Closing Credit Card Accounts

January 28th, 2012 by admin No comments »

istock 000007379695medium 250x193 Closing Credit Card AccountsMost experts advise consumers to avoid having too many credit card accounts. When you decide to open a new card because it has better rates, it is important to make sure you properly close your existing credit card. There are a number of reasons why you should close existing accounts when opening a new credit card.

Closing some of your cards will allow you to have control over them. When you have multiple cards, it is easy for some of them to get lost. If this happens, you are susceptible to being the victim of fraud if somone finds it. Closing your accounts will also allow you to maintain a good credit report. You credit score may be lowered if you have multiple accounts, because you are seen as being a risk. Closing your accounts will also allow you to avoid fees and universal default.

Any credit card accounts which are not being used should be closed. At the same time, you want to make sure you don’t close your oldest card, as this could damage your credit score. It will also allow you to avoid being the victim of identity theft. It is important to remember that some cards have annual fees, and you will still be charged even if you’re not using them. If you have an account with a balance that you are trying to pay off, and you don’t want to use it, cancel the card and continue making payments. This will keep you from using the credit card and adding more money to it.

It is important to remember that it is best to have a single credit card, but at the maximum you should only have three. This will keep your credit score in good shape, and your creditors will reward you for using them in a responsible manner. You will want to reserve a credit card for making specific payments, and setup a plan to make sure it is paid off by the end of the month. If you cancel a credit card, make sure you cut it up. Otherwise, someone could steal it an reopen the account.

It is important to make sure you call the company and cancel the card. Don’t assume that the card is closed just because you cut it up. You may have to submit a request in writing. The company will typically send you a letter confirming the account has been closed in about 14 days.

Cash Back Credit Card Tips

January 25th, 2012 by admin No comments »

invoice factoring2 250x167 Cash Back Credit Card TipsWouldn’t it be great if you could get an extra cash rebate on every purchase you made? Well, that is completely possible with cash back credit cards. This type of credit card gives you a certain percentage back on many of your purchases. You can receive the money from your credit card either monthly or yearly according to the credit card company.

You may be wondering what type of items count for your cash back credit card rebates. Most of the time such things like balance transfers and cash advances do not count and you will not receive any type of credit card rebates. You will have to check with each credit card company to learn which cash back credit card applies to purchases that you normally buy.

How much can you get from a cash back credit card is another issue. You can search and determine which ones yield the best percentage, however, make sure they are stores that you personally shop at or are items that you normally purchase.

You may even enjoy more cash back with different cash back credit card policies if you shop at certain stores such as Wal-Mart or Sears. This can give you more money in the way of cash back.

Redeeming points from your cash back credit card is easy. Normally, you do not have to do anything. It is according to how often the credit card disburses the cash back. Some credit card companies are now offering the cardholder to redeem points on their cash back credit card rewards to be applied to their balance. You can even use your cash back for charitable contributions.

There are fees with any credit card receiving cash back is just a reward so to speak. A cash back credit card can have other fees such as balance transfer fees, annual fees, high interest, high APR, or other charges that may make the cash back credit card less desirable.

Be sure to read the terms and conditions when applying for a cash back credit card.  Be sure to find out if you can shop at your favorite stores with the card.  Also, find out all you can regarding the applicable fees for the card for cash advances, balance transfers etc., as these extra charges may make this card an expensive proposition.  However, if you do choose a cash back credit card, it can be incredibly useful if you shop at those stores and receive money for purchases you normally buy all the time.  Just an added bonus for using products you love while shopping at your favorite stores.