12-18 months you could be upgraded to a regular unsecured credit card.
However, there are some unsecured credit cards that you would also do well to steer away from. Most unsecured credit cards charge you such high up-front fees that youre in debt before you even receive the credit card. Since your goal is to re-establish your credit, pick a credit card that you think is best suited for you.
Then apply for that one card. Dont apply for several cards as they will stir up too many new inquiries on your credit reports. This will make your creditors nervous and less likely to extend credit to you.
Perks Of Citibank Credit Card
Citibank credit cards offer a wide range of benefits. Basically, all of it features offer clients with security during emergencies, the advantage of not bringing cash and checks, and improving independence and responsibility in financial management.
Other than these basic perks of credit cards, there are specified benefits the Citibank credit cards have to offer. Here are some of the credit cards and their corresponding perks:
1) Diners club international credit card. This kind of credit card provides you with the decision of your own credit limit. The interest rates would not show on your bill for fifty days. Since this Citibank credit card could be used all around the world, it gives you the privilege of using it within five million companies worldwide. The ATM card could be used anywhere in the world. And lastly, there is no extra fee when the Citibank credit card is lost.
2) The Citibank Gold Card. This kind of Citibank credit card provides you with a higher credit and cash limit. It offers you access on international lounges and airports. It has a strong and secured insurance. And there is no fee when the credit card has been stolen, lost or damaged.
3) Jet Airways Citibank International Gold Card. This kind of credit card allows the cardholder to take advantage of jet privileges and promos on jet miles when you make use of the credit or cash. When you have been approved with this kind of credit card, you will be automatically given a jet airways ride of 1500 miles. Plus, the services and credit card is insured.
4) The Citibank Silver Card. This kind of credit card has several kinds of insurances like personal accidents, baggage and household insurances that would cover up your expenses. There are also occasional discounts on certain stores and zero costing on lost credit cards.
5) The Citibank Womans card. This kind of credit card targets the women. It provides women with discounts on jewelry, cosmetics, health products, clothes and many shopping stores. It also provides jewelry insurance and there is no extra fee when the Citibank credit card is lost.
6) Specialty cards. There are Citibank credit cards that provide you specifically with music and book stores usage, gives you an advantage on concerts and movie passes, and could give you discounts on oil transactions. These kinds of credit cards would depend on which you apply for and use regularly.
With those numerous advantages, you will surely wonder how you were able to get along without it.
How To Get Out Of Credit Card Debt Much Faster
How To Get Out Of Credit Card Debt Much Faster & Save Lots Of Money Without Filing For Bankruptcy!
The most important lesson I learned about getting out of debt is that you’ll NEVER get out of debt playing by the rules of your creditors. No matter what they say, they really don’t want you to get out of debt.
After all, the longer it takes you to pay off your debt, the more money they’ll make.
So trust me, youll NEVER get out of debt by just making minimum payments. Or by paying ridiculously high interest rates…or by paying late fees, overlimit fees, or any other fees charged by your creditors.
How You Can Get Out Of Debt Faster, Too
So, how do you pay off your credit card bills…especially when money is REAL tight?
Work out an agreement with your creditors to pay off your credit card bills at a reduced amount. You’ll be able to pay off your bills more quickly, and the credit card companies will get their money faster.
This process is called debt negotiation, or debt settlement.
Most people don’t know this type of debt reduction is even an option – which is exactly what the creditors want you to think. (You’ll also learn other strategies to help you get out of debt faster.)
But believe me, debt negotiation really does work.
Find Out If Debt Negotiation Is Right For You
Debt negotiation is a more aggressive approach to getting out of debt (usually, you must be behind on your payments to get the creditors to agree to a settlement), and is not necessarily right for everyone.
So make sure to ask lots of questions. And compare different programs. Then decide if it is right for you.
My only regret is that I did not find out about this option until I had already paid my credit card companies thousands of dollars in interest!
The most important point to remember is that youll NEVER get out of debt playing by the creditors rules.
So take a few minutes to find out how you can pay off your credit card bills faster, and save yourself LOTS OF MONEY at the same time.
If you’re looking for a more traditional way to get out of debt, then debt consolidation may be the answer for you. You might not get out of debt as fast, but you still may be able to lower your interest rates and save yourself a bunch of money!
How To Accept Credit Card In Your Small Business
Would you like to accept credit card small business payments at your company or Website? More and more entrepreneurs are taking this route on the road to riches as they learn how to grow their business. Entering the technology age is neither difficult nor expensive, but you have to learn how to navigate the system by following a series of key steps that can put you ahead of the competition.
Becoming eligible to accept credit card small business dealings is as simple as opening a merchant services account. You just have to find a financial broker, often a bank or credit union, who will underwrite your account to make it secure. Many financial institutions are searching for small business owners that they can help to get started in this lucrative process. Do an Internet search to find the top few with reputable names or backgrounds. Compare their prices, options, and terms before choosing the one that seems best able to serve your companys interests and help you grow. Then apply online or by telephone to get the ball rolling. In a very short time you could be accepting credit payments while building undreamed of profitability.
After opening a merchant account, you will need to purchase or lease the right equipment that will let you accept credit card small business payments at your company or Internet site. For a physical location, you can buy a credit card processor or perhaps an e-check or debit processor for a few hundred dollars. Of course, you will need to consider set-up fees, maintenance fees, and any supplies (like electricity or printing paper) to support this equipment. Working with your underwriter, the fees may cost just 25 cents per transaction or 2% overall. It pays to shop for the best deal that works within your company budget. A wireless credit processor works great for employees who deliver goods to residential or business customers. You also might want to invest in a pager or a digital system.
Experts believe the most lucrative step of a merchant account is to set up a company Website to accept credit card small business transactions. A well-designed site that offers clear-cut information about your company and its services will keep customers coming back and through word of mouth or search engines, bring others along as well. Find out how to register a domain name and find a host site. Then your online store will be open to customers all over the world 24/7, ensuring that sales and profits trickle in on a regular basis. It may take some time to get the word out via the Internet, but in a matter of months with a little bit of promotion you could see significant returns on your investment.
Dont let this excellent opportunity pass you buy. Find out more about how you can open a merchant services account, start accepting credit payments, and perhaps set up a business Website to make your presence known throughout cyberspace. Your income may multiply when you learn how to accept credit card small business payments.
How Prepaid Credit Cards Differ From Other Bank Cards
If you are considering using a prepaid credit card, it is important to understand the difference between it and other bank cards. In this article I will discuss the key differences between these cards.
When people begin using ATM cards in the 1970s, there weren’t many places they could use them. While credit cards were able to be used virtually anywhere, ATM cards could only be used at the machines. However, as time passed, more features begin to be made available to people with ATM cards.
People begin to be able to check their balances and transfer money between accounts. The debit card was soon introduced, and by the end of the 1980s merchants begin to accept them for point of sale transactions. To make these transactions, customers had to enter their private PIN.
As debit cards begin to be used more like credit cards, credit card companies were beginning to discover that they were losing customers. Many people didn’t have the credit necessary to use their cards, and had switched over to ATM and debit cards. The large credit card companies begin to work with the banks in introducing a new type of card onto the market.
This card has come to be known as the prepaid credit card. It differs from a standard ATM card in that it can be used to withdraw money from ATMs as well as make purchases in stores and online. It differs from a standard credit card because it doesn’t come with a balance and funds must be loaded onto it by the customer.
A prepaid credit card differs from a prepaid debit card in the sense that users may be able to increase their credit rating when using it. They also don’t require a PIN to access funds with the exception of when you’re trying to withdraw money from an ATM.
Customers must pay for a prepaid credit card up front, while they are issued a traditional credit card free of charge. This is how the large credit card companies make their money. The money on prepaid credit cards aren’t borrowed like standard credit cards.
The money that the customers have on the card is the money that they have added. They are able to control their own credit limits, and can add money whever they run out. ATM cards are simply used to pull money out of a checking account, but cannot have money actually added to them.
Free Credit Card Processing For Business Owners
Would you like to upgrade your companys operations by taking advantage of free credit card processing for business owners? There has never been a better time to locate banks offering this service and make the best possible deal for your interests. Financial institutions are eager to work with you in opening a merchant account, and they sometimes offer attractive incentives to get entrepreneurs business. If you like the idea of free credit card processing, start shopping at your community banks and credit unions to see what type of deals they can offer.
Free credit card processing for business owners is an attractive perk, since some companies impose fees of perhaps 15 to 25 cents per transaction or a monthly percentage fee overall of between 1% and 2%. Being able to get free credit card processing for business owners could save you a significant sum of money each month, and over time, those savings could increase even more. Your customers will love the ease with which they can make online credit card payments, and you will appreciate the time-saving benefits of handling credit payments electronically rather than by employees who require regular paychecks.
It is a good idea to sit down with your financial institution and discuss the precise terms of the free credit card processing for business owners deal. Will you have to pay an application fee? Will annual membership fees come due each year? Are there other embedded costs that you should know about up front? Even if your credit card processing is free, other start-up expenses could add up to cost even more than the transactions would. You will want to make the best possible deal before signing an application or contract to be sure you dont get trapped into paying unexpected high costs later.
Keep in mind that free credit card processing for business owners may not be the best perk to ask for when applying for a merchant account. In addition to start-up fees that could be imposed and perhaps increased in lieu of the free credit card processing option, you also may have to pay expenses like a statement fee, a minimum fee, a discount fee, and a license fee. These could add up initially to more than you will pay for transaction fees. Even if the free credit card processing option appears to save you money at first, is this a limited time offer? When reinstated later, will transaction fees be difficult to add to the company budget since you did not start the process with them?
You might want to get a second opinion on weighing the benefits offered with various merchant account deals. You could even ask the customers via an informal survey about the type of credit processing they are most interested in and then see how promotional offers for opening a merchant account may impact customer interests. Of course, you can always check out the benefits of paying no transactions costs, and if permissible, switch to another system later if costs increase more than expected with free creditcard processing for business owners.
Excessive Bank Account And Credit Card Charges Attacked As Unfair
Excessive Bank Account And Credit Card Charges Attacked As Unfair And Possibly Illegal
One missed credit card payment, or going overdrawn without permission, and suddenly a 30 charge can be incurred. Bank charges can seem unfair and too harsh given the frequently tiny amounts of unauthorized borrowing involved. Now it seems that the law could be in agreement.
Following on from an investigation launched in October 2003, eight major credit card companies were told in July 05 by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) that the charges they levy for late payments were “disproportionately high”, and that charges need to be adjusted to better reflect the costs of managing late payment. Throughout the investigation, the credit card firms continued to maintain that the late payment charges they imposed were fair.
The legality of these charges are being questioned by a Scottish law firm, supported by the Scottish Citizens Advice, who are encouraging consumers to challenge the right of banks to charge such high penalty fees. With current high street credit card typical APRs ranging from 5.9% to 29.9% this is up to 25.4% points above the present 4.5% Bank of England base rate, and banks cutting the interest rates on current and savings accounts, many consumers see the levels of the bank charges as an additional means of revenue generation by the banks through excessive penalization of consumers beyond the actual costs involved.
“The law says if someone breaches their contract, for example you go over your overdraft without permission, the bank is only entitled to recover its actual loss,” Mike Dailly, Principal Solicitor at the Govan Law Centre told BBC Money Box, “If you get an automated letter from your bank for going over your limit, that costs about 50p. So why should someone get a 36 letter for that transaction?”.
In a previous press release, the OFT stated that it, considers that, in a consumer contract, a default charge is likely to be disproportionately high if it is more than a genuine pre-estimate of the damages that the card issuer would win in court if it sued the cardholder for breach of contract.
A representative of the British Banker’s Association told the BBC that the banks were not charging customers more than the actual cost, citing that the charges were to cover additional costs incurred due to a need for human intervention, to extract the item from the day’s work, to research the customer’s recent credit profile, and then a managerial decision as to whether to return the unpaid item.
The Glasgow based Law firm states that, The legality of bank charges has yet to be ruled on by a senior UK court but these will not be enforced if they are found to be ‘penalty’ or ‘unfair’ charges. Until a final ruling is made by the courts, they have drawn up a letter citing both Scottish and English case law along with the regulations which apply throughout the UK to help customers get their charges refunded.
Disclaimer:
All information contained in this article, is for general information purposes only and should not be construed as advice under the Financial Services Act 1986. You are strongly advised to take appropriate professional and legal advice before entering into any binding contracts.
Useful resources:
Credit card rate comparisons ( http://www.moneynet.co.uk/credit-card/index.shtml )
Current and savings account interest rate cuts further information ( http://news.ft.com/cms/s/faed1a82-8e9c-11da-b752-0000779e2340.html )