Credit Cards 101 By Marsel Sula

What is a credit card?

A credit card is a plastic card with magnetic strip with cardholder’s information that allows card holders to purchase goods and services without using cash, the credit card holds transaction information of every time the credit and the amount of money consumed.

How do credit cards work?

Credit card issuers lend money to consumers based to be used to purchase goods and services up to the predetermined credit amount based on the individual’s credit score and personal income. Vendors receive and record the amount that the consumers spend for their goods and services from the credit card that was used by the card holder, the bank issuing the credit card reimburses the vendor for that exact amount that was spent. The card holders pay the card issuer in a later date through the agreed monthly payments including interest, each month the credit card holder receives a statement indicating the purchases and transactions and total amount owed to the card lender.

What is APR “Annual Percentage Rate” interest?

Interest is the agreed annual percentage fee rate the credit card issuers charge the card holder on the amount of credit borrowed, this interest amount is added every month to your balance. The interest rate is set based on the cardholder’s credit risk so credit card issuers check national credit card bureau reports that identify the credit history before issuing a credit card.

What are some tips for choosing the right credit card?

You have to figure out what will you use the credit card the most on so you can chose the best credit card for your purchases. If you travel allot and will use your credit card to purchase your airplane tickets then you should look into is credit card with airline rewards. You should look for a credit card that has low or no annual fee and offers longer grace period. Grace period is a special intro offers that card issuers offer for agreed time period then when the grace period ends the normal agreed interest rates will be applied.

How many credit cards should one person have?

Income and budget should be taken into consideration when applying for credit cards, you shouldn’t get more credit loan then you can afford to repay. The more credit cards you have the higher the chances of defaulting on the payment do to an overlooked bill or financial stress. You should calculate your financial situation and determine how many and what types of credit cards you need to help you financially.

How to manage you credit card?

You should responsibly use your credit card within your financial means keeping in mind that credit card is not free money you will eventually payback what you spend. To maintain a good agreed rating with your credit card issuer you should pay your credit card statements in a timely manor. If you default on a payment the card issuer most likely will raise you APR “Annual Percentage Rate” interest rates.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=219364&ca=Finances