Saturday, August 30, 2008

Payday Loans And Check Advance Companies Are Booming Today And It Is No Wonder

Category: Finance.

People who survived during the great depression knew what it meant to survive with no payday at all for months on end.



A lot of people today that have no job, can understand the agony of those of many years ago. It was a horrible era for millions. There are those of us that are lucky and have a regular job, although in some of our cases it is a real hardship to get by from one payday until the next. Many times when we do not have adequate money to get through from check to check, it might be our own fault since we have a habit of going into debt for items that are not really essential to us and for items that we simply can not pay for easily. It is nearly just as difficult when you have a regular job and still remain dead broke the biggest part of the time. When we have acquired that new house or automobile, this is when reality takes hold and we realize that it might be nearly impossible to pay off these things comfortably.


The majority of us will decide to keep fighting however we can rather than give up a nice house or vehicle that we are sure we need to possess. If you find your are in that financially strained boat that multitudes of others are living in along with you, there is not a lot of that you can do about it. Even if there are millions who will still do the unthinkable and are using credit cards to increase their income if needed, others are choosing a different way to make it through the pinch when the funds run out before the week is done. It is fairly easy to obtain these sorts of loans. Payday loans and check advance companies are booming today and it is no wonder. There is usually no credit history check and the only paperwork required is a couple of your most recent checking account statements and proof of a job.


It is an uncomplicated and fast way to obtain some cash that you can repay, usually within two weeks. Of course, necessities may vary from place to place. Always remember when you go and sign up for a payday loan that it will be coming out of your next payday and do not let yourself to get over extended. Do not forget that over extending your budget may be is how you ended up in the situation from the start. Normally these businesses will permit you to pay the interest and run your loan for a a few more more weeks, but this will only cost you more in the end.

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The Factoring Company Pays You The Invoice Amount In 2 Installments - Cara Hee about Finance:

Factoring is a financial tool, which allows you to immediately get money against your credit sales instead of waiting for it to mature.

Friday, August 29, 2008

Times Like These Are When The Check Advance Or Payday Loan Companies Can Be Very Useful

Category: Finance.

A lot of times you might be in the middle of your work and everything appears to be getting along just fine when something unplanned takes place that you are not ready for. Life is filled with surprises and many of them are not the enjoyable type.



You know which ones, the car has a problem, a child can get ill, or maybe even the much loved pet requires a visit to the veterinarian. The thing about the sudden surprises of life that are not the needed kind, is that they always seem to take place when you need them to the least. When you happen to possess a credit card that you have not ran up yet, then you might always use that, but a big part of workers today are having such economic situations, that might no longer be an option. If there is no extra cash to be had, it can be an aggravating dilemma, especially if it is a serious emergency. You realize you have to come up with some funds somewhere, but how? It is something that large numbers of people are utilizing and the two things you should have is an open checking account and a source of income.


There could be a convenient resolution to the dilemma than you know. Check advance and payday loan businesses are springing up throughout the country in recent years and they are doing a successful business. There has always been folks that have this issue, but it seems that over the past few years, more and more of us are discovering ourselves in this situation. This is by and large due to the fact that so many of us are slimly making it from week to week. The majority of the time it is not totally through any actions we created. We can not make a choice when it is time to pay any of these debts because they are vital and if we pay all of them each month, it rarely gives us enough to last us the week, let alone cash to put up for emergencies. Everything is costing us more and in many situations our paychecks are not staying up with the rising cost of groceries, house payments, utilities, car payments, and even insurances.


Times like these are when the check advance or payday loan companies can be very useful. They generally do not require a credit history check and when you use the establishments help reasonably, they can be a life saver when there is an important financial pinch. You can get a quick loan with few questions asked. If you discover you are in need of some fast cash, a business like this could be the answer to your prayers.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Pre- Bankruptcy Counseling

Category: Finance.

The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 launched a new era: With limited exceptions, people who plan to file for bankruptcy protection must get credit counseling from a government- approved organization within 180 days before they file.



The Department of Justice s U. They also must complete a debtor education course to have their debts discharged. Only the counselors and educators that appear on the U. Trustee Program approves organizations to provide the mandatory credit counseling and debtor education. By law, the U. Trustee Program s lists can advertise that they are, approved to provide, indeed the required counseling and debtor education. In these states, court officials called Bankruptcy Administrators approve pre- bankruptcy credit counseling organizations and pre- discharge debtor education course providers.


Trustee Program does not operate in Alabama and North Carolina. Counseling and Education Requirements. Credit counseling must take place before you file for bankruptcy. As a rule, pre- bankruptcy credit counseling and pre- discharge debtor education may not be provided at the same time. Debtor education must take place after you file. Only credit counseling organizations and debtor education course providers that have been approved by the U. In general, you must file a certificate of credit counseling completion when you file for bankruptcy and evidence of completion of debtor education after you file for bankruptcy- but before your debts are discharged.


To protect against fraud, the certificates are produced through a central automated system and are numbered. Trustee Program may issue these certificates. Pre- bankruptcy Counseling. A typical counseling session should last about 60 to 90 minutes, and can take place in person, or online, on the phone. A pre- bankruptcy counseling session with an approved credit counseling organization should include an evaluation of your personal financial situation, a discussion of alternatives to bankruptcy, and a personal budget plan. The counseling organization is required to provide the counseling free of charge for those consumers who cannot afford to pay.


Otherwise, you may be charged a fee for the counseling, which will generally be about$ 50, depending on where you live, the types of services you receive, and other factors. If you cannot afford to pay a fee for credit counseling, you should request a fee waiver from the counseling organization before the session begins. The counseling organization is required to discuss any fees with you before starting the counseling session. Check the U. Once you have completed the required counseling, you must get a certificate as proof. Credit counseling organizations may not charge an extra fee for the certificate.


Trustee s website to be sure that you receive the certificate from a counseling organization that is approved in the judicial district where you are filing bankruptcy.

Read more...

There Is No Set Schedule For Credit Card Fees - Vilma Feola's Finance blog:

Credit card companies are in the business of making money.

Texas Auto Insurance Rates Are Not The Same All Over The State - Deloris Trottier about Finance:

With more and more home insurance rates increasing dramatically, homeowners are wondering if the costs are even worth the coverage.

Are You Researching If You Should Get A Credit Card Well, If You Are, To Be Frank Like Many Of Us, Living In The Western World, Should I Get, The Answer To A Credit Card Is, Yes - Finance Articles:

Are you researching if you should get a credit card Well, if you are, to be frank like many of us, living in the western world, should I get, the answer to a credit card is, yes.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

It Is Sometimes Known As Liquidation Bankruptcy

Category: Finance.

Most people are familiar with the word bankruptcy, but many do not know much about Chapter 7 bankruptcy. First of all, Chapter 7 is the most commonly used filing when it comes to bankruptcy.



This article deals with some of the more common issues associated with this particular form of bankruptcy. It is sometimes known as liquidation bankruptcy. When used by businesses, Chapter 7 ordinarily results in the termination of the business entity and so this form of bankruptcy is usually not used by those entities. There can be some exceptions but almost always Chapter 7 is used by individuals and not by business corporations, small companies or partnerships in business. Another side note to this is that the complete discharge of debt under Chapter 7 is only available to individual debtors. The debtor then receives a discharge of all dischargeable debts. Chapter 7 is a liquidation( selling) process in which the non- exempt property that is owned by the person filing is liquidated( sold) for distribution to the creditors.


Generally speaking, those who file for Chapter 7 are in very bad financial conditions, usually with large credit card and other secured and unsecured debt. Normally, these people are able to completely eliminate, most or all of their debts. For the most part, these individuals do not own many assets which can be sold off which means that they have less to lose than some other more affluent individuals. To be eligible to file for chapter 7 you must not have been granted a Chapter 7 discharge within the last six years or have completed a Chapter 1You must not have had a bankruptcy filing dismissed for cause within the last six months. Once a creditor or collector has been notified of your filing they must stop all efforts to collect the debt. There are, many other requirements, of course, far too many to be listed in this article, but these are the most commonly asked about requirements for filing under Chapter After your bankruptcy is filed, the court will mail a written notice to all the creditors listed in your schedules. This is one of the benefits of filing for bankruptcy and can help stop harassment.


Non- dischargeable debts from a prior bankruptcy, most types of student loans, and those debts that came about through fraud or criminal activities that the person engaged in. Consumers should understand that they may still be responsible for certain debts even after filing for Chapter The following debts are usually not forgiven or discharged: taxes that are owed to state and Federal governments, alimony and child support, those debts that came about because of willful misconduct, liability for injury or death from driving while intoxicated. Anyone considering filing for bankruptcy should first seek advice from a bankruptcy attorney. They can also give you guidance on the new bankruptcy laws that are now in effect. He or she can help you make the best decisions concerning which chapter you should file.

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This Equity Can Then Be Used As Collateral For Getting A Home Equity Loan - Finance:

Investing in a home of your own is a sound decision and can turn out to be your most valuable asset.

Usually, Phoenix Mortgage Rates Offered Online Are Very Competitive - Finance:

For most people buying a home is the biggest and most important financial decision that they will ever make.

New Kinds Of Mortgages In The UK - Polly Epps about Finance:

New Kinds of Mortgages in the UK.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

What Makes Stock Trading So Fascinating

Category: Finance.

Trading stocks online can be very stimulating. In both cases you can earn much money.



It is both, either a great hobby or a full time job. The stock market has made millionaires since the very beginnings of share trading. The Internet and the computer revolution made it possible that even your grandmother can place an order to buy stocks online today. In the past you could trade stocks only for long term profits, today you can make profits within minutes. Online stock trading has become very easy. Not only in the US market but globally at almost any stock market in the world. Everybody with an Internet connection and a cheap PC can go online today and order shares.


What makes stock trading so fascinating? All the information you need is delivered in real time today at low costs. It is probably the possibility to get instant access to the markets. Stock quotes, news, fundamental data, charts. A private stock trader has almost the same level of information and execution possibilities as a professional trader at the trading desk of a bank. You can be your own investment adviser and make your own decisions.


The only difference is that the bank trader most likely has a much deeper pocket and probably direct access to the trading floor. There is a variety of online stock brokers today, more than we can count. Beside of that, access to information is equal. How to find the right one? There is nothing against doing everything yourself, with a discount broker you safe much fees and you are able to execute your trades yourself without human interaction. First you need to make the decision to trade either alone or together with the help of an experienced trader.


A full service broker gives you advice where you need it and does everything for you. You will trade more often and the cheaper commissions save you a lot of money provided that you make the right decisions and make profits. If you are joining the trading community because you want to make quick profits, you are better off with a discount broker. A broker will charge you around$ 5 to$ 10 per buy or sell and the fill through a discount broker shouldn t take longer than a few seconds or a minute. If you are a beginner in investing online then you are doing probably great by choosing one of the known brokers who offer entry level platforms which are easy to use. Many brokers offer many trading platforms what does not make the choice easier.


You have a buy and sell button and beside of defining the numbers of shares you want to order there is nothing more to decide. An investor has different goals than a speculator. Once you have made a couple of trades want more, you can take a direct access platform which costs some money but allows you to do dozens of trades per day with ease. Both want to make money but the strategies are different. You can choose between thousands of stocks every day. There is plenty of room for every trader. The markets are open for more than six hours a day, plus the extended trading hours.

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It Can Be An Unsecured Personal Loan Or A Secured Personal Loan Depending On Your Circumstances - Finance:

Personal Loans have become an easy option to take in todays financial market place because they provide a range of choices to people.

If They Get The Card Before You Do Then They Can Spend Money In Your Name - Ronda Cottrill's Finance blog:

Credit card identity theft is on the rise, and if you are not careful you could become a victim and lose hundreds or even thousands of pounds.

What Else Can A Budget Do For You - Mai Bielecki's Finance blog:

Imagine setting out on a cross- country car trip with no itinerary, no money and, no maps no source of help.

Friday, August 22, 2008

These People Or Foundations Are In The Business Of Investing

Category: Finance.

If you are looking to get started in the small business world, chances are you will need some outside start up capital.



Fortunately, there are a plethora of available avenues for you to secure some funds to get your small business off the ground. Few, small business owners, if any got their start up money out of their own pocket. Of course, to get these loans you will have to show a business plan indicating you know what you are doing and have a good chance of turning a profit within a recognizable time frame. They will want to see a verifiable return on their investment. Neither banks nor the small business association nor outside investors are looking to simply give their money away. Of course, no business is a sure thing but you will want to make it seem like yours is. Here are some of the available outlets for procuring that all important capital.


If you have a smart business plan, some collateral to put up and a business degree, getting a loan should be possible. First of all, if you are looking to buy into a franchise, you will want to look in a different area than you would if you were starting your business from scratch. For instance, if you want to open up a McDonalds, you will want to research the company to see if they offer plans for paying off your franchise loan. There are franchise financing plans and these are often times provided by the franchise company itself. These plans are often cheaper, better and easier to procure than loans from an outside source. If franchising is not your thing, you will want to look at the available loans to start up small businesses.


If the franchise company you are buying into has no such program, see if your local lending institutions offer special loan programs for those looking to start a. franchise. One of the first places you will want to look is the small business association or SBA. They offer several different categories of loan programs and you will want to look at each of them and see what meets your requirements. This government program is specifically set up to help young entrepreneurs such as yourself. These programs do require a certain amount of collateral, though sometimes the small business itself can be counted toward this. Another good place to start for a small business loan is your local bank, meaning the one you do business with.


The small business association does not actually provide the money itself but will rather recommend you to good lending institutions through which you can secure. financing. Banks are more apt to offer loans to qualified customers with whom they already have an account in good standing. Often, the financing and interest rates through your own bank will be better than you can find at other institutions. They will not have to do a lot of credit checking, as they already have most of your financial information at their fingertips. Finally, avail yourself of venture capitalists and angel investors. More than any of the other options, however they will be keenly interested in how your business can make them money.


These people or foundations are in the business of investing. If you have a good business plan, seek out these investors for some capital to start your company.

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OsCOMMERCE BUGABOOS - Marilyn Strawbridge about Finance:

Just because osCommerce is the most popular merchant account software doesn t mean it s the best solution for your online business.

One Point Is Equal To One Percent Of The Amount Of The Second Mortgage - Finance Articles:

The cost of a San Francisco second mortgage will vary for each homeowner depending on several different factors.

Although Credit Cards Only Used To Be Available From A Small Number Of Banks, Nowadays You Can Get Credit Cards Just About Anywhere - Finance Blog:

Although credit cards only used to be available from a small number of banks, nowadays you can get credit cards just about anywhere.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Home Equity Loans Are Easy To Obtain

Category: Finance.

It is difficult to manage the finances with the ever- increasing default rates and delinquencies.



It is not only difficult to have a track of all the expenses and bills but also the cumulative costs can sum up to a big amount. The prospect to having to pay many bills of different amounts every month from the existing loans to medical expenses, credit cards and so on can be of great pain. This is where the home equity loans might come to the rescue, as it helps to pay only one bill every month. Home equity loan makes debt consolidation possible. Home equity loans may help get the finances organized and also to plan accordingly. Home equity loan lets the person to have the flexibility of planning ahead for other living needs through debt consolidation. A home equity loan helps in paying off the entire debts and also allows keeping some cash in hand.


Outstanding loan amounts, credit card bills and other kinds of liabilities may involve paying high interest rates and expenditure. This leaves the person with high earning balance, which is got after the deduction towards monthly repayment of home equity loans. Home equity loan provides an opportunity for the house owner to borrow money by producing collateral in the form of pledging the house. Hence home equity loans are said to be the best method for consolidating loans with higher interest rates. The loan is obtained without any strain even if the applicant has a bad credit because the lender views it very safe to provide loans having the house as collateral. The home equity loan comes with a lower interest rate than any other unsecured loans. The money borrowed is also more making it very useful to clear off debts with higher interest rates.


The repayment term and the amount to be paid every month is known and budgeting can be done accordingly as it can be got with a fixed rate of interest. It provides the flexibility to consolidate debt and fits the budget. The home equity loans repayment term ranges from five years to twenty years. If the debt consolidation balance is more then the person can go for a longer repayment period plan as it will provide lower monthly payments so that other living expense needs can also be met along without difficulty. To qualify for home equity loans a reasonable credit score is required along with a sufficient earning potential to handle the additional debt. Home equity loans are easy to obtain. Since a home equity loan is a second mortgage another payment will be added to the debts.


Home equity loans come with a adjustable rate mortgage or fixed rate mortgage. With the help of debt consolidation the second mortgage with a lower payment will replace all the other debts making the same amount of debts to be handled easily. It is upto the person to decide the kind he would need. The person can get even more amount of equity loan than the amount required for debt consolidation.

Read more...

After A Certain Amount Of Time Borrower Is Eligible To Ask The Loan Company To Take Over The Loan In Their Own Name - Finance:

If you are finding it difficult to find a personal loan or being accepted for a personal loan then there are ways to secure the deal for you.

Simplifying Business Credit Cards - Finance:

The worth of a business credit card.

Filing For Bankruptcy Is Usually A Last Resort Decisions Which Is Made Personally - Finance Blog:

When individuals or businesses are facing financial difficulties and inhibiting debt they may seek to obtain relief through the legal process of bankruptcy. However, they may choose to file for Chapter 13 which stretches out the payments on existing debts.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Mortgages Secured Online

Category: Finance.

California offers many mortgage loan options for its inhabitants. So it becomes really hard for the borrowers to choose the right lender for themselves.



There are innumerable lenders and lending companies who offer loan and financial solutions. Comparing all the offers will be an impossible task. California mortgage rate can serve as a deciding factor for this purpose. So, the borrower need to decide what kind of a mortgage will be best suited for his condition. A borrower needs to decide up on various factors like, lowest repayment amount, lowest interest rates, shortest of terms and overall lowest interest payments. The lowest available rates are always favorable for the borrowers regardless of his financial conditions. The California mortgage rate plays a vital part while securing a loan.


Unique Features of California mortgage rate. The most popular one is the fixed rate interest and the other is adjustable rate interest. California mortgage rate comes in two types. Borrowers opting for a fixed rate interest will have to pay equal amount of repayment throughout the tenure of the mortgage loan. Whereas the adjustable rate interest starts with a low interest rate but has all the probabilities of getting increased during the tenure of the loan. The unstable loan market does not affect the monthly repayment amount.


It will always depend up on the highs and lows of the loan industry. California mortgage rate can be secured very easily and without any hassle. Mortgages secured online. Internet has made it possible for the borrowers to go online and obtain a mortgage loan at the best possible rate. The borrower may fill in the application form available on the websites. This can be done sitting at the comfort of one s own home.


He will be needed to fill in his personal as well as his financial details. This might take a few days as the lending company will verify the details of the borrower thoroughly and then decide up on granting the mortgage. He will have to wait for the lending company to verify the financial status. Nowadays it has been more liberal a process. Role of lenders. Even the borrowers with bad credit records can avail a first time mortgage loan at a good bargained interest rate.


Lenders in California offer a vast array of loan mortgages. The lenders would help the borrower to find the best possible lowest interest rate for the mortgage loan. The borrower only needs to choose the right offer. A borrower is also served with assistance to solve any kind of finance related problems. The lenders will verify all the details of the borrower and determine the mortgage amount and the rate of interest according to the credit scores of the borrower. A California mortgage rate is among the best available rates in the US.


A borrower with bad credit may not get the best of the bargained price but might qualify for a mortgage loan with the best possible interest rate and repayment terms. Easy repayment terms and lowest interest rates have made California the ideal place to buy and mortgage a home.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

The Internet Can Also Be A Great Way To Save You Time When Searching For A Low Rate Loan For Your Circumstances

Category: Finance.

Short term loans can be a great way to fund a large purchase, or simply to help you meet your existing commitments when times get tough.



Fortunately, the Internet provides the solution for many looking to find a personal loan for their circumstances, with numerous comparison and loan websites offering a run down of the best available deals for those looking for finance. Unfortunately, trying to find a personal loan can often be a complicated and involved task, and it can be a very time consuming process. In addition to that, it is also possible to obtain loans from online providers at reduced interest rates provided you know where to look. Online lenders can often be the solution to those looking to obtain low cost finance. In this article, we will look at lending over the Internet, and how you can go online to help find the best deals for your circumstances. Lenders that exclusively operate online have the ability to pass on savings to their customers through automation, and reduced overheads by virtue of the nature of their operation. This in turn allows them to offer cheaper services whilst still making the same, or possibly even an increased profit margin as compared to traditional lenders.


Operating online means the lender doesn t need expensive premises, and doesn t have the same overhead burden as other lenders do. There are several major online banks that can provide these kinds of services at extremely competitive rates, and it would certainly be worthwhile investigating these online loans as a way to raise the finance you require. The Internet can also be a great way to save you time when searching for a low rate loan for your circumstances. However, remember that lending online is no different from lending offline, and any commitments you do accept will be as enforceable against you should you fail to make the required repayments as agreed with your lender. By searching online through the various institution websites, you can find out about their lending rate, and the borrowing process in order to help establish the lender that best fits your criteria. Of course many of these sites accept an affiliate commission for each loan they sell, so it is important to remember that this is only a picture of what the market looks like, and you should go on to do further research beyond this stage if you are serious about finding a loan that works well with your circumstances. Alternatively, there are a number of online loans comparison websites, designed to show you a glimpse of the market in seconds to allow you to best make your decision.


The path of lending has been dramatically altered by the Internet, and with the advent of online loans and virtual lenders, it is possible to find cheap loan solutions whatever your situation. Provided you do the research behind the scenes, the internet should be an invaluable guide in sourcing the precise loan you require, affordable rate of, at an acceptable interest.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Below Is Some Information To Help Distinguish One Kind Of" Credit Card With Poor Credit" Offer From Another

Category: Finance.

Search Engines.



There are so many choices and the" small print" is so varied it can be hard to understand exactly what a consumer is agreeing to. Anyone can perform an internet search to look for credit cards with poor credit and find hundreds of results. Many credit cards offer guaranteed acceptance regardless of credit, but the consumer must read through a list sometimes several pages long, to try to find the information they are looking for most. Each company will have its own small print naturally but this should clarify some of the common terms used for credit cards. Below is some information to help distinguish one kind of" credit card with poor credit" offer from another. Pre- Approved And Acceptance Guaranteed* Credit cards for poor credit offers which include the terms pre- approved or acceptance guaranteed are almost always followed by an asterisk( *); this is because the terms and conditions will state that the card holder must meet certain qualifying conditions.


The exact amount will vary by credit card, most will require a minimum of 12, 000 dollars annual income and six months of continuous employment. Common qualifying conditions will include income, time at residence, time of employment, and of course credit rating. When residency is an issue the company may also require a minimum of six months at the address and most charge a higher annual percentage charge the lower credit rating the applicant has. Secured Credit Cards. While the company will accept any credit they will charge the people with poor credit higher annual fees, and possibly require, annual percentage rate a deposit. Secured credit cards for poor credit applicants may charge a higher annual percentage rate like the unsecured variety.


This type of credit card for poor credit applicants works much like a debit card to a checking or savings account except balances left on the credit card are charged a monthly fee based on an annual percentage rate. The major difference will be that there is less qualifying information because the" credit" available on the card is pre- paid in full by the card holder. These balances are also subject to minimum finance charges. Pre- paid credit cards are somewhat different from secured credit cards because a pre- paid card will have no annual fee. Pre- Paid Credit Cards. It is more of a gift card with a Visa or Master Card logo than a true credit card. But because this isn' t a true credit card it will not improve any credit rating or good spending and payment habits will not be reported to credit agencies.


These credit cards for poor credit applicants can seem like a good option because the company doesn' t check credit or employment history. Why Get A Credit Card. The trick is to get a credit card with a small limit to start and try to pay off new debt each month instead of carrying a balance. Credit cards for poor credit applicants are a good tool to turn poor or terrible credit around after time. This is debatable by credit experts, some credit experts say to carry a balance and pay just a bit more than the minimum to build credit, while others suggest paying off the balance monthly. Many creditors look for regular on time payments, when considering offering credit. Credit cards for poor credit applicants should be paid off monthly because this lessens the risk of getting into further financial trouble, establishes a good payment pattern, and shows future creditors on time regular payments.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Why Get Gold Or Platinum

Category: Finance.

Although some of the prestige of gold and platinum cards has disappeared over the last ten years or so, many people still feel that they have not' arrived' until they get one of these cards. Here are some tips to help you decide whether or not to get a gold or platinum card.



If you are looking into getting a gold or platinum card, then you should know about the benefits and drawbacks before you sign up for anything. Why get gold or platinum? Although this isn' t so much the case anymore, gold and platinum cards do tend to carry higher credit limits and more features. Gold and platinum cards used to be something of a major status symbol, and those without one were often seen as less successful. If you require a high credit limit, and want to take advantage of features such as extra airport hospitality, then a gold or platinum card is for you. Although gold and platinum cards are no longer reserved for the very rich, you usually need to be earning at least 20, 000 a year to be considered for one.


How much do I need to earn? Generally, an income level higher than this is required to get a good deal and all the possible features. What are the costs? If you are on a good wage and have a sound credit history, then you can apply for one of these cards. Obviously, these gold or platinum cards have more features, and so you should expect to pay more for the services. Before getting such a card you should weigh up the benefits of the extra features against these higher costs. They all generally charge an annual fee, as well as having higher interest rates.


Beware of the scams. There are a number of cards advertised as gold or platinum that are not what they appear to be. If you are going to get a gold or platinum card, you should be aware of the scams and cons that circulate regarding such cards. Often you will have to pay a number of fees to get hold of the card, or call an expensive telephone number. Many people get caught by these scams because of the promise that they can get better cards in the future. Also, when you get the card you might find out you can only buy products from certain catalogues set by the lender. If you are in doubt, then don' t sign anything and look elsewhere.


If you have a high income and can afford or need a high credit limit, or if you travel a lot, then a gold or platinum card might be a good choice for you. Are they worth it? However, most average people with good credit histories will notice little difference between one of these cards and their regular cards. If you don' t require the extra benefits, then go for a normal card with a lower credit limit and lower fees.