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  • Tried And Tested Ways To Enjoy Low Credit Card Percentage Rates

    Credit card issuers base your interest rates primarily on your credit score. Thus, having a good credit score is essential to ensure you get low credit card percentage rates. Your credit score comprises of five determinants primarily: Your payment history, debt amount, credit age, types of credit used, and new credit. Now, depending on the scoring agency, there are other variables that come into play as well, but these are the major ones. Hence, it is crucial to know what you need to do to excel in all five determinants so you can boost your credit score.

    Pay your bills on time

    Credit experts always stress that paying your bills on time is essential to have a good credit rating. This is because credit bureaus receive reports regarding your payment history. In fact, even just a single missed payment can greatly damage your credit.  So if you want to have low credit card percentage rates, then you better start paying your bills on time.

    Maintain a low credit card balance

    The higher your balance is, the lower your credit score will be. Hence, you should never keep an outrageous amount of balance if you want low credit card percentage rates. Maintaining a balance, which is significantly lower than your credit limit is optimal for a good credit score. If you charge more than that, you risk getting deductions on your credit score even if you plan to pay it off right away.

    The older your credit card is, the better

    When you close an old credit card account, the issuing company halts reports to the credit bureaus. After about ten years, the credit bureau will remove the closed account’s history from your credit report thus, shortening your credit age. Consequently, your credit score plummets and you will get higher credit card percentage rates on your next application. Therefore, it is best not to close your old credit card accounts, as it will be a great help in enhancing your credit score. Remember, the older your credit card becomes, the higher your average credit age will be.

    Credit card applications

    Whenever you take out a credit card application, the issuer pulls your credit report. Such inquiries on your credit report make cause a temporary fluctuation but eventually it should come back to normal.

    There are other ways to get low credit card percentage rates but the most effective one is to build a good credit profile. You may get low rates from promotions but this only lasts for a while. However, if you have excellent credit, you can always expect to get low interest rates if you maintain your credit score in good standing.

  • How To Get From Credit Cards The Best Incentives On Promotional Offers

    Everything seems to get better when tied with amazing rewards and this is why even credit cards these days give great rewards or incentives to cardholders. Most people are already skilled and know how to get from credit cards the best of rewards but there are still a few who need a little coaching. If you are one of them, read on so you, too, can be a rewards expert.

    Cash back rewards cards

    The easiest way you can get rewards is by getting cash back credit cards, which give you cash rewards for your purchases. There are different rates that apply on various items purchased. Some credit card companies offer 5% cash back on groceries and 1.25% cash back on others whereas other companies have different rates. You can also get cash back by making hotel reservations and booking flights. Normally, cash back rates for hotel reservations vary depending on the card issuer. For instance, some offer rates around 1% – 5% while others have a fixed rate of 1.25%.

    Certainly, you can get from these credit cards the best cash incentive for your purchasing needs. Just sign up for cash back credit cards and, in no time, you will find yourself receiving a huge sum of cash back rewards.

    Reward points from airlines and hotels

    There are many popular reward points cards you can get (such as frequent flyer points cards). Airline miles or frequent flyer miles card are very popular nowadays as you can get from these credit cards the best redeemable rewards. If you enjoy air travel, airline miles rewards cards can surely help you earn rewards you can truly enjoy. Rewards from airline miles include free air travel, travel class upgrades, airport lounge access, and priority bookings.

    You can also get rewards points from hotel and travel bookings. Like airline companies, hotels have also created a point accumulation system, which rewards you with free hotel stays, complimentary meals, room upgrades, discounts on car rentals, and other rewards.

    Gas rewards cards and store rewards cards

    Aside from the earlier mentioned points cards, you can also get rewards point from gas cards, which are issued by gas stations, and store cards, which are issued by retail stores. Both of these cards are fantastic rewards cards but unlike the other types of rewards cards, these can only be used in specific establishments.

    For instance, gas cards can only be used in the gas station from where you acquired the card and the same goes for store rewards cards. On the bright side, although these rewards cards may be limiting, you can still get from these credit cards the best incentives by simply filling up your tank and doing a little “retail therapy”.

    Being adept at getting from credit cards the best possible rewards type may seem far-fetched if you are new to credit cards but a few helpful tips like the ones above can surely ease your way into becoming one. All you need to have is an open mind and a positive attitude so you too can enjoy incredible benefits.

  • How To Compare Prepaid Cell Phone Plans

    Prepaid cell phones plans are now gradually coming in to focus and consumers are realizing the advantages of owning one. But as soon as you decide to end the war between contract phones and prepaid phones and favor the latter, the next logical question that arises is how to compare prepaid cell phone plans and get the best deal. Well, if you too have been struggling for an answer, let me help you with these five handy tips:

    Models of phones

    Just like contract cell phones, prepaid cell phones, too, are available in various models, each fulfilling an individualistic need. But the problem with low end phones is that though they are cheaper, you may have to miss out on certain features if your budget is restricted. Similarly, it goes without saying that prepaid phones with more and better features could cost a lot extra.

    Likewise, you may prefer the looks and features of few models and dislike the others. Every user has a specific set of choices. Some users like to flaunt their stylish cell phones whereas others like you and me would go for functionality. You can choose the best one according to your budget and personal preferences.

    As a general norm, slightly older version phones could be significantly cheaper.

    Coverage area according to your usage

    The next most important feature that you will want to check out is the coverage area with each of the phone plans. There is no point in choosing the cheapest prepaid cell phone plan, if it does not offer coverage in areas that you are expecting to be in more often.

    Special features on your prepaid phone

    Sometimes, there is some kind of feature that you cannot imagine living without. Like for example, you cannot compromise on your mobile Internet use or maybe it is the video calling facility that you want most. You will have to sieve through the various options that are available and choose the cell phone plan that offers your chosen feature.

    Deals within the plans

    Different plans have different deals that make them attractive to customers. Some plans may offer unlimited SMS to other numbers within the same provider cycle, while other plans may allow you to send unlimited SMS to all numbers, if you agree to pay a small amount per month and so on. Some plans offer subsidized rates between certain timings of the day or maybe certain days of the week or special occasions like national holidays and so on.

    Always remember not to select any prepaid cell phone pan without comparing between offers by the various cell phone service providers, using the criteria mentioned above. It sure feels like a big effort when you start out with the comparison, but believe me, you will not regret doing it at all. After all a penny saved is a penny earned and you’ll definitely save more than pennies with such a detailed comparison.

  • Seven Ways To Get Cheap Cell Phone Service Plans

    Cheap is a word that is typically used to degrade someone or something, but it magically transforms to denote something quite the opposite when it comes to money. Who does not value cheap stuff? Now, if it comes to something of daily use like phone plans, getting cheap cell phone service plans are like icing on the cake. Keeping that in mind, here are five great ways to get cheap cell phone service plans:

    Use your negotiation skills

    Yes, let your negotiation skills come out of the boardroom for a while. Phone companies are operating in a highly competitive market, so negotiating with your cell phone company is the easiest route to getting some discounts. You won’t be able to negotiate a cheap plan during the very first call. It might take several layers of escalation and persistence. Be prepared for that.

    Check out the various options available

    Do not limit yourself to your existing plan; check out the offers that other service providers have in the offing. You can do this online at DontSpendMore.com. We have a section devoted to an extensive comparison of various phone plans.

    Try a family plan

    Most of the companies have special offers in their family plan. In case, all of your family members are using the same service provider, you should definitely enquire about your provider’s family plan offers. Some providers may offer unlimited calling between the registered numbers in the family plan, for a fixed charge per month. You may be surprised but this simple strategy can save you hundreds of dollars.

    After family comes company

    Just like family plans, there are corporate plans as well. You can use these kind of plans to manage your call charges and keep them under control, when calling team members or colleagues working in the same company and using the same service provider.

    Budget on extra and costly features

    Having the freedom to surf the web on your mobile phone is no longer a luxury. I am well aware of this fact and yet I would go as far as to suggest that you consider saying no to mobile internet. This is one features that can dig a hole in your wallet each month. The worst part is that you really cannot restrict yourself to using just so many minutes or hours a day on the mobile internet, because if you are seeking information on the web, the loading times and connection times of certain sites can vary hugely and you have absolutely no control over them.

    As it is, you might be having free and unlimited access to the internet on your computer, while you are at home / at office. The only time that you are kept away from the net is when you are commuting or in away from both home and office. If you really are desperate to get cheap cell phone service plans, you should prepare yourself to give up on such luxuries (oh, sorry! Let us say necessities instead) and stick to the rudimentary stuff.

    Go for flat rate plans

    These days, so many cell phone companies have unlimited bundled plans (calls, Web, text) that can offer  a phenomenal rate and incredibly great packages.

    Finally, check out what the government is offering

    If you fall below a certain income level, you should check what the local, state, and federal government is offering for individuals at your income level. Most of the time, these plans are absolutely free.

  • How To Protect Your Cell Phone From Hackers

    If you own a cell phone you already have this thought playing at the back of your mind that your phone is vulnerable to the evil designs of some hacker, whose face you haven’t yet seen or will never ever see. The hidden identity of a hacker only adds to the fear, making it more sinister.

    It has become increasingly common to hear and learn of cell phones getting hacked remotely, and sensitive data being pilfered in the process. You can use the following as preliminary suggestions to protect your cell phone from nosy hackers:

    Use a password lock to protect your cell phone

    Passwords are sometimes the most secure of all locks for your cell phone. But do not waste this golden opportunity by using passwords that can be easily guessed even by a teenager. Try and make the password as hard to guess as you can. It is best to avoid obvious ones like your name, names of your kids or spouse or your date of birth. Try using ‘tougher to break combinations’ like an odd word, with varying case for some letters and some odd number or punctuation mark in the mix.

    Don’t leave your Bluetooth turned on at all times

    You have the facility of turning the Bluetooth facility on your phone, on and off. The consequence of a small act of oversight for failing to turn it off after use can turn out to be quite enormous. Remember that your Bluetooth is the gateway to your phone’s data and leaving it on at all times is like literally leaving the doors wide open for any interested hacker to invite himself/herself to hack your phone.

    Also, do not agree to accept data shared by someone whom you do not know very well.

    Keep your anti-virus software updated at all times

    You can easily get access to robust anti-virus software for your cell phone. But softwares keep getting updated at frequent intervals, and it is your responsibility to check for latest updates and ensure your version is up-to-date at all times. No matter how efficient an anti-virus software is, using the older versions is a huge threat to the security of your cell phone. Updates are created with an intention to rectify any known security issues, errors or problems that the older version displayed.

    Say no to all data from strangers

    Sometimes you receive an SMS, MMS or some other file that seem to originate from some unknown number.  At times you also receive e-mails with an interesting or urgent message in the subject line from someone whom you do not recognize. Do not ever make the mistake of clicking and opening such messages, because it is possible for hackers to automatically download and install virus on your phone when you do so.

    Hackers are technologically very sound but you need not make their job easier by leaving the doors wide open for them. Use the tips suggested in this post with determination and you will hopefully not be among those whose cell phones got hacked. You could also learn further information to protect your cell phone. Your manufacturer’s safety instructions should cover these and other strategies to protect your cell phone from hackers.

  • Cell Phone Protection: How to Protect Your Cell Phone

    Cell phone thefts are so common nowadays that almost every other cell phone owner writes to us asking about ways to protect cell phones.

    What makes cell phone protection so crucial?

    It is not just about the loss of a handy gadget that bothers people. Rather, the value of a cell phone far exceeds its original cost price as a result of the data that it normally stores. How many of us are guilty of storing our entire personal lives on our little cell phones? The answer: Almost every one of us! And it goes without saying that what is personal can quickly become a source of anxiety, fear, embarrassment and distress when it falls into the hands of an unscrupulous stranger.

    Not to mention the others who take cell phone dependence a step further and store many of their crucial financial details on their phones as well. These are the ones who use their mobile browser to login to their bank accounts, pay for online purchases, store passwords, and enter their credit card details and so on.

    Research reports reveal that many of these people do not even bother to logout of their bank accounts and nearly 60% of all cell phone users do not have a password protection system in place to keep their cell phones safe. Such carelessness leaves the door wide open for cell phone misuse and needless data piracy theft.

    How to protect your cell phone?

    First of all, let me point out to the more obvious tips, which by the way are most ignored ones despite being so obvious! Avoid inviting trouble and tempting thieves by flashing that swanky gizmo of yours. I know you sometimes get an overwhelming urge to post pictures of your latest cell phone on social media sites, especially when you own the latest and popular model in a rarely available color.

    Next on the list is to keep your phone secured with a password lock. I know that you think it is easy for hackers to hack your password if they want to, but at least do your bit and make it a bit difficult to access your sensitive data, for the thieves who may not be as technically sound. Often times, it is this one additional layer of hurdle that may discourage these thieves to take their efforts a step further.

    Cell phone protection apps

    Most of the latest cell phones have GPS function, but have you enabled it? Make it a habit to enable the GPS function as soon as you purchase your new phone. This could be a lifesaver if your phone were ever stolen or lost.

    You can also wipe out your sensitive data remotely apps provided by many smartphone companies. This makes the theft of your cell phone a lot more bearable by minimizing it to just the cost price of your gadget.

    No matter how hard you try, theft of cell phones may not be so easy to avoid. But you definitely can prevent the loss of sensitive data stored within your phones.

  • Prepaid Cell Phones: Why You Should Have One

    Not everyone seems to understand how prepaid cell phones work and that is actually quite expected because of their long term acquaintance with yearly cell phone contracts.

    How do prepaid cell phones work?

    Prepaid cell phones can do everything that your regular long term contract cell phones do. You can make calls, send text messages, and browse the web. Your phone is available for use as long as the prepaid amount has balance remaining.

    As soon as you exhaust the amount, you cannot use it anymore, unless you recharge it again with an additional prepaid amount. But you need not wait for the next month to begin before your phone becomes functional again as the recharge facility can be used multiple times in a month (according to your need).

    Why should you get a prepaid cell phone

    Occasional use. Prepaid cell phones can actually come in as an advantage in many cases, like for example you use your phone very sparingly and even the lowest plan in your monthly contract seems to be a waste of minutes. With prepaid cell phones, you have to pay only as much as you use.

    Save unused minutes. There are no overage charges or need to worry your brains about wasting your money on unused minutes. You are also spared the sudden shock of getting a hefty monthly bill, for the reason that you are in control of your call charges and your cell phone use gets restricted to only as much as you prepay.

    Temporary phone. Sometimes you could suddenly be faced with the need for a temporary phone, like when your regular phone gets stolen or your kid banged it on the floor and broke it into pieces. The waiting period for getting your old phone replaced need not be a ‘no phone’ phase of your life. After all that’s what prepaid cell phones are for, aren’t they?

    Credit issues. Maybe you are just a young adult who has no credit history to boast of or maybe you are an older adult but your credit history is best kept secret, then prepaid cell phones are the best choice for you. You do not require to divulge any of your credit details or pass through any credit checks to avail of a prepaid cell phone.

    Teens. You are unsure about your monthly usage and you want to get an approximate idea about it, before you settle with a certain monthly plan. Actually, I would highly recommend that parents of teens should make use of prepaid cell phones to foresee their call charges. This information can put you in a better position to choose a monthly plan that is suitable for your teen.

    Life transition. Or perhaps you are transitioning between jobs or are on a budgeting spree. In either case, a prepaid cell phone plan will allow you to cut down on your overall cell phone costs every month. Some plans start at a few cents a day.

    A prepaid cell phone works just like a regular one, except that you prepay the usage and have more control over how much you pay. Some plans allow you to  pay a small daily usage fee so if you don’t use your phone on a certain day, you don’t pay.

     

    Prepaid cell phones are getting more popular nowadays, albeit at a slower pace. But parents of teenagers seem to be nodding their heads in approval at the never before option that allows one to budget the monthly call charges with prepaid cell phones.

  • Benefits Of Maintaining 0 Balance On Your Credit Card

    Interest rates apply to the outstanding balance in your credit card report. This allows card issuers to generate income from every cardholder who carries a balance. Nevertheless, it is not required that you always leave a certain amount unpaid in your credit card bill. In fact, it is better for you to have 0 balance during every billing period as it can give multiple benefits not only for your credit, but also to your financial health.

    Preserving good credit

    A good credit report can do wonders to your financial future. In fact, even some employers check your credit report to gauge your ability to handle responsibility. In order to have excellent credit, you must utilize your credit cards and pay your bills regularly. While paying your credit card bill, you can opt to pay for the minimum amount but it is better to pay off the entire sum and maintain a 0 balance.

    This is because despite paying the minimum amount, you may fail to make future payments as the balance grows — and it will eventually. Consequently, this hurts your credit score and if you have this going on for a while, it will ultimately destroy the credit history you have worked so hard to build. Therefore, it is advisable to pay your entire bill and start each billing cycle on a 0 balance credit card account.

    Now, speaking of credit score, one of the factors included in the evaluation of your credit score is the ratio of balance due to your overall available balance. It takes simple arithmetic to understand that the lower your balance due, the better your credit score is going to be.

    Avoid accumulating debt

    Another amazing benefit you can get from leaving 0 balance on your credit card bill is the advantage of not having to pay interest charges. Interest charges apply to outstanding balance on your credit card. Hence, you save money if you simply opt to pay the full amount every time your bill arrives.

    You may be tempted to pay only for the minimum amount on your bill, as it may seem like a cheaper option but in the long run your balance incurs interest, which gradually increases as you mount larger amounts of debt.

    In this scenario, you may risk accumulating debt, which may later on create major financial problems. It is fine to leave a little balance every now and then as long as you have the means to pay for the interest charges it accrues over time. If not, then you are better off paying the entire sum.

    Develop healthy spending habits

    When you pay your entire bill every time, it becomes a part of your system and eventually becomes a habit. Consequently, doing so will positively affect your personal and financial life as it allows you to make responsible financial decisions. For instance, if you are initially used to spending a lot with your credit card, paying your entire bill or leaving 0 balance will make you realize the effect of overspending when you see how much money you lose with such behavior.

    Incurring a hefty credit card bill is possibly the biggest fear cardholders face as it signifies the start of deteriorating credit rating and compounded financial problems. Therefore, leaving 0 balance on your credit card is a great idea as it will eventually mold you into a disciplined spender and ultimately lead you toward a better financial future.

  • Applying For New Credit Cards? What You Should Really Know

    People apply for new credit cards all the time. An average person has more than one credit card. Each day, credit card companies approach potential customers with great deals and exciting offers on new credit cards.

    Jumping in on the first credit card that comes your way or selecting one which sounds good just on the surface are not intelligent ways to choose new credit cards. Here are a few pointers to make the process easier and stress free:

    Introductory APR rates are valid only for a short period of time

    Many new credit cards come with unbelievably low or even 0% intro APR. This often proves to be irresistible for many consumers and most of them do not think beyond the huge discount in interest that they are being offered.

    Remember that the intro rates are going to be applied for a short while and once the honeymoon phase is over, you will have to face regular interest rates. 0% APR credit cards and low interest rate credit cards are great starting points, especially if you want to transfer balances from higher interest rate credit cards.

    However, before you say yes to new credit cards with low intro APR, examine the fine print to check for the terms after the introductory rate. Look out for hidden fees as well.

    Variable versus fixed interest rates — what would you like?

    Another important question to ask before saying yes to new credit cards is interest rates. Are the rates going to remain fixed throughout the duration of usage or will they vary? If it is variable you will have to pay higher rates each time a market index fluctuates. Generally, variable interest rate credit cards are based on prime rates. Every time the prime rate goes up, so will your interest rates.

    Rewards and benefits are great but don’t forget to read the fine print

    Some people opt for new credit cards exclusively for rewards and bonuses that come along with them. Spend some time and effort to understand the terms and conditions under which these rewards and bonuses will be offered to you. Most of these bonuses require a certain spending level to be reached before you can enjoy the benefits.

    Beware of following the pack

    Some of us who do not understand much about credit cards tend to pick up new credit cards based on the cards that our friends, colleagues, or close ones are getting for themselves. This “herd mentality” is not going to help much because what is right for them may not be right for you. Always evaluate the cards based on their pros and cons and not simply depending upon which of your close ones are getting them.

    Getting new credit cards can become fun and turn into an exciting challenge if you follow the points hinted at in this post.

    As a starting point, you may want to visit our credit cards page to check out new credit cards that were recently released. Compare the offers to determine which credit card would be best for you.

  • Credit Cards That Help With Establishing Credit

    Establishing credit requires a considerable amount of time, patience, and perseverance. There are no surefire shortcuts or tricks that can lead you to a high credit score within a short period. Your credit score reflects your credit worthiness based on your payment history, credit experience and other financial aspects as well. As important as building credit may be, it is even more crucial that you take time in doing it the right way.

    Having a low credit rating usually means difficulty in obtaining credit cards. However, credit card providers can give you a chance to establish your credit through certain credit card types such as those indicated below.

    Department store credit cards

    Department stores have probably asked you if you would like to sign up for a store credit card but you have politely declined. Some believe that store cards are unnecessary but this is a completely flawed idea. In actuality, there are two reasons why store cards are great if you want to start establishing credit.

    One, obtaining store cards is easier as compared to bank-issued credit cards. Two, department store credit cards are very useful as you can use it on a daily basis for purchasing your everyday needs. So if you have difficulties getting a credit card from banks consider going to a department store and apply for a credit card. Just make sure that you find out if they report to credit bureaus because if they do not, then such card will do no good to your credit.

    After you get the card, make sure that you constantly remind yourself to use it properly and responsibly. Never use it to overspend, but only think of it as a tool toward establishing credit. Just ensure that you only make reasonable purchases with it and regularly pay your bills in full and on time so you can build a good credit history.

    One caveat here. Store cards may have their own fee structure and interest rate related costs. Read the fine print carefully to understand what these parameters are.

    Secured credit cards

    If you have tried store credit cards and failed, you can still have a shot at establishing credit with the aid of secured credit cards. Secured credit cards are much easier to apply for, however, you have to make a certain security deposit before you could avail of the credit card.

    Typically, the credit limit on secured credit cards is equal to the amount of money deposited or the monetary equivalent of the property used as collateral. You can choose to increase your credit limit later on by adding more deposits but if your initial purpose is to establish credit, then doing so is not advisable.

    If you fail to make payments on your secured credit card, the issuer takes the money deposited as payment for your debt. As in the case of properties secured, issuers will make necessary arrangements to satisfy the debt incurred.

    Getting your first credit card can be very challenging and depressing especially if you get rejected frequently. However, with the proper knowledge, you can successfully obtain one and start establishing credit. With responsible payment practices, you can build a good credit and get any type of credit card you want later on.