The emergence of the electronic age has made almost everything more possible. Diagnosing and curing previously deadly diseases became widespread; travelling to uncharted territories became a possibility and most of all, people’s everyday lives was made easier by technology. We now have more convenient stores, more comfortable means of transportation and a range of labour-saving gadgets that makes work and pleasure almost effortless.
When it comes to the technology of finance, an efficient banking system and efficient services have given people better alternatives and options with which to manage their finances. Among the so many financial management schemes that emerged, one stands out above the rest – the credit card.
Credit cards, especially to working people and those who live very busy lives, have become the ultimate financial saviour. More than just being a status symbol or an accoutrement to expensive purses and wallets, credit cards have revolutionized the way people spend their money.
But, more than the glamour and the convenience credit cards bring, there is much more to these bank cards than most people could ever imagine.
Credit Card 101: Before entering into the long list of the advantages and disadvantages of having a credit card, it is quite important for people to understand exactly what a credit card is, in order for them to maximize its potential.
In simple terms, a credit card is something that allows a person to make purchases up to the limit set by the card issuer. One must then to pay off the balance in installments with interest. Usually, credit card payments are per month and range from the minimum amount set by the bank to the entire outstanding balance. And because it is a form of business, the longer the credit card holder waits to pay off his or her entire balance, the more interest is due.
Since having a credit card is a responsibility, only those people who are of legal age and have the capability to pay off the amount they are going to spend through their credit card, is allowed to have one. Actually, most of the adults in the U.S. use credit cards on a regular basis, because it is very convenient compared to carrying cash or cheques every time they want to purchase something.
It is equally important to be cognizant of the different types of credit cards before you begin to build up credit card debt in order to avoid having a nightmare of debt. Since credit cards are indispensable to most consumers, it is a must that they understand the types of card that include charge cards, bankcards, retail cards, gold cards and secured cards. All of these types come in one of two interest rate options: fixed and variable.
If you decide to have a fixed-rate credit card, the interest rate remains the same, compared to variable rate cards where the rate is subject to change depending on the credit card issuer’s discretion. Fixed-rate cards usually carry higher interest rates.
Basically, credit card issuers offer three types of accounts with basic account agreements like the ‘revolving agreement’ also called the ‘Typical Credit Card Account’ which allows the user to pay either in full monthly or prefer to receive partial payments based on the outstanding balance.
Whereas the ‘Charge Agreement’ requires the credit card users to pay back the complete balance every month so that they won’t have to pay any interest charges. The Installment Agreement, however, asks the payer to agree to a contract to repay a fixed amount of credit in equal payments over definite periods of time.
Another category of credit card account includes the individual and joint accounts where the former requires the individual alone to repay the debt and the latter requires the partners to pay together.
Now that you have some idea of how many sorts of credit cards there exist, it is time to review your goals before applying for one. Some of the facts you should think about is how you will use the credit card. If you intend to carry a balance at the end of the month, how much are you want to pay in annual fees, if you have a strong credit history and if your credit in need of rehabilitation.
Once you have some idea of what you need, select the right credit card for you by looking for the information you need. You can also check the credit cards you’ve researched and make a comparison.
Shopping for a credit card? Regardless of the type of credit card you choose, be sure to discuss your specific financial requirements with your financial advisor or accountant before applying for any credit card. It is a must that you know the benefits of having a credit card like safety, valuable consumer protections under the law, and the accessibility and availability of services.
Although having a credit card is thought of as being synonymous with financial security, this can also trigger a person’s thirst for material things and may lead to the temptation to buy something they don’t really want. A credit card holder should always bear in mind that having a credit card is a big responsibility. If they don’t use it responsibly, these may end up owing more than they can afford to repay. It can also damage their credit status report, and create credit repair problems that are quite difficult to put right.
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