Credit Card Resources - Page 2: |
Make sure to base your choice of credit cards on a specific need, whatever that need might be. As ludicrous as this might sound, do not select a card based on the aesthetic appeal of the card. That card with the bright colors and pretty pictures might be very expensive to own, with annual fees and high APR's potentially. So be sure to focus on what you need financially from a credit card. Don't be distracted by attractive looking cards or recommendations from friends or family. Do your own research and select the best card that suits your needs, not someone else's.
Utilize CreditCardAssist.com and its credit card resources and the financial site directory page as a research tool to investigate a variety of credit card products and services most suitable for your needs.
Additional Credit Resource Pages: Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5
The following sites are some of the top resources available online for credit card information:
1) CreditCards.com - one of the leading credit card sites available online, providing a wide array of information, articles, news, expert opinions and blogs on the subject. (Click Here)
2) Wikipedia has a very comprehensive page that talks about how credit cards actually work, definitions of interest charges and grace periods as well as a very clear description of how a credit card transaction is executed and the all of the steps involved. (Click Here)
3) The Federal Reserve Board created a web page about how to choose a credit card, including detailed definitions of various credit card terminology, a graphic that shows where and how to find information about the card on the application, as well as a survey of every single credit card product available in the marketplace. (Click Here)
If you pay off your card balance every month without fail, consider one of our recommended reward cards, featuring cash back or airline miles. If you tend to carry card balances over a longer period of time, we recommend trying to secure the best low interest credit card available as it will be your least expensive option over time.
Or, if you have a large balance on a relatively high interest rate card, you can utilize a balance transfer credit card offer with a 0% introductory rate offer. Whatever your situation, stay focused on your tendencies as a card holder and match it up with the most suited credit card offer available.
Reviewing Your Credit Report Annually:
As an informed consumer, it is important for you to review your credit report at least on an annual basis. The purpose of this annual check is to ensure there are no errors on your credit report, including omissions or inaccuracies. Having a correct credit report is particularly important if you intend to make a major purchase that will require a loan. Checking on your credit report beforehand to make sure it is accurate will make the loan process much smoother. In addition, an annual check of your credit report is a crucial step toward making sure an identity thief has not stolen your identity.
Obtaining Your Credit Report
If you have been recently denied insurance, employment, or credit because of your credit report, you have 60 days from the point you were denied to request a free credit report. According to the law, the business that turned you down must provide you with the name, address, and phone number of the credit reporting agency it utilized to perform your credit history check. You are also entitled to a free credit report if you are currently unemployed and plan to look for a new job within the next 60 days, if you are on welfare, of if you have been the victim of fraud.
If you do not qualify for a free credit report, you will need to pay a small fee for it. Generally, this fee is less than $10. There are three major credit reporting agencies. When performing your annual check, you should contact all three and obtain a credit report. This is because the information contained on each can be different. Some businesses report to just one credit reporting agency, while others report to two of them or to all three. You can obtain a copy of your credit report by calling or writing to each of the agencies at:
Equifax PO Box 740241 Atlanta, GA 30374-0241 (800) 685-1111
Experian PO Box 2002 Allen, TX 75013 (888) 397-3742
Trans Union PO Box 1000 Chester, PA 19022 (800) 916-8800
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