Credit Card Machine: What You Need to Know About
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Ricky_Hidayat]Ricky Hidayat
A credit card terminal is a machine that read data stored in magnetic stripe on credit card and send it to merchant account. As credit card is using widely, as so the need for its terminal. Today there are many type of credit card terminal in market, vary in price range and features. If you need to purchase, know them better and choose which one is the most appropriate for your business.
Credit card terminals are fall into three categorize: stationery, wireless and virtual. Each has its own pros-cons. Stationery perhaps is the most common in sight in retail and restaurant. It is small, cheap and reliable. Wireless credit card terminals are just like stationery terminal with a plus point -according to its name-, it doesn't need cable to connect. Virtual credit card terminal is a credit card software to authorize credit card payment. It is used in internet business. Yap, if you see a web site that accepts credit card most likely it has a virtual credit card terminal installed.
Consider the following points when you decide to purchase credit card terminal:
1. Do you need stationery or wireless type? If your business is internet business then obviously you need virtual credit card terminal. No question about it but if not then you should ask your self: does the counter in permanent location or it is mobile? How about infrastructure such as cabling and power source?
2. If you need virtual credit card terminal check out what kind of features it has and the technical support (we're dealing with software here and there's always a chance of incompability issue). Good helpdesk and technical support must be available 24 x 7. Most software vendors offer "standard" version which can be upgrade to "professional" version. Compare the features and see which one is the best for you. You might want to start with the standard version as it usually costs less and then upgrade when your business grows.
3. Does it come with integrated printer? If it doesn't then you have to purchase an additional stand alone unit. You need printer to issue receipts and slips. And if you decide that you need extra receipt printer, know that there are three types of them:
* dot matrix -inexpensive but slow about 1-4 lines per second
* thermal - faster, quieter and more reliable since they have fewer moving parts but slightly more expensive
* inkjet - rare, can print in multiple colors.
4. How about vendor support, service and training? You and your staff might need training how to operate it, especially if you purchase virtual credit card terminal, you must know how to install, specific requirement your software needs and light trouble shooting.
Accept credit card payment can increase your business value but the credit card terminal is not the only thing you must concern about. There are a few things those can be hidden cost for your business including fraud. See the complete guidance in http://cleaneasy.blogspot.com/2007/07/credit-card-terminal.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ricky_Hidayat http://EzineArticles.com/?Credit-Card-Machine:-What-You-Need-to-Know-About&id=638854
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Best Credit Card Machines 802
Credit Card Debt Problems
By Ethan Hunter
What to Do If You Hit the Debt Mire
When debt goes bad, it becomes more than just a financial
problem. It can take over your life. If you have a debt problem
the earlier it is handled and dealt with, the less likely it’ll
turn into a crisis, and the more money you’ll save in the
fullness of time.
The very nature of borrowing means that interest increases over
time and if it isn’t dealt with promptly, it can spiral out of
control and land you into trouble. Particularly with credit
cards, when interest payments are large, and a minimum payment
offers a seemingly manageable solution; what is actually
happening is this: the balance is being eroded like the sea
bites away at the shore. It’ll disappear into the ocean
eventually, but might take many years to do so. What you need is
a more radical approach, where chunks of debt are eaten away
each month.
Being in debt can be a stressful time. Many people are scared
to tell husbands, wives, friends – anyone. There’s a kind of
stigma attached to the problem, but there is always a way out.
Traditional debt advice proscribes borrowing your way out of a
problem. Yet this ignores the reality of most debts. A more
advisable and realistic approach would be to never borrow more
to get out of debt trouble. If it is possible to borrow more
cheaply elsewhere to replace existing borrowing and consolidate
your debt, then this is an eminently sensible approach.
The first step should always be to work out your monthly
outgoings and try and trim down your spending on luxuries and
things you can do without. This doesn’t mean you have to live
the life of a monk and forgo all worldly pleasures! But by
adopting sensible spending patterns you can redirect some of
your monthly income into paying off your outstanding balances.
Always keep at the front of your mind the fact that the longer
the debt smolders away, the more you spend in interest payments.
Those with big debts may save thousands a year in interest by
reconsidering their borrowing commitments. Do this in three
ways:
i) Lower the interest if possible by moving your debts to
reduce the interest cost.
ii) Pay the worst first: prioritize paying off the highest
interest rate debts first
iii) Utilize any free debt advice there is. A non-commercial
agency will give you good advice, focus you on your priorities,
and place any problems in context. Things may not be as bad as
they first seem.
Of course, there’s other basic, practicable things you can do
on your own. It's incredibly important to get on top of credit
card debts as soon as possible. Don't default or miss payments.
Let the credit card company know if you are going to be unable
to pay – it’s always better to talk to them than putting your
head in the sand.
If things aren’t that bad, there’s a variety of easy strategies
you can implement that will help ease things for you. Consider a
credit card balance transfer to a lender offering a lower rate
of APR. This will mean you spend less on interest payments each
month and start to attack the overall balance with real venom.
You could take out an unsecured loan as a way of consolidating
your debt. Personal loans can give you a consistent cheap debt,
and as you must make the repayments each month, it helps provide
structure to your repayments. Those with poorer credit scores
might not always get decent rates, but it’s still often a
cheaper option than paying back credit card debt each month, and
overall a faster method of repayment.
If you have them, use savings: The interest paid on savings is
usually far less than interest charged on borrowing, so paying
off debts with savings makes eminent sense. Even if you think of
your savings as an ‘emergency cash fund’ or money for the
future, better to fall back on it in the short term and pay it
back later, than paying interest to a credit card company so
that money for some far flung eventuality is at your disposal.
It’s worth mentioning that for many people, credit cards
provide sensible short term, flexible lending, that’s both cheap
and convenient. You should always try and proceed cautiously,
but credit card debt woes are not an inevitable consequence of
taking them out. Tens of millions of Americans use credit cards
cheaply and conveniently every year.
For those who feel they are in trouble, don’t feel stigmatized
by your debt woes and don’t pretend they’re not there. Help is
at hand should you seek it, and a solution is never far away.
About the Author: Ethan Hunter is the author of many credit
related articles. If you are looking for help with Home Loans
or any type of credit issue please visit us at
http://www.creditcardunlimited.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By Ethan Hunter
What to Do If You Hit the Debt Mire
When debt goes bad, it becomes more than just a financial
problem. It can take over your life. If you have a debt problem
the earlier it is handled and dealt with, the less likely it’ll
turn into a crisis, and the more money you’ll save in the
fullness of time.
The very nature of borrowing means that interest increases over
time and if it isn’t dealt with promptly, it can spiral out of
control and land you into trouble. Particularly with credit
cards, when interest payments are large, and a minimum payment
offers a seemingly manageable solution; what is actually
happening is this: the balance is being eroded like the sea
bites away at the shore. It’ll disappear into the ocean
eventually, but might take many years to do so. What you need is
a more radical approach, where chunks of debt are eaten away
each month.
Being in debt can be a stressful time. Many people are scared
to tell husbands, wives, friends – anyone. There’s a kind of
stigma attached to the problem, but there is always a way out.
Traditional debt advice proscribes borrowing your way out of a
problem. Yet this ignores the reality of most debts. A more
advisable and realistic approach would be to never borrow more
to get out of debt trouble. If it is possible to borrow more
cheaply elsewhere to replace existing borrowing and consolidate
your debt, then this is an eminently sensible approach.
The first step should always be to work out your monthly
outgoings and try and trim down your spending on luxuries and
things you can do without. This doesn’t mean you have to live
the life of a monk and forgo all worldly pleasures! But by
adopting sensible spending patterns you can redirect some of
your monthly income into paying off your outstanding balances.
Always keep at the front of your mind the fact that the longer
the debt smolders away, the more you spend in interest payments.
Those with big debts may save thousands a year in interest by
reconsidering their borrowing commitments. Do this in three
ways:
i) Lower the interest if possible by moving your debts to
reduce the interest cost.
ii) Pay the worst first: prioritize paying off the highest
interest rate debts first
iii) Utilize any free debt advice there is. A non-commercial
agency will give you good advice, focus you on your priorities,
and place any problems in context. Things may not be as bad as
they first seem.
Of course, there’s other basic, practicable things you can do
on your own. It's incredibly important to get on top of credit
card debts as soon as possible. Don't default or miss payments.
Let the credit card company know if you are going to be unable
to pay – it’s always better to talk to them than putting your
head in the sand.
If things aren’t that bad, there’s a variety of easy strategies
you can implement that will help ease things for you. Consider a
credit card balance transfer to a lender offering a lower rate
of APR. This will mean you spend less on interest payments each
month and start to attack the overall balance with real venom.
You could take out an unsecured loan as a way of consolidating
your debt. Personal loans can give you a consistent cheap debt,
and as you must make the repayments each month, it helps provide
structure to your repayments. Those with poorer credit scores
might not always get decent rates, but it’s still often a
cheaper option than paying back credit card debt each month, and
overall a faster method of repayment.
If you have them, use savings: The interest paid on savings is
usually far less than interest charged on borrowing, so paying
off debts with savings makes eminent sense. Even if you think of
your savings as an ‘emergency cash fund’ or money for the
future, better to fall back on it in the short term and pay it
back later, than paying interest to a credit card company so
that money for some far flung eventuality is at your disposal.
It’s worth mentioning that for many people, credit cards
provide sensible short term, flexible lending, that’s both cheap
and convenient. You should always try and proceed cautiously,
but credit card debt woes are not an inevitable consequence of
taking them out. Tens of millions of Americans use credit cards
cheaply and conveniently every year.
For those who feel they are in trouble, don’t feel stigmatized
by your debt woes and don’t pretend they’re not there. Help is
at hand should you seek it, and a solution is never far away.
About the Author: Ethan Hunter is the author of many credit
related articles. If you are looking for help with Home Loans
or any type of credit issue please visit us at
http://www.creditcardunlimited.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Friday, July 27, 2007
Best Credit Card Machines 802
Getting A Credit Card Is A Big Responsibility
By Connie Gutchrif
Owning a credit card can be quite an advantage. Whether making
online purchases, booking an air ticket or a hotel room on the
phone or simply being in need of some emergency cash, having a
credit card can be a big help. However, getting a credit card
is also a huge responsibility and if you don't keep an eye on
your spending habits, credit cards can create some serious
problems. Here is an excellent list of tips on proper credit
card use and if you follow these, you will likely stay out of
trouble and your credit card will be a blessing instead of a
curse:
1. When you make a purchase with the credit card, it is akin to
taking a loan from your bank. What you have borrowed has to be
returned - so do not borrow beyond your capacity to pay it
back.
2. Always be aware of your outstanding credit card balances.
This will help you determine whether you can make additional
purchases. Even small purchases can really add up to big
balances and substantial interest charges.
3.Any credit card receipts should be kept until you can compare
them to your monthly statement. If you find any purchases you
did not make, or higher charges than those on the receipt,
contact your credit card company immediately.
4. Never give out your credit card to anyone! This includes
people in your family and any of your friends. It is not that
you cannot trust these individuals, but you cannot track
purchases you are not even making.
5. Never charge more than you can repay. When you do, you can
hurt your future chances of getting any kind of credit,
including car loans, home mortgages and other forms of loans.
6. Pay your credit card bills on time or even before they are
due. Doing so will not only help improve your credit scores,
but also help avoid additional costs associated with late
payment charges and accrued interest.
7.Try to pay all your credit card bills in full each and every
month. Have payments of a certain amount in your budget and try
not to purchase more than that amount.
8. Use your credit cards for new purchases only. Too many
people use one credit card to pay another credit card bill and
that always leads to more spending and higher balances.
About the Author: Connie Gutchrif is the President of FN
Credit, LLC - An excellent resource for information on credit.
To learn more, be sure to visit: http://www.fncredit.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By Connie Gutchrif
Owning a credit card can be quite an advantage. Whether making
online purchases, booking an air ticket or a hotel room on the
phone or simply being in need of some emergency cash, having a
credit card can be a big help. However, getting a credit card
is also a huge responsibility and if you don't keep an eye on
your spending habits, credit cards can create some serious
problems. Here is an excellent list of tips on proper credit
card use and if you follow these, you will likely stay out of
trouble and your credit card will be a blessing instead of a
curse:
1. When you make a purchase with the credit card, it is akin to
taking a loan from your bank. What you have borrowed has to be
returned - so do not borrow beyond your capacity to pay it
back.
2. Always be aware of your outstanding credit card balances.
This will help you determine whether you can make additional
purchases. Even small purchases can really add up to big
balances and substantial interest charges.
3.Any credit card receipts should be kept until you can compare
them to your monthly statement. If you find any purchases you
did not make, or higher charges than those on the receipt,
contact your credit card company immediately.
4. Never give out your credit card to anyone! This includes
people in your family and any of your friends. It is not that
you cannot trust these individuals, but you cannot track
purchases you are not even making.
5. Never charge more than you can repay. When you do, you can
hurt your future chances of getting any kind of credit,
including car loans, home mortgages and other forms of loans.
6. Pay your credit card bills on time or even before they are
due. Doing so will not only help improve your credit scores,
but also help avoid additional costs associated with late
payment charges and accrued interest.
7.Try to pay all your credit card bills in full each and every
month. Have payments of a certain amount in your budget and try
not to purchase more than that amount.
8. Use your credit cards for new purchases only. Too many
people use one credit card to pay another credit card bill and
that always leads to more spending and higher balances.
About the Author: Connie Gutchrif is the President of FN
Credit, LLC - An excellent resource for information on credit.
To learn more, be sure to visit: http://www.fncredit.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Best Credit Card Machines 802
Guaranteed Credit Cards – Use Them Wisely
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Kenny]Joseph Kenny
Credit cards are becoming increasingly vital in a wide range of situations. Have you ever tried to rent a car, or shop online without one? It’s not easy. In fact, with the growth of shopping online, more frequent international travel, and people paying for goods and services over the phone, it is almost vital for an increasing number of people to have access to credit cards.
There are therefore, plenty of valid reasons why anybody would want a credit card these days. Gone are the days when credit cards were seen as the preserve of the rich, or very big spenders, who liked to bankrupt themselves, or spend a fortune on shopping sprees. These days, people need credit cards simply to go about their business without being stuck in situations where they have no methods of payment available to them in an increasing number of situations.
Guaranteed credit cards are a phenomenon that is becoming increasingly popular. It has come to the UK from the United States, as most credit card variations have done. For people with bad credit ratings, guaranteed credit cards are extremely attractive. There are adds on the television, the internet and pretty much everywhere, that guarantee credit cards to everyone that applies for them, regardless of whether or not they seem to be in a position to afford them.
You should approach these offers with great caution. If you think about the steps that most lenders take, you will be forced to become suspicious of guaranteed credit cards. Most lenders carefully assess the risk involved whenever they lend out money. They look at your credit history, how much you earn, how much you owe and many other factors. If they find that you are of high risk, then they will either refuse to lend to you, or change the terms of the credit so that you provide them with extra security or pay higher interest rates or both.
If you hear of credit card providers that seem to be willing to forgo this important step, and simply lend you the money without looking into your finances and credit history at all, then you can be pretty sure that the interest rate will be very high. As well as high interest rates however, there will be other terms and conditions that will be less attractive than usual. You will be subject to very high penalty fees for late payment and these lenders will also be probably very fast to refer you to debt collection agencies. Therefore, if you do opt for this, then be careful, and use the card wisely.
Joe Kenny writes for Credit Card Guide, offering the latest information on credit cards in the UK, visit them today us to apply for [http://www.cardguide.co.uk/transfers.html]balance transfer credit cards and start clearing credit card debt today.
Visit today: http://www.cardguide.co.uk/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Kenny http://EzineArticles.com/?Guaranteed-Credit-Cards---Use-Them-Wisely&id=213376
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Kenny]Joseph Kenny
Credit cards are becoming increasingly vital in a wide range of situations. Have you ever tried to rent a car, or shop online without one? It’s not easy. In fact, with the growth of shopping online, more frequent international travel, and people paying for goods and services over the phone, it is almost vital for an increasing number of people to have access to credit cards.
There are therefore, plenty of valid reasons why anybody would want a credit card these days. Gone are the days when credit cards were seen as the preserve of the rich, or very big spenders, who liked to bankrupt themselves, or spend a fortune on shopping sprees. These days, people need credit cards simply to go about their business without being stuck in situations where they have no methods of payment available to them in an increasing number of situations.
Guaranteed credit cards are a phenomenon that is becoming increasingly popular. It has come to the UK from the United States, as most credit card variations have done. For people with bad credit ratings, guaranteed credit cards are extremely attractive. There are adds on the television, the internet and pretty much everywhere, that guarantee credit cards to everyone that applies for them, regardless of whether or not they seem to be in a position to afford them.
You should approach these offers with great caution. If you think about the steps that most lenders take, you will be forced to become suspicious of guaranteed credit cards. Most lenders carefully assess the risk involved whenever they lend out money. They look at your credit history, how much you earn, how much you owe and many other factors. If they find that you are of high risk, then they will either refuse to lend to you, or change the terms of the credit so that you provide them with extra security or pay higher interest rates or both.
If you hear of credit card providers that seem to be willing to forgo this important step, and simply lend you the money without looking into your finances and credit history at all, then you can be pretty sure that the interest rate will be very high. As well as high interest rates however, there will be other terms and conditions that will be less attractive than usual. You will be subject to very high penalty fees for late payment and these lenders will also be probably very fast to refer you to debt collection agencies. Therefore, if you do opt for this, then be careful, and use the card wisely.
Joe Kenny writes for Credit Card Guide, offering the latest information on credit cards in the UK, visit them today us to apply for [http://www.cardguide.co.uk/transfers.html]balance transfer credit cards and start clearing credit card debt today.
Visit today: http://www.cardguide.co.uk/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Kenny http://EzineArticles.com/?Guaranteed-Credit-Cards---Use-Them-Wisely&id=213376
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Best Credit Card Machines 802
Best Strategies For Online Approval Of Credit Card Application
By David Riewe
Credit cards had been a popular form of purchasing items on a
"chargeable" or borrowed term.
The advantages of having a credit card are:
1. Security, since one does not have to carry a large amount of
cash to purchase certain items.
2. Convenience. In case one has to purchase an item that is
immediately needed (and is out of cash), these can be purchased
using a credit card
3. Cash advances. Purchases that require cash payments may
still be accommodated by the credit card through the cash
advance feature. This works like a regular ATM transaction
(with of course a corresponding interest rate)
Disadvantages
1. Interest rate. Unlike purchasing with cash, credit card
charges come with a corresponding interest (unless paid before
the due date). The consumer should be aware of the various
interest rates offered by the different credit card companies.
One has to choose the mode of payment (plus the interest rate)
that would best suit his or her capacity to pay.
2. Overuse. A consumer tends to purchase items that are not
really needed or included in their budget if they have a credit
card that is ready to use.
3. Annual fees. Whether one chooses to use his or her card,
after activation, annual fees will be charged.
4. Other charges. A delay in the payment during one billing
period would incur you additional charges.
Credit card online approval usually is far easier than manual
applications that require various forms to be completed before
it can be processed. The company likewise is more likely to
receive your application on a shorter period of time as
compared to snail-mailing your forms.
For a faster credit card online approval, take into
consideration the following:
1. Do not leave any unanswered line, especially those marked
with a red asterisk.
2. After completion of the online application, immediately send
either through email or facsimile the additional requirements
needed.
3. Take into consideration that credit card companies
prioritize applications of the following group of people:
- married couples
- persons with a mortgaged house or car
- persons with several dependents
4. Choose credit card companies that have a promotional offer
in the application process, chances are, promos are offered due
to low application rate, thus prioritization your entry is a
sure shot.
The logic here is that the more obligations an applicant has,
the more they are likely to use the credit card, which
equivalents to higher earnings (through interest charges) on
their part.
About the Author: David Riewe is a Publisher and Online
Marketer. Visit his Credit Resources Blog Below:
http://www.push-button-online-income.com/creditcards/
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By David Riewe
Credit cards had been a popular form of purchasing items on a
"chargeable" or borrowed term.
The advantages of having a credit card are:
1. Security, since one does not have to carry a large amount of
cash to purchase certain items.
2. Convenience. In case one has to purchase an item that is
immediately needed (and is out of cash), these can be purchased
using a credit card
3. Cash advances. Purchases that require cash payments may
still be accommodated by the credit card through the cash
advance feature. This works like a regular ATM transaction
(with of course a corresponding interest rate)
Disadvantages
1. Interest rate. Unlike purchasing with cash, credit card
charges come with a corresponding interest (unless paid before
the due date). The consumer should be aware of the various
interest rates offered by the different credit card companies.
One has to choose the mode of payment (plus the interest rate)
that would best suit his or her capacity to pay.
2. Overuse. A consumer tends to purchase items that are not
really needed or included in their budget if they have a credit
card that is ready to use.
3. Annual fees. Whether one chooses to use his or her card,
after activation, annual fees will be charged.
4. Other charges. A delay in the payment during one billing
period would incur you additional charges.
Credit card online approval usually is far easier than manual
applications that require various forms to be completed before
it can be processed. The company likewise is more likely to
receive your application on a shorter period of time as
compared to snail-mailing your forms.
For a faster credit card online approval, take into
consideration the following:
1. Do not leave any unanswered line, especially those marked
with a red asterisk.
2. After completion of the online application, immediately send
either through email or facsimile the additional requirements
needed.
3. Take into consideration that credit card companies
prioritize applications of the following group of people:
- married couples
- persons with a mortgaged house or car
- persons with several dependents
4. Choose credit card companies that have a promotional offer
in the application process, chances are, promos are offered due
to low application rate, thus prioritization your entry is a
sure shot.
The logic here is that the more obligations an applicant has,
the more they are likely to use the credit card, which
equivalents to higher earnings (through interest charges) on
their part.
About the Author: David Riewe is a Publisher and Online
Marketer. Visit his Credit Resources Blog Below:
http://www.push-button-online-income.com/creditcards/
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Best Credit Card Machines 802
The "Credit Card Debt Termination" Scam
By Charles Phelan
"Legally terminate credit card debt! You can be debt-free in
4-6 months!" Advertisements like this are for a new type of
program that has spread via the Internet over the past few
years. It's called "Credit Card Debt Termination," and victims
are paying up to $3,500 for this bogus service. In this article,
I'll review the principles behind this program and explain
exactly why it's a scam to be avoided.
First, let's get our definitions straight. The scheme I'm
describing here should not be confused with Debt Consolidation
or Debt Settlement (also known as Debt Negotiation), both of
which are legitimate and ethical methods for debt resolution.
The easiest way to distinguish the Credit Card Debt Termination
scam from other valid programs is based on the central claim
that you really don't owe any money!
With Debt Consolidation, you pay back all of your debt
balances. With Debt Settlement, you pay back a lower amount
(usually around 50%) while the creditor agrees to forgive the
remaining balance. However, with the bogus Credit Card Debt
Termination program, promoters claim that you won't need to pay
anything at all (except their outrageous fees, naturally). They
make the surprising claim that you can legally wipe away your
debts simply by using their super-duper magic documents. Based
on some legal mumbo-jumbo, the claim is made that you really
didn't borrow any money from your creditors!
In order to understand this scam, a little background is
necessary. Remember the tax protest movement back in the 1970s?
People were claiming that the IRS tax collection system was
unconstitutional, and based on their misinterpretation of the
tax code, they refused to pay taxes. The IRS came down hard on
the tax protest movement, and through the court system, they
blew holes in all the legal arguments put forth by the
protesters. The Credit Card Debt Termination scam is a lot like
the tax protest movement. In fact, among collection
professionals, it's called the "monetary protest movement."
Just like the tax protest movement, there is a common theme
that runs through all of the promotional materials issued by the
monetary protestors. The basic idea is that our Federal Reserve
monetary system and generally accepted accounting principles
(GAAP) do not permit banks to loan out their own money.
Therefore, according to their interpretation, the credit card
banks are the ones running the scam on the American public.
Stay with me here, because the logic is pretty strange. If a
bank cannot lend its own money, how does a credit card bank
extend credit? The claim here is that your credit card agreement
itself becomes a form of money (known as a promissory note) the
moment you sign it. The idea is that the bank "deposits" your
agreement as an asset on their books, and then any credit you
use is offset as a liability against that asset. In other words,
the core concept here is that you literally borrowed your own
money from the credit card bank.
So let's say your balance with ABC Credit Card Bank is $10,000,
which you borrowed against the card to make everyday purchases.
The scam promoters say all you need to do is notify the bank
that you want your original "deposit" back. However, you will
permit the bank to offset the amount you borrowed against the
amount you have on "deposit." Presto! You don't owe the balance
anymore!
Now, as you can imagine, the banks don't take kindly to such
tactics. Many of the consumers using this technique are getting
sued by their creditors. But the scammers have more tricks
available, as if the "smoke and mirrors" financial nonsense
wasn't enough. One of their techniques is the use of bogus
"arbitration" forums. Arbitration is of course a legitimate
system that allows businesses and individuals to resolve
disputes without going to court. What do the scammers do? They
coach people on how to set up a fake arbitration forum, for the
express purpose of making a dispute against their creditors!
Naturally, the creditors will not send representatives to some
non-existent arbitration forum, so the consumer gets to
rubber-stamp their own arbitration award. If they get sued in a
regular court, they present their bogus award to the judge in
the hopes that the creditor's lawsuit will be dismissed.
There are other techniques used by promoters of this scheme,
but the key point to remember is the central claim that your
credit card debt does not really exist. Of course, it's all
nonsense based on a misinterpretation of our monetary system,
and if you step back and think about for a minute, the truth
seems pretty obvious. What these scammers are saying is that the
entire $700 billion credit card industry is operating on an
illegal basis! Even if the legal theory used by the promoters
were true (which it isn't), do you think for a moment the
government would allow this giant industry to go under? That's
exactly what would happen if the promoter's claims were proven
true and used on a widespread basis.
The Federal Trade Commission, which has jurisdiction here,
hasn't stomped on these con artists yet, but it's only a matter
of time. Unfortunately, in the meanwhile, consumers are being
bilked out of millions of dollars for a worthless program that
will only get them into deep trouble with their creditors. If
you are approached by someone offering to wipe away your debts
using this system, I strongly recommend you run in the other
direction while you hold on tightly to your wallet or purse.
Remember, you can eliminate your debts if you take a
disciplined approach to your finances, make a budget and stick
to it, and don't use your credit cards unless you can pay off
new balances in full each month.
Good luck in your financial future!
About the Author: Charles J. Phelan has been helping people
become debt-free without bankruptcy since 1997. A former
executive in the debt settlement industry, he teaches the
do-it-yourself method of debt negotiation. Audio-CD material
plus expert personal coaching helps consumers achieve
professional results at a fraction of the cost.
http://www.zipdebt.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By Charles Phelan
"Legally terminate credit card debt! You can be debt-free in
4-6 months!" Advertisements like this are for a new type of
program that has spread via the Internet over the past few
years. It's called "Credit Card Debt Termination," and victims
are paying up to $3,500 for this bogus service. In this article,
I'll review the principles behind this program and explain
exactly why it's a scam to be avoided.
First, let's get our definitions straight. The scheme I'm
describing here should not be confused with Debt Consolidation
or Debt Settlement (also known as Debt Negotiation), both of
which are legitimate and ethical methods for debt resolution.
The easiest way to distinguish the Credit Card Debt Termination
scam from other valid programs is based on the central claim
that you really don't owe any money!
With Debt Consolidation, you pay back all of your debt
balances. With Debt Settlement, you pay back a lower amount
(usually around 50%) while the creditor agrees to forgive the
remaining balance. However, with the bogus Credit Card Debt
Termination program, promoters claim that you won't need to pay
anything at all (except their outrageous fees, naturally). They
make the surprising claim that you can legally wipe away your
debts simply by using their super-duper magic documents. Based
on some legal mumbo-jumbo, the claim is made that you really
didn't borrow any money from your creditors!
In order to understand this scam, a little background is
necessary. Remember the tax protest movement back in the 1970s?
People were claiming that the IRS tax collection system was
unconstitutional, and based on their misinterpretation of the
tax code, they refused to pay taxes. The IRS came down hard on
the tax protest movement, and through the court system, they
blew holes in all the legal arguments put forth by the
protesters. The Credit Card Debt Termination scam is a lot like
the tax protest movement. In fact, among collection
professionals, it's called the "monetary protest movement."
Just like the tax protest movement, there is a common theme
that runs through all of the promotional materials issued by the
monetary protestors. The basic idea is that our Federal Reserve
monetary system and generally accepted accounting principles
(GAAP) do not permit banks to loan out their own money.
Therefore, according to their interpretation, the credit card
banks are the ones running the scam on the American public.
Stay with me here, because the logic is pretty strange. If a
bank cannot lend its own money, how does a credit card bank
extend credit? The claim here is that your credit card agreement
itself becomes a form of money (known as a promissory note) the
moment you sign it. The idea is that the bank "deposits" your
agreement as an asset on their books, and then any credit you
use is offset as a liability against that asset. In other words,
the core concept here is that you literally borrowed your own
money from the credit card bank.
So let's say your balance with ABC Credit Card Bank is $10,000,
which you borrowed against the card to make everyday purchases.
The scam promoters say all you need to do is notify the bank
that you want your original "deposit" back. However, you will
permit the bank to offset the amount you borrowed against the
amount you have on "deposit." Presto! You don't owe the balance
anymore!
Now, as you can imagine, the banks don't take kindly to such
tactics. Many of the consumers using this technique are getting
sued by their creditors. But the scammers have more tricks
available, as if the "smoke and mirrors" financial nonsense
wasn't enough. One of their techniques is the use of bogus
"arbitration" forums. Arbitration is of course a legitimate
system that allows businesses and individuals to resolve
disputes without going to court. What do the scammers do? They
coach people on how to set up a fake arbitration forum, for the
express purpose of making a dispute against their creditors!
Naturally, the creditors will not send representatives to some
non-existent arbitration forum, so the consumer gets to
rubber-stamp their own arbitration award. If they get sued in a
regular court, they present their bogus award to the judge in
the hopes that the creditor's lawsuit will be dismissed.
There are other techniques used by promoters of this scheme,
but the key point to remember is the central claim that your
credit card debt does not really exist. Of course, it's all
nonsense based on a misinterpretation of our monetary system,
and if you step back and think about for a minute, the truth
seems pretty obvious. What these scammers are saying is that the
entire $700 billion credit card industry is operating on an
illegal basis! Even if the legal theory used by the promoters
were true (which it isn't), do you think for a moment the
government would allow this giant industry to go under? That's
exactly what would happen if the promoter's claims were proven
true and used on a widespread basis.
The Federal Trade Commission, which has jurisdiction here,
hasn't stomped on these con artists yet, but it's only a matter
of time. Unfortunately, in the meanwhile, consumers are being
bilked out of millions of dollars for a worthless program that
will only get them into deep trouble with their creditors. If
you are approached by someone offering to wipe away your debts
using this system, I strongly recommend you run in the other
direction while you hold on tightly to your wallet or purse.
Remember, you can eliminate your debts if you take a
disciplined approach to your finances, make a budget and stick
to it, and don't use your credit cards unless you can pay off
new balances in full each month.
Good luck in your financial future!
About the Author: Charles J. Phelan has been helping people
become debt-free without bankruptcy since 1997. A former
executive in the debt settlement industry, he teaches the
do-it-yourself method of debt negotiation. Audio-CD material
plus expert personal coaching helps consumers achieve
professional results at a fraction of the cost.
http://www.zipdebt.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Friday, July 20, 2007
Best Credit Card Machines 802
Accepting Credit Cards: A Need of Every Business
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Paul_MacIver]Paul MacIver
Credit cards are fast replacing the cash payment mechanisms. With online shopping a way of life now, it is imperative that businesses are able to accept credit cards. Today, an average citizen has at least four credit cards, and they are ready to shop using cards for anything, be it online or in shops.
With such good penetration of credit cards, any business owner, even if the scale of business is not too big, should not miss out on implementing credit card payment gateways at their business establishments or websites.
Implementing the Credit Card Payment System:
There are three important parts of a credit card processing system. The first part is a secure form; one that is S.S.L. enabled and will be used to take the credit card details of the customers. This form will capture the details of the customer's credit card and the total payment will be made.
S.S.L. is short for Secure Socket Layer, a way to encrypt the sensitive credit card information, and is supported by all major browsers and ISPs.
The second thing is getting a merchant account with the bank where all the money will be deposited. For that, you will have to get in touch with a bank that will set up the account etc.
Thirdly, you need payment-processing software, which will connect you with the bank and help you accept payments.
If you want, you can bypass all this and implement a third party account as well, which will take care of all these hassles while you get all your money. However, they charge on a per transaction basis, so on every transaction that they process, you will need to pay a fee. Some may also charge a one time account setup fee as well.
Benefits of Accepting Credit Card Payments:
Accepting credit cards is quite beneficial for all merchants, be it small business owners or large sellers. If a small business owner does not accept credit cards, he/she may lose on the huge crowd of customers in the market, as people prefer more and more to shop with cards.
Next, all the international customers like business travelers, or tourists, prefer to use credit cards when shopping. Tourism and travel are on an all time high, and any merchant who does not offer the facility to accept credit card payments will lose out to them.
There are many facilities which small business owners can derive from such a payment system. Visa has come up with a new cash and credit management product for small business owners. Most credit cards in the world are Visa cards.
Since online purchases can be safely and quickly made using credit cards, most people prefer card payments only. If a small business owner has not implemented the credit card facility for online customers, he/she may lose out to a large number of online shoppers.
Many customers are impulsive buyers. Such customers will buy whenever they see something interesting, wherever they see it. They may not have cash on them at the time, but if they like something, they will buy it with their credit card. So to harness such customers, small business owners need to put a credit card payments system in place.
Some customers may not have enough cash reserves to shop, but may choose to buy now and pay the credit card company later.
Checks cannot be used as a reliable method of accepting payments, as they may bounce due to insufficient funds. Credit cards relieve the merchant of the concerns whether he will get his money or not.
Small business owners can make money as well as save money, as credit card payments are faster modes of payment especially if the business is run online.
Paul MacIver is a contributing author for [http://www.mega-info-spot.info]Mega Info Spot - Visit [http://www.your-creditcard-guide.info]Accept Credit Cards for further info on [http://www.your-creditcard-guide.info/sitemap.php]Credit Card Processing and setting up a merchant account.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_MacIver http://EzineArticles.com/?Accepting-Credit-Cards:-A-Need-of-Every-Business&id=269919
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Paul_MacIver]Paul MacIver
Credit cards are fast replacing the cash payment mechanisms. With online shopping a way of life now, it is imperative that businesses are able to accept credit cards. Today, an average citizen has at least four credit cards, and they are ready to shop using cards for anything, be it online or in shops.
With such good penetration of credit cards, any business owner, even if the scale of business is not too big, should not miss out on implementing credit card payment gateways at their business establishments or websites.
Implementing the Credit Card Payment System:
There are three important parts of a credit card processing system. The first part is a secure form; one that is S.S.L. enabled and will be used to take the credit card details of the customers. This form will capture the details of the customer's credit card and the total payment will be made.
S.S.L. is short for Secure Socket Layer, a way to encrypt the sensitive credit card information, and is supported by all major browsers and ISPs.
The second thing is getting a merchant account with the bank where all the money will be deposited. For that, you will have to get in touch with a bank that will set up the account etc.
Thirdly, you need payment-processing software, which will connect you with the bank and help you accept payments.
If you want, you can bypass all this and implement a third party account as well, which will take care of all these hassles while you get all your money. However, they charge on a per transaction basis, so on every transaction that they process, you will need to pay a fee. Some may also charge a one time account setup fee as well.
Benefits of Accepting Credit Card Payments:
Accepting credit cards is quite beneficial for all merchants, be it small business owners or large sellers. If a small business owner does not accept credit cards, he/she may lose on the huge crowd of customers in the market, as people prefer more and more to shop with cards.
Next, all the international customers like business travelers, or tourists, prefer to use credit cards when shopping. Tourism and travel are on an all time high, and any merchant who does not offer the facility to accept credit card payments will lose out to them.
There are many facilities which small business owners can derive from such a payment system. Visa has come up with a new cash and credit management product for small business owners. Most credit cards in the world are Visa cards.
Since online purchases can be safely and quickly made using credit cards, most people prefer card payments only. If a small business owner has not implemented the credit card facility for online customers, he/she may lose out to a large number of online shoppers.
Many customers are impulsive buyers. Such customers will buy whenever they see something interesting, wherever they see it. They may not have cash on them at the time, but if they like something, they will buy it with their credit card. So to harness such customers, small business owners need to put a credit card payments system in place.
Some customers may not have enough cash reserves to shop, but may choose to buy now and pay the credit card company later.
Checks cannot be used as a reliable method of accepting payments, as they may bounce due to insufficient funds. Credit cards relieve the merchant of the concerns whether he will get his money or not.
Small business owners can make money as well as save money, as credit card payments are faster modes of payment especially if the business is run online.
Paul MacIver is a contributing author for [http://www.mega-info-spot.info]Mega Info Spot - Visit [http://www.your-creditcard-guide.info]Accept Credit Cards for further info on [http://www.your-creditcard-guide.info/sitemap.php]Credit Card Processing and setting up a merchant account.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_MacIver http://EzineArticles.com/?Accepting-Credit-Cards:-A-Need-of-Every-Business&id=269919
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Best Credit Card Machines 802
Credit Card Rewards Programs: Rewarding... Or Not?
By Jeremy Zongker
In 1950, the first credit card that could be used at more than
one, specific merchant emerged on the market. The Diner’s Card,
started by Frank McNamara, was an invention that got its start
when Frank was having a business meeting over dinner, and
realized he had forgotten his wallet at home. Of course, the
man was extremely embarrassed, and had to call his wife and ask
her to bring him his wallet so he could pay for the bill. Then
the light bulb over his head turned on, and he thought it would
be incredible to have a way to purchase things wherever people
shopped, and pay for them later. The Diner’s Card started with
200 card holders, and within a few years- banks and private
companies began offering credit cards.
Eventually there were so many credit cards to choose from that
the credit lenders had to come up with new ways to stand out
from the competition and entice people to select their card
over another. Credit card reward programs were born sometime
around 1986. Discover card began offering cash back based on
the amount of money you spent on your credit card, and the
first “frequent flier miles” for credit card users was with
Continental Airlines. The frequent flier miles were such a hit
that now every airline has joined in the rewards programs,
offering discounted trips, free complimentary airfare, travel
accident insurance- all based on the amount of spending you do
using your credit card.
Now that just about every credit card has some sort of rewards
program in place, once again card companies are finding
themselves looking for new ways to entice more customers to
slide their credit card into their already overflowing card
holders in their wallets. Rewards programs have to be turned up
a notch, and become so amazing, so absolutely unforgettable that
consumers can’t forget them and will apply for and use their
card more than the other seven in their wallets when they go
shopping!
Currently, the trend in credit card rewards programs appears to
be creating cards that offer very specific rewards to cater to
what people are doing with their lives. Michelle Shepherd, of
MBNA Corp (one of the largest credit card lenders) says the
rewards programs are developed with real people in mind,
offering something for everyone “…whatever stage in life a
person is in, whether it’s someone who’s trying to reduce a
mortgage or someone dreaming of going to the Super Bowl”. This
is seen in credit cards MBNA offers with rewards programs
related to NASCAR and GMAC. Also, Visa offers several credit
cards with Disney rewards programs- your spending earns you
points towards travel to Disney theme parks and on the Disney
cruise line.
Credit card interest rates have begun to rise overall, which is
another reason why lenders are trying to entice new customers
with their fabulous rewards programs. It would be hard for a
card to sell itself to new customers with a high, unattractive
interest rate- so lenders have learned to sell the idea of the
rewards programs, hoping to gain your interest from that and
divert your attention from the not-so-glamorous interest rates.
Keep in mind that while rewards programs can seem very
rewarding when you are considering a credit card offer, there
is often a lot of information you won’t find out until after
you apply for and receive the card. Rewards programs often have
limitations, meaning once you reach the ceiling you are no
longer eligible for the rewards program benefits- information
they don’t normally disclose in the credit card offers you
receive in the mail. Also, for rewards programs that allow you
to purchase items with points earned based on the spending you
do using your credit card, keep in mind you will probably be
charged additional money for shipping and handling of those
items. For cards that offer travel discounts and airline
tickets, many rewards programs require you to then pay
transaction fees to redeem them.
About the Author: This article has been provided courtesy of
Creditor Web, http://www.creditorweb.com .
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By Jeremy Zongker
In 1950, the first credit card that could be used at more than
one, specific merchant emerged on the market. The Diner’s Card,
started by Frank McNamara, was an invention that got its start
when Frank was having a business meeting over dinner, and
realized he had forgotten his wallet at home. Of course, the
man was extremely embarrassed, and had to call his wife and ask
her to bring him his wallet so he could pay for the bill. Then
the light bulb over his head turned on, and he thought it would
be incredible to have a way to purchase things wherever people
shopped, and pay for them later. The Diner’s Card started with
200 card holders, and within a few years- banks and private
companies began offering credit cards.
Eventually there were so many credit cards to choose from that
the credit lenders had to come up with new ways to stand out
from the competition and entice people to select their card
over another. Credit card reward programs were born sometime
around 1986. Discover card began offering cash back based on
the amount of money you spent on your credit card, and the
first “frequent flier miles” for credit card users was with
Continental Airlines. The frequent flier miles were such a hit
that now every airline has joined in the rewards programs,
offering discounted trips, free complimentary airfare, travel
accident insurance- all based on the amount of spending you do
using your credit card.
Now that just about every credit card has some sort of rewards
program in place, once again card companies are finding
themselves looking for new ways to entice more customers to
slide their credit card into their already overflowing card
holders in their wallets. Rewards programs have to be turned up
a notch, and become so amazing, so absolutely unforgettable that
consumers can’t forget them and will apply for and use their
card more than the other seven in their wallets when they go
shopping!
Currently, the trend in credit card rewards programs appears to
be creating cards that offer very specific rewards to cater to
what people are doing with their lives. Michelle Shepherd, of
MBNA Corp (one of the largest credit card lenders) says the
rewards programs are developed with real people in mind,
offering something for everyone “…whatever stage in life a
person is in, whether it’s someone who’s trying to reduce a
mortgage or someone dreaming of going to the Super Bowl”. This
is seen in credit cards MBNA offers with rewards programs
related to NASCAR and GMAC. Also, Visa offers several credit
cards with Disney rewards programs- your spending earns you
points towards travel to Disney theme parks and on the Disney
cruise line.
Credit card interest rates have begun to rise overall, which is
another reason why lenders are trying to entice new customers
with their fabulous rewards programs. It would be hard for a
card to sell itself to new customers with a high, unattractive
interest rate- so lenders have learned to sell the idea of the
rewards programs, hoping to gain your interest from that and
divert your attention from the not-so-glamorous interest rates.
Keep in mind that while rewards programs can seem very
rewarding when you are considering a credit card offer, there
is often a lot of information you won’t find out until after
you apply for and receive the card. Rewards programs often have
limitations, meaning once you reach the ceiling you are no
longer eligible for the rewards program benefits- information
they don’t normally disclose in the credit card offers you
receive in the mail. Also, for rewards programs that allow you
to purchase items with points earned based on the spending you
do using your credit card, keep in mind you will probably be
charged additional money for shipping and handling of those
items. For cards that offer travel discounts and airline
tickets, many rewards programs require you to then pay
transaction fees to redeem them.
About the Author: This article has been provided courtesy of
Creditor Web, http://www.creditorweb.com .
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Friday, July 13, 2007
Best Credit Card Machines
Credit Card Offers
By Beth Pardue
The vast majority of credit card offers you receive are fair
and ethical. But there are two things to look out for that some
credit card companies have been known to pull on unwary
customers. These tactics are perfectly legal, so your only
recourse to preventing them is to be alert.
The old bait and switch. You apply for a great credit card that
gives you tons of frequent-flier miles, hoping to put all of
your shopping on it, and then head to the Bahamas in February.
When and if you get that card, study the terms carefully. If
you don't qualify for the great card, the credit card company
can send you a completely different card with different
terms--without telling you. Visit www.amex-visa-mastercard.com
for a list of reputable credit card offers.
Cash advance fees and rates. Read the fine print on your
statement and you'll see it's a very bad idea to take cash out
on your credit card. Your card might have a really low rate for
purchases, but the rate for cash advances is much higher. And
there is no grace period--you start paying interest right away.
Aside from paying a high rate on the cash you take out, you're
going to pay a fee, usually 2 percent to 4 percent of the
amount advanced. And your payments will be applied to the
lower-interest balance before they are applied to your cash
advance. Don't get yourself into trouble with either of these
two mistakes ... read the terms of your credit card offers
carefully before you activate them.
About the Author: This article was written by Beth Pardue who
has over 10 years of experience in the financial industry
assisting clients with assorted financial needs. To learn more
about credit cards or to apply for a credit card online please
visit: Visit http://www.amex-visa-mastercard.com today!
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By Beth Pardue
The vast majority of credit card offers you receive are fair
and ethical. But there are two things to look out for that some
credit card companies have been known to pull on unwary
customers. These tactics are perfectly legal, so your only
recourse to preventing them is to be alert.
The old bait and switch. You apply for a great credit card that
gives you tons of frequent-flier miles, hoping to put all of
your shopping on it, and then head to the Bahamas in February.
When and if you get that card, study the terms carefully. If
you don't qualify for the great card, the credit card company
can send you a completely different card with different
terms--without telling you. Visit www.amex-visa-mastercard.com
for a list of reputable credit card offers.
Cash advance fees and rates. Read the fine print on your
statement and you'll see it's a very bad idea to take cash out
on your credit card. Your card might have a really low rate for
purchases, but the rate for cash advances is much higher. And
there is no grace period--you start paying interest right away.
Aside from paying a high rate on the cash you take out, you're
going to pay a fee, usually 2 percent to 4 percent of the
amount advanced. And your payments will be applied to the
lower-interest balance before they are applied to your cash
advance. Don't get yourself into trouble with either of these
two mistakes ... read the terms of your credit card offers
carefully before you activate them.
About the Author: This article was written by Beth Pardue who
has over 10 years of experience in the financial industry
assisting clients with assorted financial needs. To learn more
about credit cards or to apply for a credit card online please
visit: Visit http://www.amex-visa-mastercard.com today!
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Best Credit Card Machines 802
Credit Card Fraud - Part I
By Michael Russell
In this series we are going to cover one of the biggest problems all over the world. Credit card fraud.
For those who may not exactly know what credit card fraud is, a simple definition. Credit card fraud is the act of making a purchase using someone else's credit card information. Sounds like something that should be difficult to do. Unfortunately, it's not.
There are many types of credit card fraud, the most common we'll cover in this article.
First there is what is called "mail non-receipt fraud" which is when a new or replacement card is sent by the bank and never received by the person it was supposed to go to. This has been mostly combated by the banks sending out inactive credit cards where the person has to make a phone call in order to activate the card. Otherwise it can't be used. Unfortunately there are some banks that do not do this and still send out cards that are already activated.
Then there is what is called "chargeback fraud" where a legitimate cardholder uses the card to purchase goods or services. Then when the statement comes they call the credit card company and claim they never received the item or service or that they never authorized the transaction.
Another type of credit card fraud is called "skimming" where an employee or merchant makes a second copy of the person's credit card details before processing the payment. This copy is then sold on the black market to professionals who clone illegal copies of these cards. Fortunately, skimming has become less of a problem since the introduction of CVV and CVS codes. These are not encoded on the card strip but are physically written on the back of the card. This is a required three digit code to finalize all transactions. Without this code even a cloned credit card will not work.
Skimming at ATMs has also been a problem. What the illegally set up ATM machine does is place a skimmer device somewhere in the machine that reads the magnetic strip attached to the card. This is used together with various devices that monitor the keypad of the ATM by attaching a fake fascia over the original keypad. Fortunately, this is not as common today as it was years ago when ATM machines were relatively new.
Then of course there is "online credit card fraud" which is the most common type of credit card fraud today with all the transactions that people do each day. This type of fraud gets a little complicated but simply stated, when a person uses their credit card online, hackers monitor the person's entry into the merchant's system and essentially steal the credit card information without the person having any idea this is happening. Another way to get a person's credit card info online is to send an official looking email telling the person that they have to update their credit card info. They are sent a bogus link to go to where the info is collected and used for whatever purpose the scammer wants, whether to sell the info or use it to make purchases himself.
In the next article in this series we'll go into credit card fraud into more depth.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Credit Cards
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
http://EzineArticles.com/?Credit-Card-Fraud---Part-I&id=123783
By Michael Russell
In this series we are going to cover one of the biggest problems all over the world. Credit card fraud.
For those who may not exactly know what credit card fraud is, a simple definition. Credit card fraud is the act of making a purchase using someone else's credit card information. Sounds like something that should be difficult to do. Unfortunately, it's not.
There are many types of credit card fraud, the most common we'll cover in this article.
First there is what is called "mail non-receipt fraud" which is when a new or replacement card is sent by the bank and never received by the person it was supposed to go to. This has been mostly combated by the banks sending out inactive credit cards where the person has to make a phone call in order to activate the card. Otherwise it can't be used. Unfortunately there are some banks that do not do this and still send out cards that are already activated.
Then there is what is called "chargeback fraud" where a legitimate cardholder uses the card to purchase goods or services. Then when the statement comes they call the credit card company and claim they never received the item or service or that they never authorized the transaction.
Another type of credit card fraud is called "skimming" where an employee or merchant makes a second copy of the person's credit card details before processing the payment. This copy is then sold on the black market to professionals who clone illegal copies of these cards. Fortunately, skimming has become less of a problem since the introduction of CVV and CVS codes. These are not encoded on the card strip but are physically written on the back of the card. This is a required three digit code to finalize all transactions. Without this code even a cloned credit card will not work.
Skimming at ATMs has also been a problem. What the illegally set up ATM machine does is place a skimmer device somewhere in the machine that reads the magnetic strip attached to the card. This is used together with various devices that monitor the keypad of the ATM by attaching a fake fascia over the original keypad. Fortunately, this is not as common today as it was years ago when ATM machines were relatively new.
Then of course there is "online credit card fraud" which is the most common type of credit card fraud today with all the transactions that people do each day. This type of fraud gets a little complicated but simply stated, when a person uses their credit card online, hackers monitor the person's entry into the merchant's system and essentially steal the credit card information without the person having any idea this is happening. Another way to get a person's credit card info online is to send an official looking email telling the person that they have to update their credit card info. They are sent a bogus link to go to where the info is collected and used for whatever purpose the scammer wants, whether to sell the info or use it to make purchases himself.
In the next article in this series we'll go into credit card fraud into more depth.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Credit Cards
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
http://EzineArticles.com/?Credit-Card-Fraud---Part-I&id=123783
Monday, July 9, 2007
Best Credit Card Machines 802
Top Credit Card Mistakes
By Sandra Lovelace
When you’re dealing with credit cards, you’re playing with
fire. Unfortunately, there are plenty of people out there who
don’t realise that, and make all sorts of dangerous mistakes
with their credit cards every day.
Paying Late.
If you don’t set up any kind of automatic payment, then it can
be tempting to just put your credit card bill on a pile and get
to it when you have time. Before you know it, a few weeks have
gone by and you’re late. If you leave it to the deadline, you
might find that the payment won’t get there quickly enough –
it’s not a deadline for sending the money, it’s a deadline for
them receiving it.
Paying late is a big mistake for an awful lot of reasons. You
will almost certainly be charged a late payment fee, and your
late payment will go on your credit report for everyone to see.
You may also find that you lose any good rate you had, and your
debt is automatically thrown onto the very worst rate the
company offers.
To avoid late payment, you should always post your payment a
long time before the due date (at least a week). If you’ve left
it to the last minute, phone up and try to pay that way.
Being Taken in By Rewards.
It is never, ever worth getting a higher-interest card simply
because it offers some kind of loyalty points, flight miles or
whatever. Even if it offers a cash reward, it is unlikely to be
more than you would pay in extra interest – after all, why would
they give you free money? All ‘rewards’ do is pay you off with
your own money to make you feel like you’re getting something
for nothing. You’re not.
Collecting Cards.
Seeing some people opening their wallet or bag is a scary
experience. It looks like they have about a hundred credit
cards in there, some of which they haven’t used in years. They
have trouble keeping track of all the different cards, balances
and interest rates. Don’t be one of these people. You should
limit yourself to a maximum of three cards at a time – any more
starts to make you look over-committed in your credit report,
and could get you turned down for a bigger loan.
Maxing Them Out.
Your limit is just that: a limit, not a minimum! Whatever you
do, don’t get a card and immediately spend your whole limit.
This looks very bad. It is better to spend about halfway
regularly and pay it back. Wait for the company to increase
your limit (which they quickly will), and then you’ll get that
extra money without the stigma of having a maxed-out card.
Not Reading the Terms and Conditions.
Finally, as ever, don’t sign anything you haven’t read! I know
it’s hard going and you’re busy and all, but if you can’t
manage to read the terms and conditions then you shouldn’t get
the card. Pay special attention to any future increases in
rates, and what kind of fees you can be charged.
About the Author: Sandra is a credit advisor who has helped
hundreds regain their credit scores to respectable levels. Her
blog can be found online at http://www.mycredit-card.com.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By Sandra Lovelace
When you’re dealing with credit cards, you’re playing with
fire. Unfortunately, there are plenty of people out there who
don’t realise that, and make all sorts of dangerous mistakes
with their credit cards every day.
Paying Late.
If you don’t set up any kind of automatic payment, then it can
be tempting to just put your credit card bill on a pile and get
to it when you have time. Before you know it, a few weeks have
gone by and you’re late. If you leave it to the deadline, you
might find that the payment won’t get there quickly enough –
it’s not a deadline for sending the money, it’s a deadline for
them receiving it.
Paying late is a big mistake for an awful lot of reasons. You
will almost certainly be charged a late payment fee, and your
late payment will go on your credit report for everyone to see.
You may also find that you lose any good rate you had, and your
debt is automatically thrown onto the very worst rate the
company offers.
To avoid late payment, you should always post your payment a
long time before the due date (at least a week). If you’ve left
it to the last minute, phone up and try to pay that way.
Being Taken in By Rewards.
It is never, ever worth getting a higher-interest card simply
because it offers some kind of loyalty points, flight miles or
whatever. Even if it offers a cash reward, it is unlikely to be
more than you would pay in extra interest – after all, why would
they give you free money? All ‘rewards’ do is pay you off with
your own money to make you feel like you’re getting something
for nothing. You’re not.
Collecting Cards.
Seeing some people opening their wallet or bag is a scary
experience. It looks like they have about a hundred credit
cards in there, some of which they haven’t used in years. They
have trouble keeping track of all the different cards, balances
and interest rates. Don’t be one of these people. You should
limit yourself to a maximum of three cards at a time – any more
starts to make you look over-committed in your credit report,
and could get you turned down for a bigger loan.
Maxing Them Out.
Your limit is just that: a limit, not a minimum! Whatever you
do, don’t get a card and immediately spend your whole limit.
This looks very bad. It is better to spend about halfway
regularly and pay it back. Wait for the company to increase
your limit (which they quickly will), and then you’ll get that
extra money without the stigma of having a maxed-out card.
Not Reading the Terms and Conditions.
Finally, as ever, don’t sign anything you haven’t read! I know
it’s hard going and you’re busy and all, but if you can’t
manage to read the terms and conditions then you shouldn’t get
the card. Pay special attention to any future increases in
rates, and what kind of fees you can be charged.
About the Author: Sandra is a credit advisor who has helped
hundreds regain their credit scores to respectable levels. Her
blog can be found online at http://www.mycredit-card.com.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Friday, July 6, 2007
Best Credit Card Machines
Credit Card Processing
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Freeland]Sarah Freeland
If you are a business owner without the ability to accept credit cards, it’s time to take a look at credit card processing. In this day and age, it’s almost necessary to accept credit cards in order to compete with the rest of the business world. Whether you own a retail shop, an online store, or a service business, the ability to accept credit cards will increase your client base and your profits.
In order to set up your business for credit card processing, you need to acquire a merchant account. Many companies offer merchant accounts, so do your research when selecting one. The fees involved will vary from one company to the next. After you have set up your merchant account, you will need to purchase a credit card reader. These are available in many styles and can be as affordable or advanced as you need.
If you are a business owner with an online store or an e-commerce component to your in-person store, then the process for setting up your business for credit card processing is a little different. When conducting payment processing via the internet, you need a merchant account that is compatible with this process. Paypal is the most popular online merchant account today and offers low fees and ease of use.
In addition to having a merchant account, online credit card processing requires a payment gateway. Payment gateways are internet portals that encrypt sensitive information for transmission. They are the component that makes shopping online safe. Many merchant account providers offer payment gateways with their internet accounts, so make sure you learn all you can before you select one.
Looking to promote your online business? Visit the [http://www.archetype-development.com ]internet promotion experts at Archetype Development. Check out the [http://geekcrushers.blogspot.com/ ]geek blog to see our story. While you are at it, submit your site for free to our [http://www.phillyfirstonthefourth.com ]search engine friendly directories.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Freeland http://EzineArticles.com/?Credit-Card-Processing&id=619632
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Freeland]Sarah Freeland
If you are a business owner without the ability to accept credit cards, it’s time to take a look at credit card processing. In this day and age, it’s almost necessary to accept credit cards in order to compete with the rest of the business world. Whether you own a retail shop, an online store, or a service business, the ability to accept credit cards will increase your client base and your profits.
In order to set up your business for credit card processing, you need to acquire a merchant account. Many companies offer merchant accounts, so do your research when selecting one. The fees involved will vary from one company to the next. After you have set up your merchant account, you will need to purchase a credit card reader. These are available in many styles and can be as affordable or advanced as you need.
If you are a business owner with an online store or an e-commerce component to your in-person store, then the process for setting up your business for credit card processing is a little different. When conducting payment processing via the internet, you need a merchant account that is compatible with this process. Paypal is the most popular online merchant account today and offers low fees and ease of use.
In addition to having a merchant account, online credit card processing requires a payment gateway. Payment gateways are internet portals that encrypt sensitive information for transmission. They are the component that makes shopping online safe. Many merchant account providers offer payment gateways with their internet accounts, so make sure you learn all you can before you select one.
Looking to promote your online business? Visit the [http://www.archetype-development.com ]internet promotion experts at Archetype Development. Check out the [http://geekcrushers.blogspot.com/ ]geek blog to see our story. While you are at it, submit your site for free to our [http://www.phillyfirstonthefourth.com ]search engine friendly directories.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Freeland http://EzineArticles.com/?Credit-Card-Processing&id=619632
Monday, May 14, 2007
Best Credit Card Machines 802
The Cost of Leasing a Credit Card Machine
By Jamie Estep
Leasing credit card machines and equipment is a common practice for many new business owners. When a business starts out, they are often met with a barrage of telemarketers and companies offering to help them to accept credit cards. Because of the new business owner's extremely busy schedule and lack of knowledge regarding the credit card processing industry, owners are often convinced that leasing a credit card terminal is the best solution for their business.
In reality, leasing a credit card machine is far from the best interest. For most businesses, a simple swipe and print credit card machine is a perfectly acceptable method of accepting credit cards. What many new business owners fail to do, is investigate the actual price of a new credit card machine. What they would find is that the outright purchase of a credit card terminal is often a completely reasonably priced purchase, and usually is many times less costly than a lease. What would cost them two to three hundred dollars to own, can cost them thousands of dollars to lease. Money is very tight, especially during the startup phase of a business, and the extra money spent on leasing a credit card machine is most definitely better suited elsewhere.
Leasing credit card equipment became a standard in the eighties and early nineties, when the lack of consumer knowledge and a growing processing industry led to the portrayal of high priced processing equipment. During this time fifty dollar per month leases were not uncommon. Since the creation of the internet, consumers have access to a vast amount of information. Processing companies can no longer easily inflate the costs of processing equipment. Now, new business owners are virtually the only group susceptible to getting scammed into a lease. This is due mainly to time constraints and a lack of research on their part.
Leases do still play a role in obtaining credit card equipment, but should only be considered when the required equipment is very high priced. Wireless terminals, while becoming more affordable, can still be a considerable investment. Wireless terminals can still cost over a thousand dollars to purchase which is definitely a significant amount of money. Leasing a wireless terminal can alleviate some of this cost, but business owners should still be aware that they will pay more than the cost of the terminal in the end.
Leases also often come with strings attached, or more appropriately a web of strings attached. Lease commonly last for thirty six to forty eight months, but can be in any increment from twelve months up to forty eight. The shorter the lease, the higher the monthly payment. Leases are also normally non cancel-able for the duration of the lease. There may be considerable penalties for canceling a lease before its term is up. Leases are not always for ownership of the equipment, and hefty buyout fees can occur at the end of the lease. Some leases start over at the end of their term, and the business only has a short window to opt out of the lease. Businesses should be aware of the terms governing the lease before they even contemplate signing it. Signing a lease without fully understanding what is involved in it and fully calculating the cost of the lease can be an extremely expensive mistake.
Enter your lease information into the lease cost calculator to find out how much extra leasing will cost you compared to purchasing.
Copyright 2006 Jamie Estep, The Merchant Account Blog.
Jamie Estep runs the website: (The Merchant Account Blog) and offers information and advice on topics relating to credit card processing. The Merchant Account Blog also has a lease cost calculator where businesses can compare the costs of an equipment lease to purchasing a terminal outright. (Credit Card Terminal Lease Calculator)
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jamie_Estep
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Cost-of-Leasing-a-Credit-Card-Machine&id=190057
By Jamie Estep
Leasing credit card machines and equipment is a common practice for many new business owners. When a business starts out, they are often met with a barrage of telemarketers and companies offering to help them to accept credit cards. Because of the new business owner's extremely busy schedule and lack of knowledge regarding the credit card processing industry, owners are often convinced that leasing a credit card terminal is the best solution for their business.
In reality, leasing a credit card machine is far from the best interest. For most businesses, a simple swipe and print credit card machine is a perfectly acceptable method of accepting credit cards. What many new business owners fail to do, is investigate the actual price of a new credit card machine. What they would find is that the outright purchase of a credit card terminal is often a completely reasonably priced purchase, and usually is many times less costly than a lease. What would cost them two to three hundred dollars to own, can cost them thousands of dollars to lease. Money is very tight, especially during the startup phase of a business, and the extra money spent on leasing a credit card machine is most definitely better suited elsewhere.
Leasing credit card equipment became a standard in the eighties and early nineties, when the lack of consumer knowledge and a growing processing industry led to the portrayal of high priced processing equipment. During this time fifty dollar per month leases were not uncommon. Since the creation of the internet, consumers have access to a vast amount of information. Processing companies can no longer easily inflate the costs of processing equipment. Now, new business owners are virtually the only group susceptible to getting scammed into a lease. This is due mainly to time constraints and a lack of research on their part.
Leases do still play a role in obtaining credit card equipment, but should only be considered when the required equipment is very high priced. Wireless terminals, while becoming more affordable, can still be a considerable investment. Wireless terminals can still cost over a thousand dollars to purchase which is definitely a significant amount of money. Leasing a wireless terminal can alleviate some of this cost, but business owners should still be aware that they will pay more than the cost of the terminal in the end.
Leases also often come with strings attached, or more appropriately a web of strings attached. Lease commonly last for thirty six to forty eight months, but can be in any increment from twelve months up to forty eight. The shorter the lease, the higher the monthly payment. Leases are also normally non cancel-able for the duration of the lease. There may be considerable penalties for canceling a lease before its term is up. Leases are not always for ownership of the equipment, and hefty buyout fees can occur at the end of the lease. Some leases start over at the end of their term, and the business only has a short window to opt out of the lease. Businesses should be aware of the terms governing the lease before they even contemplate signing it. Signing a lease without fully understanding what is involved in it and fully calculating the cost of the lease can be an extremely expensive mistake.
Enter your lease information into the lease cost calculator to find out how much extra leasing will cost you compared to purchasing.
Copyright 2006 Jamie Estep, The Merchant Account Blog.
Jamie Estep runs the website: (The Merchant Account Blog) and offers information and advice on topics relating to credit card processing. The Merchant Account Blog also has a lease cost calculator where businesses can compare the costs of an equipment lease to purchasing a terminal outright. (Credit Card Terminal Lease Calculator)
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jamie_Estep
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Cost-of-Leasing-a-Credit-Card-Machine&id=190057
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Best Credit Card Machines 802
Electronic Credit Card Processing
By Thomas Morva
The success of an online business depends on the process of accepting credit card payments. This type of payment permits you to attract both impulsive buyers and casual surfers alike. It also guarantees that you get timely payment.
Electronic credit card processing facilities handle orders directly through the Internet. This is normally a complex deal that needs the coordination of many things such as your website, your consumer?s credit card company, a payment gateway, and an account into which credits are deposited. Electronic card processing is safe and secure, and it provides the best customer service.
Three major types of electronic credit card processing are available. The first type uses a virtual machine that allows manual addition of mail. The second type involves a simple integration technique that links your site directly to the credit card and bank system. The third type uses a means for custom-linking your system to other more complex systems using a transaction gateway server.
Credit cards can be processed either in real-time or in a collective manner (batch processing). Electronic credit card processing generally has excellent real-time processing speed. The business is processed instantly and the consumer knows whether or not his card is accepted. But real-time processing has greater risk of fraud, since anybody can use a stolen card before it is reported stolen. Another disadvantage is that you cannot accept any order when the electronic credit card processor's server fails. Batch processing is ideal for smaller businesses. Here, many credit card transactions are processed jointly at a later time. The risk of fraud is moderately low.
Today, many companies offer fast, reliable and safe electronic credit card processing services. Each will work with almost all major credit cards, including Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Discover.
Credit Card Processing provides detailed information on Credit Card Processing, Online Credit Card Processing, Credit Card Processing Software, Wireless Credit Card Processing and more. Credit Card Processing is affiliated with Wireless Credit Card Terminals.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Morva
http://EzineArticles.com/?Electronic-Credit-Card-Processing&id=353154
By Thomas Morva
The success of an online business depends on the process of accepting credit card payments. This type of payment permits you to attract both impulsive buyers and casual surfers alike. It also guarantees that you get timely payment.
Electronic credit card processing facilities handle orders directly through the Internet. This is normally a complex deal that needs the coordination of many things such as your website, your consumer?s credit card company, a payment gateway, and an account into which credits are deposited. Electronic card processing is safe and secure, and it provides the best customer service.
Three major types of electronic credit card processing are available. The first type uses a virtual machine that allows manual addition of mail. The second type involves a simple integration technique that links your site directly to the credit card and bank system. The third type uses a means for custom-linking your system to other more complex systems using a transaction gateway server.
Credit cards can be processed either in real-time or in a collective manner (batch processing). Electronic credit card processing generally has excellent real-time processing speed. The business is processed instantly and the consumer knows whether or not his card is accepted. But real-time processing has greater risk of fraud, since anybody can use a stolen card before it is reported stolen. Another disadvantage is that you cannot accept any order when the electronic credit card processor's server fails. Batch processing is ideal for smaller businesses. Here, many credit card transactions are processed jointly at a later time. The risk of fraud is moderately low.
Today, many companies offer fast, reliable and safe electronic credit card processing services. Each will work with almost all major credit cards, including Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Discover.
Credit Card Processing provides detailed information on Credit Card Processing, Online Credit Card Processing, Credit Card Processing Software, Wireless Credit Card Processing and more. Credit Card Processing is affiliated with Wireless Credit Card Terminals.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Morva
http://EzineArticles.com/?Electronic-Credit-Card-Processing&id=353154
Friday, May 11, 2007
Best Credit Card Machines 802
Credit Card Debt: How To Get Rid Of It.
By Greg Mee
This method is simple, but requires some discipline.
First, you have to stop any new spending on your cards.
Second - you'll need to examine all of your spending. You'll
need to know how much extra money you'll be able to put towards
paying off your cards.
Credit card companies generally determine the minimum payment
to be 2 - 2.5% of the outstanding balance. So if you owe
$1,000, for example, your minimum payment will be 20 - $25 per
month.
Some part of that $25 goes to the interest on the balance, some
to pay off the actual balance. How much goes where depends on
the interest rate. Your credit card statement will give you the
exact numbers.
Let's say that $20 of the $25 goes to the actual balance. To
pay off $1,000 at $20 per month will take 50 months. Just over
four years. You'll also have paid $250 in interest alone.
Here's how you pay them off:
Look at the interest rates on all your credit cards. Take the
one with the highest rate. That's the one you're going to work
on first and we'll call it card #1.
After examining your spending you may have found some money to
put towards your payments. All of this extra money to pay off
your card debt goes to this one card. The idea is to pay as
much extra to card #1 as you can. Until it's paid off.
Pay the minimum balances on all the other cards until card #1
is done.
Then take the card with the next highest interest rate and add
to its payment the total of the payment you were making to card
#1. In other words, send the regular monthly payment you used to
send for card #1, plus any additional amounts that you used to
pay on card #1, plus the monthly minimum for card #2- all to
card #2. Do this until card #2 is done.
Then take the total you were paying to cards #1 and #2 and add
that to the payment on card #3, and so on.
Here's an example:
Let's say you have four, maxed out, credit cards. Each with a
balance of $5,000 ($20,000 total.)
Say the minimum payment on each card is $100 (yours may be
different) making your monthly minimum payment total $400.
Now let's say you have $500 per month to pay these off, which
you found through analyzing all your spending.
Card #1 has the highest interest rate and you'll send $200 per
month to that card and pay the minimums ($100) on each of the
others.
And you're not adding any new spending.
The extra $100 you're sending in to card #1 goes to the actual
balance of the card, not the interest. This will let you pay
that card off a lot faster. You might be able to kill this card
in two years, instead of 5.
Eventually, card #1 is dead. The entire payment, $200, that you
were making to card #1 gets added to the payment on card #2, for
$300 total. ($100 minimum plus the extra $200 from card #1.)
The balance on card #2 will be less than $5,000 since you've
been making your minimum payments all along. Adding the $200
from card #1 to the payment of $100 that you've been making to
card #2 will make this card go away much faster than the first
card did.
When card #2 is gone you take the $300 per month that you were
paying to #1 and #2 and add it to the payment on #3, which will
now be $400/month.
When #3 is done you repeat the procedure for card #4, but now
you're sending the whole $500/month to that one card.
Obviously this system will take years, but at the end of that
time you have:
* Four dead cards (hopefully you cut most of them up,)
* Spending and budgeting discipline earned from going through
the whole process, and
* $500/month to put into a savings account or where ever.
Good luck!
About the Author: Written by Greg Mee. For more help on
handling credit card debt visit
http://www.1-credit-card-debt.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By Greg Mee
This method is simple, but requires some discipline.
First, you have to stop any new spending on your cards.
Second - you'll need to examine all of your spending. You'll
need to know how much extra money you'll be able to put towards
paying off your cards.
Credit card companies generally determine the minimum payment
to be 2 - 2.5% of the outstanding balance. So if you owe
$1,000, for example, your minimum payment will be 20 - $25 per
month.
Some part of that $25 goes to the interest on the balance, some
to pay off the actual balance. How much goes where depends on
the interest rate. Your credit card statement will give you the
exact numbers.
Let's say that $20 of the $25 goes to the actual balance. To
pay off $1,000 at $20 per month will take 50 months. Just over
four years. You'll also have paid $250 in interest alone.
Here's how you pay them off:
Look at the interest rates on all your credit cards. Take the
one with the highest rate. That's the one you're going to work
on first and we'll call it card #1.
After examining your spending you may have found some money to
put towards your payments. All of this extra money to pay off
your card debt goes to this one card. The idea is to pay as
much extra to card #1 as you can. Until it's paid off.
Pay the minimum balances on all the other cards until card #1
is done.
Then take the card with the next highest interest rate and add
to its payment the total of the payment you were making to card
#1. In other words, send the regular monthly payment you used to
send for card #1, plus any additional amounts that you used to
pay on card #1, plus the monthly minimum for card #2- all to
card #2. Do this until card #2 is done.
Then take the total you were paying to cards #1 and #2 and add
that to the payment on card #3, and so on.
Here's an example:
Let's say you have four, maxed out, credit cards. Each with a
balance of $5,000 ($20,000 total.)
Say the minimum payment on each card is $100 (yours may be
different) making your monthly minimum payment total $400.
Now let's say you have $500 per month to pay these off, which
you found through analyzing all your spending.
Card #1 has the highest interest rate and you'll send $200 per
month to that card and pay the minimums ($100) on each of the
others.
And you're not adding any new spending.
The extra $100 you're sending in to card #1 goes to the actual
balance of the card, not the interest. This will let you pay
that card off a lot faster. You might be able to kill this card
in two years, instead of 5.
Eventually, card #1 is dead. The entire payment, $200, that you
were making to card #1 gets added to the payment on card #2, for
$300 total. ($100 minimum plus the extra $200 from card #1.)
The balance on card #2 will be less than $5,000 since you've
been making your minimum payments all along. Adding the $200
from card #1 to the payment of $100 that you've been making to
card #2 will make this card go away much faster than the first
card did.
When card #2 is gone you take the $300 per month that you were
paying to #1 and #2 and add it to the payment on #3, which will
now be $400/month.
When #3 is done you repeat the procedure for card #4, but now
you're sending the whole $500/month to that one card.
Obviously this system will take years, but at the end of that
time you have:
* Four dead cards (hopefully you cut most of them up,)
* Spending and budgeting discipline earned from going through
the whole process, and
* $500/month to put into a savings account or where ever.
Good luck!
About the Author: Written by Greg Mee. For more help on
handling credit card debt visit
http://www.1-credit-card-debt.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Best Credit Card Machines 802
Electronic Credit Card Processing
By Thomas Morva
The success of an online business depends on the process of accepting credit card payments. This type of payment permits you to attract both impulsive buyers and casual surfers alike. It also guarantees that you get timely payment.
Electronic credit card processing facilities handle orders directly through the Internet. This is normally a complex deal that needs the coordination of many things such as your website, your consumer?s credit card company, a payment gateway, and an account into which credits are deposited. Electronic card processing is safe and secure, and it provides the best customer service.
Three major types of electronic credit card processing are available. The first type uses a virtual machine that allows manual addition of mail. The second type involves a simple integration technique that links your site directly to the credit card and bank system. The third type uses a means for custom-linking your system to other more complex systems using a transaction gateway server.
Credit cards can be processed either in real-time or in a collective manner (batch processing). Electronic credit card processing generally has excellent real-time processing speed. The business is processed instantly and the consumer knows whether or not his card is accepted. But real-time processing has greater risk of fraud, since anybody can use a stolen card before it is reported stolen. Another disadvantage is that you cannot accept any order when the electronic credit card processor's server fails. Batch processing is ideal for smaller businesses. Here, many credit card transactions are processed jointly at a later time. The risk of fraud is moderately low.
Today, many companies offer fast, reliable and safe electronic credit card processing services. Each will work with almost all major credit cards, including Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Discover.
Credit Card Processing provides detailed information on Credit Card Processing, Online Credit Card Processing, Credit Card Processing Software, Wireless Credit Card Processing and more. Credit Card Processing is affiliated with Wireless Credit Card Terminals.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Morva
http://EzineArticles.com/?Electronic-Credit-Card-Processing&id=353154
By Thomas Morva
The success of an online business depends on the process of accepting credit card payments. This type of payment permits you to attract both impulsive buyers and casual surfers alike. It also guarantees that you get timely payment.
Electronic credit card processing facilities handle orders directly through the Internet. This is normally a complex deal that needs the coordination of many things such as your website, your consumer?s credit card company, a payment gateway, and an account into which credits are deposited. Electronic card processing is safe and secure, and it provides the best customer service.
Three major types of electronic credit card processing are available. The first type uses a virtual machine that allows manual addition of mail. The second type involves a simple integration technique that links your site directly to the credit card and bank system. The third type uses a means for custom-linking your system to other more complex systems using a transaction gateway server.
Credit cards can be processed either in real-time or in a collective manner (batch processing). Electronic credit card processing generally has excellent real-time processing speed. The business is processed instantly and the consumer knows whether or not his card is accepted. But real-time processing has greater risk of fraud, since anybody can use a stolen card before it is reported stolen. Another disadvantage is that you cannot accept any order when the electronic credit card processor's server fails. Batch processing is ideal for smaller businesses. Here, many credit card transactions are processed jointly at a later time. The risk of fraud is moderately low.
Today, many companies offer fast, reliable and safe electronic credit card processing services. Each will work with almost all major credit cards, including Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Discover.
Credit Card Processing provides detailed information on Credit Card Processing, Online Credit Card Processing, Credit Card Processing Software, Wireless Credit Card Processing and more. Credit Card Processing is affiliated with Wireless Credit Card Terminals.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Morva
http://EzineArticles.com/?Electronic-Credit-Card-Processing&id=353154
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Best Credit Card Machines
Overview of the Credit Card Machines
16th August 2006
Author: Steve Depraida
Credit card machines can be seen everywhere in a restaurant, retail shop or a shopping mall. These small machines help businesses to process credit cards safely and efficiently. These credit card machines don't cost much but the impact of these little wonders on a business is tremendous. Invest in a good credit card machines and if you have a merchant account you are all set to accept credit cards.
Credit Card Processing Machines are Essential
? Most of the merchant account services charge extra money for keyed in transaction as compared to swiped charges. If you have an old machine that is not reading the cards properly you may be unnecessarily paying more money.
? An old credit card machine is not able to read debit card transactions it is therefore necessary to invest in new credit card machines.
? Credit card machines save valuable counter space.
? Credit card machines help in increasing the cash flow by greatly reducing the payment time.
Different Types of Credit Card Machines:
There are different types of credit card machines available, choose one according to your budget and requirements. All these machines have their advantages and disadvantages; consider both while making your choice.
? Basic Credit card machines
These machines are the cheapest of the lot and are very affordable but are a somewhat bulky in appearance.
? Credit card machines with printers
These machines are combo machines with printer attached. These machines come in sleek designs.
? Wireless Credit card machines or Pin pads
These credit card machines are as the name suggests wireless.
Merchant accounts.com is the site that provides information about merchant account and lists machines that accept credit card transaction. There are many credit card machines on offer and the latest being The Hypercom T7 Plus, a great machine with either an AMS retail merchant account or mail order merchant account. This product is equipped with a sure load thermal printer that eliminates paper jamming.
Visit the site www.merchant-accounts.com to get more information about the different services and products being offered and choose the one that suits you. There are many latest credit card machines being offered on the site, choose the one that has the features you were looking for in a credit card processing machine. These machines will give boost to your business by providing easy cash flow and safe and speedy payment solution.
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.a1articles.com/article_81893_19.html
16th August 2006
Author: Steve Depraida
Credit card machines can be seen everywhere in a restaurant, retail shop or a shopping mall. These small machines help businesses to process credit cards safely and efficiently. These credit card machines don't cost much but the impact of these little wonders on a business is tremendous. Invest in a good credit card machines and if you have a merchant account you are all set to accept credit cards.
Credit Card Processing Machines are Essential
? Most of the merchant account services charge extra money for keyed in transaction as compared to swiped charges. If you have an old machine that is not reading the cards properly you may be unnecessarily paying more money.
? An old credit card machine is not able to read debit card transactions it is therefore necessary to invest in new credit card machines.
? Credit card machines save valuable counter space.
? Credit card machines help in increasing the cash flow by greatly reducing the payment time.
Different Types of Credit Card Machines:
There are different types of credit card machines available, choose one according to your budget and requirements. All these machines have their advantages and disadvantages; consider both while making your choice.
? Basic Credit card machines
These machines are the cheapest of the lot and are very affordable but are a somewhat bulky in appearance.
? Credit card machines with printers
These machines are combo machines with printer attached. These machines come in sleek designs.
? Wireless Credit card machines or Pin pads
These credit card machines are as the name suggests wireless.
Merchant accounts.com is the site that provides information about merchant account and lists machines that accept credit card transaction. There are many credit card machines on offer and the latest being The Hypercom T7 Plus, a great machine with either an AMS retail merchant account or mail order merchant account. This product is equipped with a sure load thermal printer that eliminates paper jamming.
Visit the site www.merchant-accounts.com to get more information about the different services and products being offered and choose the one that suits you. There are many latest credit card machines being offered on the site, choose the one that has the features you were looking for in a credit card processing machine. These machines will give boost to your business by providing easy cash flow and safe and speedy payment solution.
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.a1articles.com/article_81893_19.html
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Best Credit Card Machines 802
Compare And Select The Best Credit Cards
By Mario AL Churchill
Credit cards are more like necessities nowadays. Through the well-designed and attractive plastic cards, you can do almost all paying transactions. You could pay your utility bills, pay your shopping bills and order online good using the reliable cards.
People have been enjoying cashless transactions for some time now. Instead of bringing cash when going to buy something, people need not go to ATM machines to withdraw money. There is no need to fill wallets with money bills.
You could easily take off anywhere, anytime with your credit card. What's more, you could actually use the cards even if you are shopping abroad. The world is truly becoming globally united, and credit card transactions are helping attain that long-time goal of people.
Credit cards are important cards and almost all people now aim to own one. However, there are lots of horror stories that are circulating about the problems and constraints of using credit cards. Often, credit card users are complaining of excessive bill statements and uncontrolled accumulation of debt.
If you are aiming to own one, you must first assess yourself and make sure that you intend to use the cards responsibly. Otherwise, you would be among those numerous people who are having problems about bills and due dates.
Because almost all people are swooning to own credit cards, the number of credit card issuers is on the rise. Competition nowadays is really becoming more intense because of the influx of credit card applications. It can be a good thing to credit card applicants, because as a result of the ever-growing credit card market, credit card issuers are offering best rates and best terms.
Perhaps, people now are becoming wiser when it comes to credit card applications. Trends and market analyses show that credit card applicants are now more discerning and are more careful in picking up credit card products from many credit card companies.
Indeed, credit card applicants nowadays are literally making comparison shops, meaning, they are now making effective and thorough comparison before they finally fill up forms and lodge applications.
And there are practical reasons for them to do so. Of course, good credit cards can offer so much more and could extend several more transaction benefits. If you are aiming to file a credit card application, be wise and choose the best credit cards for you.
Tips in selecting the best credit card
When you buy something, you always aim to buy the best. When you pay for a service, of course, it is human nature that you would only settle with the best.
In credit card selection, most people select the biggest names in credit card issuance not because of the popularity, but because the giant credit card firms are offering the best terms and services there is in the market.
However, several people, especially those who are new to credit card applications, make the mistake of getting credit cards from untrusted and bad credit card firms. The result: they often complain about high interest rates, limited coverage and too many additional and provisional charges.
Be informed that that there are also small credit card firms that are very competitive and are offering better credit card services in a bid to gain greater foothold in the ever-expanding credit card market. If you are not very exposed to credit card applications, here are some simple guidelines that would surely help in getting the best credit cards the market has to offer.
Before filing credit card applications, collect and select. That means, you must first do a simple research. Get quotes from different credit card firms and compare their interest rates and charges. Also make sure you check the terms and conditions of membership as well as the provisions and potential penalties. By doing a simple comparison shop, you could easily determine which credit card is best foe you.
Usually, giant credit card companies offer the best credit card products, but there is also a number of minor and startup firms that are very much competitive. Select the best and do not limit your choices to just the biggest credit card firms.
Ask your bank if they are offering credit card products. Having a credit card from the lender where you have an existing account can be at your own advantage. For example, you could easily transfer funds and pay your credit card bills through your normal ATM or banking transaction.
Moreover, always aim for the best so you could prevent having credit card problems in the future.
Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written many articles on various subjects. If you looking to apply for credit card rewards offers or to just apply for a credit card online checkout his websites.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mario_AL_Churchill
http://EzineArticles.com/?Compare-And-Select-The-Best-Credit-Cards&id=471716
By Mario AL Churchill
Credit cards are more like necessities nowadays. Through the well-designed and attractive plastic cards, you can do almost all paying transactions. You could pay your utility bills, pay your shopping bills and order online good using the reliable cards.
People have been enjoying cashless transactions for some time now. Instead of bringing cash when going to buy something, people need not go to ATM machines to withdraw money. There is no need to fill wallets with money bills.
You could easily take off anywhere, anytime with your credit card. What's more, you could actually use the cards even if you are shopping abroad. The world is truly becoming globally united, and credit card transactions are helping attain that long-time goal of people.
Credit cards are important cards and almost all people now aim to own one. However, there are lots of horror stories that are circulating about the problems and constraints of using credit cards. Often, credit card users are complaining of excessive bill statements and uncontrolled accumulation of debt.
If you are aiming to own one, you must first assess yourself and make sure that you intend to use the cards responsibly. Otherwise, you would be among those numerous people who are having problems about bills and due dates.
Because almost all people are swooning to own credit cards, the number of credit card issuers is on the rise. Competition nowadays is really becoming more intense because of the influx of credit card applications. It can be a good thing to credit card applicants, because as a result of the ever-growing credit card market, credit card issuers are offering best rates and best terms.
Perhaps, people now are becoming wiser when it comes to credit card applications. Trends and market analyses show that credit card applicants are now more discerning and are more careful in picking up credit card products from many credit card companies.
Indeed, credit card applicants nowadays are literally making comparison shops, meaning, they are now making effective and thorough comparison before they finally fill up forms and lodge applications.
And there are practical reasons for them to do so. Of course, good credit cards can offer so much more and could extend several more transaction benefits. If you are aiming to file a credit card application, be wise and choose the best credit cards for you.
Tips in selecting the best credit card
When you buy something, you always aim to buy the best. When you pay for a service, of course, it is human nature that you would only settle with the best.
In credit card selection, most people select the biggest names in credit card issuance not because of the popularity, but because the giant credit card firms are offering the best terms and services there is in the market.
However, several people, especially those who are new to credit card applications, make the mistake of getting credit cards from untrusted and bad credit card firms. The result: they often complain about high interest rates, limited coverage and too many additional and provisional charges.
Be informed that that there are also small credit card firms that are very competitive and are offering better credit card services in a bid to gain greater foothold in the ever-expanding credit card market. If you are not very exposed to credit card applications, here are some simple guidelines that would surely help in getting the best credit cards the market has to offer.
Before filing credit card applications, collect and select. That means, you must first do a simple research. Get quotes from different credit card firms and compare their interest rates and charges. Also make sure you check the terms and conditions of membership as well as the provisions and potential penalties. By doing a simple comparison shop, you could easily determine which credit card is best foe you.
Usually, giant credit card companies offer the best credit card products, but there is also a number of minor and startup firms that are very much competitive. Select the best and do not limit your choices to just the biggest credit card firms.
Ask your bank if they are offering credit card products. Having a credit card from the lender where you have an existing account can be at your own advantage. For example, you could easily transfer funds and pay your credit card bills through your normal ATM or banking transaction.
Moreover, always aim for the best so you could prevent having credit card problems in the future.
Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written many articles on various subjects. If you looking to apply for credit card rewards offers or to just apply for a credit card online checkout his websites.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mario_AL_Churchill
http://EzineArticles.com/?Compare-And-Select-The-Best-Credit-Cards&id=471716
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Best Credit Card Machines 802
Identity Theft: Don't Be A Victim!
By Matthew Keegan
Moments after stepping out of the taxi, Rachel plunged through the entranceway of the hotel lobby eager to put behind what had been a terribly exhausting day. Flight delays due to weather had caused her LAX-MDW-BWI trip to take nearly eleven hours to complete. All she could think of was taking off her shoes to relieve her aching feet and dipping them into soothing, warm bath water.
The line at the front desk was mercifully short. One clerk caught Rachel's attention and signaled her forward — she gave him her reservation information and then dug out her American Express card for payment. As he stepped away to verify its authenticity Rachel's eyes surveyed the lobby. "They've updated everything since I was last here", she thought. Her concentration, clouded by fatigue, was now on the mission style tables, chairs, and light fixtures, which had replaced the heavy, wooden furniture previously occupying the lobby. "Here is your card and room key, ma'am," the clerk interrupted minutes later. Quickly, Rachel stuffed her card back into her wallet, gathered her bags and whisked away to her room.
Rachel was a victim of identity theft that night, but did not know it at the time. Had she kept a watchful eye on what her clerk was doing instead of studying the lobby, she might have noticed him switching cards on her. At the very least, she would have seen that the card handed to her beneath her room key was not her own.
Identity theft is an exploding problem that has increased exponentially in this technological age. Particularly since the early 1990s thieves have been taking advantage of what we would consider every day transactions: writing a check at the grocery store, ordering merchandise via the internet, applying for a credit card, using your cell phone, and more. Each transaction requires you to share personal information: your bank and credit card account numbers; your income, your Social Security Number (SSN); and your name, address, and phone numbers.
An identity thief will lift some piece of your personal information and appropriate it without your knowledge to commit fraud or theft. One of the most common methods is when the identity thief uses your personal information to open a credit card account in your name.
The Federal Trade Commission is the arm of the federal government tasked with overseeing the problem of identity theft. A special hotline number (1-877-IDTHEFT) was created for consumers to call to place your information in a database which is accessible with other law enforcement agencies and private entities, including any companies about which you may complain. Additionally, an ID Theft Affidavit — a form you can use to alert companies where a new account was opened in your name — can be filled out and given to the company. This affidavit is available online to consumers.
Identity thieves can get your personal information in a number of ways:
* They steal wallets and purse containing your i.d. and credit and bank cards.
* They steal your mail, including your bank and credit card statements, pre-approved credit offers, telephone calling cards and tax information.
* They complete a "change of address form" to divert your mail to another location.
* They rummage through your trash, or the trash of businesses, for personal data in a practice known as "dumpster diving."
* They fraudulently obtain your credit report by posing as a landlord, employer or someone else who may have a legitimate need for — and a legal right to — the information.
* They get your business or personnel records at work.
* They find personal information in your home.
* They use personal information you share on the internet.
* They buy your personal information from "inside" sources. For example, an identity thief may pay a store employee for information about you that appears on an application for goods, services or credit.
Identity thieves will then take the personal information they have obtained about you and use it in a number of different ways:
* They will call your credit card issuer and, pretending to be you, ask to change the mailing address on your credit card account. The imposter then runs up charges on your account. Because your bills are being sent to the new address, it may take some time before you realize that there is a problem.
* They open a new credit card account, using your name, date of birth and SSN. When they sue the credit card and don't pay the bills, the delinquent account is reported on your credit report.
* They establish phone or wireless service in your name.
* They open a bank account in your name and write bad checks on that account.
* They file for bankruptcy under your name to avoid paying debts they have incurred under your name, or to avoid eviction.
* They counterfeit checks or debits cards, and drain your bank account.
* They buy cars by taking out auto loans in your name.
Fortunately for Rachel, American Express covered her losses. Although she didn't find out about the theft until she reached her home in California, American Express suspended her account when a number of suspicious charges appeared and she couldn’t be reached by them to verify the charges. Their fraud department left a message on her phone answering machine instructing her to call them and, when she did, Rachel was notified that someone else was using her card. When she explained that she had the card in her possession, she checked her purse and found a card for someone else instead.
Visa, MasterCard and American Express absorb the cost of fraud as long as they are notified by the consumer [certain restrictions may apply — check with your card issuer for specific details]. Had Rachel used a debit card, the story might have been much different. Unlike a credit card, the debit card takes a direct hit on your bank account, meaning that you will have to absorb the loss.
So, all is well with Rachel, right? Sure, American Express overnighted a new card with a new account number for Rachel to use on her next trip, but the problem could very well have continued — and deepened — had she not taken three more steps recommended by the Federal Trade Commission:
First, contact the fraud departments of each of the three major credit bureaus. Tell them that you are a victim of identity theft. Request that a "fraud alert" be placed in your file, as well as a victim's statement asking that creditors call you before opening any new accounts or changing your existing accounts. This can help prevent an identity thief from opening additional accounts in your name.
At the same time, order copies of your credit reports from the credit bureaus. Credit bureaus must give you a free copy of your report if your report is inaccurate because of fraud, and you make that request in writing. Review your reports carefully to make sure no additional fraudulent accounts have been opened in your name or unauthorized changes made to your existing accounts.
Second, contact the creditors for any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. Creditors can include credit card companies, phone companies and other utilities, and banks and other lenders.
Third, if possible, file a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place. Get a copy of the police report in case the bank, credit card company or others need proof of the crime. Even if the police are unable to catch the thief, the report can be helpful when dealing with creditors.
In summation, identity theft is a problem that is causing businesses and consumers billions of dollars per year. As a result, higher interest rates and an increase in the cost of goods and services is passed on to consumers. So, do not be a victim — protect yourself from identity theft by remaining alert especially when a third party is handling your personal information.
Matthew Keegan is the owner of a successful web design and marketing company based in North Carolina, USA. He manages several sites including the Corporate Flight Attendant Community at http://www.corporateflyer.net and the Aviation Employment Board at http://www.aviationemploymentboard.net This article originally appeared in the Summer 2002 issue of the Flight Attendant News.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Keegan
http://EzineArticles.com/?Identity-Theft:-Dont-Be-A-Victim!&id=61172
By Matthew Keegan
Moments after stepping out of the taxi, Rachel plunged through the entranceway of the hotel lobby eager to put behind what had been a terribly exhausting day. Flight delays due to weather had caused her LAX-MDW-BWI trip to take nearly eleven hours to complete. All she could think of was taking off her shoes to relieve her aching feet and dipping them into soothing, warm bath water.
The line at the front desk was mercifully short. One clerk caught Rachel's attention and signaled her forward — she gave him her reservation information and then dug out her American Express card for payment. As he stepped away to verify its authenticity Rachel's eyes surveyed the lobby. "They've updated everything since I was last here", she thought. Her concentration, clouded by fatigue, was now on the mission style tables, chairs, and light fixtures, which had replaced the heavy, wooden furniture previously occupying the lobby. "Here is your card and room key, ma'am," the clerk interrupted minutes later. Quickly, Rachel stuffed her card back into her wallet, gathered her bags and whisked away to her room.
Rachel was a victim of identity theft that night, but did not know it at the time. Had she kept a watchful eye on what her clerk was doing instead of studying the lobby, she might have noticed him switching cards on her. At the very least, she would have seen that the card handed to her beneath her room key was not her own.
Identity theft is an exploding problem that has increased exponentially in this technological age. Particularly since the early 1990s thieves have been taking advantage of what we would consider every day transactions: writing a check at the grocery store, ordering merchandise via the internet, applying for a credit card, using your cell phone, and more. Each transaction requires you to share personal information: your bank and credit card account numbers; your income, your Social Security Number (SSN); and your name, address, and phone numbers.
An identity thief will lift some piece of your personal information and appropriate it without your knowledge to commit fraud or theft. One of the most common methods is when the identity thief uses your personal information to open a credit card account in your name.
The Federal Trade Commission is the arm of the federal government tasked with overseeing the problem of identity theft. A special hotline number (1-877-IDTHEFT) was created for consumers to call to place your information in a database which is accessible with other law enforcement agencies and private entities, including any companies about which you may complain. Additionally, an ID Theft Affidavit — a form you can use to alert companies where a new account was opened in your name — can be filled out and given to the company. This affidavit is available online to consumers.
Identity thieves can get your personal information in a number of ways:
* They steal wallets and purse containing your i.d. and credit and bank cards.
* They steal your mail, including your bank and credit card statements, pre-approved credit offers, telephone calling cards and tax information.
* They complete a "change of address form" to divert your mail to another location.
* They rummage through your trash, or the trash of businesses, for personal data in a practice known as "dumpster diving."
* They fraudulently obtain your credit report by posing as a landlord, employer or someone else who may have a legitimate need for — and a legal right to — the information.
* They get your business or personnel records at work.
* They find personal information in your home.
* They use personal information you share on the internet.
* They buy your personal information from "inside" sources. For example, an identity thief may pay a store employee for information about you that appears on an application for goods, services or credit.
Identity thieves will then take the personal information they have obtained about you and use it in a number of different ways:
* They will call your credit card issuer and, pretending to be you, ask to change the mailing address on your credit card account. The imposter then runs up charges on your account. Because your bills are being sent to the new address, it may take some time before you realize that there is a problem.
* They open a new credit card account, using your name, date of birth and SSN. When they sue the credit card and don't pay the bills, the delinquent account is reported on your credit report.
* They establish phone or wireless service in your name.
* They open a bank account in your name and write bad checks on that account.
* They file for bankruptcy under your name to avoid paying debts they have incurred under your name, or to avoid eviction.
* They counterfeit checks or debits cards, and drain your bank account.
* They buy cars by taking out auto loans in your name.
Fortunately for Rachel, American Express covered her losses. Although she didn't find out about the theft until she reached her home in California, American Express suspended her account when a number of suspicious charges appeared and she couldn’t be reached by them to verify the charges. Their fraud department left a message on her phone answering machine instructing her to call them and, when she did, Rachel was notified that someone else was using her card. When she explained that she had the card in her possession, she checked her purse and found a card for someone else instead.
Visa, MasterCard and American Express absorb the cost of fraud as long as they are notified by the consumer [certain restrictions may apply — check with your card issuer for specific details]. Had Rachel used a debit card, the story might have been much different. Unlike a credit card, the debit card takes a direct hit on your bank account, meaning that you will have to absorb the loss.
So, all is well with Rachel, right? Sure, American Express overnighted a new card with a new account number for Rachel to use on her next trip, but the problem could very well have continued — and deepened — had she not taken three more steps recommended by the Federal Trade Commission:
First, contact the fraud departments of each of the three major credit bureaus. Tell them that you are a victim of identity theft. Request that a "fraud alert" be placed in your file, as well as a victim's statement asking that creditors call you before opening any new accounts or changing your existing accounts. This can help prevent an identity thief from opening additional accounts in your name.
At the same time, order copies of your credit reports from the credit bureaus. Credit bureaus must give you a free copy of your report if your report is inaccurate because of fraud, and you make that request in writing. Review your reports carefully to make sure no additional fraudulent accounts have been opened in your name or unauthorized changes made to your existing accounts.
Second, contact the creditors for any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. Creditors can include credit card companies, phone companies and other utilities, and banks and other lenders.
Third, if possible, file a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place. Get a copy of the police report in case the bank, credit card company or others need proof of the crime. Even if the police are unable to catch the thief, the report can be helpful when dealing with creditors.
In summation, identity theft is a problem that is causing businesses and consumers billions of dollars per year. As a result, higher interest rates and an increase in the cost of goods and services is passed on to consumers. So, do not be a victim — protect yourself from identity theft by remaining alert especially when a third party is handling your personal information.
Matthew Keegan is the owner of a successful web design and marketing company based in North Carolina, USA. He manages several sites including the Corporate Flight Attendant Community at http://www.corporateflyer.net and the Aviation Employment Board at http://www.aviationemploymentboard.net This article originally appeared in the Summer 2002 issue of the Flight Attendant News.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Keegan
http://EzineArticles.com/?Identity-Theft:-Dont-Be-A-Victim!&id=61172
Monday, April 30, 2007
Best Credit Card Machines 802
Is There Something Called A Bad Credit Credit Card?
By Terje Ellingsen
Is there something out there called a bad credit credit card?
Well, when a bank or Credit company such as Bank of America,
Washington Mutual or Chase receive an application from you,
they use a statistical system to determine whether or not to
grant credit to you by assigning numerical scores to various
characteristics related to creditworthiness. This means the
creditor's measure of your past and future ability and
willingness to repay your debts. This system is based on your
credit history, which is a record of how you have borrowed and
repaid debts. If this record shows late payments, skipping
payments, exceeding card limits or declaring bankruptcy you are
considered a person with "bad credit".
Then you're condemned, you're hopeless.. Nobody will ever lend
you money or give you a credit card anymore, you may think but
then you should think again. Even people with horrible credit
histories who have been in a financial mess because of previous
debt can get credit card offers. So, the answer to the question
I asked in the beginning of this article is "Yes": You can get
a secured or prepaid credit card.
Banks and other credit companies need customers, even thoses in
a bad financial situation. So these secured or prepaid cards
offers are specifically targeted to help people with poor
credit, so that they too can have all the benefits that follows
such a card.
What distinguise a secured card from an unsecured is that the
card's account is usually related to a savings account. This is
the way the card is secured. Let's say you have $1,000 in your
account, then your credit limit will be $1,000. With this build
in security, you will never be brought into a debt situation
again. After using this card for a while, most banks or finance
companies will gradually grant you credit that exceeds your
saving account balance and you will at the same time repair
your credit history. This bad credit credit card is a great
offer, that you should take advantage of if you have a messy
financial history and want to rebuild your credit.
About the Author: Terje Brooks Ellingsen is a writer and
internet publisher. He runs the website
http://www.1st-in-loan.net Terje gives advice and helps people
with personal financial issues like debt solutions, see
http://www.1st-in-loan.net/debt_help.htm and to apply for visa
and master cards, see http://www.1st-in-loan.net/debt_help.htm
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By Terje Ellingsen
Is there something out there called a bad credit credit card?
Well, when a bank or Credit company such as Bank of America,
Washington Mutual or Chase receive an application from you,
they use a statistical system to determine whether or not to
grant credit to you by assigning numerical scores to various
characteristics related to creditworthiness. This means the
creditor's measure of your past and future ability and
willingness to repay your debts. This system is based on your
credit history, which is a record of how you have borrowed and
repaid debts. If this record shows late payments, skipping
payments, exceeding card limits or declaring bankruptcy you are
considered a person with "bad credit".
Then you're condemned, you're hopeless.. Nobody will ever lend
you money or give you a credit card anymore, you may think but
then you should think again. Even people with horrible credit
histories who have been in a financial mess because of previous
debt can get credit card offers. So, the answer to the question
I asked in the beginning of this article is "Yes": You can get
a secured or prepaid credit card.
Banks and other credit companies need customers, even thoses in
a bad financial situation. So these secured or prepaid cards
offers are specifically targeted to help people with poor
credit, so that they too can have all the benefits that follows
such a card.
What distinguise a secured card from an unsecured is that the
card's account is usually related to a savings account. This is
the way the card is secured. Let's say you have $1,000 in your
account, then your credit limit will be $1,000. With this build
in security, you will never be brought into a debt situation
again. After using this card for a while, most banks or finance
companies will gradually grant you credit that exceeds your
saving account balance and you will at the same time repair
your credit history. This bad credit credit card is a great
offer, that you should take advantage of if you have a messy
financial history and want to rebuild your credit.
About the Author: Terje Brooks Ellingsen is a writer and
internet publisher. He runs the website
http://www.1st-in-loan.net Terje gives advice and helps people
with personal financial issues like debt solutions, see
http://www.1st-in-loan.net/debt_help.htm and to apply for visa
and master cards, see http://www.1st-in-loan.net/debt_help.htm
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Best Credit Card Machines 802
Opting For A Credit Card? Check Out Certain Terms
By James Marriott
You’ve just received a "pre-approved" credit card offer in your
mail. Without wasting a minute you’re ready to accept it,
especially if it’s the "before-the-offer-expires” one. Wait!
Don’t be in a hurry. Shop around a little and then make your
decision about that credit card.
Do you know that these "pre-approved" offers that pop up almost
every time you open your mail are just gimmicks? Actually, the
approval of your credit card depends on your formal
application. If it fails to meet the criteria, you may be
either denied the credit card or offered a higher interest rate
on it. Moreover, don’t be in the illusion that just because your
credit card is pre-approved, it’ll be compatible to your
spending habits. Credit card basically means that you’re
borrowing money by paying some charges. So, it’s essential to
understand the terms and conditions of the credit card before
accepting it.
Every credit card applier should be aware of certain terms
before opting for that valuable plastic asset. Are you aware of
them? If not, then read on…
Annual Percentage Rate (APR): It’s the measure of the credit
cost that is charged annually. Before opening your credit card
account, you should be familiar with the APR. In addition, some
credit card issuers may change your APR with the change in
interest rates or other economic indicators. Programs allowing
such change are called "variable rate" programs.
Free Period or Grace Period: Always find out whether your
credit card gives you a free period lest you may be deprived of
the benefit of avoiding finance charges on full payment before
the due date. If your credit card offers a grace period, you
should receive your bill 14 days prior to the due date, so that
you get sufficient time to make the payments.
Annual Fees, Transaction Fees and other charges: It’s vital to
have knowledge about the annual and transaction fees charged by
the credit card issuer. Besides this, you may also be charged in
case of a cash advance, a late payment, or exceeding your credit
limit. Sometimes, you’ve to pay a monthly fee even if you don’t
use your credit card.
The Bonus Program: If you’re opting for a credit card that
offers attractions like airline miles, merchandise, or cash
back, check out whether there are any participation charges
linked with them. If you think you won’t get a chance to use
these bonuses due to your lifestyle, then it’s better to avoid
such credit cards.
Zero percent financing: If you hold several credit cards, then
a credit card with an initial 0 percent balance transfer rate
would save you hundreds of dollars in the first year. However,
such transfers may come with some charges. Check them out.
Credit card terms differ with the issuers. You should know how
you’d use your credit card. For instance, if you are going to
pay your full balance each month, then you should concentrate
on annual fee and other charges rather than the periodic rate
and the APR.
Moreover, you should know your credit card limit too. Also,
find out how popular the credit card is and what are the
features and programs of the credit card you’ve opted for.
Once you are well versed with the terms of the credit card,
just apply for it!
About the Author: James is a regular finance columnist with
RNCOS (http://www.rncos.com). He writes on a wide range of
topics, including mutual funds, taxes, credit cards, and IRAs.
For further suggestions and comments on the articles and bad
credit loans, feel free to question our staff writer at
info@rncos.com.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By James Marriott
You’ve just received a "pre-approved" credit card offer in your
mail. Without wasting a minute you’re ready to accept it,
especially if it’s the "before-the-offer-expires” one. Wait!
Don’t be in a hurry. Shop around a little and then make your
decision about that credit card.
Do you know that these "pre-approved" offers that pop up almost
every time you open your mail are just gimmicks? Actually, the
approval of your credit card depends on your formal
application. If it fails to meet the criteria, you may be
either denied the credit card or offered a higher interest rate
on it. Moreover, don’t be in the illusion that just because your
credit card is pre-approved, it’ll be compatible to your
spending habits. Credit card basically means that you’re
borrowing money by paying some charges. So, it’s essential to
understand the terms and conditions of the credit card before
accepting it.
Every credit card applier should be aware of certain terms
before opting for that valuable plastic asset. Are you aware of
them? If not, then read on…
Annual Percentage Rate (APR): It’s the measure of the credit
cost that is charged annually. Before opening your credit card
account, you should be familiar with the APR. In addition, some
credit card issuers may change your APR with the change in
interest rates or other economic indicators. Programs allowing
such change are called "variable rate" programs.
Free Period or Grace Period: Always find out whether your
credit card gives you a free period lest you may be deprived of
the benefit of avoiding finance charges on full payment before
the due date. If your credit card offers a grace period, you
should receive your bill 14 days prior to the due date, so that
you get sufficient time to make the payments.
Annual Fees, Transaction Fees and other charges: It’s vital to
have knowledge about the annual and transaction fees charged by
the credit card issuer. Besides this, you may also be charged in
case of a cash advance, a late payment, or exceeding your credit
limit. Sometimes, you’ve to pay a monthly fee even if you don’t
use your credit card.
The Bonus Program: If you’re opting for a credit card that
offers attractions like airline miles, merchandise, or cash
back, check out whether there are any participation charges
linked with them. If you think you won’t get a chance to use
these bonuses due to your lifestyle, then it’s better to avoid
such credit cards.
Zero percent financing: If you hold several credit cards, then
a credit card with an initial 0 percent balance transfer rate
would save you hundreds of dollars in the first year. However,
such transfers may come with some charges. Check them out.
Credit card terms differ with the issuers. You should know how
you’d use your credit card. For instance, if you are going to
pay your full balance each month, then you should concentrate
on annual fee and other charges rather than the periodic rate
and the APR.
Moreover, you should know your credit card limit too. Also,
find out how popular the credit card is and what are the
features and programs of the credit card you’ve opted for.
Once you are well versed with the terms of the credit card,
just apply for it!
About the Author: James is a regular finance columnist with
RNCOS (http://www.rncos.com). He writes on a wide range of
topics, including mutual funds, taxes, credit cards, and IRAs.
For further suggestions and comments on the articles and bad
credit loans, feel free to question our staff writer at
info@rncos.com.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Friday, April 27, 2007
Best Credit Card Machines 802
Best Credit Card Processing Rates
By Shane Penrod
Everyone goes into business to make money, so why spend more of your profits on expensive transaction fees, Website maintenance, service agreements and high credit card processing rates? When you take time to shop for the best deals, you can save quite a bit of money that can be used to good purpose in other parts of your business. Start shopping for the best credit card processing rates and open a merchant account.
You will first need to find a reputable bank or credit union that will agree to extend a merchant account to you for this purpose. To get approved, you will need a solid credit history, a reasonable business plan, and documentation to show that you are able to manage the costs associated with credit card processing rates. Typically, these include an installation fee for credit card processing equipment, a monthly gateway fee for your financial host, a transaction fee of a few cents per each or an overall percentage total each month. You also may be offered Website service that will entail a hosting fee, a service contract cost, and a designer’s or updating service fee. Be sure to carefully read the terms of any contract that you receive. Never sign something that you don’t understand or with which you cannot completely agree. Your company may have to pay for a monthly minimum up to a certain number of transactions, after which the balance for that month do not require additional fees.
Credit card processing rates can vary by company or by processor program. Some companies charge no installation fee, while others require a one-time cost of a few hundred dollars, depending on the program’s complexity. You may have to pay between 15 and 25 cents per transaction, or you could opt to pay a monthly percentage for the entire amount of business generated by your credit card processing unit; this amount often falls below 2%.
It is always a good idea to compare rates among competing financial institutions. If you really like the services offered by one merchant account company but prefer the lower rates of a second company, tell the first one about the competitor’s lower rates, and perhaps the first company will meet or beat the lower cost in order to get your business. At first, you may want to keep the customer’s interests in mind when shopping for credit card processing rates. In other words, passing on the savings of a particular program to your customers will keep them coming back to do business with you. If your rates are too high or not competitive enough, they may decide to take their business elsewhere.
As you plan to set up your new credit card processing service rates, it may help to let them know in advance that this program is coming so they can prepare and perhaps even help to get the word out to other potential customers. Then, after installing your new credit card processor, you should not hear complaints that anyone was blindsided or treated unfairly. If someone does complain, politely remind them of the earlier notices.
When you are ready to start processing credit card payments, don’t be tempted to go for the option with the most features or the most sophisticated set-up. Opt for a system that will best suit your company needs and your customers’ interests, as well as offering the best credit card processing rates.
Shane Penrod is the founder of http://www.Merchant-Account-Quotes.com Specializing in allowing merchants the ability to shop and compare multiple quotes from national merchant account providers. For free quotes on merchant account rates and fees, please go to http://www.merchant-account-quotes.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shane_Penrod
http://EzineArticles.com/?Best-Credit-Card-Processing-Rates&id=93127
By Shane Penrod
Everyone goes into business to make money, so why spend more of your profits on expensive transaction fees, Website maintenance, service agreements and high credit card processing rates? When you take time to shop for the best deals, you can save quite a bit of money that can be used to good purpose in other parts of your business. Start shopping for the best credit card processing rates and open a merchant account.
You will first need to find a reputable bank or credit union that will agree to extend a merchant account to you for this purpose. To get approved, you will need a solid credit history, a reasonable business plan, and documentation to show that you are able to manage the costs associated with credit card processing rates. Typically, these include an installation fee for credit card processing equipment, a monthly gateway fee for your financial host, a transaction fee of a few cents per each or an overall percentage total each month. You also may be offered Website service that will entail a hosting fee, a service contract cost, and a designer’s or updating service fee. Be sure to carefully read the terms of any contract that you receive. Never sign something that you don’t understand or with which you cannot completely agree. Your company may have to pay for a monthly minimum up to a certain number of transactions, after which the balance for that month do not require additional fees.
Credit card processing rates can vary by company or by processor program. Some companies charge no installation fee, while others require a one-time cost of a few hundred dollars, depending on the program’s complexity. You may have to pay between 15 and 25 cents per transaction, or you could opt to pay a monthly percentage for the entire amount of business generated by your credit card processing unit; this amount often falls below 2%.
It is always a good idea to compare rates among competing financial institutions. If you really like the services offered by one merchant account company but prefer the lower rates of a second company, tell the first one about the competitor’s lower rates, and perhaps the first company will meet or beat the lower cost in order to get your business. At first, you may want to keep the customer’s interests in mind when shopping for credit card processing rates. In other words, passing on the savings of a particular program to your customers will keep them coming back to do business with you. If your rates are too high or not competitive enough, they may decide to take their business elsewhere.
As you plan to set up your new credit card processing service rates, it may help to let them know in advance that this program is coming so they can prepare and perhaps even help to get the word out to other potential customers. Then, after installing your new credit card processor, you should not hear complaints that anyone was blindsided or treated unfairly. If someone does complain, politely remind them of the earlier notices.
When you are ready to start processing credit card payments, don’t be tempted to go for the option with the most features or the most sophisticated set-up. Opt for a system that will best suit your company needs and your customers’ interests, as well as offering the best credit card processing rates.
Shane Penrod is the founder of http://www.Merchant-Account-Quotes.com Specializing in allowing merchants the ability to shop and compare multiple quotes from national merchant account providers. For free quotes on merchant account rates and fees, please go to http://www.merchant-account-quotes.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shane_Penrod
http://EzineArticles.com/?Best-Credit-Card-Processing-Rates&id=93127
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Best Credit Card Machines 802
Requirement of a Credit Card Processing Service in Business
By Michael Braganza
Today more and more people are using the Internet and the number of older users is increasing fast. The internet is becoming an important source of news and information. With the popularity and widespread usage of Internet, the popularity of ecommerce business is also spreading like a wildfire.
To get by any ecommerce business or online business or set up retail storefront successfully, Internet credit card processing service plays a very important role. If your ecommerce business is still not laced with Online Merchant Account or credit card merchant services, consider getting one without wasting any more precious seconds. Only then you will conduct online ecommerce business successfully. Because Internet credit card processing service is the best way to process clients’ payment online.
First of all we discuss about what online merchant credit card services are and how It work? An online merchant credit card services is a service that facilitates you to make payments or accept payments online for you. Online credit card merchant services work through online merchant account that is provided by a bank. These services allow you to make or receive credit card payments through Internet. Being laced with merchant Solutions services can be extremely beneficial and fruitful to your ecommerce business because it allows your visitors and customers to easily make payments.
Now we discuss about what Internet credit card processing is? It is a process of getting the authorization of a credit purchase when ordering online. Generally Internet credit card processing requires three components – a payment gateway, an online merchant account and a credit card processing company. On the type of online merchant account it may also require various equipments such as; credit card machines, computers, hypercom terminal, pin pad and related software.
Now we describe in brief about merchant credit card services provider and choosing a reliable service provider. There are a number of merchant credit card services providers in the market. But you ought to take precautions before selecting one of them. Accepting credit cards can be risky and can you make suffering with paying high priced services on Credit card receivables terminal that your business does not in need of, and force to pay high monthly fees if precautions are not observed in choosing a reliable Internet credit card processing services provider.
A reliable Internet credit card payment processing service provider that is versatile in nature can assist your ecommerce businesses in increasing their sales. It offers security protection by using modern technology and assures you and your clients to be tension free for the duration of the transaction and when the credit card information is being processed. By hiring a good service provider you can accept all forms of payments and accept credit card anywhere and anytime.
At last we want to say the always go with a good merchant solutions provider and appropriate equipments and related software.
Michael Braganza is an eminent analyst and writer in Software and Technology related topics. He has authored many books on Technology and Online Merchant Account Services like Merchant credit card services Now he is rendering his services to http://www.themerchantsolutions.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Braganza
http://EzineArticles.com/?Requirement-of-a-Credit-Card-Processing-Service-in-Business&id=519697
By Michael Braganza
Today more and more people are using the Internet and the number of older users is increasing fast. The internet is becoming an important source of news and information. With the popularity and widespread usage of Internet, the popularity of ecommerce business is also spreading like a wildfire.
To get by any ecommerce business or online business or set up retail storefront successfully, Internet credit card processing service plays a very important role. If your ecommerce business is still not laced with Online Merchant Account or credit card merchant services, consider getting one without wasting any more precious seconds. Only then you will conduct online ecommerce business successfully. Because Internet credit card processing service is the best way to process clients’ payment online.
First of all we discuss about what online merchant credit card services are and how It work? An online merchant credit card services is a service that facilitates you to make payments or accept payments online for you. Online credit card merchant services work through online merchant account that is provided by a bank. These services allow you to make or receive credit card payments through Internet. Being laced with merchant Solutions services can be extremely beneficial and fruitful to your ecommerce business because it allows your visitors and customers to easily make payments.
Now we discuss about what Internet credit card processing is? It is a process of getting the authorization of a credit purchase when ordering online. Generally Internet credit card processing requires three components – a payment gateway, an online merchant account and a credit card processing company. On the type of online merchant account it may also require various equipments such as; credit card machines, computers, hypercom terminal, pin pad and related software.
Now we describe in brief about merchant credit card services provider and choosing a reliable service provider. There are a number of merchant credit card services providers in the market. But you ought to take precautions before selecting one of them. Accepting credit cards can be risky and can you make suffering with paying high priced services on Credit card receivables terminal that your business does not in need of, and force to pay high monthly fees if precautions are not observed in choosing a reliable Internet credit card processing services provider.
A reliable Internet credit card payment processing service provider that is versatile in nature can assist your ecommerce businesses in increasing their sales. It offers security protection by using modern technology and assures you and your clients to be tension free for the duration of the transaction and when the credit card information is being processed. By hiring a good service provider you can accept all forms of payments and accept credit card anywhere and anytime.
At last we want to say the always go with a good merchant solutions provider and appropriate equipments and related software.
Michael Braganza is an eminent analyst and writer in Software and Technology related topics. He has authored many books on Technology and Online Merchant Account Services like Merchant credit card services Now he is rendering his services to http://www.themerchantsolutions.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Braganza
http://EzineArticles.com/?Requirement-of-a-Credit-Card-Processing-Service-in-Business&id=519697
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Best Credit Card Machines 802
Credit Card Machines
By Alan Jason Smith
Credit Cards Machines come in all shapes and styles. Credit
card machines come in a variety of price ranges, offering
enough choices that you can select exactly the model your
business would thrive with. Credit card machines are a must for
any business to succeed in today’s market. Credit card machines
tap into the most popular form of payment for products and
services: credit cards. Since the evolution of the atm card
into a debit card, credit card machines have developed many
talents. Credit card machines can run payments on a card as a
check, as a debt transaction straight from a checking account,
or as a credit card payment that a patron will pay at a later
date as decided by the credit card company.
Credit card machines offer the security of positive payment. A
credit card machine offers increased reliability, ensuring
money is in an account before your clients leave with product.
Money saved in bad check recovery more than makes up for the
cost of credit card machines. There are many different kinds of
credit card machines.
Some credit card machines tap into the credit system without a
printer. These terminals make sense for mail order or phone
order businesses. When a merchant does not need to issue a
receipt of sale at the time of the sale, the merchant can save
money by not buying a terminal-printer combo.
Credit card machines without a printer are the cheapest
machines, costing between two hundred and five hundred dollars.
Landscaping, locksmith, and plumbing businesses, businesses
where travel and on-site payment is required without immediate
access to a credit card terminal, all benefit from credit card
machines lacking printers.
Credit card machines that include a printer are the most common
form of credit card machine used in industry today. Printers on
credit card machines can be integrated impact or thermal. A
single unit dually functions to process the credit card
transaction and then to print a receipt. These machines can be
more expensive than those terminals without printers, but they
are reasonable and effective in medium volume retail. These
credit card machines range from under three hundred dollars to
nine hundred dollars. Additional options can be ordered, such
as a built in pin pad. These enable customers to enter their
pin number for debit transactions without the merchant needing
to purchase an additional machine. Some credit card machines
with built in printers require ink cartridges, but some do not.
While those that do not require ink cartridges may be slightly
more expensive they may save time and add efficiency to sales.
Wireless credit card machines provide the same functions of
general credit card machines with a few overwhelming
advantages. Wireless credit card machines do not require
separate wires to trip on. They do not require a separate phone
line. Wireless credit card machines access credit systems
faster, and provide faster turn around on sales. Wireless
credit card machines are more expensive and require wireless
service packages, but may be a must for high volume businesses.
They are effective and reliable, consisting of the most up to
date technology.
Regardless of the type of credit card machine you choose to
invest in, credit card machines can aide your business. Credit
card machines are a must for the twenty-first century and have
advanced to be more effective for you and for your customers.
About the Author: Alan Jason Smith is the owner of
http://www.creditcardspdq.com which is a great place to find
credit card links, resources and articles. For more information
go to: http://www.creditcardspdq.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By Alan Jason Smith
Credit Cards Machines come in all shapes and styles. Credit
card machines come in a variety of price ranges, offering
enough choices that you can select exactly the model your
business would thrive with. Credit card machines are a must for
any business to succeed in today’s market. Credit card machines
tap into the most popular form of payment for products and
services: credit cards. Since the evolution of the atm card
into a debit card, credit card machines have developed many
talents. Credit card machines can run payments on a card as a
check, as a debt transaction straight from a checking account,
or as a credit card payment that a patron will pay at a later
date as decided by the credit card company.
Credit card machines offer the security of positive payment. A
credit card machine offers increased reliability, ensuring
money is in an account before your clients leave with product.
Money saved in bad check recovery more than makes up for the
cost of credit card machines. There are many different kinds of
credit card machines.
Some credit card machines tap into the credit system without a
printer. These terminals make sense for mail order or phone
order businesses. When a merchant does not need to issue a
receipt of sale at the time of the sale, the merchant can save
money by not buying a terminal-printer combo.
Credit card machines without a printer are the cheapest
machines, costing between two hundred and five hundred dollars.
Landscaping, locksmith, and plumbing businesses, businesses
where travel and on-site payment is required without immediate
access to a credit card terminal, all benefit from credit card
machines lacking printers.
Credit card machines that include a printer are the most common
form of credit card machine used in industry today. Printers on
credit card machines can be integrated impact or thermal. A
single unit dually functions to process the credit card
transaction and then to print a receipt. These machines can be
more expensive than those terminals without printers, but they
are reasonable and effective in medium volume retail. These
credit card machines range from under three hundred dollars to
nine hundred dollars. Additional options can be ordered, such
as a built in pin pad. These enable customers to enter their
pin number for debit transactions without the merchant needing
to purchase an additional machine. Some credit card machines
with built in printers require ink cartridges, but some do not.
While those that do not require ink cartridges may be slightly
more expensive they may save time and add efficiency to sales.
Wireless credit card machines provide the same functions of
general credit card machines with a few overwhelming
advantages. Wireless credit card machines do not require
separate wires to trip on. They do not require a separate phone
line. Wireless credit card machines access credit systems
faster, and provide faster turn around on sales. Wireless
credit card machines are more expensive and require wireless
service packages, but may be a must for high volume businesses.
They are effective and reliable, consisting of the most up to
date technology.
Regardless of the type of credit card machine you choose to
invest in, credit card machines can aide your business. Credit
card machines are a must for the twenty-first century and have
advanced to be more effective for you and for your customers.
About the Author: Alan Jason Smith is the owner of
http://www.creditcardspdq.com which is a great place to find
credit card links, resources and articles. For more information
go to: http://www.creditcardspdq.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Monday, April 16, 2007
Best Credit Card Machines 802
Third Party Credit Card Processors
By Debbie Dragon
If you’re a small business or just starting out, you may not feel ready for a merchant account. Obtaining a merchant account is not usually considered difficult, however, for a newly established business it isn’t always feasible to run out and a merchant account immediately. Starting a business is often costly and risky to begin with- you do not need to go out and spend money on optional features (like a merchant account) until you know whether or not your business is going to succeed, and whether or not you’ll have the need to accept credit cards from customers.
Did you know there are other options and alternative methods for allowing your customers to pay you with credit cards? Companies called “third party credit card processors” do not require their customers to create merchant accounts, and yet they can be used to allow small or new businesses the ability to accept credit card payments from customers.
Why Worry about Accepting Credit Cards at All?
It’s important that you are able to accept credit card payments from customers, however, even if you aren’t feeling up to getting a traditional merchant account right now. It’s been proven that businesses that except credit cards experience higher sales than those that do not accept credit cards. In fact, some companies have reported an increase of 50 to 400% in sales once they began accepting credit cards as a payment method. It also helps to establish a professional image- and for some potential consumers, it generates a feeling of trust. (“If the business is established enough to accept credit cards, they’re a quality business that I should shop with”!)
Home based businesses and online businesses can take advantage of a third party credit card processor instead of going directly with a merchant account if they wanted to. It allows a business to determine how many customers will make purchases with credit cards, as well as determine if more or higher sales come as a result of accepting credit cards as payments.
A third party credit card processor offers real-time processing online, online virtual terminals for entering manual transactions, no maximum limits for processing amounts in most cases, and the ability to set up recurring billing.
One of the advantages of using a third party credit card processor over establishing a merchant account is that instead of paying a transaction fee or a monthly fee, you pay a percentage of the sales (from 2% to 15%), and only when you actually make sales. Some merchant account providers require that you pay a monthly fee- even if you aren’t making any credit card sales. By starting out with a third party credit card processor, you can judge how many customers might use the option to pay with credit cards before you go through the process of applying for a merchant account and getting everything set up.
How do third party payment processors work?
Once you have an account with a third party payment processor, you’ll create links to your products that allow customers to order and pay with credit. The links send the customer to the third-party processing company’s server, and they handle the orders for you. Payments are processed by the company, and the sales are credited to your own business- less the third party processor’s commission. You receive your money from the third party processing company at established payment intervals. Typically, money owed to you from the third party credit card processing company is deposited automatically into a checking or savings account that you have set up for your business and linked to your account with the third party processor.
This article has been provided by Creditor Web. Creditor Web has the articles and other credit card processing resources to help you choose the right provider.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Debbie_Dragon
http://EzineArticles.com/?Third-Party-Credit-Card-Processors&id=490450
By Debbie Dragon
If you’re a small business or just starting out, you may not feel ready for a merchant account. Obtaining a merchant account is not usually considered difficult, however, for a newly established business it isn’t always feasible to run out and a merchant account immediately. Starting a business is often costly and risky to begin with- you do not need to go out and spend money on optional features (like a merchant account) until you know whether or not your business is going to succeed, and whether or not you’ll have the need to accept credit cards from customers.
Did you know there are other options and alternative methods for allowing your customers to pay you with credit cards? Companies called “third party credit card processors” do not require their customers to create merchant accounts, and yet they can be used to allow small or new businesses the ability to accept credit card payments from customers.
Why Worry about Accepting Credit Cards at All?
It’s important that you are able to accept credit card payments from customers, however, even if you aren’t feeling up to getting a traditional merchant account right now. It’s been proven that businesses that except credit cards experience higher sales than those that do not accept credit cards. In fact, some companies have reported an increase of 50 to 400% in sales once they began accepting credit cards as a payment method. It also helps to establish a professional image- and for some potential consumers, it generates a feeling of trust. (“If the business is established enough to accept credit cards, they’re a quality business that I should shop with”!)
Home based businesses and online businesses can take advantage of a third party credit card processor instead of going directly with a merchant account if they wanted to. It allows a business to determine how many customers will make purchases with credit cards, as well as determine if more or higher sales come as a result of accepting credit cards as payments.
A third party credit card processor offers real-time processing online, online virtual terminals for entering manual transactions, no maximum limits for processing amounts in most cases, and the ability to set up recurring billing.
One of the advantages of using a third party credit card processor over establishing a merchant account is that instead of paying a transaction fee or a monthly fee, you pay a percentage of the sales (from 2% to 15%), and only when you actually make sales. Some merchant account providers require that you pay a monthly fee- even if you aren’t making any credit card sales. By starting out with a third party credit card processor, you can judge how many customers might use the option to pay with credit cards before you go through the process of applying for a merchant account and getting everything set up.
How do third party payment processors work?
Once you have an account with a third party payment processor, you’ll create links to your products that allow customers to order and pay with credit. The links send the customer to the third-party processing company’s server, and they handle the orders for you. Payments are processed by the company, and the sales are credited to your own business- less the third party processor’s commission. You receive your money from the third party processing company at established payment intervals. Typically, money owed to you from the third party credit card processing company is deposited automatically into a checking or savings account that you have set up for your business and linked to your account with the third party processor.
This article has been provided by Creditor Web. Creditor Web has the articles and other credit card processing resources to help you choose the right provider.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Debbie_Dragon
http://EzineArticles.com/?Third-Party-Credit-Card-Processors&id=490450
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