Accept Credit Card On Your Site
By Shane Penrod
If you own a company Website, are you ready to accept credit
card on your site payments? This is a great way to grow your
client base, increase sales, and reduce overhead costs. If you
don’t already have a Website with credit card processing
capability, now is the time to check into it and start taking
advantage of the convenience and ease of this method of sales.
When you accept credit card on your site payments, your
customers will appreciate the speed and ease with which they
can process a payment. They also will value the flexibility of
shopping hours, availability of information, and sensible
pricing since you need not add overhead fees to the prices of
your goods and services. Internet sales and marketing is
becoming the number one way to do business around the world, so
if you are not yet accepting credit card processing, you should
check into this option in the near future.
To accept credit card on your site transactions, you will need
to apply for a merchant account. When approved by a bank or
lending institution, this account will allow you to set up
credit card processing services at your place of business, in
your company vehicle with a wireless credit processor, or on
your company Website. The application part is easy; just fill
out an application online, submit it with a click, and wait for
the results, which often are returned in a matter of hours by
e-mail. Try to avoid paying an application fee, which is
required by some lenders, unless the lender or the available
deal is one that will best suit your business needs. Then
follow your business plan to buy only what you need in terms of
credit processing equipment to help you get started in accepting
credit payments. For a company with a physical location, a
simple credit card processor with a combined terminal and
printer, costing a few hundred dollars, may be a good start-up
option. Check into monthly transaction fees, maintenance or
service costs, and annual membership fees, if applicable, to
get the best deal for your company. If you are a mobile
consultant, you can get a wireless unit to take with you so
that you can process customer credit payments at other
locations.
Another way to accept credit card payments is through a company
Website. This is one of the most popular options available
today, and more companies are headed in this direction. You
will need to register a domain name, contract a monthly fee
with a hosting site, and pay someone to design and maintain
your site unless you can do this yourself. Your merchant
services account will let you add credit card processing
features so that customers can browse anytime they like and
purchase when they are ready. No longer will they have to stop
by a company during office hours or wait for the assistance of
a sales assistance. Online shopping is a fast-growing market
for consumers everywhere today. Start browsing merchant account
services today to find one that can offer the best deal to help
you accept credit card on your site processing.
About the Author: Shane Penrod is the founder of
Merchant-Account-Quotes.com Specializing in allowing merchants
the ability to shop and compare multiple quotes from national
merchant account providers. For free quotes on merchant account
rates and fees, please go to
http://www.merchant-account-quotes.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Monday, April 30, 2007
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Credit Card Machines 802 Site
A Quick Guide To Credit Card Machines
By Jake Atkinson
We’ve come a long way since the first credit card machine was
launched in the market. Today there are different types of
credit card machines, and you can choose the one that is best
suited to your business needs.
The Wireless Credit Card Machine: For a mobile business, a
wireless credit card machine is the best option. The wireless
model is the most advanced credit card processing machine
available today, and also the most expensive one. It is
important to remember, however, that the area where you plan to
use the machine should have sufficient cellular coverage if you
decide to go the wireless route.
Credit Card Terminals That Can Handle Multiple Merchant
Accounts: Your business needs may require you to maintain
separate accounts for separate employees/service providers. For
such businesses, the multiple merchant accounts option is a
sensible one. The most commonly used credit card terminals that
can handle multiple merchant accounts include Nurit 2085, Nurit
3020, Nurit 3010, Nurit 8000, Omni 3750, Omni 3740, and the
Verifone Tranz 380x2.
The Terminal Without An Attached Printer: These machines
(without printers) are commonly used when mail ordering or
phone ordering is involved. When the business is run in a
mobile environment, and the credit card number is called in to
a central location where the number is keyed in, then too,
machines without printers are often used. Also, when your
business is a mobile one (landscaping, plumbing, locksmith),
yet the wireless machine is not feasible for you, then this
option is a very effective one. The printer-less credit card
machines are very cost-effective – prices can range from
$200.00 - $450.00 for a new machine, and $150.00 - $300.00 for
a refurbished unit. The Verifone Tranz 330 and Verifone Tranz
380 are two of the most popular machines in this category.
The Terminal With An Attached Printer: For your retail
business, this machine, which includes an integrated impact or
thermal printer, lets you issue a receipt to the customer at
the time of the sale. Also, in this category you can purchase
machines that have built in pinpads. It makes sense to have
this feature, because it lets you accept debit cards without
purchasing a separate pinpad. Though machines with integrated
printers are slightly more expensive that the credit card
processing machines that don't have attached printers, they are
priced reasonably. The price ranges from around $275 - $900,
depending on the model and features. The most widely used
terminals in this category include the Hypercom T7 Plus, the
Nurit 2085, and the Verifone Omni 3200se. If you are looking
for integrated pinpads in the machine (that let you process
debit cards without purchasing separate pinpads), you can
select from the Nurit 2085 Plus, Nurit 8320, and the Omni
3210se.
About the Author: Jake Atkinson recommends
http://www.merchantequip.com/creditcardmachines.php for more
information on credit card machines.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By Jake Atkinson
We’ve come a long way since the first credit card machine was
launched in the market. Today there are different types of
credit card machines, and you can choose the one that is best
suited to your business needs.
The Wireless Credit Card Machine: For a mobile business, a
wireless credit card machine is the best option. The wireless
model is the most advanced credit card processing machine
available today, and also the most expensive one. It is
important to remember, however, that the area where you plan to
use the machine should have sufficient cellular coverage if you
decide to go the wireless route.
Credit Card Terminals That Can Handle Multiple Merchant
Accounts: Your business needs may require you to maintain
separate accounts for separate employees/service providers. For
such businesses, the multiple merchant accounts option is a
sensible one. The most commonly used credit card terminals that
can handle multiple merchant accounts include Nurit 2085, Nurit
3020, Nurit 3010, Nurit 8000, Omni 3750, Omni 3740, and the
Verifone Tranz 380x2.
The Terminal Without An Attached Printer: These machines
(without printers) are commonly used when mail ordering or
phone ordering is involved. When the business is run in a
mobile environment, and the credit card number is called in to
a central location where the number is keyed in, then too,
machines without printers are often used. Also, when your
business is a mobile one (landscaping, plumbing, locksmith),
yet the wireless machine is not feasible for you, then this
option is a very effective one. The printer-less credit card
machines are very cost-effective – prices can range from
$200.00 - $450.00 for a new machine, and $150.00 - $300.00 for
a refurbished unit. The Verifone Tranz 330 and Verifone Tranz
380 are two of the most popular machines in this category.
The Terminal With An Attached Printer: For your retail
business, this machine, which includes an integrated impact or
thermal printer, lets you issue a receipt to the customer at
the time of the sale. Also, in this category you can purchase
machines that have built in pinpads. It makes sense to have
this feature, because it lets you accept debit cards without
purchasing a separate pinpad. Though machines with integrated
printers are slightly more expensive that the credit card
processing machines that don't have attached printers, they are
priced reasonably. The price ranges from around $275 - $900,
depending on the model and features. The most widely used
terminals in this category include the Hypercom T7 Plus, the
Nurit 2085, and the Verifone Omni 3200se. If you are looking
for integrated pinpads in the machine (that let you process
debit cards without purchasing separate pinpads), you can
select from the Nurit 2085 Plus, Nurit 8320, and the Omni
3210se.
About the Author: Jake Atkinson recommends
http://www.merchantequip.com/creditcardmachines.php for more
information on credit card machines.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Friday, April 27, 2007
Credit Card Machines 802 Site
Credit Card Security Measures
By Jeff Lakie
The chip and pin security features that credit cards offer is a very secure and simple integration that makes using a credit card safer and easier. This security works in way that allows the user to enter a PIN (personal identification number) during checkout. This is a wonderful security feature because with chip and pin security the instances of forged signatures will be drastically reduced. Too often retailers fail to make the effort of comparing signatures during check out, with this security feature without knowing the PIN a purchase cannot be made. CPS is excellent because even if your card were to become lost or stolen, unauthorized purchases could not me made since they would not know the PIN.
The credit cards that have implemented this feature, embed a chip directly into the card. This chip contains the PIN within it, when you arrive at any establishment in person, to make a purchase you will be required to enter the pin into a number pad provided to you at check out by the retailer. The credit card machine will then confirm that the chip has the same number embedded as the one you provided.
One specific drawback of the chip and pin security is that the added security does not prevent unauthorized withdrawals at an ATM. Even though a stolen card would be difficult to use in a retail setting for purchases, the added security will not apply to a thief wanting to withdrawal money using the cash machine. Additionally, not all retailers have adapted to this new security. At some retailers the chip and pin security will not make a difference, you may still be required to sign a receipt.
These new security features with a credit card, once adapted by all retailers will be an excellent deterrent for theft of credit cards, as well as identity theft. The instances of unauthorized purchases and credit card thefts will decrease in a dramatic way, especially if they can somehow implement the security feature for ATM withdrawals and online purchases. The chip and pin security only seems to work with retailers that have the system adapted into their own machines. It does not work with ATMS or online retail settings because the card must actually be swiped and read.
Implementing the security feature to work with these settings will be an excellent method of theft deterrent and add additional safety to our world.
Jeff Lakie is a leading writer at the
Bad credit loans uk website. Stop by today for additional information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Lakie
http://EzineArticles.com/?Credit-Card-Security-Measures&id=171722
By Jeff Lakie
The chip and pin security features that credit cards offer is a very secure and simple integration that makes using a credit card safer and easier. This security works in way that allows the user to enter a PIN (personal identification number) during checkout. This is a wonderful security feature because with chip and pin security the instances of forged signatures will be drastically reduced. Too often retailers fail to make the effort of comparing signatures during check out, with this security feature without knowing the PIN a purchase cannot be made. CPS is excellent because even if your card were to become lost or stolen, unauthorized purchases could not me made since they would not know the PIN.
The credit cards that have implemented this feature, embed a chip directly into the card. This chip contains the PIN within it, when you arrive at any establishment in person, to make a purchase you will be required to enter the pin into a number pad provided to you at check out by the retailer. The credit card machine will then confirm that the chip has the same number embedded as the one you provided.
One specific drawback of the chip and pin security is that the added security does not prevent unauthorized withdrawals at an ATM. Even though a stolen card would be difficult to use in a retail setting for purchases, the added security will not apply to a thief wanting to withdrawal money using the cash machine. Additionally, not all retailers have adapted to this new security. At some retailers the chip and pin security will not make a difference, you may still be required to sign a receipt.
These new security features with a credit card, once adapted by all retailers will be an excellent deterrent for theft of credit cards, as well as identity theft. The instances of unauthorized purchases and credit card thefts will decrease in a dramatic way, especially if they can somehow implement the security feature for ATM withdrawals and online purchases. The chip and pin security only seems to work with retailers that have the system adapted into their own machines. It does not work with ATMS or online retail settings because the card must actually be swiped and read.
Implementing the security feature to work with these settings will be an excellent method of theft deterrent and add additional safety to our world.
Jeff Lakie is a leading writer at the
Bad credit loans uk website. Stop by today for additional information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Lakie
http://EzineArticles.com/?Credit-Card-Security-Measures&id=171722
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Credit Card Machines 802 Site
How Your Credit Card Info Can Be Stolen By Identity Thieves
By Joseph Ducat
There are a number of situations when you are vulnerable to having your credit card information stolen by credit card thieves. Here are a few of them and how to avoid getting victimized.
Buying Gas - There have been cases where hackers have planted a software “bug” in a gas station machine used to process the credit card payments. The bug then captures any credit card information that is entered. It is not known how widespread this kind of crime is, but a number of cases have been recorded. There is no way for you to tell whether the credit card machine has a bug in it or not. The problem is in the software inside which you cannot see. If you are concerned that your credit card information can be stolen this way, and want to play it safe, then your best approach would be to pay for gas in cash. It is also safer to pay with a gas card rather than using a credit card.
Dining at a Restaurant - Most waiters and waitresses will not be out to steal your credit card information, but if any of them do, there are a number of ways that they can do it. In the first place, if a waiter takes your credit card to bring to the cashier, there is a chance that he may take the credit card information when the card is not in your view, possibly by using an electronic device known as a skimmer. Also, sometimes you may be given a card that is not yours, but looks similar, leaving your card behind where it can be vulnerable to identity thieves. This is a less likely approach as it is easily discovered, but nevertheless, you should always check to see whether the credit card you get back is actually yours. And mistakes are always possible. If you do not want to let your credit card out of your sight, then you should just go to the cashier to make your payment, no matter what other people in the restaurant may think.
Paying at the Cashier - There are email stories about people who pay with a credit or debit card, and the person taking it secretly takes a picture of the card using a camera phone. Although the stories may not be true, such a scam is at least technologically possible. You should always be alert when you are paying with a credit card. Take care that no one nearby is stealing glances at your credit card. Don’t bother to look for a camera--if it is there, you will not see it anyway. Instead, wait for the cashier to ask for your payment and hand it directly to him or her. Don’t just place it on the counter. And don’t let the card out of your sight. Make sure you can see what the cashier is doing with your card.
What Steps Can You Take To Prevent Identity Fraud? Find out with the articles on identity theft available at http://identitytheft.i-know.info
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Ducat
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-Your-Credit-Card-Info-Can-Be-Stolen-By-Identity-Thieves&id=461414
By Joseph Ducat
There are a number of situations when you are vulnerable to having your credit card information stolen by credit card thieves. Here are a few of them and how to avoid getting victimized.
Buying Gas - There have been cases where hackers have planted a software “bug” in a gas station machine used to process the credit card payments. The bug then captures any credit card information that is entered. It is not known how widespread this kind of crime is, but a number of cases have been recorded. There is no way for you to tell whether the credit card machine has a bug in it or not. The problem is in the software inside which you cannot see. If you are concerned that your credit card information can be stolen this way, and want to play it safe, then your best approach would be to pay for gas in cash. It is also safer to pay with a gas card rather than using a credit card.
Dining at a Restaurant - Most waiters and waitresses will not be out to steal your credit card information, but if any of them do, there are a number of ways that they can do it. In the first place, if a waiter takes your credit card to bring to the cashier, there is a chance that he may take the credit card information when the card is not in your view, possibly by using an electronic device known as a skimmer. Also, sometimes you may be given a card that is not yours, but looks similar, leaving your card behind where it can be vulnerable to identity thieves. This is a less likely approach as it is easily discovered, but nevertheless, you should always check to see whether the credit card you get back is actually yours. And mistakes are always possible. If you do not want to let your credit card out of your sight, then you should just go to the cashier to make your payment, no matter what other people in the restaurant may think.
Paying at the Cashier - There are email stories about people who pay with a credit or debit card, and the person taking it secretly takes a picture of the card using a camera phone. Although the stories may not be true, such a scam is at least technologically possible. You should always be alert when you are paying with a credit card. Take care that no one nearby is stealing glances at your credit card. Don’t bother to look for a camera--if it is there, you will not see it anyway. Instead, wait for the cashier to ask for your payment and hand it directly to him or her. Don’t just place it on the counter. And don’t let the card out of your sight. Make sure you can see what the cashier is doing with your card.
What Steps Can You Take To Prevent Identity Fraud? Find out with the articles on identity theft available at http://identitytheft.i-know.info
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Ducat
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-Your-Credit-Card-Info-Can-Be-Stolen-By-Identity-Thieves&id=461414
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Credit Card Machines 802 site
Avoiding Credit Card Traps
By James Dimmitt
The next time you open your credit card statement, take a
closer look at the small insert titled “changes to your credit
card agreement”. You know the one I’m speaking about. It’s
that small, folded paper written in legalese that you promise
to read some other time (but of course that time never comes)
or you just discard it with the other “junk” inserts.
First and foremost you must understand that using your credit
card after you’ve received this notification results in your
automatic “agreement” to the new terms in the notice. To
prevent these new terms from affecting your account you must
stop using that credit card immediately or by the date given in
the notification statement.
The most common modifications to credit card agreements include
new APR’s (annual percentage rates), new fees and/or changes to
existing fees, or a change to the grace period on your account.
The grace period is the number of days during which any credit
used for purchases may be repaid in full without incurring a
finance charge.
Not knowing or not keeping track of the dollar amount limit on
your card is another trap you should avoid. Credit card
issuers will allow you to charge a small amount over the limit
set on your account. However, don’t be surprised when you get
hit with an “over limit fee”, usually around $35.00 or higher,
on your next statement. Also, be prepared for your APR to be
increased if you go over your credit limit.
You’ll also trigger an increase to your interest rate if you
miss your payment due date. Some companies consider your
payment late if not received by noon or 1 p.m. on the date due.
Along with the higher rate, you’ll also pay a “late fee” of $29
on up. Be sure to use the company’s preprinted envelope when
sending your payment. These envelopes allow the pre-printed
bar code to be scanned by the post office so that it can be
delivered more efficiently.
If you’ve counted on those few extra days from the time you
mail your check and the time the check clears your bank,
beware! Many credit card issuers have switched from the
traditional method of processing checks to a new electronic
process. This new system shaves off a day or more from the
traditional method it normally takes for your check to clear by
electronically debiting your account.
If you’re considering paying your credit card bills online,
check to see if any additional fees will be charged for using
this type of payment. I recently received an e-mail message
from one of my credit card companies announcing how easy it
would be to make my payments online. Included in fine print at
the bottom of the e-mail was this note - “A fee of up to $14.95
may be charged for this service and will be deducted from your
checking account”. Hmmm, spend 37 cents on postage and mail my
payment five days before the due date or pay now and get charged
an additional $14.95 fee? I’ll bet you can guess which choice I
made.
Taking the time to carefully read and understand your credit
card agreement now will help you save money by avoiding
unnecessary fees or climbing interest rates later down the
road.
About the Author: © 2005,
http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com Author: James H. Dimmitt
James is editor of “To Your Credit” a FREE weekly newsletter
focusing on managing your personal finances and credit.
Subscribe and get a FREE copy of your credit report when you
visit: http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By James Dimmitt
The next time you open your credit card statement, take a
closer look at the small insert titled “changes to your credit
card agreement”. You know the one I’m speaking about. It’s
that small, folded paper written in legalese that you promise
to read some other time (but of course that time never comes)
or you just discard it with the other “junk” inserts.
First and foremost you must understand that using your credit
card after you’ve received this notification results in your
automatic “agreement” to the new terms in the notice. To
prevent these new terms from affecting your account you must
stop using that credit card immediately or by the date given in
the notification statement.
The most common modifications to credit card agreements include
new APR’s (annual percentage rates), new fees and/or changes to
existing fees, or a change to the grace period on your account.
The grace period is the number of days during which any credit
used for purchases may be repaid in full without incurring a
finance charge.
Not knowing or not keeping track of the dollar amount limit on
your card is another trap you should avoid. Credit card
issuers will allow you to charge a small amount over the limit
set on your account. However, don’t be surprised when you get
hit with an “over limit fee”, usually around $35.00 or higher,
on your next statement. Also, be prepared for your APR to be
increased if you go over your credit limit.
You’ll also trigger an increase to your interest rate if you
miss your payment due date. Some companies consider your
payment late if not received by noon or 1 p.m. on the date due.
Along with the higher rate, you’ll also pay a “late fee” of $29
on up. Be sure to use the company’s preprinted envelope when
sending your payment. These envelopes allow the pre-printed
bar code to be scanned by the post office so that it can be
delivered more efficiently.
If you’ve counted on those few extra days from the time you
mail your check and the time the check clears your bank,
beware! Many credit card issuers have switched from the
traditional method of processing checks to a new electronic
process. This new system shaves off a day or more from the
traditional method it normally takes for your check to clear by
electronically debiting your account.
If you’re considering paying your credit card bills online,
check to see if any additional fees will be charged for using
this type of payment. I recently received an e-mail message
from one of my credit card companies announcing how easy it
would be to make my payments online. Included in fine print at
the bottom of the e-mail was this note - “A fee of up to $14.95
may be charged for this service and will be deducted from your
checking account”. Hmmm, spend 37 cents on postage and mail my
payment five days before the due date or pay now and get charged
an additional $14.95 fee? I’ll bet you can guess which choice I
made.
Taking the time to carefully read and understand your credit
card agreement now will help you save money by avoiding
unnecessary fees or climbing interest rates later down the
road.
About the Author: © 2005,
http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com Author: James H. Dimmitt
James is editor of “To Your Credit” a FREE weekly newsletter
focusing on managing your personal finances and credit.
Subscribe and get a FREE copy of your credit report when you
visit: http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Credit Card Machines 802 site
Poor Credit Score? Find The Best Bad Credit Card
By Adam Goldman
Having a poor credit rating can seriously limit your choices of
credit cards. Most credit card companies are likely to turn down
your applications, making things tough for you at a time when
you most need a credit card. Fortunately though, that’s not the
end of it as you have another option of bad credit cards.
Naturally, this is a temporary solution until you can get back
on your feet. Bad credit cards can also be used to help you
improve your credit score, as long as you pay your credit card
bills on time, that is. The only drawback to this would
obviously be the higher than usual APR interests.
Nevertheless, if you are willing to provide collateral to the
credit card company, you may qualify for a secured bad credit
card with a lower APR. This way, you can still earn interests
on your collateral, and simultaneously enjoy good rates. The
downside is, you may be charged other fees such as annual fees
or start up fees.
Before you apply for a bad credit card, it is prudent to do
your homework first. As bad credit cards are usually offered to
those with poor credit ratings, the APR would unlikely be low.
Thus, comparing the various offers of bad credit cards out
there would be a wise move.
One of the primary factors of consideration includes the
upfront fees that credit card companies would charge you. In
order to make a wise evaluation, it’s best that you have a plan
to pay off your debt before your interests snowball. Other
factors that you can use to help you make a better decision
would be to analyze the reward programs that your bad credit
card can offer. If you are entitled for retail discounts at
specific retail stores when you charge to your bad credit card,
this would be even more enticing.
With all these factors to consider, it is clear that you should
look around before you apply for a bad credit card. Compare and
contrast the various fees and rates of the candidate companies.
Only after careful consideration should you take the next move
and submit your application.
About the Author: Adam Goldman recommends Find Credit Cards for
finding the best bad credit card. See
http://www.findcreditcards.org/type/bad-credit.php for more
information.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By Adam Goldman
Having a poor credit rating can seriously limit your choices of
credit cards. Most credit card companies are likely to turn down
your applications, making things tough for you at a time when
you most need a credit card. Fortunately though, that’s not the
end of it as you have another option of bad credit cards.
Naturally, this is a temporary solution until you can get back
on your feet. Bad credit cards can also be used to help you
improve your credit score, as long as you pay your credit card
bills on time, that is. The only drawback to this would
obviously be the higher than usual APR interests.
Nevertheless, if you are willing to provide collateral to the
credit card company, you may qualify for a secured bad credit
card with a lower APR. This way, you can still earn interests
on your collateral, and simultaneously enjoy good rates. The
downside is, you may be charged other fees such as annual fees
or start up fees.
Before you apply for a bad credit card, it is prudent to do
your homework first. As bad credit cards are usually offered to
those with poor credit ratings, the APR would unlikely be low.
Thus, comparing the various offers of bad credit cards out
there would be a wise move.
One of the primary factors of consideration includes the
upfront fees that credit card companies would charge you. In
order to make a wise evaluation, it’s best that you have a plan
to pay off your debt before your interests snowball. Other
factors that you can use to help you make a better decision
would be to analyze the reward programs that your bad credit
card can offer. If you are entitled for retail discounts at
specific retail stores when you charge to your bad credit card,
this would be even more enticing.
With all these factors to consider, it is clear that you should
look around before you apply for a bad credit card. Compare and
contrast the various fees and rates of the candidate companies.
Only after careful consideration should you take the next move
and submit your application.
About the Author: Adam Goldman recommends Find Credit Cards for
finding the best bad credit card. See
http://www.findcreditcards.org/type/bad-credit.php for more
information.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Monday, April 16, 2007
Credit Card Machines 802 site
Benefits From Having a Credit Card
By Rudy Hadisentosa
Credit cards, or plastic money, are the most popular mode of payment today. Most of us didn't probably realize how quickly that small piece of plastic took its place in our world (and our wallet). So what is it that makes credit cards so indispensable for all and sundry? Let's examine a few factors here:
1. A matter of convenience Yes, this is the most important factor. Imagine stashing cash in all your pockets as against just a small piece of plastic. If you don't have the convenience of a credit card, you might end up dressing up for shopping in a way so as to maximize the pockets in which you can carry cash. With all that cash stashed everywhere on you, even your body movements get restricted hence causing even more inconvenience.
2. Safety As they say, carrying a lot of cash on you is never safe. This becomes even more important when you are traveling to far off destinations.Cash is not only easily visible from the bulge in your pockets but also the most liquid form of money i.e. stolen cash can be easily used without detection. Contrary to this, credit cards transactions are detectable and traceable. Moreover, each transaction is authenticated for the user who is carrying out the transaction. More so, cash can invite trouble in the form of muggers and more that just the money lead to physical harm as well. So it's even more prudent to avoid the display of cash and instead use plastic as a substitute.
3. Necessity Yes, though a bit unbelievable, it's true that the credit cards are a necessity in some cases. Buying air tickets online to get good deals or booking an accommodation or a rental car when traveling are examples wherein you cannot get the service unless you book using your credit card.
4. Planning budgets "Buy now, pay later with no interest", this is what it is popularly known as. You will find such adverts every where, be it your local stores or online shopping. What this means is that you can buy an item of $5000 today and pay for it in 10 equal installments of $500 each (can be up to 24 equal installments or more). Thus you don't have to dole out the entire amount at one go and can plan your expenditures more effectively, that too without any interest charges.
5. Rescuer in financially tight situations There are times when you need some extra cash immediately. In such emergency situations, when you don't have sufficient cash you can go on credit by using your credit card. Most credit cards provide up to 50 days of interest free credit.
6. Build credit rating Credit cards are a good way to establish your credit worthiness in the market. Based on whether you make timely payments or default on them, the credit card companies maintain your history and build your credit rating over a period of time. This can be shared with other financial institutions who want to check your credit worthiness before conducting financial transactions with you. This rating can also become handy when you are applying for loans or mortgages.
7. Saves time No need to worry about whether you have enough cash on hand or not. No need to spend time withdrawing cash from the ATM (or day/night cash machines). Just carry your credit card with you and all is taken care of.
8. Saves Money A lot of service providers give handsome discounts when you subscribe online or buy stuff online. This is because they would save on commission to agents and on costs of employing additional sales representatives, if everyone started shopping in person. These discounts are available from your airlines to your phone service provider or your internet connection provider.
9. Insurance Most credit card companies provide you free travel and accident insurance on your credit cards. Though this is limited and you could prefer to go for personal insurance, this can become handy at some odd times.
10. Fall back option when overseas You can treat your credit card as a supplementary source of money when overseas (i.e. if you don't want to treat credit card as your primary source in order to avoid paying commission etc on overseas credit card transactions). So, when you run out of cash or traveler's cheques you can rely on your credit card as a fallback option. Thus, your credit card can act as your savior in such situations. With so many benefits on the rack, credit cards are something that one cannot (rather should not) avoid. In fact credit cards are truly a necessity in today's world.
Rudy Hadisentosa: CCN.com is a free online credit cards review
and application website. We offer credit cards selection from
visa, master cards, discover, american express, and many others. We have quite some categories and hundreds of credit cards selection to fit your need. Apply for a credit card at CCN.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rudy_Hadisentosa
http://EzineArticles.com/?Benefits-From-Having-a-Credit-Card&id=93420
By Rudy Hadisentosa
Credit cards, or plastic money, are the most popular mode of payment today. Most of us didn't probably realize how quickly that small piece of plastic took its place in our world (and our wallet). So what is it that makes credit cards so indispensable for all and sundry? Let's examine a few factors here:
1. A matter of convenience Yes, this is the most important factor. Imagine stashing cash in all your pockets as against just a small piece of plastic. If you don't have the convenience of a credit card, you might end up dressing up for shopping in a way so as to maximize the pockets in which you can carry cash. With all that cash stashed everywhere on you, even your body movements get restricted hence causing even more inconvenience.
2. Safety As they say, carrying a lot of cash on you is never safe. This becomes even more important when you are traveling to far off destinations.Cash is not only easily visible from the bulge in your pockets but also the most liquid form of money i.e. stolen cash can be easily used without detection. Contrary to this, credit cards transactions are detectable and traceable. Moreover, each transaction is authenticated for the user who is carrying out the transaction. More so, cash can invite trouble in the form of muggers and more that just the money lead to physical harm as well. So it's even more prudent to avoid the display of cash and instead use plastic as a substitute.
3. Necessity Yes, though a bit unbelievable, it's true that the credit cards are a necessity in some cases. Buying air tickets online to get good deals or booking an accommodation or a rental car when traveling are examples wherein you cannot get the service unless you book using your credit card.
4. Planning budgets "Buy now, pay later with no interest", this is what it is popularly known as. You will find such adverts every where, be it your local stores or online shopping. What this means is that you can buy an item of $5000 today and pay for it in 10 equal installments of $500 each (can be up to 24 equal installments or more). Thus you don't have to dole out the entire amount at one go and can plan your expenditures more effectively, that too without any interest charges.
5. Rescuer in financially tight situations There are times when you need some extra cash immediately. In such emergency situations, when you don't have sufficient cash you can go on credit by using your credit card. Most credit cards provide up to 50 days of interest free credit.
6. Build credit rating Credit cards are a good way to establish your credit worthiness in the market. Based on whether you make timely payments or default on them, the credit card companies maintain your history and build your credit rating over a period of time. This can be shared with other financial institutions who want to check your credit worthiness before conducting financial transactions with you. This rating can also become handy when you are applying for loans or mortgages.
7. Saves time No need to worry about whether you have enough cash on hand or not. No need to spend time withdrawing cash from the ATM (or day/night cash machines). Just carry your credit card with you and all is taken care of.
8. Saves Money A lot of service providers give handsome discounts when you subscribe online or buy stuff online. This is because they would save on commission to agents and on costs of employing additional sales representatives, if everyone started shopping in person. These discounts are available from your airlines to your phone service provider or your internet connection provider.
9. Insurance Most credit card companies provide you free travel and accident insurance on your credit cards. Though this is limited and you could prefer to go for personal insurance, this can become handy at some odd times.
10. Fall back option when overseas You can treat your credit card as a supplementary source of money when overseas (i.e. if you don't want to treat credit card as your primary source in order to avoid paying commission etc on overseas credit card transactions). So, when you run out of cash or traveler's cheques you can rely on your credit card as a fallback option. Thus, your credit card can act as your savior in such situations. With so many benefits on the rack, credit cards are something that one cannot (rather should not) avoid. In fact credit cards are truly a necessity in today's world.
Rudy Hadisentosa: CCN.com is a free online credit cards review
and application website. We offer credit cards selection from
visa, master cards, discover, american express, and many others. We have quite some categories and hundreds of credit cards selection to fit your need. Apply for a credit card at CCN.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rudy_Hadisentosa
http://EzineArticles.com/?Benefits-From-Having-a-Credit-Card&id=93420
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