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Bad Credit Refinance 101: The Hows and The Whats
If you are like every other home owner or general consumer out there, you need to pay for your expenses somehow. If you have bad credit, you might be limited in your options as to what you can do (or so you think…keep reading!). This can be...
Credit Card Debt Help: How to Become Credit Smart and Enjoy the American Dream
Being able to buy things on credit has allowed Americans to own
and enjoy things--often for years--without having to wait and
pay cash for them. In that way, the concept of credit has been a
boon to experiencing the American Dream. Unfortunately,...
How a Credit Card Can Be Your Friend
How a Credit Card Can Be Your Friend Copyright 2005, Jim Hood We have all heard countless stories of people over their heads with credit card debt-maxing out every card they own, then only being able to afford the minimum monthly payment. High...
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Wouldn't You Like to Know Your Credit Score?
If you don't know what your credit score is, it is high time that you learn! This lone number is the biggest determination for lenders to decide whether you are or are not credit worthy. Not only do credit card companies use it to determine whether...
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Credit Card Debt – Watch Your Credit Report and Your Bill
Most consumers are aware of the importance of their credit report. This document, offered to consumers and lenders by the three major credit bureaus, offers a fairly complete list of financial transactions and debts incurred by a consumer. Lenders examine the report, along with the associated FICO score, to determine whether a consumer is worthy of receiving additional credit or loans. What many consumers may not know is that credit card companies regularly check their credit reports, and unfavorable entries may result in a higher interest rate on their credit cards.
We have previously noted that many credit card companies employ something known as a “universal default clause” in their terms of service. This clause allows the company to raise interest rates on the customer’s card if the customer pays bills late. A late payment to the phone company could result in a higher interest rate on the Visa card. Most companies also allow themselves the latitude to raise their customers’ interest rates for any reason at all. With this in mind, the credit card companies tend to run occasional credit checks on their customers, often raising rates if they notice any activity that, in their opinion, makes the customer a higher risk. This might happen even if the customer has a history of paying his or her credit card bills on time.
The sorts of
things that may create a “risky” client include taking out additional loans, additional credit cards, or building balances on existing cards to at or near their limits. The companies justify this activity by saying that consumers who do these things create greater risk for the lender, and these costs must be passed on to all of their customers. The problem for the customer is that these higher interest rates are often assigned without warning. The new rate applies to existing balances, too. An interest rate hike today could mean that the television you bought last fall has suddenly become more expensive.
What can consumers do? Keep an eye on your credit card bill and your credit report. You can receive a copy of your credit report, for free, at http://www.annualcreditreport.com. As for your credit card bill, watch the interest rate. If it abruptly changes to a higher rate, call your credit card issuer and ask them about it. They will often reduce the rate if you call and complain. If not, your only option may be to shop around for another card.
About the Author
©Copyright 2005 by Retro Marketing. Charles Essmeier is the owner of Retro Marketing, a firm devoted to informational Websites, including End-Your-Debt.com, a site devoted to establishing credit, debt consolidation and credit counseling.
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| Credit/Debt Management - Tools and Advice for Managing Credit and Debt |
| Drowning in debt? Trying to improve your credit score? This is the place for you. Get real world information and tips, as well as the legal low down, ... |
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