The benefits from owning and using credit cards are obvious. The shopping experience is enhanced as cash is no longer required to pay for our purchases. Internet shopping is an ease as we shop at home, just with our credit cards by our side. However, the challenge is when you don’t have a credit record, or if your credit report looks bad.
Credit card companies are sticky when it comes to evaluating an individual’s credit risk to them. In this sense, getting a prepaid credit card would be a better option for you to enjoy the convenience of credit cards regardless of your credit status. Nevertheless, before you submit your credit card application, there are a few aspects of prepaid credit cards that you should learn about.
How do prepaid credit cards work?
Although labeled as a credit card, prepaid credit cards function more like debit cards. You will need to place a deposit into your credit card account before you can start charging your expenses to it. In this sense, your deposit amount is also your credit, so it is unlikely that you will spend more than what you can afford. The fact that they are backed by major credit card names such as MasterCard and Visa provides them with the security and benefits of any standard credit card.
Loading limitations
One of the disadvantages of prepaid credit cards is that limitations may be imposed by the credit card companies on the maximum amount of deposits that can be loaded into your credit card account. Thus, this becomes a limitation on the amount that you can actually charge to your card, even though you can truly afford it.
No interest charges and escalating debt
Interest charges are not applicable for prepaid credit card due to the simple fact that you don’t actually owe the credit card company anything. All charges to your card are money that you already have, as the credit card company is not extending a credit line to you. Therefore, you won’t be charged interests on your purchases and also will not be caught in a web of escalating debt.
Service and set up charges
With no interests chargeable to you, credit card companies compromise by imposing other types of charges which are not applicable for standard credit cards. These would include charges for loading your card, monthly membership fees, set up fees or even purchase fees. All of these charges may become quite substantial which increases your cost of using prepaid credit cards.
Enhancing your credit record
As certain credit card companies report your usage and payment history to the credit bureau, having a prepaid credit card can actually help you rebuild a good credit record. With this, you can then revert to a standard credit card after a period of good standing.
Alan Bernstein recommends Find Credit Cards to apply for a prepaid credit card today.
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If you run your own
business–whether it’s a retail store, direct sales, hobby shop or freelance consulting–chances are you’ve thought about getting a business
credit card. It’s probably a good idea, since it makes it easy for you to separate your business expenses from your home expenses, a task that helps keep your paperwork organized and simplifies things at
tax time. When you’re ready to apply for a business card, follow this checklist:
1. Choose a card
Some cards offer special deals, financing or rewards for small business owners. For example, some rebate cards offer you a percentage back on everything you buy at a certain store, like a warehouse store or online store. Other cards offer cash rebates when you spend at supermarkets, gas stations or home improvement stores. If you travel often, a frequent flier or travel rewards card might get you the best and biggest bonuses. Choosing the right reward card–depending on the type of business you operate and the expenses you incur–can mean extra money in your pocket all year long.
2. Gather up paperwork
You’ll need basic information about your company’s financial situation, including the name of your business, the tax identification number, the business address, the number of years you’ve been an owner, the number of employees, the nature of the business, the business’ average annual income, and the amount in the business’ checking account. You’ll also need to know the legal entity of your business, such as whether it’s a sole proprietorship, a corporation, a partnership, a non-profit, etc.
3. Fill out the application
You can find applications for almost all business credit cards online, although in most cases you can also call and apply over the phone (a good idea if you have any questions). Depending on your credit rating, you may have to provide extra documentation of your business’ current financial status, so be prepared to mail or fax information if requested. After you fill out the application, approval can take anywhere from thirty seconds to a month.
To find business credit cards online, do an Internet search or check the websites of major credit card companies.
Carrie Reeder is the owner of http://www.abcloanguide.com, an informational website about various types of loans online.
View our Recommended Business Credit Cards Online.
Also, view our list of recommended lenders for property finance.
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