How to Maximize Your Credit Card Rewards and Frequent Flyer Points
Last Updated: December 22, 2011
Reward credit cards are a great invention - you are able to receive cash back, earn points toward travel and purchases, and reap many other fringe benefits by simply paying for the things you purchase on a daily basis. Using these reward cards for groceries, gas, or paying your mortgage will reap you extra benefits from these types of cards.
Does your credit card reward you in some way each time the cash register rings? If not, you should check out all credit cards available today that have some sort of rewards component associated with them, generally worth about $0.01 to $0.03 per dollar spent. According to a recent survey, 40-50% of all cards out there today have some type of reward program associated with them.
The challenge sometimes is simply keeping track of all these reward points, not to mention deciding how best to use them. Managing multiple frequent-flyer and credit card programs can be a real headache: program rules and restrictions are constantly changing, your mileage credits may be missing or incorrectly listed, there are multiple expiration dates to keep track of.
There are a number of websites available to help consumers track and get the most out of their hard-earned credit card points, rewards, and airline frequent flyer miles. Although some services charge an annual fee, they may offer worthwhile perks such as email alerts regarding when miles will expire and award listings. Here are a few websites to check out:
MileTracker.com This site offers a free downloadable application sponsored by USA Today. MileTracker currently supports more than 105 frequent flier and loyalty programs. Once you create a profile and insert your multiple account information, you will not need to input it again.
When you open MileTracker and tell it to display or update your accounts, it automatically and simultaneously goes to all the accounts your have listed in your profile, inserts your personal information required for each account, and retrieves the account data to be viewed on your computer
desktop.
Points.com. This website allows you to track reward miles and points for free. It also allows you to trade with other users on the site’s Global Points Exchange, GPX, but there is a fee involved. There is a processing fee of $6.95 per trade, plus whatever additional trading fees that may be required by the airline or rewards program.
Here are a few Rewards & Frequent Flyer Cards We Highly Recommend:
Saving your hard earned money by making wise decisions about your finances shouldn't be rocket science! The purpose of this blog is to help you save money by choosing the right road for you, to increase your savings and make some money along the way as well by signing up for one or more Prepaid Debit Cards and receiving sign-up bonuses and referral commissions. Feel Free To Contact Us Anytime at: info@FreeDebitCardStore.com
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Prepaid Debit Cards
Prepaid Debit Cards
Last Updated: December 22, 2011
Check Out Our Recommended Debit Cards
If you're frustrated because it seems as though a credit card is necessary to get by in today's world, and you've been unsuccessful getting one due to a poor credit history, you might consider a prepaid credit card. You'll have most of the advantages of a credit card, and you won't haveto worry about interest charges. One significant benefit of the prepaid credit card is that you can charge to your heart's
(I mean your deposit limit's) content, and you won't be in debt; the money is yours and once it's gone, you can't spend any more until you add more funds.
What is a Prepaid Debit Card?
A prepaid credit or debit card account is opened by depositing money into an account you establish with the card issuer, much in the same way you would make a deposit to open a checking or savings account. Once you fund the account with a designated amount, you are issued a prepaid credit
or debit card that can be used anywhere one would use a regular credit card. A prepaid credit card is not really a credit card, as no credit isoffered by the card issuer; the card-holder simply spends money which has been "stored" via a prior deposit by the card-holder or someone else, such as a parent. It's very similar to using a debit card linked to a savings or checking account; there are no monthly bills associated with the card, or interest charges; but there are still fees involved, so consumers should always do their research and understand the cost of their"credit".
Why Are These Called Credit Cards?
The reason why the word "credit" is associated with these prepaid cards is because most cards carry a credit-card brand (such as Visa orMasterCard) and can be used in similar ways. It's really no more than a stored value card that can be used in multiple locations due to the Visa(or other credit card) insignia. As more consumers require a suitable solution torebuilding credit, recent changes have allowed some credit cardcompanies to offer pre-paid credit cards to help rebuild credit. However, they are harder to find, and many have higher fees associated with them; so make sure you do your research. Many pre-paid products falsely claim they will improve your credit rating.
Benefits of a Prepaid Credit Card
1. There is no such thing as overdrafting your account; you cannot exceed your limit.
2. Prepaid credit cards can be a big advantage to low-income consumers who might otherwise be stuck dealing in cash, unable to make such basic transactions as paying for gas at the pump, paying bills online, or making car rental or hotel reservations.
3. Contingent on the card you select, your money may be protected if your card is ever lost or stolen.
4. Prepaid credit cards are a convenient way to pay for goods when traveling, even outside the U.S.
5. Prepaid credit or debit cards are often marketed to teenagers for shopping online without having their parents complete the transaction, or as a convenience for parents wishing to provide funds to children away from home.
6. Obtaining a prepaid credit card is easy, fast, and requires no credit check.
7. Some prepaid credit cards today report card history to major credit bureaus, so cardholders may be able to build or rebuild their credit using a prepaid credit card without the risk of damaging it along the way.
In summary, prepaid credit cards are a good solution for anyone who does not want to be tied down to a banking institution, anyone wanting a more secure way to carry their money than simply cash, or anyone having troubles being approved for a credit card. In today's society that is more and more cashless, somebody who doesn't have access to cashless transaction vehicles is at a major disadvantage.
Disadvantages to Prepaid Credit Cards
There are a number downsides to the prepaid card.
1. Most cards require a start-up fee, and while for many companies this fee is minimal, some of them are substantial. In addition, you'll most likely have to pay additional fees each time you deposit more cash into your prepaid credit card account; perhaps not as much as the initial fee, but a fee, no less.
2. Some cards will allow you to add more funds for free, but may charge a monthly "maintenance" fee instead.
3. Another downside is that many businesses that accept automatic payments from bank or credit card accounts may not accept them from prepaid cards. For most consumers this is a minimal annoyance, but for some it can be a significant setback.
As with any credit product, when selecting a prepaid card you should always do your research and make an informed decision on the best card to meet your individual needs. As stated previously, there may be a number of different fees associated with using a prepaid credit card, some of which might be high enough to offset any benefits. A prepaid credit card will generally carry more fees than a secured or unsecured credit card (presuming you pay them off monthly) therefore a prepaid card may only be a good option for those who cannot obtain any other form of credit, but require the convenience of a credit card.
Now let's define some of the fees you might encounter in researching the available prepaid credit cards:
-Sign-up or Start-up Fee: Self-explanatory. May range from "free" to $50.
-Transaction, POS, or Usage fee: A fee assessed each time you use the card at a store, online, by phone, etc. Typically it is "no charge", but there might be a small fee (under $1.00).
-ATM Withdrawal fee: Can range from "free" to $5.00 or more. May be higher for International withdrawals.
-Monthly Maintenance Fee: A fee charged to your account each month. Sometimes there is no fee for the first few months, and then one kicks in after 6 months; can range from "free" to $10 or less.
-Reloading or Recharging Fee: A fee charged to you for adding more money to the account where your money is being held. Depending on the method used to add or transfer the money (at a retail location, using another credit card, cash, etc) the fee may differ. Typically "free" to less than $5.
-Balance Inquiry Fee: A fee to provide you information about your available balance. Can vary contingent on the method you use to request the information: online, telephone, ATM. May range from "free" to $3.00 or less.
-Monthly Statement Fee: A fee for obtaining monthly transaction history. May be up to $10 if sent by mail, however is typically free of charge if you go to the card issuer's website.
-Cancellation/Refund Fees: A potential fee for cancelling your card altogether or requesting a partial refund of monies loaded onto the card.
-Insufficient Funds/Overdraft Fees: A fee charged if you attempt to make a transaction and it is refused to to inadequate funds in your account;or, it goes through anyway but you exceed your limit. Usually under $3.00.
-Foreign Currency Conversion Fee: A fee, usually a percentage of the total amount spent, charged to convert from another currency during international transactions/travel.
In Summary: Check out the various types of pre-paid debit and credit cards on the market. Read the terms and conditions carefully, and define your objectives for needing this product.
Depending on your individual needs, you may find that a traditional credit card, a secured credit card
or a debit card will work better for you and save you money in the long run.
Here are a few Prepaid Debit Cards We Highly Recommend:
Last Updated: December 22, 2011
Check Out Our Recommended Debit Cards
If you're frustrated because it seems as though a credit card is necessary to get by in today's world, and you've been unsuccessful getting one due to a poor credit history, you might consider a prepaid credit card. You'll have most of the advantages of a credit card, and you won't haveto worry about interest charges. One significant benefit of the prepaid credit card is that you can charge to your heart's
(I mean your deposit limit's) content, and you won't be in debt; the money is yours and once it's gone, you can't spend any more until you add more funds.
What is a Prepaid Debit Card?
A prepaid credit or debit card account is opened by depositing money into an account you establish with the card issuer, much in the same way you would make a deposit to open a checking or savings account. Once you fund the account with a designated amount, you are issued a prepaid credit
or debit card that can be used anywhere one would use a regular credit card. A prepaid credit card is not really a credit card, as no credit isoffered by the card issuer; the card-holder simply spends money which has been "stored" via a prior deposit by the card-holder or someone else, such as a parent. It's very similar to using a debit card linked to a savings or checking account; there are no monthly bills associated with the card, or interest charges; but there are still fees involved, so consumers should always do their research and understand the cost of their"credit".
Why Are These Called Credit Cards?
The reason why the word "credit" is associated with these prepaid cards is because most cards carry a credit-card brand (such as Visa orMasterCard) and can be used in similar ways. It's really no more than a stored value card that can be used in multiple locations due to the Visa(or other credit card) insignia. As more consumers require a suitable solution torebuilding credit, recent changes have allowed some credit cardcompanies to offer pre-paid credit cards to help rebuild credit. However, they are harder to find, and many have higher fees associated with them; so make sure you do your research. Many pre-paid products falsely claim they will improve your credit rating.
Benefits of a Prepaid Credit Card
1. There is no such thing as overdrafting your account; you cannot exceed your limit.
2. Prepaid credit cards can be a big advantage to low-income consumers who might otherwise be stuck dealing in cash, unable to make such basic transactions as paying for gas at the pump, paying bills online, or making car rental or hotel reservations.
3. Contingent on the card you select, your money may be protected if your card is ever lost or stolen.
4. Prepaid credit cards are a convenient way to pay for goods when traveling, even outside the U.S.
5. Prepaid credit or debit cards are often marketed to teenagers for shopping online without having their parents complete the transaction, or as a convenience for parents wishing to provide funds to children away from home.
6. Obtaining a prepaid credit card is easy, fast, and requires no credit check.
7. Some prepaid credit cards today report card history to major credit bureaus, so cardholders may be able to build or rebuild their credit using a prepaid credit card without the risk of damaging it along the way.
In summary, prepaid credit cards are a good solution for anyone who does not want to be tied down to a banking institution, anyone wanting a more secure way to carry their money than simply cash, or anyone having troubles being approved for a credit card. In today's society that is more and more cashless, somebody who doesn't have access to cashless transaction vehicles is at a major disadvantage.
Disadvantages to Prepaid Credit Cards
There are a number downsides to the prepaid card.
1. Most cards require a start-up fee, and while for many companies this fee is minimal, some of them are substantial. In addition, you'll most likely have to pay additional fees each time you deposit more cash into your prepaid credit card account; perhaps not as much as the initial fee, but a fee, no less.
2. Some cards will allow you to add more funds for free, but may charge a monthly "maintenance" fee instead.
3. Another downside is that many businesses that accept automatic payments from bank or credit card accounts may not accept them from prepaid cards. For most consumers this is a minimal annoyance, but for some it can be a significant setback.
As with any credit product, when selecting a prepaid card you should always do your research and make an informed decision on the best card to meet your individual needs. As stated previously, there may be a number of different fees associated with using a prepaid credit card, some of which might be high enough to offset any benefits. A prepaid credit card will generally carry more fees than a secured or unsecured credit card (presuming you pay them off monthly) therefore a prepaid card may only be a good option for those who cannot obtain any other form of credit, but require the convenience of a credit card.
Now let's define some of the fees you might encounter in researching the available prepaid credit cards:
-Sign-up or Start-up Fee: Self-explanatory. May range from "free" to $50.
-Transaction, POS, or Usage fee: A fee assessed each time you use the card at a store, online, by phone, etc. Typically it is "no charge", but there might be a small fee (under $1.00).
-ATM Withdrawal fee: Can range from "free" to $5.00 or more. May be higher for International withdrawals.
-Monthly Maintenance Fee: A fee charged to your account each month. Sometimes there is no fee for the first few months, and then one kicks in after 6 months; can range from "free" to $10 or less.
-Reloading or Recharging Fee: A fee charged to you for adding more money to the account where your money is being held. Depending on the method used to add or transfer the money (at a retail location, using another credit card, cash, etc) the fee may differ. Typically "free" to less than $5.
-Balance Inquiry Fee: A fee to provide you information about your available balance. Can vary contingent on the method you use to request the information: online, telephone, ATM. May range from "free" to $3.00 or less.
-Monthly Statement Fee: A fee for obtaining monthly transaction history. May be up to $10 if sent by mail, however is typically free of charge if you go to the card issuer's website.
-Cancellation/Refund Fees: A potential fee for cancelling your card altogether or requesting a partial refund of monies loaded onto the card.
-Insufficient Funds/Overdraft Fees: A fee charged if you attempt to make a transaction and it is refused to to inadequate funds in your account;or, it goes through anyway but you exceed your limit. Usually under $3.00.
-Foreign Currency Conversion Fee: A fee, usually a percentage of the total amount spent, charged to convert from another currency during international transactions/travel.
In Summary: Check out the various types of pre-paid debit and credit cards on the market. Read the terms and conditions carefully, and define your objectives for needing this product.
Depending on your individual needs, you may find that a traditional credit card, a secured credit card
or a debit card will work better for you and save you money in the long run.
Here are a few Prepaid Debit Cards We Highly Recommend:
Student Credit Cards
Student Credit Cards
Student credit cards help young people establish a credit history of their own. These cards often carry high interest rates if you carry a balance, so it is a good idea to pay these off every month. This will help build good spending and paying habits. Here are some student credit cards we recommend.
Helps Young Consumers Establish a Credit History
They Report to the Main Credit Reporting Agencies
Careful of Carrying a Balance - May Have High Interest Rates
Student credit cards help young people establish a credit history of their own. These cards often carry high interest rates if you carry a balance, so it is a good idea to pay these off every month. This will help build good spending and paying habits. Here are some student credit cards we recommend.
Helps Young Consumers Establish a Credit History
They Report to the Main Credit Reporting Agencies
Careful of Carrying a Balance - May Have High Interest Rates
Secured Credit Cards Are a Great Way to Rebuild Credit
See our complete list of recommended Secured Credit Cards available!
For whatever reason, the economy, youthful negligence, divorce, health problems or general ignorance, you may now find yourself with a bad credit score and no means of getting small business loans, home loan, or favorable car loan terms. What you need is a way to increase your credit score in a hurry. Credit cards are a great way to establish credit. But people who have never had credit or need to repair a poor credit history may not qualify for a regular credit card. For them, a secured credit card may be the only way to establish, or re-establish, credit.
There are a lot of "bad" secured credit cards, so you want to make sure you do your homework first before getting one of these cards. Getting the right one and using it the right way, will go miles in the journey of rebuilding your credit and increasing your credit score.
What is a Secured Credit Card?
A secured credit card requires a cash collateral deposit that becomes the credit line for that account. For example, if you put $500 in the account; you can charge up to $500. You may be able to add to the deposit to add more credit, or sometimes a bank will reward you for good payment and add to your credit line without requesting additional deposits.
A secured credit card should have the following:
No application fee and a low annual fee.
The ability to convert to a regular, unsecured credit card after 12-18 months of on-time payments.
Be reporting to ALL THREE credit bureaus.
Rebuilding Your Credit With a Secured Credit Card
Your best bet is to make arrangements with all of your current creditors to pay off your current debt and then make your payments on time. But this alone will not build a good credit score, it'll simply undo some damage to your credit score. You need to have a credit card you can use at least once per month and pay off in full each month to make your credit score go up quickly.
Even in the present economy, a person with a bad credit score can get a credit card. And, you don't even have to stoop down to cards with annual fees. A secured credit card issued by your bank allows you to rebuild your credit score quickly, if you use it responsibly. You only need to make a small purchase each month and then pay the card in full each month. After several months of doing so, and if you are faithful with your other debt payments, your credit score will quickly rise.
After about six to nine months of responsibly using your secured credit card, you will find your credit score rising sharply. At this point you should also know how to use your secured credit card responsibly. This is an important part of rebuilding credit scores. You need to continue using your secured credit card responsibly or your credit score will soon be damaged again.
Rebuilding a Good Credit Rating
First, get a couple of secured cards. Next, spend small amounts wisely, pay more than the minimum payment (or pay it all) every month and pay it right when you get the bill, don't wait for the due date and don't be late. For people with poor credit or no credit, a secured credit card is the fastest, most effective way to reestablish themselves as good credit risks in the eyes of lenders. Secured cards are easy to get and the card issuer reports your payment history to major credit bureaus every month.
Using Credit Cards Responsibly
Using credit wisely is important since your credit reputation influences the rates that will be paid on a loan for a house or car, or for a credit card. The better your credit reputation, the lower the interest you will have to pay. Although secured cards tend to have higher interest rates and annual fees, they provide a valuable steppingstone to unsecured credit. If you cannot use your secured credit card responsibly, it is time to consider that loans and credit cards are not for you. Some personalities
simply don't work with credit. There is no shame in being someone who must live on a cash basis, but there is shame in taking on lines of credit when you are someone who must live on a cash basis.
Establish a Sound Payment History
Establishing a payment history will help you qualify down the road for the major credit cards. Using this secured card appropriately and within the set parameters will help rebuild your credit. Only make small purchases and pay the bill in full when it arrives and well before the due date. Doing this regularly over time helps build your credit history as a prompt payer. Don't fall into the trap of credit cards-overspending and/or making minimum payments. Once you have built a solid credit history over 12 months or more, you can apply for an unsecured card. Or, you can talk to the card issuer about converting from your present card to a regular card.
Secured Credit Cards We Highly Recommend:
Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Credit Card
Guaranteed Approval Regardless of Your Past Credit History
9.99% Low Fixed APR - Your Rate Won't Change Even if You Are Late. Choose Your Credit Limit - From $200 to $5,000
Highest Ratings for Financial Strength and Security in the Country
Click Here To APPLY
Platinum Zero® Secured Visa® Card from Applied Bank®
ZERO - 0% FIXED APR on purchases - No Intro Rates!
ZERO - 0% Rate Won't Change - Even If You're Late!
ZERO Application Fees
ZERO Worries - FREE Personal ID Theft Protection
Click Here To APPLY
As with all hurdles in life, you must take the initiative to accept change, remain diligent & focused looking into the future working towards your goal of a better financial health. These two recommendations are just the start you need on your road to credit recovery.
For whatever reason, the economy, youthful negligence, divorce, health problems or general ignorance, you may now find yourself with a bad credit score and no means of getting small business loans, home loan, or favorable car loan terms. What you need is a way to increase your credit score in a hurry. Credit cards are a great way to establish credit. But people who have never had credit or need to repair a poor credit history may not qualify for a regular credit card. For them, a secured credit card may be the only way to establish, or re-establish, credit.
There are a lot of "bad" secured credit cards, so you want to make sure you do your homework first before getting one of these cards. Getting the right one and using it the right way, will go miles in the journey of rebuilding your credit and increasing your credit score.
What is a Secured Credit Card?
A secured credit card requires a cash collateral deposit that becomes the credit line for that account. For example, if you put $500 in the account; you can charge up to $500. You may be able to add to the deposit to add more credit, or sometimes a bank will reward you for good payment and add to your credit line without requesting additional deposits.
A secured credit card should have the following:
No application fee and a low annual fee.
The ability to convert to a regular, unsecured credit card after 12-18 months of on-time payments.
Be reporting to ALL THREE credit bureaus.
Rebuilding Your Credit With a Secured Credit Card
Your best bet is to make arrangements with all of your current creditors to pay off your current debt and then make your payments on time. But this alone will not build a good credit score, it'll simply undo some damage to your credit score. You need to have a credit card you can use at least once per month and pay off in full each month to make your credit score go up quickly.
Even in the present economy, a person with a bad credit score can get a credit card. And, you don't even have to stoop down to cards with annual fees. A secured credit card issued by your bank allows you to rebuild your credit score quickly, if you use it responsibly. You only need to make a small purchase each month and then pay the card in full each month. After several months of doing so, and if you are faithful with your other debt payments, your credit score will quickly rise.
After about six to nine months of responsibly using your secured credit card, you will find your credit score rising sharply. At this point you should also know how to use your secured credit card responsibly. This is an important part of rebuilding credit scores. You need to continue using your secured credit card responsibly or your credit score will soon be damaged again.
Rebuilding a Good Credit Rating
First, get a couple of secured cards. Next, spend small amounts wisely, pay more than the minimum payment (or pay it all) every month and pay it right when you get the bill, don't wait for the due date and don't be late. For people with poor credit or no credit, a secured credit card is the fastest, most effective way to reestablish themselves as good credit risks in the eyes of lenders. Secured cards are easy to get and the card issuer reports your payment history to major credit bureaus every month.
Using Credit Cards Responsibly
Using credit wisely is important since your credit reputation influences the rates that will be paid on a loan for a house or car, or for a credit card. The better your credit reputation, the lower the interest you will have to pay. Although secured cards tend to have higher interest rates and annual fees, they provide a valuable steppingstone to unsecured credit. If you cannot use your secured credit card responsibly, it is time to consider that loans and credit cards are not for you. Some personalities
simply don't work with credit. There is no shame in being someone who must live on a cash basis, but there is shame in taking on lines of credit when you are someone who must live on a cash basis.
Establish a Sound Payment History
Establishing a payment history will help you qualify down the road for the major credit cards. Using this secured card appropriately and within the set parameters will help rebuild your credit. Only make small purchases and pay the bill in full when it arrives and well before the due date. Doing this regularly over time helps build your credit history as a prompt payer. Don't fall into the trap of credit cards-overspending and/or making minimum payments. Once you have built a solid credit history over 12 months or more, you can apply for an unsecured card. Or, you can talk to the card issuer about converting from your present card to a regular card.
Secured Credit Cards We Highly Recommend:
Guaranteed Approval Regardless of Your Past Credit History
9.99% Low Fixed APR - Your Rate Won't Change Even if You Are Late. Choose Your Credit Limit - From $200 to $5,000
Highest Ratings for Financial Strength and Security in the Country
Click Here To APPLY
ZERO - 0% FIXED APR on purchases - No Intro Rates!
ZERO - 0% Rate Won't Change - Even If You're Late!
ZERO Application Fees
ZERO Worries - FREE Personal ID Theft Protection
Click Here To APPLY
As with all hurdles in life, you must take the initiative to accept change, remain diligent & focused looking into the future working towards your goal of a better financial health. These two recommendations are just the start you need on your road to credit recovery.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
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Tuesday, December 20, 2011
When You Pay Off A Credit Card, How Long Does It Take To Show On Your Credit Report?
Billing Cycles
A paid-off balance usually will show up on your credit report within one to two billing cycles, or 30 to 60 days. Sometimes it shows up faster; it depends on when the credit card company reports the payment to the credit bureaus. Check your credit report a month after paying off your credit card. If you do not see the payment reflected on your credit report, call the credit card company to find out when they will be reporting the payment. Request that they report it as soon as possible.
Negative Records
If your credit card was seriously delinquent, it might take more time for the delinquency to disappear from your credit report. Credit card accounts that are charged off or sent to collections are reported to the credit bureaus. Those charges stay on your credit report for seven years. Bankruptcies stay on your report for 10 years. If you pay the card off, it will be marked as "paid" on your credit report, but the
charge-off or collection status remains for seven years.
Errors
If you paid off a credit card but the payment has not shown up on the credit report for several months, it might be due to an error on your credit report. Call the credit card company to make sure they reported the payment to the credit bureaus. If that does not resolve the issue, send a letter to the credit card company requesting that they review the situation and include all supporting documents, such as bank statements that verify the payment amount and date. The credit card company is legally required to investigate and report back to you within 30 days. If an error is determined, the credit card company will contact the credit bureaus to update your credit report.
Effects of Paying Debt
In almost all cases, paying off your credit card will improve your credit score. It might improve it slightly, or it might improve the score significantly. Several variables affect how much your score will change, including the limit on the credit card and your overall debt and financial history. It might be more beneficial for you to pay off the card but keep the account open rather than close it completely. Use the card to make purchases, then pay off the debt immediately each month. This will demonstrate responsible use of the card, which will help your credit report and credit score.
For All Your Credit & Prepaid Debit Card Needs as well as Personal Loans, Auto Loans & Credit Monitoring, Visit:
www.CherokeeFinancialInc.com
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Debit Card Links
Apply Here
Sign up here. Refer-A-Friend Program, earn up to $20 cash commission. Unlimited $20 Referral Commissions.* 1st Load of $50 or more, get $10 cash free added to your card.
Apply Here Sign up today and receive your card in as little as 7 business days. Voted #1 when compared to Walmart's Money Card Debit Card. Referral Program available via affiliate application. Great Financial Tool to have locally and when you travel.
For a Complete Updated List of Prepaid Debit Cards & Credit Cards, Go To:
www.FreeDebitCardStore.com
* Refer-A-Friend Program commissions are contingent upon being referred by this site, activating your new card when it arrives and adding the necessary funds to the card with an initial load amount within the specified term period of 30 or 60 days. Your referral, must in turn sign up under you, activate their new card when it arrives and fund the card with the necessary required 1st load amount within a period of time determined by individual Prepaid Debit Card Providers--usually 30 or 60 days.
Hint: Refer-A-Friend doesn't exactly mean your friends or family, it can be anyone.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
FREE CHECKING ACCOUNTS ARE GETTING HARDER TO FIND!! :(
No Free Checking for You!
News reports indicate that the days of free checking accounts being so easy to get are waning. The hard workers of America have to work a little harder to pay the fees banks are charging because they have lost the ability to loan money to College Students and in turn they have lost Millions in interest revenue, so they have to get the money back somewhere.
Why is this the case? Since new financial laws have been introduced, banks are making less money on overdraft fees. Also, the rates that banks charge merchants (interchange fees) are cutting deep into bank revenues. That leaves less cash to subsidize costs to open and maintain free checking, say financial industry experts. This is prompting many banks to add charges or extra conditions onto their checking account programs. According to Bankrate.com, the portion of checking accounts offered by banks for “free” with no monthly service charge or minimum balance, fell from 76 percent last year to 65 percent this year and are decreasing daily. If you want to find a free checking account, you will need to shop around, and will be more likely to find one at a smaller local bank or a credit union. The large banks are getting out of the free checking account business.
You do have some options. You can do more banking online, to avoid paying checking account related fees, such as ordering paper checks. You can get a prepaid debit card as well. Here’s an example of the kind of fees bigger banks are charging, from an article in the Olympian Newspaper.
“Consider Bank of America. It now charges $8.95 per month for its basic checking accounts even to those loyal customers of all these years that had a free checking account from the start. But it waives that fee when account holders meet one of three conditions: They can set up direct deposit of their payroll checks. They can bank online or at ATMs and receive their bank statements electronically, not in paper form. Or they can keep an average $1,500 balance in the account.
Your banking habits determine which account and waiver fits best. An Internet-savvy student with no paycheck might opt for the e-banking account. But someone on a salary might do better with waivers for direct deposit. Ask your bank for help, so they can keep your business, experts say.
“Free checking became a virtual commodity. That’s going to change,” said Bankrate.com senior financial analyst Greg McBride. “But it will still be available to consumers who are intent on having a free checking account.”
As a consumer, how can you limit your exposure to fees?
Again Bankrate found that while just 65 percent of checking accounts at big banks are offered free, another 23 percent become free by meeting such conditions as direct deposit. If you use direct deposit, you pay no fees at Wells Fargo, Chase and other banks/ Direct Deposit is a great way to go, and you can also do that with a prepaid Micash Mastercard card.
You might also do more online banking, since online tend to offer more free checking accounts, or even use online methods with your bricks-and-mortar bank. Prepaid cards also have ways to log in and check your balance online.
According to the article in the Olympian:
Already, prices are rising for some services linked to no-interest checking at big banks. When a minimum balance is required, it now averages $249.50, more than double the rate two years ago. And when a monthly fee is assessed, it averages $2.49, up 72 cents from last year, according to Bankrate.com.
Some experts caution there’s no such thing as a free lunch or free checking anyway. Banking analyst Ken Thomas of Miami says there’s usually a catch, like a minimum balance, or a link forged to other services that carry fees. Plus, the time it takes to shut an existing account and open a “free” one in our security-intensive world, “sometimes is just not worth the free checking,” said Thomas.
So the bottom line: shop around and we have the perfect solution for you:
Sign up for a Prepaid Debit Visa or Mastercard account and get free Direct Deposit of your paycheck, benefits checks, etc. by simply printing out a Direct Deposit form for each payer, fill it out and send it in. You get $10 for signing up for the card. You get $20 per person you refer using the refer-a-friend program ($50 in funds must be added to card before you can refer anyone and card must be activated by calling number on sticker on card or by accessing your account online). You get $25 for signing up for Direct Deposit of your paychecks or benefits (Posted after your second successful Direct Deposit transaction). So, $35 if you sign up for the card and take advantage of their offers and unlimited $20 referral commissions for each and every person on Earth you can find on this earth to sign up using your unique referral code either by way of entering their name and email address into the system online or sending emails to others using your unique referral code. Referral Commissions and Sign-up Bonuses are paid only after your referral obtains a card and loads it with at least $50 the first time. Ways to load your card include: Direct Deposit, MoneyGram, Western Union, Green Dot, ReadyLink Visa Reload Merchants like Check Cashing Businesses and online transfer from an existing account. You can also refer a friend or family member and then transfer money to and from each other online when necessary. It carries a small monthly fee of $4.95. No other bank is going to offer you a Prepaid Visa Debit Card with all these options and also pay you $20 for each and every person on this Earth you can find that will sign up under you! Sign up today for your very own Account Now Visa Prepaid Debit Card using this link, start fresh with a card that can make you money with no limitations as to how many you refer:
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Merchants Can Now Discourage Credit Card Purchases Under $10
Merchants can now decline credit cards or debit cards for purchases under $10, due to changes in the financial laws. They can also favor debit cards over credit cards for such purchases. The reason? Interchange fees are what Visa and MasterCard charges merchants for using their networks. For smaller purchases such as those under $10, the fees to merchants are even higher. This means that if you buy something for $10, the merchant might be charged 3% of that sale by Visa or MasterCard. Unless they pass on that cost in the form of higher prices, they simply earn 30 cents less revenue. If their total margin on the sale is only 10%, then they only make 7%, or 70 cents instead of a buck.
As yet, few stores are taking advantage of the new credit card rules. This is probably because they do not want to alienate buyers in a down economy. However, just as the above picture illustrates, some are beginning to make distinctions. Prior to the new financial regulations, merchants were actually prohibited from offering discounts for cash purchases under their agreements with Visa and MasterCard.
You may also discover merchants who will take a credit card if you are just buying a pack of gum, but tack on $5 as a surcharge. Now it's likely that no one would accept such a surcharge except for the occasional "gum emergency." Liquor stores and Discount Cigarette Stores in Houston, TX and surrounding areas, as an example, have in the past and continue to abuse their Merchant accounts and pad your bill with fees because you use your credit or debit card to make purchases with them. For a purchase of a carton of cigarettes, they have been known to add $1.00 or more as an added fee for using your credit or debit card and 50 cents for a single pack of cigarette purchase. When you ask why, they say it is the fee for them to accept your credit card or debit card. All of this was taking place long before the new financial rules were ever considered. It all makes me want to slap someone!
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