Basics and Pitfalls of Credit Card Ownership
A credit card enables the consumer to borrow money from the
issuer to purchase a particular product or avail some kind of
services. It is used in place of cash as majority of people find
it a convenient and safer mode of financial transactions. A
pre-decided limit is allotted to the user who can avail a credit
up to that amount and pay as per his or her comfort level
combined with the amount of the interest charged by the issuer
of the credit card.
The promoters of credit cards state that credit card assists you
in times of need when you might need a particular product or
service but are falling short of adequate cash, which is correct
to a great extent. Different credit card companies offer
different credit card schemes and credit limit as per the credit
rating and financial stability of the customer.
Credit cards enable their issuers to earn financial gains in the
form of interchange fees, interest rates and annual fees. In
addition to this there are late payment charges, financial
transactions made in terms of a foreign currency and exceeding
the prescribed credit limit by the user. Some individuals though
find it awkward to pay fixed annual fees even if they do not use
their credit card the entire year.
It might be hard to avail an unsecured credit card where there
is no requirement to pay an initial security deposit to the
credit card issuer. However, companies opt for a safer mode of
secured credit cards so that they don't end up in loss if the
customer fails to pay back the credit amount on any pretext. It
is argued by critics that credit cards open the doors for frauds
by the use of stolen credit card.
Before selecting a credit card that can be beneficial for your
daily transactions you need to make sure that the credit offers
the following:
- A lower rate as compared to its competitors.
- Look out for hidden costs and the grace period limit offered.
- Opt for a credit card that matches your requirement criteria.
For instance, if you are more involved in traveling go for a
travel insurance credit card.
- Due to the increased competition in this industry, the credit
card companies offer many benefits like rebates, discounts, car
insurances, accident insurance and warranty coverages to their
users.