一篇关于信用卡的英文文章
发布网友
发布时间：2022-04-23 19:30
共3个回答
热心网友
时间：2023-06-02 18:29
Credit card cash advances can provide consumers with convenient and instant access to "cold cash" in times of financial need, but cash advances should be avoided if at all possible. Informed consumers realize that cash advances are typically accompanied by fees and exorbitant interest rates (there is also no grace periodfor cash advances). Moreover, cash advances can be a major stumbling block for consumers seeking debt relief. We hope the following tips help consumers avoid the pitfalls associated with cash advances.
* Fees for cash advances vary, but fees can be very costly. Fees are computed using two calculation methods. Many card issuers calculate fees on a percentage basis, which typically ranges from 1% to 4%. Other issuers charge "flat fees" for advances. "Flat fees" are not based on the amount of the advance and, therefore, are always the same.
An increasing trend is to combine both calculation methods. Combining calculation methods results in higher cash advance fees. An example of this would be an issuer that charges x% for an advance, but charges a minimum of $10 regardless of the amount of the advance. Another example would be an issuer that charges x% for an advance or $20, whichever is greater. Read the terms of your card agreement carefully. Fee calculation can get tricky.
A few issuers do not charge any fees at all. This is very rare, though.
Finally, if you must get an advance, avoid using ATM machines. ATMs charge an additional fee for advances. This fee is charged by the financial institution that owns the ATM.
* Often the greatest potential pitfall for consumers who decide to get a cash advance involves finance or interest charges. The interest rate for cash advances is often several points higher than the normal purchase interest rate (the rate that is associated with everyday card purchases). Cash advance rates normally range from 20% to 25%. In contrast, the average purchase rate for a standard credit card ranges from 15.88% to 17.30% according to. However, a few issuers charge the same rate for both purchases and cash advances "Low Rate Report" for more info).
Other finance charge pitfalls involve grace periods and the payment method that a card issuer utilizes. Cash advances begin accruing interest immediately and, therefore, are not subject to a grace period. Thus, even if you pay your card balance in full when your bill arrives, you will still be accessed a finance charge for any advances.
A similar pitfall involves the manner in which payments are applied to your account. Most issuers apply payments to card purchases before they apply payments to cash advances (i.e. payments are first applied to purchases). If you carry a balance on your card, this can result in your a dramatic increase in your finance charges and overall interest rate.
* Please be aware that any "credit card checks" that you receive in the mail are usually treated as cash advances! Card issuers often tout such checks as an easy way to pay off the bill of your choice or to acquire some extra spending money. While using a check may be convenient, it can be extremely costly. Many balance transfers are also treated as cash advances.
* Dependency on cash advances can be an outward sign of serious debt problems. Consumers that regularly rely on advances to "make ends meet" urgently need debt counseling. Cash advances are so tempting that some cardholders fall victim to the "cash advance trap" and find themselves caught in a vicious cycle. If this statement applies to you or someone you know, please consult CardRating.com's "Get Debt Relief" section for a list of helpful resources
热心网友
时间：2023-06-02 18:30
[1]TOPIC: "Avoiding Credit Card Problems"
Credit cards, if used properly, can be useful and convenient, and can even help build a strong credit history that will help you with future activities like home-buying, paying for higher ecation, and even finding a job. Before you apply for a card, or allow your teenager to, consider the pros and cons.
鏂囩珷杩炴帴:http://militaryfinance.umuc.e/planning/credit_avoid_probs.html
[2] TOPIC "CREDIT CARD CLONING"
Credit card fraud is a huge problem and it's getting worse. But it's not card theft that poses the greatest problem - it's card cloning
鏂囩珷杩炴帴:http://www.bbc.co.uk/insideout/east/series3/credit_card_cloning.shtml
热心网友
时间：2023-06-02 18:30
What is a secured credit card?
A secured card is a credit card that requires you to deposit a certain amount of money into a savings account, money market account, or certificate of deposit. The minimum amount usually ranges between $200 and $500 but this will vary from one company to another. Your deposit is considered your security and some card issuers will even allow the deposit to earn interest.
The amount that you deposit into the account is your credit limit. You should understand that sometimes the limit will be for the full amount that you put into the account but with some companies your limit may be a percentage of the total amount that you deposited.
A secured credit card is not a debit card. This is important to understand because if full payments are not made each month, interest will be charged on the outstanding balance.
Who should consider using secured credit cards?
If you have no credit history at all, using a secured credit card can be a good way to begin establishing your credit. Many young people who are just starting out may choose this as an option.
If you have bad credit, you may wish to use a secured credit card to help you improve your credit score. In addition, a secured credit card may be the only source you will have for obtaining a credit card. There are some transactions that require the use of a credit card. This might include car rentals or hotel reservations. If you need to make those types of transactions and cannot get an unsecured credit card, this might be the only way you can get a true credit card.
What to look for in a secured credit card:
Interest Rate: Do not be fooled into thinking that because you have no credit history or a bad credit report that you have to settle for exorbitant interest rates. Make it a point to shop around for the lowest rates that you qualify for before you apply for a secured credit card.
Fees: Pay close attention to any fees that will be charged to you or to your account once it is opened. There are some companies that will charge ridiculously high fees that will rece your initial deposit before you even use the card. Stay away from those companies. Look for companies that have no fees whatsoever or for those companies that charge a small one-time fee to set up the account. Annual fees for attractive secured cards typically range from $20-$35.
Scams: It is sad to say that there are companies out there who are in the business of ripping people off. They prey on the vulnerability of those who may be in a credit crunch. Some of the things they do include promises of getting you "quick credit" for a price. Another popular scam is to ask you to call a 900 phone number for "secrets" to getting a credit card or credit repair. Your phone company will charge you a high rate for using a 900 number and you never get the information that was offered.
The best advice to avoid secured credit card scams is that if it sounds too good to be true it is. Use your common sense and do not be taken by these crooks.
Credit Improvement Issues: Even with a very good payment history on your secured card it can takes many months before you begin to see improvement in your credit record. You have to be patient when repairing bad credit. You also have to be smart. Make sure that the company that issues the secured credit card to you will report your good payment history to the three big credit reporting agencies. Not all companies report and if they do not report you are simply wasting your time.
Keep in mind that they will also report your bad payment history if you do not pay on time. Be careful and make your payments on time each and every month.
