Top tips for using a credit card effectively
Credit cards have revolutionised how we use money and how we shop. Credit cards have enhanced the shopping experience from the mass market end to the premium side of the market. If you need some ideas on how to get the most out of your credit card, you have come to the right place:
- Read the small print: The terms and conditions of your credit card will explain how much you will pay in interest. In the credit card world, this is known as APR which is the annual percentage rate. The APR will decide how much you are paying – be sure to read the small print so you also understand what late fees are applicable if any.
- Use a credit card for its offers: Many credit card providers know that consumers are wary of credit cards which is why they give us more offers. T
Credit scores increasing across the nation
The number of consumers with credit scores in the subprime category dropped year-over-year, with improvement seen in many metropolitan areas, Equifax revealed in a recent report.
According to Equifax, the total number of consumers with subprime credit scores (credit scores of 619 or less) dropped by approximately 1 million from the third quarter (Q3) of 2011 to Q3 of 2012.
From Q3 2011 to Q3 2012, the total number of subprime consumers dropped 2.1 percent. Subprime consumers now take up 25.2 percent of the overall share, down from 25.9 percent a year earlier.
It is nice to see that over 1 million people across the country have moved out of the below 620 range, Trey , president of the Personal Solutions division at Equifax, said in a statement.
Many Consumers Still Lack Basic Credit Score Knowledge
In their third annual survey on consumer knowledge about credit scores, the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) and VantageScore Solutions found that many consumers still have major misconceptions about what influences credit scores and how credit scores are used. In fact, 54% of people answered they have not checked their credit scores within the past year.
The Nerds Behind Credit Karma: Alex
Hi there! Ready to meet another awesome member of the Credit Karma team? Last month, we introduced you to Igor, our Front-End Web Developer Lead.
Today, meet Alex! Fun fact about Alex: hes a HUGE fan of spicy food and regularly buys ghost pepper (the hottest pepper in the world) hot sauce to put on his food.
Want to learn more about Alex? Read on!
What’s your title at Credit Karma?
Front-End Developer
Describe what you do at Credit Karma.
I build and style the visual part of our website, emails, or whatever our great designers deliver to me.
How long have you worked at CK?
One and a half years!
Whats your favorite thing about working at CK?
Nerf gun wars!
Whats your favorite snack in the CK kitchen?
I cant share that its a big secret because I dont want people to touch my favorite snack! Bu
Discover it Card Review: 0% APR for 14 Months* A Good Deal?
Secure Application CREDITSHOUT RATING: Excellent The new Discover it™ credit card was recently launched and is perfect for people who want to earn cash back on all of their purchases without any hassles or hidden fees. Along with a 5% quarterly rewards program, cardholders get 14 months of 0% interest on balance transfers and purchases, which also makes this card a great choice for balance transfers.
The card offers a range of other benefits as well, including no annual fee and, like the Citi Simplicity card, and no penalty APR.
Lets take a more in depth look at why Discover it is our new favorite card for 2013. T
Majority believe that smartphone will replace credit cards
Nearly two-thirds of Americans believe that smartphones will overtake credit cards for payment transactions, the results of a Harris Poll revealed recently.
According to Harris, 66 percent see smartphone payments replacing credit cards and 61 percent see smartphones replacing cash for the majority of purchases.
Additionally, 13 percent of respondents said that they have either paid via smartphone themselves or witnessed smartphone payments firsthand, with the latter being more prominent. Eight percent have witnessed smartphone payments while 4 percent paid in this manner themselves.
Despite the overwhelming results pointing to a future takeover of smartphone payments, Americans arent ready to say that it will happen in the immediate future just yet.
While 66 percent of respondents do see smartphone payments replacing credit cards eventually, only 32 percent think it will happen within the next five years.
How to Curb Emotional Credit Card Spending
Do you use your credit card more often when you’re sad, angry, or even happy? If you notice yourself using your credit card to buy things you don’t need to make yourself feel happy, you may be an emotional spender.
Using your credit card when you’re emotional is a big no-no, because you won’t stop until you feel better or until you reach your credit limit, whichever comes first. So when you’re really down and need a bigger pick-me-up, you’re prone to spend more and you could end up in debt. If you think you may have this problem, here are 5 ways to stop emotional spending.