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Archive for May, 2008

Tempting Benefits of Cash back Credit Cards

Filed under: Credit Card Rewards — Tags: — nuuvoo @ May 24th, 2008

The Cash back credit card proves to be a dream for people who are particular with their finances. With the card’s offer of percentage rebate one each penny spent using credit card, it is no wonder why many are raving about this fiscal showcase that provides client with much satisfaction.

A Cash back credit card allows you to have at least five percent discount on your purchases. You can even earn what you have spent through your credit card rewards. Credit card companies offer a variety of interest rates on cash back credit cards. It can be used in making purchases at department stores, drug stores, supermarkets and gas stations. Other than cash rebates, some cash back cards offer outlay on repair and warranty services, such as auto repair, apparel mending, store improvements and home refurbishing.

Most cash back benefits are often pegged at five percent. This means card holders get a five percent discount on any purchase. Using the cash back benefits in making most of your purchases and regular expenditures can generate considerable savings over time. Credit card companies also offer services to maximize cash back earnings. Clients can apply for additional cash back cards for other family members. This expands the opportunity to save, not only in the basic household expenses, but also in other personal costs.

Earning the cash back differ among credit card companies. Some offer the full cash back on purchases only after a certain charge amount is reached. Others offer cash back benefits on the maximum earnings that a client can accumulate after a year. This way, clients are not tied up with the intricate process of getting their cash back reward.

Upon applying for a cash back credit card, clients must be careful in knowing the stipulations of the credit card company. Some companies have cash backs that may expire after a few months of account dormancy.

The redemption processes of cash back rewards also vary among different credit card companies. It is therefore important to take not of these details upon application of cash back cards. Special cases must be kept posted as often as possible.

Maximizing the benefits of your cash back card is possible if you opt to pay the full card balance each month. This way, interest charges will not hinder you from enjoying the discounts available in making purchases. Some card companies offer low interest rates and transfer services that are available on line. Cash back credit card offer many other tempting benefits such as an introductory zero-interest APR upon the application period. Other companies have tie ups with merchandisers and other service providers and give other useful promos such as additional frequent flyer mileage when the cash back card is used in purchasing airline tickets. For business credit cards, extra benefits are offered such as unlimited cash back earnings, charge pay scheme flexibility, and free annual membership fees. Companies take the extra mile by showcasing personalized credit cards with the client’s picture and company seal or name displayed on the card.

10 Tips to Protect Yourself from Credit Card Fraud

Filed under: Credit Card Security — Tags: — nuuvoo @ May 1st, 2008

Credit card fraud is an increasingly serious problem facing the credit card consumers. In the United States alone, losses are estimated to be one billion dollars due to credit card fraud. With growing number of people preferring to shop online or by phone, credit card fraud is a bigger concern than we realize. As a cardholder, you should put in extra efforts to protect your card and card number to prevent credit card fraud. Some tips for credit card prevention include:

1. Maintain a separate record of your credit card and account numbers. Write down all your credit card numbers, their expiration date, the phone number and the address of the credit card issuers and keep them in a safe place.

2. Always keep your credit card in your sight every time you use it. Be very careful about getting your credit card back from sales clerks and make it a habit to put the credit card back in the same assigned place in your wallet as soon as possible. Only carry the credit cards on a daily basis that you absolutely need.

3. Hold on to your credit card receipts and check your credit card statements against them. Destroy any voided or carbon copies of your credit card receipts.

4. Note down your PIN number at a place different than your credit card. Ideally, you should try to memorize the PIN number and avoid writing it down at all.

5. Be careful about giving out your credit card number, especially over the phone. Unless you have initiated the call or you have done business with company before or if its a reputable company, do not give out your credit card number.

6. Shred any document, paper that has your credit card number written on it.

7. Ignore any emails that require you to provide your credit card number via email or that mention that your credit card number is needed to verify your account. No business would ask you do such a thing via e-mail or an online form.

8. Avoid lending your credit card to anyone.

9. Notify your credit card issuer in advance in case of any address changes. This will prevent your credit card related mail being intercepted while you are moving.

10. For online purchases, always verify that the online retailer uses secure transaction methods for credit card payments. If you are uncomfortable to make the payment online, some websites offer alternative payment methods and they work equally well.

If you are a victim of credit card fraud or your credit cards are stolen, contact the credit card issuer(s) at the earliest. The issuers will work with you to deal with these kinds of emergencies. Write to the credit bureaus and the mailing list houses to get your name off of their pre-approved offer lists. The address and procedures can be found here. So taking a few sensible precautions will go a long way towards preventing credit card fraud.