Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Help Fix My Credit Report

Credit companies always appeal to consumers who have poor credit history and they often promise to erase bad credit, to clean credit reports and even create new legal identity. But can they really help in repairing bad credit history?

Here are some points to consider when deciding on seeking any help from credit repair companies:

- They collect payment for services in advance before they provide any solutions

- They do not inform you of what they can do for free; they even conceal the information regarding your legal rights.

- They advice you not to directly contact your credit report company.

- They recommend you to create a new credit report and new credit identity using the employer identification number rather than social security number.

- They suggest that you hide all information about your credit report.

Check on the above scams because engaging in something fraudulent can lead to your prosecution.

The truth is that no company can legally and accurately remove all bad records on your credit report.

According to FCRA or Fair Credit Reporting Act you can actually ask for a free credit report when a company acts adversely against you. For example, you are denied of your application for credit or insurance.

Basically, there are techniques on how to repair your credit:

1. Review and always get a copy of your credit report. Even though you have no bad credit record, you should review your credit report regularly. This will be useful to ensure that all contained information is correct, up to date and complete, and check on the information in your credit report that will affect your insurance or loan application and what amount will you pay for them. It will guard you against someone who utilizes your personal information such as identity thieves.

2. Analyze your credit report. This can let you see if there are inaccurate entries or negative listings. Most of the entries are not easily looked upon, such as medical collection. In addition, there are those reporting late payment although you have paid on time. Analyzing your report will let you ensure that no thieves are stealing your identity and using it for illegal transactions.

Credit Card Offers For Bad Credit Holders

Most credit card offers for bad credit holders are for unsecured credit cards. Some unsecured credit cards are designed for people who wish to repair and re-build their credit history. If in the past you have been rejected by certain banks and credit card issuers because of your bad credit, your application can now be approved. Such credit card offers for bad credit holders come with a much lower credit limit, but with a high rate of interest. At least, you are able to procure a credit card.

The Choice For Bad Credit Holders

When in desperate straits you may have no option but to grab at the first chance to procure a credit card. Our lifestyles dictate to us the way we live and we need a credit card for most purchases we make, and most of the transactions we go through. Still, you need to be cautious and not jump at the first opportunity.

Check out different credit card issuers. Look at the kind of offers they have. Compare the interest charges, and the different fees involved. Some, considering the desperate situation you are in, may charge your way beyond what should be charged. With patience, you may be able to get a good deal. Not all credit card offers for bad credit are from unscrupulous issuers.

Select What Best for You

Some may charge a variety of fees, such as Annual Fee, Account Set-Up Fee, Program Fee, monthly Participation Fee, and an Additional Card Fee, among others, and may charge a very high rate of interest. It may not be worth your while to consider such offers. Look for offers that involve only an annual fee and little else. Such offers are available.

Unsecured credit card offers for bad credit holders would be ideal for you if you have a will to control extraneous expenses, and keep your finances within control. You also need to ensure that you make your payments regularly, each month.

If you feel things can get out of hand, it is worth considering secured credit card offers for bad credit holders. As you will have to put up a collateral before a credit card is issued to you, you will lose much more than your credit rating if you fail to make your payments regularly, and in time. You will lose your collateral – which could be your home. It is for you to decide the type of credit card you wish to apply for, but you need to ensure that payments are made in time.

Why Are Credit Cards So Popular?

As of last year, there were four active credit cards to every adult in the UK. Our spending on plastic topped the total amount of purchases paid for by cash. As a nation, we have embarked upon a love/hate affair with credit cards, and it looks to be a long term relationship. What is the attraction that makes credit cards so popular, despite the dire warnings from financial pundits that we are heading into financial ruin and disaster?

The reasons aren't that difficult to understand. Buying on plastic offers advantages and benefits that aren't available using cheques and cash. The adverts promise us that the right bit of plastic holds the key to happiness - or at least to fun, and these days it's difficult to tell the difference. Who wouldn't love something that's convenient, easy to use, lets us spend money we don't have yet and comes in dozens of bright colours and patterns? We can even choose a credit card that benefits a favourite charity every time we spend money we'd spend anyway. And despite all the dire warnings, if used responsibly, credit cards can become a money management tool that helps protect assets and even earns a bit of income. Just take a look at the advantages of using a credit card for making purchases.

- A credit card can dig you out of an emergency with ready cash. Your car blew a tire on Monday and you don't have the cash to pay for a new one till payday on Friday? Whack it on your plastic. Credit cards give you the flexibility to purchase the things that you need when you need them, and pay them off when you can.

- Credit cards are convenient. You don't need to carry large amounts of cash with you when you have plastic. You never have to worry about being caught short at the till, or being surprised when the bill comes after dinner.

- You can keep close track of your spending by tracking your account statements. It's easy to spend money without realizing where it's all going. Your credit card statements are an excellent way to track your spending over time, and to keep records you can use to prove expenditures for taxes and other purposes.

- You can save money by using cash back or reward credit cards. As long as you pay off your account in full each month, cash back and reward points are pure profits for you. If you use a cash back credit card for everyday purchases and pay the bill in full each month, you'll essentially be saving 1-5% off everything that you buy, less any annual fees that might occur.

- Credit cards let you give to your favourite charities painlessly. When you use a charity credit card UK card issuers pay a percentage of your purchases to the charity on the card as a royalty. You don't have to do anything else - just use your card to make purchases to benefit your favourite charity.

Of course, it's important to shop around for the best deal when you apply for a credit card if you're to take full advantage of those benefits. Start your search for a credit card at airaid.co.uk and you'll find it easy to compare rates, fees and credit card types before you apply for a credit card. That way, you'll be sure that you're getting the best credit card for the way that you'll use it.

What Are The Benefits To A Free Credit Report Before Applying For A Credit Card?

Why should you spend the £2 to see your credit report? If you're planning to apply for a credit card, there are a number of good reasons why you should order your credit report first.

1. Credit reports aren't always accurate. Credit card companies base their decisions on what's contained in your credit report. If the information there isn't accurate, then you may find yourself turned down for the best credit card deals through no fault of your own. Checking your credit report shows you exactly what the credit card companies will see when they check into your credit.

2. You can request corrections to your credit report before any credit card companies see it. It's always easier to prevent damage than to repair it. Remember that every time a prospective lender - like a credit card company - checks your credit record, it gets ticked off on your report. When you're issued a credit card, that gets listed on your credit report as well. Rejected applications can damage your credit rating. It's better to prevent the rejections in the first place by being sure that the information reported in your credit report is accurate.

3. Knowing your credit rating can help you choose the best credit card for you. Another way to prevent rejections from credit card companies is to apply for credit cards that are designed for people in your credit circumstances. When you compare credit cards at moneyeverything.com, for instance, you'll be able to tell at a glance which credit cards are aimed at people with excellent credit, which are offered to those with good to fair credit and which accept those with poor credit. Knowing what's on your credit report will help you choose the best credit card to apply for.

4. You can boost your credit rating with a few simple steps.
Besides the reports from creditors that may be on your credit report, the reporting agencies also gather information from the public rolls. There are a few key things you can do to boost your credit rating.
- If you're not registered on the electoral rolls, register - and then notify the credit reporting agencies that you have.
- If you have many unused credit cards listed, cancel one or two.
- If possible, pay down your highest credit cards.
- Correct any errors on your credit report. You can find from Experian a page explaining how to make various corrections to your credit report at the UK MSN site.

3 Important Tips For Protecting Your Credit Score

#1 - Dispute Any Errors On Your Credit Report

There are 3 major credit bureaus - TransUnion, Equifax and Experian - that keep track of your credit history. By law, you are entitled to receive one free report each year with all the information they have about you.

You should use this opportunity to go through your report and look for any errors. This could include overdue payments that have in fact been paid, loans or other debts that have been paid off but are still showing as active, and other such errors.

If you find any errors, contact the credit bureau by registered mail and ask that the error be investigated or removed. If they cannot prove that it is correct, by law they have to remove it from your credit report.

You can get your annual free credit report through the website www.annualcreditreport.com which has been set up by the 3 major credit agencies and the FCC.

#2 - Add A Note To Your Credit Report For Other Problems

If there is a problem on your credit report that is not an error but there was a legitimate reason for it, you can request that a note be added to your report explaining the situation.

For example, if you were doing some renovations and a contractor didn't finish a job properly, you may refuse payment. This non-payment would still show on your credit report however.

Not all lenders will pay any attention to your notes, but it's a better solution than simply leaving the black mark with no further explanation.

#3 - Hard vs. Soft Inquiries

Having too many inquiries made on your credit report can negatively affect your credit score. Pulling your own report to check it for accuracy is considered a "soft" inquiry and will not have any dramatic effect on your rating.

When lenders pull your credit report for a loan application or other reason, it is considered a "hard" inquiry. These are the types of inquiries that should not be done too often as they can lower your score.

How To Raise Your FICO Score

Do you know what your FICO score is? Do you even know what a FICO score is or what it pertains to? Simply put, a FICO score is also known as your credit score, and your score is calculated and re-calculated on a regular basis. The score you are given is a number that reflects how well you pay your credit obligations and whether or not you pay them on time. In other words, it is used by lenders to determine your credit worthiness so they can determine if they wish to offer you a loan or approve your loan or credit application. It is also used by lenders to determine how attractive to make the interest rate that they will offer you. If you are determined to be a good credit risk and have a high FICO score, then you will typically qualify for the “preferred” interest rate, and perhaps even a higher credit line, since you have demonstrated over the years that you are responsible with your credit obligations.

Almost every lender or credit institution that can offer you a loan or a credit card or merchandise on some kind of monthly payment plan will check your FICO score or your credit score before deciding what they will offer you.

But there are two very important things that most consumers are not aware of, and they need to be fully aware of them because it can affect a huge number of different factors in your life. First, there are three main credit bureaus that maintain all your financial history data. These are Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. Some of your creditors will report to one of them, some to two of them, and a few perhaps even to all three of them. Do you see the problem this creates? That is that with all your past and present credit obligations and with your creditors reporting to different combinations of these credit bureaus, your FICO score at each credit bureau is very likely DIFFERENT, and often it is significantly different.

The other factor that consumers need to be aware of could almost be deduced from the information given above, but it is a sad true fact that various studies indicate that the majority of consumers have errors in their credit reports, which has an impact on their individual FICO scores. So how do these errors get corrected? The sad and unfortunate answer is that they do NOT get corrected, unless you take action to get it corrected yourself. There is nothing automatic about it whatsoever.

You need to understand that having the best FICO score or credit score possible should be a high priority in your life because it can have an effect on various things. For example, getting a new job or a promotion within many companies these days will depend on having a good FICO score, with the thought process being that if you cannot be responsible with your own credit, you would tend to be equally irresponsible with company assets and resources. If you are applying for financing on a new car, your FICO score plays a major role in the determination of the interest rate that will be offered to you, where the difference of just a couple of percentage points can add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.

Sunday, February 25, 2007

Why Are Credit Cards So Popular?

As of last year, there were four active credit cards to every adult in the UK. Our spending on plastic topped the total amount of purchases paid for by cash. As a nation, we have embarked upon a love/hate affair with credit cards, and it looks to be a long term relationship. What is the attraction that makes credit cards so popular, despite the dire warnings from financial pundits that we are heading into financial ruin and disaster?

The reasons aren't that difficult to understand. Buying on plastic offers advantages and benefits that aren't available using cheques and cash. The adverts promise us that the right bit of plastic holds the key to happiness - or at least to fun, and these days it's difficult to tell the difference. Who wouldn't love something that's convenient, easy to use, lets us spend money we don't have yet and comes in dozens of bright colours and patterns? We can even choose a credit card that benefits a favourite charity every time we spend money we'd spend anyway. And despite all the dire warnings, if used responsibly, credit cards can become a money management tool that helps protect assets and even earns a bit of income. Just take a look at the advantages of using a credit card for making purchases.

- A credit card can dig you out of an emergency with ready cash. Your car blew a tire on Monday and you don't have the cash to pay for a new one till payday on Friday? Whack it on your plastic. Credit cards give you the flexibility to purchase the things that you need when you need them, and pay them off when you can.

- Credit cards are convenient. You don't need to carry large amounts of cash with you when you have plastic. You never have to worry about being caught short at the till, or being surprised when the bill comes after dinner.

- You can keep close track of your spending by tracking your account statements. It's easy to spend money without realizing where it's all going. Your credit card statements are an excellent way to track your spending over time, and to keep records you can use to prove expenditures for taxes and other purposes.

- You can save money by using cash back or reward credit cards. As long as you pay off your account in full each month, cash back and reward points are pure profits for you. If you use a cash back credit card for everyday purchases and pay the bill in full each month, you'll essentially be saving 1-5% off everything that you buy, less any annual fees that might occur.

- Credit cards let you give to your favourite charities painlessly. When you use a charity credit card UK card issuers pay a percentage of your purchases to the charity on the card as a royalty. You don't have to do anything else - just use your card to make purchases to benefit your favourite charity.

Of course, it's important to shop around for the best deal when you apply for a credit card if you're to take full advantage of those benefits. Start your search for a credit card at airaid.co.uk and you'll find it easy to compare rates, fees and credit card types before you apply for a credit card. That way, you'll be sure that you're getting the best credit card for the way that you'll use it.

What Are The Benefits To A Free Credit Report Before Applying For A Credit Card?

Why should you spend the £2 to see your credit report? If you're planning to apply for a credit card, there are a number of good reasons why you should order your credit report first.

1. Credit reports aren't always accurate. Credit card companies base their decisions on what's contained in your credit report. If the information there isn't accurate, then you may find yourself turned down for the best credit card deals through no fault of your own. Checking your credit report shows you exactly what the credit card companies will see when they check into your credit.

2. You can request corrections to your credit report before any credit card companies see it. It's always easier to prevent damage than to repair it. Remember that every time a prospective lender - like a credit card company - checks your credit record, it gets ticked off on your report. When you're issued a credit card, that gets listed on your credit report as well. Rejected applications can damage your credit rating. It's better to prevent the rejections in the first place by being sure that the information reported in your credit report is accurate.

3. Knowing your credit rating can help you choose the best credit card for you. Another way to prevent rejections from credit card companies is to apply for credit cards that are designed for people in your credit circumstances. When you compare credit cards at moneyeverything.com, for instance, you'll be able to tell at a glance which credit cards are aimed at people with excellent credit, which are offered to those with good to fair credit and which accept those with poor credit. Knowing what's on your credit report will help you choose the best credit card to apply for.

4. You can boost your credit rating with a few simple steps.
Besides the reports from creditors that may be on your credit report, the reporting agencies also gather information from the public rolls. There are a few key things you can do to boost your credit rating.
- If you're not registered on the electoral rolls, register - and then notify the credit reporting agencies that you have.
- If you have many unused credit cards listed, cancel one or two.
- If possible, pay down your highest credit cards.
- Correct any errors on your credit report. You can find from Experian a page explaining how to make various corrections to your credit report at the UK MSN site.

3 Important Tips For Protecting Your Credit Score

#1 - Dispute Any Errors On Your Credit Report

There are 3 major credit bureaus - TransUnion, Equifax and Experian - that keep track of your credit history. By law, you are entitled to receive one free report each year with all the information they have about you.

You should use this opportunity to go through your report and look for any errors. This could include overdue payments that have in fact been paid, loans or other debts that have been paid off but are still showing as active, and other such errors.

If you find any errors, contact the credit bureau by registered mail and ask that the error be investigated or removed. If they cannot prove that it is correct, by law they have to remove it from your credit report.

You can get your annual free credit report through the website www.annualcreditreport.com which has been set up by the 3 major credit agencies and the FCC.

#2 - Add A Note To Your Credit Report For Other Problems

If there is a problem on your credit report that is not an error but there was a legitimate reason for it, you can request that a note be added to your report explaining the situation.

For example, if you were doing some renovations and a contractor didn't finish a job properly, you may refuse payment. This non-payment would still show on your credit report however.

Not all lenders will pay any attention to your notes, but it's a better solution than simply leaving the black mark with no further explanation.

#3 - Hard vs. Soft Inquiries

Having too many inquiries made on your credit report can negatively affect your credit score. Pulling your own report to check it for accuracy is considered a "soft" inquiry and will not have any dramatic effect on your rating.

When lenders pull your credit report for a loan application or other reason, it is considered a "hard" inquiry. These are the types of inquiries that should not be done too often as they can lower your score.

How To Raise Your FICO Score

Do you know what your FICO score is? Do you even know what a FICO score is or what it pertains to? Simply put, a FICO score is also known as your credit score, and your score is calculated and re-calculated on a regular basis. The score you are given is a number that reflects how well you pay your credit obligations and whether or not you pay them on time. In other words, it is used by lenders to determine your credit worthiness so they can determine if they wish to offer you a loan or approve your loan or credit application. It is also used by lenders to determine how attractive to make the interest rate that they will offer you. If you are determined to be a good credit risk and have a high FICO score, then you will typically qualify for the “preferred” interest rate, and perhaps even a higher credit line, since you have demonstrated over the years that you are responsible with your credit obligations.

Almost every lender or credit institution that can offer you a loan or a credit card or merchandise on some kind of monthly payment plan will check your FICO score or your credit score before deciding what they will offer you.

But there are two very important things that most consumers are not aware of, and they need to be fully aware of them because it can affect a huge number of different factors in your life. First, there are three main credit bureaus that maintain all your financial history data. These are Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. Some of your creditors will report to one of them, some to two of them, and a few perhaps even to all three of them. Do you see the problem this creates? That is that with all your past and present credit obligations and with your creditors reporting to different combinations of these credit bureaus, your FICO score at each credit bureau is very likely DIFFERENT, and often it is significantly different.

The other factor that consumers need to be aware of could almost be deduced from the information given above, but it is a sad true fact that various studies indicate that the majority of consumers have errors in their credit reports, which has an impact on their individual FICO scores. So how do these errors get corrected? The sad and unfortunate answer is that they do NOT get corrected, unless you take action to get it corrected yourself. There is nothing automatic about it whatsoever.

You need to understand that having the best FICO score or credit score possible should be a high priority in your life because it can have an effect on various things. For example, getting a new job or a promotion within many companies these days will depend on having a good FICO score, with the thought process being that if you cannot be responsible with your own credit, you would tend to be equally irresponsible with company assets and resources. If you are applying for financing on a new car, your FICO score plays a major role in the determination of the interest rate that will be offered to you, where the difference of just a couple of percentage points can add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.

8 Vital Tips for Students on Credit Cards

Plastic has in many ways taken the place of hard cash. While credit cards protect you to some extent from pickpockets and such and have advantages, it is important for children to learn early the subtle nuances of credit cards.

Early education on the handling of money and the knowledge that credit cards are to be used wisely will help ensure that the kids don’t go into credit card debt or tread the path to financial ruin.

According to experts always introduce the world of credit cards to a child when he or she turns 18, give them a card with low credit. Begin the learning experience when the child lives with you and not when beginning college and staying away from home. Inculcate the importance of being independent and responsible enough to manage money. If kids learn at an early age the need to establish and build credit they will never face any strife and will be able to be responsible adults.

In order to use the first credit card wisely a student must:

1. Acknowledge that the card is for use in emergencies and not an extension of spending money. It is important for a student to realize that the card must only be used to the extent that he or she can settle the bill in full at the end of the month. It is crucial for a child to live within his or her means.

2. Learn the role played by credit reports and scores in life and begin to build a good report from day 1. A solid payment history will enable the student to set the foundation for a good credit score.

3. Realize that a card is not available to pay for purchases that cannot be paid in cash or to pay for tuition and living expenses. Money must be used in a budgeted way and the rule of thumb must be “live within your means.”

4. Know the importance of wise spending and that he or she cannot lean on parents and expect then to constantly bail him or her out of a situation.

5. Create an expenditure budget for every month and learn how to balance money spent with money available.

6. Only use a card in emergencies and purchase only what can be purchased in cash. Overspending is a definite “NO” and one must learn to do without.

7. Learn the importance of saving and the habit must become ingrained. Kids must be encouraged to set aside 10-25% of their allowance or earnings each month and learn when and how the money must be used.

8. Know as much as possible about how credit cards function and all about late payments, interest accrued, reward points, and billing cycles.

Statistics reveal that only 13% of students use a credit card sensibly and that too for emergencies. Over 79% of students are irresponsible and need to be taught the importance of using a card wisely. It is important to inculcate from a young age that money power is to be wielded wisely.

Although schools have programs in place about handling finance it is up to parents to not just teach the children but to keep an eye on whether the child is straying from the right path where money is concerned. It is important for teens to stray clear of the buy know pay later attitude. Debt is a monster and no child should begin life in debt or seek bankruptcy protection.

Friday, February 23, 2007

Tips - Applying for a Credit Card

Applying for a credit card nowadays is speedy and convenient. Probably because there are already a lot of credit card companies which are fighting to get your business. Credit cards are considered a necessity in these times. There are a lot of financial benefits that you won’t be able to avail if you don’t own a credit card.

Everybody can make use of a credit card. Credit cards are great ways to pay bills even if you currently don’t have the cash for it. If you’re going on a vacation, using a credit card will help shoulder your expenses. Also, all online stores need to get your credit card information if you want to purchase something from them.

Truly, credit cards have given people more purchasing power. With credit cards, you can conveniently transact business anywhere without ever carrying cash. But these credit cards have also caused the financial downfall of several people. If you’re not careful enough with how you use your card, you could be paying too much just for interest rates.

With credit cards, it is easy for you to get caught up in a huge debt. That’s why before you apply for a credit card, you must assess yourself and ensure that you’re responsible enough to own a credit card. Credit card application is very easy, in fact, almost anyone who wants a credit card can get one.

Before you decide on which company to apply a credit card in, make sure that you have scouted other companies. Credit card companies offer different rates and have different promotions. You would have to decide on the one which gives you the best deals.

Once you have decided on a credit card company, decide on what type you’ll be getting. A credit card company can offer several credit card types. Each credit card has their advantages and disadvantages. For example, one credit card might give you more reward points than the other, but it has a higher interest rate. Weigh all your options wisely.

Other credit card perks include cash back or rebates for every purchase made on the card. Some would also entitle you to a raffle coupon where you can win great prizes. And probably the most popular is a card which offers free air mileage. That means, for every use of the card, you can earn miles points which you can redeem so you can travel for free.

Also check other fees that credit card companies charge. Most credit cards have an annual fee. This is usually waived on your first year, though. You would also have to look into how high your credit limit will be. Your credit limit largely depends on your income and credit score.

If you still haven’t decided on what kind of credit card you want, you can always check online for some great credit card offers. You might also want to give a call to the customer service department so they can help you decide which ones to get. You’ll surely find applying for a credit card hassle-free. Not only that, within just a few days of submission of the requirements, you’ll be able to get your new card.

Rewards for Big Jobs: The Business Credit Card

Businesses are built like pyramids: there are more employees working on the lower ranks, with all of them supporting the few big bosses at the top. Many major decisions, however, are made by those who govern, so that requests have to be taken through several divisions to be approved. From the bottom down, department after department hears requests for money, until finally, an approval is made and the person who needs the money receives it.

Although seemingly bureaucratic, such a system can save a company money, and can ensure that company money is spent only on things that the company needs. Emergencies, however, cannot be avoided. If a virus or malware suddenly enters the business computer network, all computers will be affected, and important documents may be lost if computers are not fixed immediately. Employees traveling on a business trip for the company may suddenly need paper at the last minute, to print out contracts. They may need to transfer to another country or state to catch up with a client at the last crucial moment. They may need to close a deal, buy equipment, or conduct business while away from the office.

With emergencies such as these, you may need a business credit card to cater to your emergency needs. A business credit card can ensure that your computers will be speedily repaired, and your network will be up and running in time for you to finish your reports. If your employees carry business credit cards while they are out on company-sponsored trips, they can make their emergency purchases, print out their reports, buy important equipment, and close their deals without worry. A corporate credit card, moreover, will keep your employees safe, as it can be dangerous to travel with large amounts of cash on hand.

There are now several business credit card packages available, all of them with rewards that you can use for your company. For instance, some business credit card packages allow airline miles to be added every time a purchase is made. Such a privilege can be useful for employee travel. Other business credit card packages can give you discounts at partner establishments, such as office supply stores, bookstores, and computer shops. Most business credit cards, moreover, have higher credit limits in order to meet the purchase needs of businesses. Moreover, if your business is in good credit standing, the credit card company can waive its obligatory annual fee.

With all these incentives, it can be difficult to track purchases made by business credit card holders. If you are interested in purchasing business credit cards for your employees, you must formulate strict rules and regulations on the use of these cards. Business credit cards should be used to purchase items, goods, and services that will be used for the company. If possible, purchases should be justified if the user is called upon for questioning.

Employees should be required to keep all their receipts from their business credit card purchases, and to present these receipts to your finance department for filing and checking. Such rules should also be printed out and posted for all your employees to see, and in order for your business credit card to not be abused.

If you are interested in a business credit card for your company, then inquire with your local credit card company on what packages are available for your needs. Examine each business credit card package in detail, and make sure that you get only what you need and afford. You can enjoy the privileges offered by your business credit card if your company’s purchases are made wisely and carefully.

Computer for All: Bad Credit Computer Finance UK

Can you name the object which is a wonder in itself and which has become the best friend of everyone; right from a child to an aged? To add more, it is your window to the knowledge that takes you beyond the world, soothes your mind in distress and is a platform itself to share your innate feelings with others. Yes, it is nothing but a computer, the man made miracle. Considering its wide popularity and usage, lenders have started offering computer finance for making computer easily available to all. And today even bad credit is not a bar in getting such finance. Say thanks to bad credit computer finance UK, which makes it possible.

Before going in depth of our discussion on bad credit computer finance, let us have a basic understanding on the term ‘bad credit’. Well, bad credit is associated with those who have failed to pay back their loaned amount to lender. Many reasons could be responsible for a bad credit score namely County Court Judgment, IVA, arrears, default etc. Now, with the help of bad credit computer finance UK, bad credit holders of all profile can buy computer of their own or can update their system by adding new hardware and software.

As a bad credit holder, you can access bad credit computer finance UK either in secured form or in unsecured form. Pledging a security is essential if the borrower go for secured form. Whereas; unsecured form of computer finance demands no such security against the amount.

Interest rate in bad credit computer finance UK is high. But you can avail such finance at low rate of interest also. It could be possible only when you will select the right lender with best rate. Moreover if you avail bad credit computer finance UK in secured form, you are more likely to get it at a better rate of interest. For all these you need to do a dedicated research. In this regard, you can take the help of the online method, which is remarkable for its quick service and easily solution.

Why Your Credit Score Is More Important Than You Realize

There are many misconceptions and false information about credit scores which lead many debtors to believe that they are not important. There are even debtors who think they do not have a credit score at all. But the truth is, these false beliefs about their credit scores can greatly affect not only their financial life but their life as a whole, too. Let me explain.

If you happen to have a bank account or bills to pay, then you do have a credit score, which is more important than you may have realized. Your credit score, which is also referred to as your credit rating, FICO score, FICO rating or credit risk score, is that all-important three-digit number that lets lenders have an idea how well you repay your bills and handle your finances.

When you apply for credit loan, lenders look at your credit score to let them know if you are a good credit risk or not. In other words, if you have a high credit score, it will be easy for you to get a loan because it indicates how responsible you are with your financial obligations. Generally, the higher your credit score is, the lower the loan interest rates you will get. But on the other hand, if you have a low credit score, it might be hard for you to get a loan with great interest rates because it might be hard to find a lender who will trust you financially.

But getting a loan is not the only situation where you will feel the importance of having a good credit score. It also determines the the premium on your auto or homeowners insurance, the mortgage types available when you’re buying a house, or even when you’re getting a job or about to look for an apartment.

When you are applying for a job that requires you to handle money, or apply for some more exclusive type of apartment living, your credit score is considered, too. Your prospective superiors check your credit score to let them have an idea if they can trust you to handle a job that requires you to handle money, which is sensitive and calls for a large responsibility. Your apartment manager looks at your credit score to let them know if you can pay your rent on time.

Many people are wondering what is considered to be a good credit score or a bad credit score. Credit scores range between 300 and 850. Anything over 720 can help you get a loan with great interest rates. But if you have a credit score ranging below 600, it might be hard for you to get credit at great rates. But you should not be discouraged if you have a bad credit score. There are lenders who will still work with you even if you don’t have a pretty high credit score, while there are lenders who will still give you a loan if your credit score ranges in the 600s. There are lenders who look at your entire credit report, while there are lenders who will consider your credit score alone when you are applying for a loan. So you see, not all lenders work the same way. You just have to find very hard for a lender who will still work with you if your credit score is not that high.

Because there are many false information about credit scores, many debtors believe that the only way to have a great credit score again is by turning to a credit repair company who claims they will repair their credit for them and they won’t have to worry again about their credit scores. But the truth is, since many debtors want to repair their credit, credit repair is a big business and many credit repair scams exist. You should know the types of credit repair scams that are only out to get your money, so you can protect yourself and avoid adding another problem to your financial life.

Cheap Credit Card: Make It Possible…With Ease

The advantages of a credit card are truly unavoidable. Suppose you want to buy something hurryingly or you need money urgently, this plastic money will act as a savior. But holding a credit card is not as easy as it sounds. Annual fees, various hidden costs may be charged on a card. In such circumstances, one should try to find out a cheap credit card.

There are some methods to avail a credit card at a cheap rate. These are as follows:

Research: yes, if you want to avail a cheap credit card, a bit research is necessitated. Various credit card companies, banks provide credit card. First check which deal will be suitable for you. In such cases, do some research. Collect various deals and compare their rate and terms and conditions. It will help you in finding a cheap credit card.

In such cases, online is a good resource, with which a person can easily find out a better deal. But do remember, while searching check if any hidden cost is charged on the card or not. Many a time, companies offer low rate credit cards for a certain period of time. In such cases, check after that period, the rate would remain cheap or not.

A good credit score is always considered advantageous for enhancing the possibility of a cheap credit card. So, before applying for a credit card, check if your credit score is outstanding.

Since, these days, various credit card companies, banks are in a fierce competition; hence, incase if you are a bad credit scorer, you can also find out a credit card, available at a cheap rate.

A cheap credit card can be advantageous in many senses. Some of its advantages are like,

•This option is no doubt cost effective. With this option, people can enjoy plastic money and get all time monetary assistance without spending much.

•Incase, in every month if you carry some balance on your credit card, by opting for a cheap credit card, you can enhance your saving.

•On the other hand, if you pay off your balance in every month, still a cheap credit card will be beneficial. If you cannot maintain regularity to pay off your balance, this card will help you in case of buying some urgent commodity.

If you want to be profitable with a credit card, try to find out a cheap credit card. With this card, you will get a host of advantages without spending much.

Cheap Credit Card: Make It Possible…With Ease

The advantages of a credit card are truly unavoidable. Suppose you want to buy something hurryingly or you need money urgently, this plastic money will act as a savior. But holding a credit card is not as easy as it sounds. Annual fees, various hidden costs may be charged on a card. In such circumstances, one should try to find out a cheap credit card.

There are some methods to avail a credit card at a cheap rate. These are as follows:

Research: yes, if you want to avail a cheap credit card, a bit research is necessitated. Various credit card companies, banks provide credit card. First check which deal will be suitable for you. In such cases, do some research. Collect various deals and compare their rate and terms and conditions. It will help you in finding a cheap credit card.

In such cases, online is a good resource, with which a person can easily find out a better deal. But do remember, while searching check if any hidden cost is charged on the card or not. Many a time, companies offer low rate credit cards for a certain period of time. In such cases, check after that period, the rate would remain cheap or not.

A good credit score is always considered advantageous for enhancing the possibility of a cheap credit card. So, before applying for a credit card, check if your credit score is outstanding.

Since, these days, various credit card companies, banks are in a fierce competition; hence, incase if you are a bad credit scorer, you can also find out a credit card, available at a cheap rate.

A cheap credit card can be advantageous in many senses. Some of its advantages are like,

•This option is no doubt cost effective. With this option, people can enjoy plastic money and get all time monetary assistance without spending much.

•Incase, in every month if you carry some balance on your credit card, by opting for a cheap credit card, you can enhance your saving.

•On the other hand, if you pay off your balance in every month, still a cheap credit card will be beneficial. If you cannot maintain regularity to pay off your balance, this card will help you in case of buying some urgent commodity.

If you want to be profitable with a credit card, try to find out a cheap credit card. With this card, you will get a host of advantages without spending much.

Credit

Credit is borrowing money, usually to buy goods. Interest usually has to be paid on a loan. There may also be administration costs to pay, and interest may be charged on these too. A creditor is an individual or a company making a loan and may also be known as the lender.
There are some different types of credit. The most common type of credit agreement is a credit sale. Under credit sale, you buy the goods at the cash price. You usually have to pay interest but some suppliers offer interest-free credit. Repayment is made in installments. You are the legal owner of the goods as soon as the contract is made and the goods cannot be returned if you change your mind.

The supplier cannot repossess the goods if you fall behind in repayments but can take court action to recover the money owed if you are in arrears. Under a hire purchase (HP) agreement, you are technically hiring goods until you pay the final instalment. You will not own the goods until then. This means that you can end the agreement and return the goods at any time. Under a conditional sale the goods do not belong to you until you have paid the final instalment. The lender may be able to repossess the goods if you fall behind with payments.
Credit cards are supplied by banks, finance companies or shops.

They can be used to buy goods or obtain money from a bank. You will get a monthly statement saying how much you owe (including interest) and will be told the minimum amount you must pay that month. You may also have to pay an annual fee. There are also charge cards. The difference between a charge card and a credit card is that the amount borrowed on a charge card must be repaid in full at the end of a given period, usually a month. Interest is not charged on the amount but you may have to pay an annual fee for the card.

Lenders use a number of methods to decide whether or not to give credit. If you are told you cannot have credit you can apply again, either to the same company or another one. You have no right to be granted credit or to be given a reason why credit has not been granted, although some creditors may give this information. A lender can ask for a reference from your bank but the bank cannot provide this without your authorization. The bank may charge you for providing the reference. You are entitled to a copy of the reference given by your bank. If you think you have been refused credit because the information is incorrect you should contact the bank.
It is always sensible to shop around before you decide to borrow. Make sure that you are getting the most suitable type of credit for your purposes and the most favourable terms. Compare the cost of different types of credit by looking at both the annual percentage rate of interest (the APR) and the length of the agreement.

Credit reference agencies collect and store information about everybody's financial situation. Agency records are not a 'blacklist'. Credit reference agencies provide factual information to lenders, for example, banks, building societies, finance houses and major retailers. The lender uses the information provided by the credit reference agency, together with the information given by you on an application for credit, to decide whether or not to grant credit.
If you fall into debt, your credit reference file will show this. You could then find it difficult to get more credit, or for example, get a mortgage. The agencies list details of the electoral roll, your credit agreements, including balances and payment histories, home repossessions and failure to pay your mortgage, money judgments in the county court, bankruptcy orders and voluntary arrangements, previous credit searches, administration orders. You can check your credit file to make sure it is correct.

Make Your Bad Credit History A Thing Of The Past

You just applied for a mortgage, a car loan, a home equity advance and you were turned down. What happened? You didn't realize how bad your credit history was until this new episode. Once you have got over the shock, get started on finding out just how bad your credit really is. Get your free credit report from all three of the big three reporting agencies - Experian, Equifax and Trans Union. You are entitled to one free credit report a year from each of them.

So is it really an ouch or a series of errors and glitches. Go through all the credit reports and make sure every single item reported there is absolutely accurate. One of my credit accounts recently showed a bankruptcy filing against a store account that had been fully paid off four years before.Since, I've never filed bankruptcy, you can imagine how that made me feel. My credit score had dropped precipitously as a result. That was bad enough, but getting the entry removed was not easy. It took months and numerous letters and copies of documents including a copy of the bankruptcy filing by another person with the same name as me. All of this merely to say, mistakes are made. Get your reports to accurately reflect the real you.

Once the reports are accurate, you need to work on the "bad" history. Missed and late payments will all be there for the world to see. Vow not to miss any more from now on and set all your accounts on automatic withdrawal to take care of the future. Just remember to write up your check book accordingly. You don't need to add unapproved overdrafts to the history.

If you have any debts reported that you have not paid off, contact your creditor and offer a plan to repay the debt over time. Most creditors are more than willing to work with you. A paid debt is worth a lot more to them than an unpaid one. The fact that repayment came late will not weigh as heavily as a debt ignored or avoided.

Start paying all your current obligations on time. The more you put on automatic withdrawal the better since you can avoid late payments due to getting too busy or forgetful. You should be aware that 35 percent of your credit score is calculated on the timeliness of your payments. If you pay down all your credit cards to less than 50 percent of your credit lines will help your score as the available credit expressed as a percentage increases.

Realize that repairing a bad credit history is something that will take time. As you make the changes suggested you will find that your history will steadily improve. At some point in the future you will be able to move through the levels until you have a good rating on your credit and your FICO score will reflect this also.

As you work on your credit practices, adopt a simple budgeting plan for your finances and stick to it. Be sure to curb spending, particularly those on luxuries you can do without and start saving. Make a savings cushion of 6 months living expenses a goal.

6 Credit Report Secrets You Must Know Before Applying For a Mortgage!

Many individuals today have blemishes on their credit reports. Whether it be from a dreaded case of Identity Theft or not being punctual about paying bills on time, these credit mishaps can cost an individual thousands in interest if not corrected.

Let’s take a look:

What makes up a credit score? A credit score is made up of five components. Payment history (35%), balances carried (30%), credit history (15%), mix of accounts (10%), and inquiries (10%).

Payment history is based on paying bills as agreed and on time. The majority of the payment history is based on the most recent six months and the highest weight is on the highest pay history. For example, a mortgage loan would be rated first and then the next biggest payment, whether it is an auto loan or credit card with a high payment, would rate next.

Balances carried is rated based on the balance to limit ratio. Being that this component makes up 30% of the credit score, it is best to keep the balance to limit ratio low. Let’s take a look at an example.

Let’s say a borrower has two credit card accounts, one Visa with Citibank and one Visa with Bank of America, and both accounts have credit limits of $10,000 but, one is maxed out and the other has a zero balance.

If the credit accounts are left as is, it will result in a lower credit score because balance to credit limit ratio is 100%.

On the other hand, if the borrower spread the balance between the two accounts and owed $5,000 on each, the balance to credit limit ratio would only be 50% resulting in a positive affect to the credit score and would create a higher credit score.

It is important to note, mortgage and / or installment loans do not require the same approach as they have less of an impact with the balances carried component.

Credit history simply means the longer the account has been open the higher the credit score. However, to achieve the higher credit score the accounts need to be paid as agreed.

Additionally, many people have been advised to close accounts that they never use. Not the case! This can actually have a negative impact on the credit score. Never close old credit accounts, especially if the accounts have a long history.

Mix of accounts. The ideal credit score is made up of both installment and revolving accounts and looks like this:

-Mortgage Loan

-Auto Loan

-3-5 Credit Cards (Or More)

Additionally, when obtaining an Equity Line of Credit apply for a loan amount greater than $40,000. If the HELOC is greater than $40K, it will fall into the mortgage category. If the HELOC is equal to or less then $40K, it will be classified as a revolving account. Max out the HELOC and it will have a negative impact on your credit score.

Inquires have several factors to consider. First, if shopping around for a mortgage or a car, borrowers have forty-five days to complete their shopping spree. If all credit reports are pulled within a forty-five day period, it will only count as one inquiry. For example, if a borrower applies with one Mortgage Company and decides to switch to another mortgage company both inquiries will only count as one as long as the second mortgage company pulls the credit report within 45 days.

However, if the borrower is shopping for both a mortgage and an auto, one inquiry will count for each.

Each inquiry made averages about five points. After ten inquires per year, inquires will no longer affect the score.

Several types of inquiries do not affect the credit score at all. When applying for a job, a job related inquiry does not affect the score. When submitting an application for insurance or to start a new utility account (e.g., phone, cable, etc.). When a lender automatically reviews your credit account to confirm that other accounts have been paid on time and credit limits are not maxed out. When an individual obtains a personal credit report through www.annualcreditreport.com. And, when promotional pre-approved credit card offers are received in the mail.

Blemished credit can be very costly and can result in higher interest rates on mortgage loans, auto loans, credit cards, and insurance premiums. By taking the following steps to improve your credit score, you could save hundreds even thousands of dollars over the term of a loan.

Here are five simple steps to raise your credit score 100 points in forty-five days. 1) Pay past due accounts, 2) get rid of late payments, 3) have credit limits increased, 4) become an authorized user, and 5) do not close old accounts. Let’s take a look at each.

Pay all accounts that show a past due balance on your credit report. Past due accounts do not necessarily mean 30 days late, past due accounts can be 1 day late and show as past due on a credit report. This can severely hurt a credit score. Pay all past due accounts as quickly as possible to increase the credit score.

However, past due accounts do not include judgments and collections. It is best not to pay judgments or collections when applying for a mortgage. Wait until the close of escrow, if possible, and pay them at closing. Paying judgments or collections could create a negative impact on the credit score as the “recent activity” date will update if the account is paid and the collection will appear to be more recent than it may have been which will cause a negative impact with the credit score.

Have late payments removed by contacting creditors and requesting to have any late payments removed. If your first attempt is not successful, try again and work your way up the ladder to a manager. Be persistent, as each time you phone a new representative will answer the phone.

If you are successful and the creditor agrees to remove the late, be sure to request a letter. The letter needs to be on the company letterhead of the creditor, needs to be signed by an employee and the letter must document your name, address, account number, and the specific late payment or late payments that should be removed.

Additionally, be sure to obtain the name of the representative that you spoke with as well as a contact number and extension, just in case you do not receive the letter and need to follow-up.

Increasing your credit limits can increase your credit score. Every six months or so call each creditor and request that each increase your credit limit. Be sure to request that the increase be made based on your great credit history. If the creditor insists that a credit report must be pulled, think twice before you agree as this will count as an inquiry and will have a negative impact on your credit report.

Become an authorized user on a relative or friend’s credit account. But, if they agree, be sure to confirm that the account has been paid on time and the current balance to limit ratio is below 10%. If the account has late payments or has a high balance to ratio limit, it will create a negative impact on your credit report.

Be sure to tell your relative or friend that there is no risk as the credit card is mailed to the account holder and you cannot use the card unless they provide you with the card.

Do not close accounts even if you have heard that old accounts that you no longer use should be closed. Keep accounts open and use accounts that have become inactive periodically. However, if you charge on the account be sure and pay the balance in full as soon as the bill arrives. Purchasing a tank of gas and paying it off will activate inactive accounts and report them current and in good standing. Closing accounts can actually lower your credit score, especially if the account has a long credit history.

Summary. To achieve a high credit score be sure and do the following. Borrow money when you do not need it, when you do need money creditors may not give it to you.

Keep the balance to limit ratio low; do not max out credit cards. If you have to use credit cards, be sure to spread it over several accounts.

Credit Cards – They Are Just Like Drugs

Credit cards are just like drugs. There is no better analogy. They offer short-term pleasure and long-term pain. They give the illusion of having more money than you actually do. Then you live with less because each month a portion of your income is siphoned away paying past credit debt.

A Building Block of Life

Did you know the average American family carries about $8000 in credit card debt and has on an average 6 cards? Furthermore, if no additional purchases were made and the average family made only minimum payment, it would take 22 years to pay off the average credit card debt. Credit card debt is counted in the billions of dollars.

Credit is positioned like a platform or building block of life. “And for everything else there’s xxx card.” It is almost considered inconsequential to use your card. It seems the purchase (whatever it is) is “far too important” to have any cost matter.

Therefore we use it, and use it, and use it until we literally cannot survive without it. Some folks would be shocked to learn that not carrying a credit card is not against the law?

Smiling Creditors Are Not Your Friend

Creditors are not doing any favors by extending credit no matter how friendly their facade. Their purpose is getting you hooked and draining off your future wealth. This is future money that you can not guarantee is going to be there. Why? Can you guarantee you will have your job tomorrow, next week, next year, in 10 years? But we promise it away just the same.

Creditors are not giving us anything. They are not adding one penny into our life. Consider this. Creditors do not make a penny until we go into debt. Therefore, do you really think they hope to contribute to your future wealth or do you think they just might prefer that you are horribly irresponsible and charge everything you see? They want you in debt and the deeper the better.

And just as you think you are smart enough to climb out of your credit entanglement, your "friendly" credit card executives are figuring more and better ways to offer conveniences to entice you to use your card even more. For example:

1. Have you noticed how many fast food places now take credit cards? Now there is a conflict in ideologies, “fast food” and “credit card”... hhhmmmm.
2. Did you know taxicabs and parking lots now take credit cards? I sure hope it's a deductible expense. The compound interest it generates, of course, is not.
3. Movie theaters now report 25% of payment is by credit card.
4. The other day I saw a young man at a grocery store paying for 5 candy bars with a credit card. Talk about short-term pleasure and long-term pain. That has got to be a prizewinner.
5. IRS now takes credit cards -- a double whammy.
6. Many mortuaries now take credit cards. Why does that sound strange and why is it a fitting last example?

The fact is, credit card executives now know that most credit worthy people already have 2+ cards. But they still send out 2.5 billion solicitations annually and the average household receives about nearly 24 applications per year. Still, finding innovative ways to increase credit debt is their primary solution to increase profit. As one bank card executive reported, "We will break down the barriers of debt." If that does not sound like drug dealing I don’t know what does.

What Will We Teach Our Children?

Until we learn to shut off the wealth sucking valves, we will continue to drown in a sea of debt. Until we stop creating new debt with the convenience of a credit card, we will continue the strangle hold of our creditors. Until we start operating on a cash basis, we are doomed to a life of debt.

Our future and the future of our family is at stake. And until we make a decision in favor of ourselves instead of the credit card industry, we will foolishly squander our future by living in an illusionary world and paying its price,just like an addict.

I offer one final note. Obviously I am opposed to credit cards. But I also recognize that we live in a world of plastic. In and of itself, there is nothing wrong with a credit card. It is an innocent piece of plastic. It is what we do with it that makes a difference. If an individual finds they cannot control their use of the card, the card must be completely eliminated. It is as simple as that.

Mike has been an Internet Guide/Writer in the field of Credit/Debt Management for over 10 years. His site was awarded Best Of Net by Forbes Publication from 2000 to 2005 with site visitation doubling to over 500,000 average views per month in the last year.