Credit Cards

Most businesses conduct their transactions with the help of credit cards. Moreover, personal transactions could also be carried out through the use of credit cards. Credit card has become very essential for shoppers since it eliminates the need to carry a large amount of cash. It gives convenience both to the customer and the seller because transactions can be done any time you want it. It helps in managing your money easier and can be especially used during emergencies.

Using credit cards on online transactions boost your business profit against your competitor.

Here are the three key elements needed for credit card processing:

1. Payment gateway – combination of secure software and hardware that transmits payment information from customer to merchant, provides interface, credit card processing, billing, reporting and operational services.

2. Internet merchant account-relationship between a retailing company and a merchant bank which gives authorization to collect funds from customer’s credit card account.

3. Bank account-an account or account number that holds funds from which they can make withdrawals.

The key to online sales is accepting credit cards but unfortunately, most internet merchant accounts can be harder to achieved because of increased security risks as to no signatures attached, and nor the card is physically presented on the point of sale. In some ways it could also be crucial for businesses because of the occurrence of credit card fraud and attack of credit card thieves.

So you must have a secure, confidential and protected way of dealing credit card information.

The easiest and safest way to implement an online credit card processing is using a third-party service which is a payment gateway at the same time a merchant account. Lots of third-party service or software is offered in the market today and appropriate for all types of businesses. It also incorporates a payment gateway and a merchant account. And many of these services also incorporate a shopping cart application as part of the deal. It may appear to cost more but it saves you from an initial outlay on shopping cart applications and expensive long time contracts.

When choosing a third-party service for credit card payments, consider the volume and frequency of your sales. There are also other third-party credit card processing services available, all of which have slightly different pricing schemes. The right one for you will depend on your sales volume and cash flow.

In determining which credit card to choose, it’s best to know the purpose of getting the card. Credit card companies may offer cards to their clients that have flexible terms with varying annual percentage rates or APRs. In choosing a credit card, an individual will need to study carefully and understand the purpose for getting the credit card.

Different credit cards have different features, APRs, annual membership fees and promotions that they provide their users.

Some credit cards may offer low APRs with no annual membership on the first few years of use although these may change to higher APRs and varying membership costs after the expiration of their waived membership fees and low APRs. In this example, the use of this particular credit card may only be applicable for short term use as there may be other credit cards available that offers fixed lower than current industry’s standard APRs. There are also credit cards offered in the market that waives the annual membership fees on a longer term basis as long as the credit card user is able to meet specific purchase and payment targets.

There are credit card companies on the other hand that offers reward points that provides flexibility in choosing how the rewards will be redeemed. Rewards points accumulated from purchases can be redeemed in the form of gifts, appliances, furniture, or even travel miles. For a frequent traveler who’s also a frequent credit card user, he can maximize the rewards system provided by credit card companies that offers travel perks with their frequent flyer programs.

There are merchants in the business of retail that are also offering credit cards to help promote the sales of their products. A retail company selling products on the internet may offer credit cards under major credit card companies. While the credit card is technically a standard credit card that can be used in purchases from various establishments, the retail company that provides the credit card rewards the consumer with reward points depending on the amount of purchases made. The reward points accumulated then is converted to gifts, products or redeemable check amounts that can be redeemed for products from their stores on the internet.

In choosing which credit card a person will choose, it’s always best to understand the purchase habits the person has. A person who’s a frequent traveler can maximize his credit card use by subscribing to credit cards that offers air mile rewards. A frequent shopper on the other hand may benefit from his credit card by getting a card that his favorite merchant is offering and later on redeem the points accumulated from the merchant’s stores.

There are tons of competing credit card companies around. For the consumer in you and me, separating the wheat from them tares among these companies will be quite an enormous task. What should one look for anyway when considering what credit card company to avail of?

As with most smart consumers, the key to finding the best credit card company is to stick with the best. Among the hundreds of credit card companies that exist, only about 10 to 20 can be considered truly successful. Identifying these companies will narrow down your choices to the select few credit cards that are worth applying for.

Here are some of the characteristics of successful credit card companies.

1) No Annual Fee – Some credit card companies are confident enough in their status that they do not need to collect annual fees. When you consider applying for a card, make sure you consider those that do not have annual fees first. Remember, if these companies that require annual fees are not content to make money off of the interest on your purchases, then they are not financially reliable to bank on. If the card you are looking at has annual fees, steer clear of them unless they offer some fantastic feature that you just can’t miss.

2) Extended Interest Days- Upon purchase of an item using your credit card, you will not be charged interest unless you are unable to pay before the set interest day deadline. The most successful credit card companies offer longer periods of grace. This means that you do no have to pay interest until that day comes. Often enough, the standard for this period is 25 days.

To avoid having to pay interest, you have to pay within 25 days after your billing statement. For large purchases that require numerous months to pay, you can swallow the interest for its sake.

3) Low Annual Percentage Rate – Some credit card companies offer low annual percentage rates. These companies can attract more customers because they have the financial clout to wag such a deal in front of consumers. Consumers will benefit from lower APR. Companies that offer lower APRs hint of larger consumer bases that make such offers possible.

If you plan to pay your balance on credit cards in full, the APR may not be much of a factor in your selection of a credit card.

4) Consult Feedbacks and Industry Profiles – most successful credit card companies are featured in business journals and other media. This will also give you an idea of who’s who in the credit card business.

Small business credit cards are credit instruments that cater specifically to the needs of small businesses. They are like your normal credit card except for some changes in interest rates and features which are optimized for use by small businesses. They are very useful for small businesses that desire to streamline their finances and access extra credit.

The numbers of small businesses that use these cards are ever-growing. A recent report shows that 66% of small businesses use these cards for purchasing and financing. Forty percent of this number use their exclusively use credit cards for their payments. But why should a business apply for one? Are there any benefits that merit application for such a card? There are many advantages. Some of them will be outlined below.

For one, these cards allow a business to get hold of good credit. Good credit is the use of borrowed finances to generate more cash. In effect, the act of borrowing actually results in the company earning more. A small business credit card allows for this. The business then is able to keep hold of finances for other reasons: investing for interest, for profit, or other needs the business may have for cold cash. They can pay in easy installments that will not dent the financial capability of the business. They can also pay when they are capable of paying.

Another advantage of using small business credit cards is the fact that they help make bookkeeping easier. Instead of keeping a journal of all transactions and receipts, one can have the credit card company send an itemized list of purchases made using their credit card. This allows for better bookkeeping and better accounting. Lost receipts and undocumented expenses can be avoided. This helps the business make more accurate financial reports.

Small business credit cards also allow businesses to build up their credit limit. Small businesses will typically need capital for new equipment, or to expand their business. A good credit limit will allow small business to access credit that would otherwise be inaccessible to small businesses. Bigger capital opens up the possibility of greater profits.

These cards also offer the option of limiting one business’s spending. This would be very useful for a business that is keeping a tight watch over its finances.

Small business cards are quickly becoming an efficient way to increase buying power and capital. With these advantages, it may soon be that small businesses will regard these small business credit cards as a necessity.

Getting a sense out of a deal is, in some instances, the most difficult thing to do. This is because most people could not instantly figure out the benefits they can derive from obtaining it.

Take for example the case of business credit cards. Some people contend that business credit cards are crucial in the growth of a business, while other s contend that it is just one way of losing their investments.

But whatever the point there is, only one this is certain, it is still a credit card and just like any financial decisions, extensive consideration is a must.

So, for those who want to know whether getting a business credit card will be good for their company, here are some of the pros and cons to be considered first.

PROS

1. It is efficient and provides management on the company’s financial charges.

With the business credit card, most entrepreneurs can manipulate their costs and payments through separate charges consolidation. This means that the company will only have one billing statement with details on the employees’ expenses instead of having various statements and invoices.

2. Business credit cards provide their client’s with the opportunity to curb overspending in their employees.

Because the business owners are given the right to “preset’ the credit limit of their employees, they are able to impede any probable overspending of their employees instead. This, in turn, poses great discipline among the people.

The statements that go to the manager or to the financial administrator are in full details of all the financial transactions incurred at a specific time. Hence, the company can track down the kind of spending habits of their employees.

CONS

1. It is still a credit card.

This means that even if it is a company’s property, employees will still have the tendency to over spend or splurge into more cashless shopping. This can be very risky especially to business management who is primarily the one responsible for the accounts.

2. Any errors or faults can damage credit ratings.

If credit history is very important to common individuals, it has a greater impact on businesses. So, if something goes wrong with their business credit card, the effect is mostly imposed on the business rather on the employee.

So, what’s the bottom line here? As compared to other types of credit, it is always best to monitor the spending habits. Credit cards can really be feasible where it serve its purpose, but can also do more harm than good if misused and taken for granted.

In this high-tech era of computers and machines, the purchasing power of people is mostly based on credit. Nowadays, credit cards are almost indispensable in almost any business transaction. For one, nobody can purchase anything online without a credit card.

People who have a poor credit history though, will have a hard time getting or renewing their credit cards. This is where prepaid credit becomes useful.

There are lenders that offer prepaid MasterCards and/or prepaid Visa Cards. Both these cards can be used like a regular credit card. It is even hard to distinguish which card is prepaid or not, by simply looking at it or even using it.

This is basically how prepaid credit cards work. When an account is opened, the card should be “pre-loaded” with cash up-front. This is like paying for a pre-paid calling card.
Prepaid MasterCards or Visas can be used anywhere as long as these cards are accepted.

The prepaid credit card advantage:

1. Prepaid credit card can be easily obtained. It can be purchased online or in local retail stores. It does not require any credit check or proof of income.

The only thing to do is to fill out an application, pay a small fee for setting-up the account and load the card with cash. The amount of cash loaded will be the “credit limit”

2. No interest charges.

When a prepaid MasterCard or prepaid Visa is used, there is no interest charge unlike the regular credit card. The reason for this is that the money used is the owner’s actual money therefore no interest is needed.

3. Prepaid credit cards are free from financial or credit problems.

4. Prepaid cards can be used almost anywhere. Prepaid MasterCards and Visa cards are almost accepted anywhere in the world.

Disadvantages of Prepaid Credit Cards:

1. Usually a set-up fee of 5 to 50 dollars is needed when an account is opened. Then another fee of $5 or more is paid every time more money is loaded onto the card.

Regular credit cards usually do not charge a set-up fee or annual fees.

2. Cash up front is needed before any purchase could be made with the prepaid card.
This could be an advantage since compulsive spending can be avoided.

3. There are some prepaid credit cards that cannot be used to pay regular payments such as monthly electric consumption or online services.

The Conclusion:

The prepaid credit card is a definite help for people who have past credit problems. It is just a matter of choosing the right prepaid credit card that suits ones’ needs.

Citibank credit cards offer a wide range of benefits. Basically, all of it features offer clients with security during emergencies, the advantage of not bringing cash and checks, and improving independence and responsibility in financial management.

Other than these basic perks of credit cards, there are specified benefits the Citibank credit cards have to offer. Here are some of the credit cards and their corresponding perks:

1) Diners club international credit card. This kind of credit card provides you with the decision of your own credit limit. The interest rates would not show on your bill for fifty days. Since this Citibank credit card could be used all around the world, it gives you the privilege of using it within five million companies worldwide. The ATM card could be used anywhere in the world. And lastly, there is no extra fee when the Citibank credit card is lost.

2) The Citibank Gold Card. This kind of Citibank credit card provides you with a higher credit and cash limit. It offers you access on international lounges and airports. It has a strong and secured insurance. And there is no fee when the credit card has been stolen, lost or damaged.

3) Jet Airways Citibank International Gold Card. This kind of credit card allows the cardholder to take advantage of jet privileges and promos on jet miles when you make use of the credit or cash. When you have been approved with this kind of credit card, you will be automatically given a jet airways ride of 1500 miles. Plus, the services and credit card is insured.

4) The Citibank Silver Card. This kind of credit card has several kinds of insurances like personal accidents, baggage and household insurances that would cover up your expenses. There are also occasional discounts on certain stores and zero costing on lost credit cards.

5) The Citibank Woman’s card. This kind of credit card targets the women. It provides women with discounts on jewelry, cosmetics, health products, clothes and many shopping stores. It also provides jewelry insurance and there is no extra fee when the Citibank credit card is lost.

6) Specialty cards. There are Citibank credit cards that provide you specifically with music and book stores usage, gives you an advantage on concerts and movie passes, and could give you discounts on oil transactions. These kinds of credit cards would depend on which you apply for and use regularly.

With those numerous advantages, you will surely wonder how you were able to get along without it.

Credit card is known today as the plastic money. But it stretches the limit of a typical paper money. Credit cards increase the buying power of a consumer because of what is known as the credit limit. Payments are made easier because you don’t have to make stops to the billing centers. What’s best is that owning a credit card gives you a worldwide access to cash.

MasterCard is one of the credit cards in the market. Today, MasterCard offers the Automatic Bill Payment. With this, you can now pre-authorize the participating companies to charge your card on a regular basis. This includes your insurance companies, your cable provider as well as your electric and water companies.

What’s good about owning a MasterCard?
1. Avoid the trouble of writing checks. With MasterCard Automatic Bill Payment, you can save time from writing check and the trouble of tracking the issuances you’ve made.

2. No more late payments. Paying your bills will always be on time. Take care of your bills even while you’re working at the office.

3. Keep your money growing. Your money is safe on the bank until the time comes for you to pay your bills. This means the time your money is sitting on the bank, the interest is growing.

Choosing the right MasterCard that would best suit your needs is a must. The following is a list of MasterCard Credit Card Types.

1. Standard. This is the type of credit card for starters. Whether you’re a student or simply starting out on a credit, this is the card that would suit you.

2. Gold. Once you acquired a considerably good credit history, you can now switch from your Standard Credit Card to the Gold Card and enjoy added benefits.

3. Platinum. This card offers the best every card has to offer. Plus it gives you the extended purchasing power for expensive items. You can also earn points that could be exchanged for rewards whenever you use your Platinum MasterCard.

4. World. This is the premium card that embodies your dream about hassle-free spending. MasterCard World offers a no pre-set spending and whole new personalized benefits.

Now let’s check what’s in store for MasterCard Holders…

Enjoy free nights’ stay on selected destinations worldwide. Use your MasterCard to pay for your stay and get another night stay for free!

Nothing beats the feeling of getting discounts and savings! Get favorable discounts on participating merchants and service-oriented shops when you use your MasterCard.

The interest rate is definitely a key factor consumers consider before signing up for a credit card. This is especially true for those carrying balances, as a card with low rates will generate significant savings. Thus, MasterCard, Visa and other leading credit card groups are now competing in terms of varying low APR (annual percentage rate) packages.

The huge market for card shoppers has also made banks tie-up with card companies or set up their own card units. Based on figures from MarketResearch.com, corporate credit cards have now grown into a $500bn market in the US. The sector’s growth has progressed due mainly to increasing acceptance and demand for electronic transactions worldwide and a requirement among more US firms for corporate card use – offsetting the country’s recession and economic woes across many global industries.

As cards under such plans allow consumers to minimize the cost impact of a Christmas purchase or a holiday, credit card companies are giving users a wide range of attractive packages.

One such option is Citibank’s Citi Dividend Platinum Select card. The offering targets individuals seeking to transfer their balances and a reprieve from soaring interest rates – gives the consumer 0% APR for up to 12 months. As an incentive, users of the Citibank card will also be reimbursed as much as 5% of any cash purchase they make at pharmacies, supermarkets and gas stations and 1% for purchases at all other stores and shops.

American Express also offers 0% APR for initial purchases over a 15-month period with its American Express Blue Card, which features a 3.99% interest rate fixed for the balance of the product. JP Morgan Chase is also offering a cash-back incentive and 0% interest rate for up to 12 months on balance transfers with its Chase Cash Plus Visa.
Maintaining APR credit

Companies market their products to the point that they seem to good to be true. Before signing up for 0% APR credit cards, there are several things a user should watch out for. One of them is caution with cards starting with high interest rates conditional on economic indicators – the variation would lead to fluctuating interest for any change on specific indicators.

Also, ‘teaser’ promotions where low rates run for only 3 months or up to one year can be handled by maximizing gains from the 0% plan by moving all balances to that card and settling all amounts due as soon as possible within the introductory period. However, users should recognize when their cards do not allow such balance transfers. Some companies also move delinquent holders to variable APR cards automatically for delayed payments.

So, you have decided you need a credit card. However, you must remember that not all credit cards are created equally. Your friend’s credit card doesn’t mean that it is also the best for you. Before going to this bank and get its credit card, you must consider the several factors that you should take into consideration when deciding which credit card you want to get.

Some of those factors include:

o Interest rate. When you are the type of person that pays off your balance monthly, you would probably disregard the interest rate. Unfortunately, most people are having problems keeping with their credit card balance. Most people do carry a balance in their credit cards. If you sometimes late paying and carrying a balance, then it would be the best decision to have a credit card with a low interest rate. Having a card with a low interest rate save you a lot of money. You might disregard the difference between a 10 percent and 20 percent interest rate, but the difference could be significant if you have balances for a long period of time. Major credit card companies like Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and AMEX, have low interest versions of their credit card.

o Reward programs. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express and other major credit card companies have reward programs. Reward programs give you special privileges or services for being a credit card holder. Some of these programs include frequent flyer programs, where you are given one frequent flyer mile for each dollar spent. If you are quite a traveler, then a credit card with this program might be for you. Some offer cash-back options. Most common are discount offerings at retail stores or online chains.

o Annual fees. The annual fee is an important consideration, especially those who have a hard time paying off their balances monthly. If you think that the annual fee you have to pay to keep your card is way too high compared with the privileges you get from your card, it would be probably better to stop using the card.

o Member benefits. Credit cards promise various benefits. Some have travel protection as part of the benefits, while others offer roadside assistance. You have to consider your lifestyle in checking out a card’s benefits.

Remember: On choosing credit cards, choose wisely. If you need to, discuss your specific financial needs with your financial advisor.