Almost everyone over the age of consent (18 or 21) has or wants a credit card nowadays and they are accepted in almost every establishment. There are three major sorts of credit card in use in America. The first main sort of credit card is travel and entertainment cards such as American Express or Diners Card. These have to be repaid completely by the end of the month and are generous on spending limits.
The second major kind of credit card is the bank card such as Master Cards, Visa, GM, and Ford cards distributed mainly by the banks. The bank defines the spending limits, which in bank parlance, is known as the credit line and each offers different terms and conditions. Banks offer a selection of payment methods: either pay the balance in full with no interest or pay the minimum or some part of the balance with a finance charge.
The other major sort of card is the retail store card, such as Sears, J.C. Penney, Shell or Mobil. These store cards and those from gas companies, widely known as fuel cards, are only accepted in specific countries. They usually do not carry annual charges. There is a wide variance in the terms and conditions for these cards.
Different types of credit cards offer different options. Some are designed for individual consumers, while others are set up in ways that work best for small business needs. To know what kind of credit card fits your needs, you should review a few options.
How to Select your Credit Card.
Credit cards have become a part of everyday life for most people who live in the west. It's becoming increasingly impossible to avoid them, especially for business men. So, if this is the first time you are about to enter into the realm of credit cards, here are some of the basics you ought to look out for.
First, compare the interest chargeable on all the credit cards for which you are eligible. While the rate will not remain fixed indefinitely, it's always advisable for first timers to go for the one charging the lowest rates.
Make sure you read the fine print carefully, especially with regard to the other charges that may be made, like late-payment fees, annual fees, and whether there is a grace period.
You should decide what spending limit is most suitable for someone on your income level. Furthermore, the fewer credit cards you use, the better placed you will be to track your spending pattern.
You ought to compare the features such as the cash back incentives, guarantees, rebates and such like and check whether the card is accepted broadly enough to fit in with your requirements.
You will do yourself a favour by familiarizing yourself with the following terms: 1] Annual Percentage Rate: this is the measure of the yearly cost of the credit. 2] Finance Charges: these are the total charges of the transaction. 3] Period of Grace: This is the period the issuer gives you before he starts charging you interest on new purchases. (Note that not all credit cards have a grace period).
Posted under Cars
This post was written by Bob Jones on October 13, 2009
