How Can I Get a Lower Interest Rate on My Credit Card?

February 25th, 2014 by Alice Bryant

Are you paying more in credit card interest than seems fair?

If so, you may want to consider calling your credit card company. Although it may seem too good to be true, simply calling your credit card provider and telling them that you are unhappy with your current interest rate can get them to lower it. Credit card issuers want to keep their customers happy, so as long as you have a good payment history and your balance is low, most card issuers will be eager to please you to keep your business.

Creditnet's Best Student Credit Cards

February 21st, 2014 by Jason Steele

College students represent a special class of credit card users. On one hand, they have very limited credit histories, most having recently entered adulthood. On the other hand, college students are highly prized by card issuers as they have a strong potential for future income.

As a result, many banks now offer credit cards designed for college students. These products feature less stringent eligibility requirements, simpler terms, and some rewards for spending. Thankfully, the beset cards feature no annual fee.

Weekly Tip: Keep Track of Your Credit Card Rewards

You may have a rewards credit card, but are you using those rewards?

According to a survey conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International, 73% of Americans who are enrolled in rewards programs have no idea how many points they have. In addition, some of those people rarely or never redeem their credit card rewards.

Updated by Alice Bryant on Fri, 2014-02-21 08:30

Are New Technologies Replacing Credit Cards?

February 20th, 2014 by Alice Bryant

Technology is advancing and so is your credit card. Visa and MasterCard announced separately on Wednesday that they would be introducing Internet-based technologies to make it easier for shoppers to buy things at retail stores. Instead of pulling out a credit card, consumers will have a mobile app to make purchases. There will be no need to swipe a card or put in a PIN number.The customer can just make a purchase by tapping the phone to a store’s card reader.

Fed Officials May Raise Interest Rates

by Alice Bryant on February 19, 2014

According to meeting minutes from January, Federal Reserve officials have been debating raising interest rates. These minutes, released to the public Wednesday, have sparked concern, since the Fed has kept interest rates close to zero since the end of the financial crisis in 2008. The minutes disclosed that some officials want to increase the federal fund rates soon.

Weekly Tip: Know Your Consumer Rights

As a cardholder, you have certain rights under the federal law. The Consumer Credit Protection Act insures that consumers are legally protected when it comes to borrowing money, applying for credit, and dealing with debt. It is broken down into several specific regulations to guarantee consumer protection.

Truth in Lending Act: This act requires issuers to explain all the terms of the contract in detail, in language the average adult can understand, before the consumer enters into an agreement.

Updated by Alice Bryant on Wed, 2014-02-12 10:15

Barclays Cuts Up to 12,000 Jobs

by Alice Bryant on February 11, 2014

The British lender Barclays announced Tuesday that it would be cutting up to 12,000 jobs this year, about 8% of its workforce. This overhaul is 12 months into their program initiated by CEO Antony Jenkins to repair the bank’s finances and restore its reputation following a series of scandals. The bank currently has 140,000 employees and is a top lender throughout the world. As part of its restructuring, they have already cut about 7,650 jobs and they will continue to cut as many as 12,000 more this year. This will include about 7,000 jobs in Britain, Barclay’s home market.

Creditnet's Best 0% Interest Credit Cards, Winter 2014

February 11th, 2014 by Jason Steele

Credit cards offer a secure and convenient method of payment, but if there is one thing that most cardholders hate, its paying credit card interest. As unsecured loans, credit card interest tends to be higher than a home, car, or student loan.

Weekly Tip: Save Your Receipts

Most people trash their receipts. They add up fast, and before you know it, you have a ton of pieces of paper floating around your purse or lying around your house. However, getting rid of your receipts isn’t always the best idea. Without your receipts, you have no physical record of your transactions. This can be problematic if there are fraudulent charges on your account.

Updated by Alice Bryant on Fri, 2014-02-07 14:34

Loan or Credit: What’s the Best Way to Make a Big Purchase?

February 7th, 2014 by Alice Bryant

Whether it’s a new home, car, family vacation, or something else entirely, big purchases involve a lot of planning and thought. And if you’re ready for the buy, you’ve certainly researched your options and made a decision. But you may be stuck deciding how to pay for it. Before you make the purchase, consider your payment options. Some ways of paying can be better suited to your needs than others.