Using reward credit cards to earn the maximum return is like balancing an investment portfolio, but much easier. Cardholders must look at the rewards they are receiving and compare it to the annual fees being paid. And in some circumstances, it can make more sense for a credit card user to hold several cards with lower or no annual fees, than an otherwise excellent card with a high annual fee.
For example, the Premier Rewards Gold card from American Express offers one point per dollar spent on most purchases, two points per dollar at supermarkets and gas stations, and triple points on airfare. read the rest of this entry… »
Many credit card users inherently dislike the idea of paying an annual fee. And with so many great cards without annual fees being offered, it is easy to see why some hold this view. But at the same time, there are many cards that do charge an annual fee that is clearly worth paying.
American Express Platinum. This card charges a whopping $450 annual fee, so the benefits have to be extraordinary. Fortunately, this card lives up to its promise. read the rest of this entry… »
For single people and couples, finding the ideal credit card can be a challenge. Nevertheless, parents face an even more daunting task as they manage a growing household and its financal needs. Fortunately, several banks have stepped up to offer credit cards that can appeal to the specific needs of parents.
What do parents require of their credit cards?
Parents who carry a balance should always focus on receive the lowest interest rates and the best balance transfer offers. read the rest of this entry… »
We all want to help friends and loved ones to get out of debt. In many cases, just offering good advice is not enough. For example, skilled credit card users have known that they can pay off their balance more quickly, and with less interest, by using a 0% APR promotional balance transfer. But what if the person you suggest that strategy to does not qualify for one of these offers? It is a little known fact that people can take advantage of these 0% APR balance transfer offers by paying of the balance of another person.
How this works
If someone is willing to incur debt on someone else’s behalf, it can be done without incurring interest. read the rest of this entry… »
Banks are in the habit of advertising their 0% APR promotional balance transfers by highlighting the 0% part. Less conspicuous is the asterisk and the small footnote explaining that a balance transfer fee will apply. And while 0% is pretty self explanatory, many cardholders are unfamiliar with the concept of a balance transfer fee.
What is a balance transfer fee?
This is a fee assessed by the card offering the promotional balance transfer. The fee imposed is a percentage of the amount being transferred and that fee is simply added to the new balance. read the rest of this entry… »