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
Monday, May 14, 2007
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
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