Sorts of Credit Cards and Selecting One

By Bob Jones

Almost everyone over the age of consent has or wants a credit card these days and they are accepted almost everywhere. There are three main sorts of credit card very common in America. The first main type of credit card is travel and entertainment cards such as American Express or Diners Card. These have to be paid completely at the end of the month and are generous on spending limits.

The second major sort of credit card is the bank card such as Visa, Master Cards, GM, and Ford cards distributed mostly by the banks. The bank defines the spending limit, which in bank speak, is known as the credit line and each bank offers different terms and conditions. Banks offer a choice of payment methods: you may either pay the balance in full with no interest charges or pay the minimum or some part of the balance with an interest.

The other major kind of card is the retail store card, such as Sears, J.C. Penney, Shell or Mobil. These store cards and those issued by gas companies, which are usually known as fuel cards, are only accepted in specific countries. They usually do not carry annual fees. There is a large variance in the terms and conditions for these cards.

Different types of credit cards offer different options. Some are geared toward individual consumers, while others are designed in ways that work best for small business needs. To know what kind of credit card fits your requirements, you should look over a few options.

How to Select a Credit Card.

Credit cards have become a part of life for most people living in the west. It's becoming increasingly impossible to avoid them, especially for business men. So, if it is the first time you are thinking to enter into the world of plastic money, here are some of the basic things you should look out for.

First, compare the interest chargeable on all the credit cards for which you are eligible. While the rate may not remain fixed for ever, it's always advisable for first timers to go for the one charging the lowest rates.

Make sure you read the fine print carefully, especially with regard to the other charges that can be applied, like late-payment fees, annual fees, and whether there is a grace period, which is normally given before the finance charges are applied.

Decide what spending limit is most appropriate for a person of your income. Also the fewer credit cards you have, the better placed you are to track your spending.

You ought to compare the services such as the cash back incentives, guarantees, rebates and such like and check whether the card is accepted broadly enough to fit in with your needs.

You will help yourself by acquainting yourself with the following terms: 1] Annual Percentage Rate: this is the annual cost of the credit. 2] Finance Charges: these are the total charges involving the transaction. 3] Period of Grace: This is the period of time the card issuer gives you before they begin charging you interest on new purchases. (NB: not all credit card issuers offer a grace period). - 29952

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