An account at any financial institution that permits acceptance of credit cards and transfers the amount directly to the bank account of your choice is called a Merchant Account. Credit cards are accepted through PC processing software, credit card terminal, through telephone or Internet virtual terminal.
There are plenty of institutions that work with the software, Internet option or any terminal of your choice. Though this sounds easy there could be a few problems like processing companies that are below the standard, overcharges, frozen funds, middleman surcharges. The right choice of merchant services can eliminate these problems to a certain extent. Application gee will be charged for almost all Merchant accounts and in case there is no fee charged, probably the difference will be compensated with sale of equipment or software or charging for transactions.
The transaction process though a bit complicated, takes only a few seconds. For processing a credit card transaction through Internet, the customer chooses the products from a Merchant's website and then checks out with the items. He then opts to pay through credit card. The browser connects to the host's server and provides the payment form. The credit card information is entered by the customer on the payment form that is totally confidential, and gives authorization to the transaction process by clicking on "complete order" button. The information is transferred to the secure server of the host through SSL encryption. Now the secure host server connects to the processing bank of the Merchant through a third party like Secure Payment Gateway who connects the processing bank through land line This can also be done directly because some processors have their own secure payment gateway and do not need the service of a third party.
The processor cross verifies the validity of the card and its network like Master Card or Visa and confirmation of the fund availability. In case the transaction is approved, the processor is given a code for authorization or the code is given to Secure Payment Gateway by the processor. The Payment Gateway then converts the authorization into an encryption and transmits to the Merchant web server that then completes the order, The web server of the Merchant sends a confirmation to the customer's browser. The due amount is then transferred from the bank of cardholder to the processing bank of the Merchant. The Merchant's bank can then transfer the money to the local bank of the merchant within the next three days.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Choosing Your Next Credit Card
Many people who were once wary about using credit cards are now rushing to get credit from their company of choice. One reason for this is that many credit card companies nowadays are willing to give credit cards to almost everybody, even to people with bad credit. The companies are reasoning that they will make money from people who do not pay their bills on time as well as more responsible consumers, since the former tend to pay higher interest rates and late fees. There are very few people who simply do not pay off their credit cards at all and attempt to disappear. Therefore, there is little risk of extending credit to people who will absolutely not pay off their credit cards.
Therefore, one should be cautious before obtaining credit cards. It might be tempting to sign up if there is a claim of absolutely no rejection, but if you do not use the card or cannot pay off your bills, your credit cards might end up costing you a fortune in the long run. It is a good idea to be selective concerning which credit cards you wish to obtain and to think carefully before signing up.
There are many different types of credit cards on the market these days, including:
- Cards for those with good credit
- Cards for those with bad credit
- Smart cards
- Reward cards
- Credit cards for minors
Significant benefits are given to those who have good credit. Many companies offer premium gold or platinum credit cards with no annual fees, 0% APR and a higher credit limit. This means that you can make more purchases with few or no restrictions. Therefore, it is important to keep your gold and platinum credit cards under close watch, since a thief can make significant charges to your account.
Many more credit card companies are offering credit cards to people with bad credit. They are willing to take this risk in exchange for an annual fee and a low APR. Many companies will check employment history, but many more nowadays will rely on the fee rather than past records. Instead of avoiding credit cards completely, it is a good idea for those with a flawed credit history to apply for these kinds of credit cards, to make modest, regular purchases with their cards, and to make payments on time. This will help repair their credit, which is a gradual process.
With identity theft occurring more frequently, smart credit cards are becoming more popular among security conscious consumers. Smart cards are embedded with microprocessor chips, which hold more information than traditional magnetic strips. These smart chips encrypt information to prevent cloning and fraud. If your chip is disabled, the company is automatically notified.
Reward cards are a popular way of earning air miles, hotel points or free gas as you use your credit card in the supermarket or the shopping mall. Many consumers enjoy accumulating points for these items as they make their ordinary purchases. It usually takes some time before you will be able to receive free items, and it is not such a good idea to make extraneous purchases just to earn more points, but many feel that the regular shopping they do will eventually pay off in the form of rewards.
Many parents are understandably leery of trusting their teenagers with credit cards. However, they would like their kids to learn early on about how to use credit responsibly, pay bills on time. A good compromise solution is to get a special credit card for your teenager that can be monitored. These credit cards have limits on them stipulated by the parents and allow parents to be informed of each transaction. Therefore, it is impossible for a teenager to spend more money than the parents will allow.
Therefore, one should be cautious before obtaining credit cards. It might be tempting to sign up if there is a claim of absolutely no rejection, but if you do not use the card or cannot pay off your bills, your credit cards might end up costing you a fortune in the long run. It is a good idea to be selective concerning which credit cards you wish to obtain and to think carefully before signing up.
There are many different types of credit cards on the market these days, including:
- Cards for those with good credit
- Cards for those with bad credit
- Smart cards
- Reward cards
- Credit cards for minors
Significant benefits are given to those who have good credit. Many companies offer premium gold or platinum credit cards with no annual fees, 0% APR and a higher credit limit. This means that you can make more purchases with few or no restrictions. Therefore, it is important to keep your gold and platinum credit cards under close watch, since a thief can make significant charges to your account.
Many more credit card companies are offering credit cards to people with bad credit. They are willing to take this risk in exchange for an annual fee and a low APR. Many companies will check employment history, but many more nowadays will rely on the fee rather than past records. Instead of avoiding credit cards completely, it is a good idea for those with a flawed credit history to apply for these kinds of credit cards, to make modest, regular purchases with their cards, and to make payments on time. This will help repair their credit, which is a gradual process.
With identity theft occurring more frequently, smart credit cards are becoming more popular among security conscious consumers. Smart cards are embedded with microprocessor chips, which hold more information than traditional magnetic strips. These smart chips encrypt information to prevent cloning and fraud. If your chip is disabled, the company is automatically notified.
Reward cards are a popular way of earning air miles, hotel points or free gas as you use your credit card in the supermarket or the shopping mall. Many consumers enjoy accumulating points for these items as they make their ordinary purchases. It usually takes some time before you will be able to receive free items, and it is not such a good idea to make extraneous purchases just to earn more points, but many feel that the regular shopping they do will eventually pay off in the form of rewards.
Many parents are understandably leery of trusting their teenagers with credit cards. However, they would like their kids to learn early on about how to use credit responsibly, pay bills on time. A good compromise solution is to get a special credit card for your teenager that can be monitored. These credit cards have limits on them stipulated by the parents and allow parents to be informed of each transaction. Therefore, it is impossible for a teenager to spend more money than the parents will allow.
Credit Card Debt - Do You Feel Frustrated
If you're one of those people who like to "charge it" to their plastic, chances are you've piled up a mountain of debt. And like most people who have spent their way into a financial corner, are probably don't have the money to pay off your debt.
Credit card debt is a serious problem - a problem that won't just simply go away on its own. Unfortunately, many people compound their financial problems by doing just that - ignoring it, because it's such a scary and humbling experience to face it head on.
This is unfortunately a bad thing considering that people who are in debt need to snap back to their senses and assess whatever it is that they've still going for them and be ready to face their debt no matter how overwhelming a problem it appears to be.
Ok, it's time to get real and face the cold, hard reality that you've stumbled a bit and now it's time to pick up the pieces. Not fun, but the sooner you start the sooner the oppressive weight of debt can be lifted from you life and you can go back to living again.
Clearly, the first step is stop using your credit cards to buy stuff. Give them a rest for goodness sake, exercise a little discipline and go back to only buying stuff you can afford, which of course translates into paying for things the old-fashioned way - with cash.
Surrendering your credit cards won't be easy, especially for shopaholics like yourself, but then again if you would simply remind yourself that if you don't do something soon you debt will balloon out of control and before you know it you'll be filing for bankruptcy. It's like the old car commercial that talked about getting your oil changed and doing a little preventive maintenance. The tag line was something like: "you can pay me now or pay me later" with the clear implication that you exercise a little discipline now (preventive maintenance) or pay me later (a much costlier bill like a new engine).
On the other hand, excessively high credit card debt, no matter how much it actually is, is not the end of the world - although it feels like it. A lot of people who have had the same problem have been given a second "financial" life after they stopped irresponsibly using credit cards. Of course, they also put in the effort to setup a budget and prioritized paying off their and changed their spending habits to better reflect their income and most importantly - they did something completely foreign - they started to actually spend less than they made. So you see, all is definitely not lost but it will take some effort.
Once you decide to start taking financial responsibility it's time to take action. Be friendly with your creditors and by friendly I mean asking for their advice on how you can restructure your debt into a plan that you can actually afford without having to starve yourself for years and don't be afraid to ask for a big reduction in the interest you're being charged and a little "forgiveness" in the amount of debt you owe - 50% reduction is good target.
Knowing that you're actually interested in taking responsibility for your credit card debt shows a lot of maturity on your part and your creditors will most probably be more than happy to help you out because 50% of whatever you owe at a lower interest rate is better than the hope of getting 100% of nothing - as in you filing for bankruptcy. Not that bankruptcy will eliminate all your debt, it won't but this is not only a hassle for you it's also a big hassle for your creditors.
Although your creditors won't give you the money to pay for your credit card debt, they can educate you in what you really need to know about fixing your finances: From learning how to discipline yourself from overspending, having a monthly budget as well keeping track of one's expenses is extremely important. If you don't know these things it's nearly impossible to exhibit proper financial responsibility and to bit the bullet and make the necessary changes.
Once you've finally been given a fresh start with regards to your financial life, don't even think of falling back to your same old habits ever again. If your job doesn't let you enjoy some of life's luxuries then you better make a choice between having a lifestyle change or finding a better paying job or getting a second job. You have to make sure that your income, no matter how much it is, is more than you're spending.
Remember, credit cards are not the problem; it's your lack of discipline. Learn to exercise discipline and having a credit card or two is not a bad idea. Just be sure to payoff the balances each month and only use them as an alternative to always having to carry around a bunch of cash.
Credit card debt is a serious problem - a problem that won't just simply go away on its own. Unfortunately, many people compound their financial problems by doing just that - ignoring it, because it's such a scary and humbling experience to face it head on.
This is unfortunately a bad thing considering that people who are in debt need to snap back to their senses and assess whatever it is that they've still going for them and be ready to face their debt no matter how overwhelming a problem it appears to be.
Ok, it's time to get real and face the cold, hard reality that you've stumbled a bit and now it's time to pick up the pieces. Not fun, but the sooner you start the sooner the oppressive weight of debt can be lifted from you life and you can go back to living again.
Clearly, the first step is stop using your credit cards to buy stuff. Give them a rest for goodness sake, exercise a little discipline and go back to only buying stuff you can afford, which of course translates into paying for things the old-fashioned way - with cash.
Surrendering your credit cards won't be easy, especially for shopaholics like yourself, but then again if you would simply remind yourself that if you don't do something soon you debt will balloon out of control and before you know it you'll be filing for bankruptcy. It's like the old car commercial that talked about getting your oil changed and doing a little preventive maintenance. The tag line was something like: "you can pay me now or pay me later" with the clear implication that you exercise a little discipline now (preventive maintenance) or pay me later (a much costlier bill like a new engine).
On the other hand, excessively high credit card debt, no matter how much it actually is, is not the end of the world - although it feels like it. A lot of people who have had the same problem have been given a second "financial" life after they stopped irresponsibly using credit cards. Of course, they also put in the effort to setup a budget and prioritized paying off their and changed their spending habits to better reflect their income and most importantly - they did something completely foreign - they started to actually spend less than they made. So you see, all is definitely not lost but it will take some effort.
Once you decide to start taking financial responsibility it's time to take action. Be friendly with your creditors and by friendly I mean asking for their advice on how you can restructure your debt into a plan that you can actually afford without having to starve yourself for years and don't be afraid to ask for a big reduction in the interest you're being charged and a little "forgiveness" in the amount of debt you owe - 50% reduction is good target.
Knowing that you're actually interested in taking responsibility for your credit card debt shows a lot of maturity on your part and your creditors will most probably be more than happy to help you out because 50% of whatever you owe at a lower interest rate is better than the hope of getting 100% of nothing - as in you filing for bankruptcy. Not that bankruptcy will eliminate all your debt, it won't but this is not only a hassle for you it's also a big hassle for your creditors.
Although your creditors won't give you the money to pay for your credit card debt, they can educate you in what you really need to know about fixing your finances: From learning how to discipline yourself from overspending, having a monthly budget as well keeping track of one's expenses is extremely important. If you don't know these things it's nearly impossible to exhibit proper financial responsibility and to bit the bullet and make the necessary changes.
Once you've finally been given a fresh start with regards to your financial life, don't even think of falling back to your same old habits ever again. If your job doesn't let you enjoy some of life's luxuries then you better make a choice between having a lifestyle change or finding a better paying job or getting a second job. You have to make sure that your income, no matter how much it is, is more than you're spending.
Remember, credit cards are not the problem; it's your lack of discipline. Learn to exercise discipline and having a credit card or two is not a bad idea. Just be sure to payoff the balances each month and only use them as an alternative to always having to carry around a bunch of cash.
What You Should Know About Credit Card Terms
Credit card companies keeps pushing hard to get more customers daily by giving "pre-approved" card offers to would be clients through mail. Chances are you've gotten one of this offers in your mail in recent days. Such promotion has being in existences long before now. Though getting such card is good to some extent and getting one will be helpful however, you don't have to rush getting one without considering the plan terms associated very well.
There are lots of plan terms that you really need to study very well while shopping for credit card if you are not ready to put yourself in financial prison. These terms affect your overall cost. In this article we will take a look at some of this credit card plan terms you need to consider before choosing a company to deal with. Get a cup of coffee while we discuss each of terms you need to consider.
Consider a company that gives "free period" or grace period over others. Because without free period, the card issuer may impose finance charge from the date you use your card or from the date each transaction is posted to your account. Free period allow you to pay back your balance in full before due date in other to avoid finance charges and it's usually mail at least 14 days before the due date, giving you enough time to pay.
Another very important term to take note of is APR (Annual Percentage Rate) which is the measure of the cost of credit, expressed as a yearly rate. APR often changes when there is a change in interest rates or other economic indicators. Still companies must disclose this before you open the account and on your account statements.
Apart from the annual percentage rate, you need to consider how much the issuer's charges for membership fee. The annual membership or participation fees varies, it's often between $25 and $100.
You also need to know about method issuers will use in calculating your finance charge if you don't have a free period, or if you are expected to pay for purchases over time. Knowing this will help you keep your finance charge low by measuring your buying patterns and paying back on time.
Some card issuing companies charges transaction fees and other minor charges when you make late payment, get advance cash with the card or exceed your credit limit. As a matter of fact some even charge monthly fee whether or not you use the card.
There are lots of plan terms that you really need to study very well while shopping for credit card if you are not ready to put yourself in financial prison. These terms affect your overall cost. In this article we will take a look at some of this credit card plan terms you need to consider before choosing a company to deal with. Get a cup of coffee while we discuss each of terms you need to consider.
Consider a company that gives "free period" or grace period over others. Because without free period, the card issuer may impose finance charge from the date you use your card or from the date each transaction is posted to your account. Free period allow you to pay back your balance in full before due date in other to avoid finance charges and it's usually mail at least 14 days before the due date, giving you enough time to pay.
Another very important term to take note of is APR (Annual Percentage Rate) which is the measure of the cost of credit, expressed as a yearly rate. APR often changes when there is a change in interest rates or other economic indicators. Still companies must disclose this before you open the account and on your account statements.
Apart from the annual percentage rate, you need to consider how much the issuer's charges for membership fee. The annual membership or participation fees varies, it's often between $25 and $100.
You also need to know about method issuers will use in calculating your finance charge if you don't have a free period, or if you are expected to pay for purchases over time. Knowing this will help you keep your finance charge low by measuring your buying patterns and paying back on time.
Some card issuing companies charges transaction fees and other minor charges when you make late payment, get advance cash with the card or exceed your credit limit. As a matter of fact some even charge monthly fee whether or not you use the card.
Features to Look for in an Airline Credit Card
Airline credit cards have steadily been gaining popularity in the past few years. Airlines and other companies related to the travel industry benefit as customers utilize their services more frequently; brand loyalty is strengthened as well. Consumers with a good credit history gain by obtaining greater value from their credit cards. Fundamentally, airline credit cards operate in a similar manner; purchases charged to the credit card earn travel points for the card holder, these points can be redeemed in various ways, for example contributing toward free travel, hotel stays, service at a car wash, etc. Four key features to consider while selecting an airline credit card are given below.
Low Interest Rate: The cost of credit is measured in terms of the annual percentage rate (APR). A good credit profile helps to obtain a low APR, i.e. prime + 4%. Most credit cards offer a "variable rate" plan in which the APR changes with certain economic indicators. The interest rates vary with the cards and are influenced by other offerings such as the grace period, annual fee, bonus points, etc. A card holder who does not carry a monthly balance need not really worry about interest rates; however, people who do carry their balances forward can select from a number of airline credit cards that charge a low interest rate. Some cards offer an introductory rate of 0% interest on balance transfers over a period of time, which is typically 12 months.
Preset spending limit: The spending limit in airline credit cards can vary from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. The minimum monthly payment is liable to increase with higher spending limits. Some cards allow users to spend over the credit limit, the amount over the limit and the resulting penalty are settled in the subsequent month's payment. Credit card bills can quickly balloon to unmanageable proportions. Therefore, inveterate spenders are well-advised to carefully consider the preset spending limit before settling on an airline credit card.
Compatibility with other frequent-flyer programs: It is important to check whether an airline credit card offers this feature; portability of miles points is desirable as it allows one the freedom to use the services of more than one airline for redeeming the points. By not being tied down to one airline, users have an increased number of destinations to choose from. Bank-sponsored airline credit cards offer greater compatibility with other frequent-flyer programs as compared to airline-sponsored credit cards that usually focus on a single airline.
Annual fees: There are several airline credit cards that do not charge an annual fee. Non-airline credit cards that allow users to accumulate miles are usually fee-free. The purpose behind fees is to try and defray the costs of the free miles and other freebies. The average annual fee for airline credit cards is around $ 70. Frequent fliers stand to gain more by using cards that charge a fee because with these cards the airline miles benefits are more as compared to cards that are free. Moreover, if the card is used for business-related travel, the annual fee can also be tax deductible.
Low Interest Rate: The cost of credit is measured in terms of the annual percentage rate (APR). A good credit profile helps to obtain a low APR, i.e. prime + 4%. Most credit cards offer a "variable rate" plan in which the APR changes with certain economic indicators. The interest rates vary with the cards and are influenced by other offerings such as the grace period, annual fee, bonus points, etc. A card holder who does not carry a monthly balance need not really worry about interest rates; however, people who do carry their balances forward can select from a number of airline credit cards that charge a low interest rate. Some cards offer an introductory rate of 0% interest on balance transfers over a period of time, which is typically 12 months.
Preset spending limit: The spending limit in airline credit cards can vary from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. The minimum monthly payment is liable to increase with higher spending limits. Some cards allow users to spend over the credit limit, the amount over the limit and the resulting penalty are settled in the subsequent month's payment. Credit card bills can quickly balloon to unmanageable proportions. Therefore, inveterate spenders are well-advised to carefully consider the preset spending limit before settling on an airline credit card.
Compatibility with other frequent-flyer programs: It is important to check whether an airline credit card offers this feature; portability of miles points is desirable as it allows one the freedom to use the services of more than one airline for redeeming the points. By not being tied down to one airline, users have an increased number of destinations to choose from. Bank-sponsored airline credit cards offer greater compatibility with other frequent-flyer programs as compared to airline-sponsored credit cards that usually focus on a single airline.
Annual fees: There are several airline credit cards that do not charge an annual fee. Non-airline credit cards that allow users to accumulate miles are usually fee-free. The purpose behind fees is to try and defray the costs of the free miles and other freebies. The average annual fee for airline credit cards is around $ 70. Frequent fliers stand to gain more by using cards that charge a fee because with these cards the airline miles benefits are more as compared to cards that are free. Moreover, if the card is used for business-related travel, the annual fee can also be tax deductible.
Instant Credit Card Approval - Is It Truly Instant?
The reality of instant credit card approval is somewhat different from what most people truly think. However, this does not mean that it is not the right decision for many people out there looking for a new credit card.
You see the ads all the time in newspapers, magazines, TV and on the Internet. "Instant Credit Card Approval - Apply Today!" Now you think to yourself, I could do with a new credit card, especially some instant approval credit cards. I'll apply now and have my application sitting on their desk tomorrow, and have a new card by the end of the week. You might even use the Internet and get your instant approval credit card online. All you need to do is fill in an online form and you'll get your card by mail in a day or two. It's that simple! Isn't it?
Well the reality of actually receiving instant approval credit cards this way may be a little different. When companies advertise instant credit card approval, their definition of instant and your definition may be somewhat different. Now, to you or me applying for instant approval credit cards means you get your card back instantly - right away. Now for most of the credit card company's the meaning of instant approval should read -we will start processing your application immediately.
The credit company will check your credit using the information available from credit bureaus. They normally search for information regarding your past credit history and your current status. It's normal for a bank or credit card lender to get three or more of these reports and analyze them to make sure they make the right decision whether to give you credit or not. Unless you have an exceptionally good credit rating, sometimes as high as the top 4% in the country, then there's no way you will get instant credit card approval. This type of search and analysis will take up to three days maybe longer. Yes-even if you have applied for an instant approval credit card online. They will still perform the same searches. It's going to be at least four to five days but usually longer (a week or two) before your card will reach you.
If you have poor credit rating it's probably not worth your while applying for an instant approval credit card online. When you get to the website of the majority of lenders, you'll find it says these instant credit card approval offers are normally only available to people who have a good credit rating. It's important you look closely at the terms and conditions stated by the card issuer or bank. Although most of them will state clearly that to be considered for these kind of instant approval credit cards you must have a good credit rating, it's still worth applying. The companies aren't going to break the rules, but they may bend them slightly if your credit rating is near to their qualifying standard. Don't forget card companies and banks need customers, the person that's dealing with your application may well take a chance and approve your application.
You may be lucky and receive notification quickly that you have been approved for an instant approval credit card online. The card will be mailed to you, you receive it and you can then go and buy whatever you want. That is quite a common misconception for people who apply for instant approval credit cards. They think they have instant access to the credit that's been approved. A lot of banks and credit card companies will have a process where you have to validate the card, normally by phone.
As you can see, although instant credit card approval isn't quite as instant as you might expect, it's still a lot quicker than the old way of sending an application by snail mail, and waiting weeks for approval, so why not take look at the options available and apply today? An instant approval credit card online might just be what you have been waiting for.
You see the ads all the time in newspapers, magazines, TV and on the Internet. "Instant Credit Card Approval - Apply Today!" Now you think to yourself, I could do with a new credit card, especially some instant approval credit cards. I'll apply now and have my application sitting on their desk tomorrow, and have a new card by the end of the week. You might even use the Internet and get your instant approval credit card online. All you need to do is fill in an online form and you'll get your card by mail in a day or two. It's that simple! Isn't it?
Well the reality of actually receiving instant approval credit cards this way may be a little different. When companies advertise instant credit card approval, their definition of instant and your definition may be somewhat different. Now, to you or me applying for instant approval credit cards means you get your card back instantly - right away. Now for most of the credit card company's the meaning of instant approval should read -we will start processing your application immediately.
The credit company will check your credit using the information available from credit bureaus. They normally search for information regarding your past credit history and your current status. It's normal for a bank or credit card lender to get three or more of these reports and analyze them to make sure they make the right decision whether to give you credit or not. Unless you have an exceptionally good credit rating, sometimes as high as the top 4% in the country, then there's no way you will get instant credit card approval. This type of search and analysis will take up to three days maybe longer. Yes-even if you have applied for an instant approval credit card online. They will still perform the same searches. It's going to be at least four to five days but usually longer (a week or two) before your card will reach you.
If you have poor credit rating it's probably not worth your while applying for an instant approval credit card online. When you get to the website of the majority of lenders, you'll find it says these instant credit card approval offers are normally only available to people who have a good credit rating. It's important you look closely at the terms and conditions stated by the card issuer or bank. Although most of them will state clearly that to be considered for these kind of instant approval credit cards you must have a good credit rating, it's still worth applying. The companies aren't going to break the rules, but they may bend them slightly if your credit rating is near to their qualifying standard. Don't forget card companies and banks need customers, the person that's dealing with your application may well take a chance and approve your application.
You may be lucky and receive notification quickly that you have been approved for an instant approval credit card online. The card will be mailed to you, you receive it and you can then go and buy whatever you want. That is quite a common misconception for people who apply for instant approval credit cards. They think they have instant access to the credit that's been approved. A lot of banks and credit card companies will have a process where you have to validate the card, normally by phone.
As you can see, although instant credit card approval isn't quite as instant as you might expect, it's still a lot quicker than the old way of sending an application by snail mail, and waiting weeks for approval, so why not take look at the options available and apply today? An instant approval credit card online might just be what you have been waiting for.
Credit Card Vs. Debit Card - What Are The Main Differences?
What is a Debit Card?
The card you use at the ATM is known as a debit card. When debit cards first appeared it was easy to tell them apart from credit cards. Debit cards didn't have a credit card company logo on them; instead, they usually just had your bank name, your account number and your name.
Today debit cards look exactly like credit cards even carrying the same logos. Both types of cards can be swiped at the checkout counter , used to make purchases on the internet, or to pay for the fill-up at the gas pump. When you use your debit card to make a purchase, it's just like using cash. The account that is attached to your debit card, in most cases your checking account, is automatically debited when you use your debit card. The cost of your purchase is deducted from the funds you have in that account. In the case of a credit card, you can pay just 5% of your bill amount and carry forward the balance to be paid the next time. You do not have to settle all in one go. This is referred to as revolving credit.
What is a Credit Card?
On the other hand, when you use your credit card to make a purchase you are using someone's else's money, specifically the issuer of the credit card, usually a banking institution.
In effect, you agree to pay them back the money you borrowed to make your purchase. In addition you will also pay interest on the money "loaned" to you at the rate which you agreed to when you applied for their credit card. This is known as the annual percentage rate (APR). While the two cards might act and look alike, the levels of consumer protection that each type of card provides can be different.
Credit Cards offer Better Protection!
Under federal law, if someone steals your credit card you're only responsible to pay the first $50 of unauthorized charges. However, if you notify the credit card issuer before a thief is able to make any charges you may be free from all liability. If the credit card is not physically present when an unauthorized or fraudulent purchase is made, such as over the internet, you're also free from liability for those charges.
MasterCard and Visa offer zero-liability protection where you won't pay any charges if someone uses your credit card to make an unauthorized purchase.
The protection offered to debit card fraud is similar but with a few exceptions. For example, your liability under federal law is limited to $50, the same as for a credit card, but only if you notify the issuer within two business days of discovering the card's loss or theft. Your liability for debit card fraud can jump up to $500 if you don't report the loss or theft within two business days. And if you are the type of person that gives a passing glance to your monthly bank statement, you could be totally liable for any fraudulent debit card charges if you wait 60 days or more from the time your statement is mailed. Visa and MasterCard zero-liability protection applies to your debit card but only for transactions that do not involve the use of your PIN (personal identification number).
Additional protection against fraudulent use of your credit or debit cards may be available through your homeowner's or renter's insurance. Check your policy or with your agent for more information about your coverage.
Also be aware that you should contact your card issuer by certified letter, return receipt requested, after you've contacted them by phone to protect your consumer rights.
As for which card to use for what type of purchase, most experts agree that you should use your debit card for the same type of purchases you'd make as if you were using cash. Therefore, it makes more sense to use your debit card than your credit card at the grocery store or gas station (provided you have sufficient funds to cover these purchases of course).
Credit Card Purchase Disputes
You should avoid using your debit card for any online purchase or for something which is expensive. Why? The main reason is that it is much easier to dispute a charge when you use your credit card. Your credit card company will remove the charge until the problem is resolved.
With your debit card you are stuck dealing with the merchant directly to
resolve any problems with a purchase. The merchant establishment will have a debit terminal. When you give your card to make the payment, the card will be swiped. The moment it is done, an electronic message is sent to the bank which checks to see if the customer has that much money in his/her account. A credit card requires the bank to make a payment to the merchant establishment (online shop, hotel or wherever you spend money using your card). The cardholder has to settle the bill later.
GET A FREE DEBIT CARD HERE!
The card you use at the ATM is known as a debit card. When debit cards first appeared it was easy to tell them apart from credit cards. Debit cards didn't have a credit card company logo on them; instead, they usually just had your bank name, your account number and your name.
Today debit cards look exactly like credit cards even carrying the same logos. Both types of cards can be swiped at the checkout counter , used to make purchases on the internet, or to pay for the fill-up at the gas pump. When you use your debit card to make a purchase, it's just like using cash. The account that is attached to your debit card, in most cases your checking account, is automatically debited when you use your debit card. The cost of your purchase is deducted from the funds you have in that account. In the case of a credit card, you can pay just 5% of your bill amount and carry forward the balance to be paid the next time. You do not have to settle all in one go. This is referred to as revolving credit.
What is a Credit Card?
On the other hand, when you use your credit card to make a purchase you are using someone's else's money, specifically the issuer of the credit card, usually a banking institution.
In effect, you agree to pay them back the money you borrowed to make your purchase. In addition you will also pay interest on the money "loaned" to you at the rate which you agreed to when you applied for their credit card. This is known as the annual percentage rate (APR). While the two cards might act and look alike, the levels of consumer protection that each type of card provides can be different.
Credit Cards offer Better Protection!
Under federal law, if someone steals your credit card you're only responsible to pay the first $50 of unauthorized charges. However, if you notify the credit card issuer before a thief is able to make any charges you may be free from all liability. If the credit card is not physically present when an unauthorized or fraudulent purchase is made, such as over the internet, you're also free from liability for those charges.
MasterCard and Visa offer zero-liability protection where you won't pay any charges if someone uses your credit card to make an unauthorized purchase.
The protection offered to debit card fraud is similar but with a few exceptions. For example, your liability under federal law is limited to $50, the same as for a credit card, but only if you notify the issuer within two business days of discovering the card's loss or theft. Your liability for debit card fraud can jump up to $500 if you don't report the loss or theft within two business days. And if you are the type of person that gives a passing glance to your monthly bank statement, you could be totally liable for any fraudulent debit card charges if you wait 60 days or more from the time your statement is mailed. Visa and MasterCard zero-liability protection applies to your debit card but only for transactions that do not involve the use of your PIN (personal identification number).
Additional protection against fraudulent use of your credit or debit cards may be available through your homeowner's or renter's insurance. Check your policy or with your agent for more information about your coverage.
Also be aware that you should contact your card issuer by certified letter, return receipt requested, after you've contacted them by phone to protect your consumer rights.
As for which card to use for what type of purchase, most experts agree that you should use your debit card for the same type of purchases you'd make as if you were using cash. Therefore, it makes more sense to use your debit card than your credit card at the grocery store or gas station (provided you have sufficient funds to cover these purchases of course).
Credit Card Purchase Disputes
You should avoid using your debit card for any online purchase or for something which is expensive. Why? The main reason is that it is much easier to dispute a charge when you use your credit card. Your credit card company will remove the charge until the problem is resolved.
With your debit card you are stuck dealing with the merchant directly to
resolve any problems with a purchase. The merchant establishment will have a debit terminal. When you give your card to make the payment, the card will be swiped. The moment it is done, an electronic message is sent to the bank which checks to see if the customer has that much money in his/her account. A credit card requires the bank to make a payment to the merchant establishment (online shop, hotel or wherever you spend money using your card). The cardholder has to settle the bill later.
GET A FREE DEBIT CARD HERE!
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