The Visa Business Credit Card is one of the most popular business credit cards serving the business market today. Recognizing that businesses appreciate the need for good cash management, Visa offers business credit cards designed to provide business people with purchasing convenience, cost savings, instant access to credit when they need it and complete, detailed reporting of all business expenses charged to their Visa business credit cards.

Visa business credit cards can be obtained from any one of the many issuers that are affiliated to Visa. The credit card packages are likely to vary from one issuer to the next, but there are certain features that are universally applicable to any business credit card issued under the Visa brand. These universal features, privileges and benefits, will typically include the following:

Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver

All Visa business credit card holders are covered for damages due to collision or theft, at no added cost. This benefit reimburses you for the costs incurred to repair or replace covered losses on a hired vehicle that you paid for with your business credit card. The only condition is that the vehicle should have been exclusively used for business purposes. When you rent the vehicle on your eligible Visa business credit card, remember to decline if the rental company offers its own collision damage waiver. This will activate your Visa coverage. If the rental company is adamant and insists that you buy their policy, call your benefits administrator. In the case of theft or damage to the rented vehicle, you will first call the Visa benefits administrator before speaking to anybody else. He or she will then advise you how to proceed.

Purchase Security and Extended Protection

The purchase security benefit entitles the business credit card holder to replacement, repair or reimbursement for eligible personal property that you completely paid for with your Visa business credit card (up to $10,000 per claim and up to a total of $50,000 per business credit card holder). Extended protection doubles the original manufacturer’s warranty period. This period is capped at 12 months.

Gifts purchased for others on your business credit card are covered by this benefit. The only challenge is that you will be requested to file a claim, and that the intended recipient will be required to provide documents in substantiation of the claim. You must develop the habit of keeping your copies of the Visa business credit card receipts as well as the store receipts, since these will be required as supporting documents to any claim you may file.

There is a host of exclusions on the items or situations that are not covered by the Visa purchase security and extended protection business credit card benefits, so you should review these with care.

Travel Emergency Assistance

Visa business credit card holders are assured of 24-hour assistance from appropriate emergency services when these are required. The benefit covers you, your immediate family members and your business associates. This special service for business credit card holders provides contact assistance and referral. You will still be responsible for all costs and expenses incurred with the suppliers of these emergency services, which could include ambulances, doctors, hospitals and towing. The upside is that you can pay for these with your card as the vast majority of emergency services know and accept the Visa brand.

Richard Gilliland
http://www.articlesbase.com/credit-articles/visa-business-credit-cards-140778.html

If you have bad credit, it can be hard finding bad credit Unsecured Credit Cards. Lenders are realizing there is a growing market however for bad credit products, and bad credit unsecured credit cards are no exception. There are a growing number of such credit card products becoming available on the market, many through well known national lenders.

The biggest downside to bad credit unsecured credit cards is that they generally have high interest rates, high fees and high costs to open an account. It’s important to know ahead of time what you are getting into financially with a bad credit unsecured credit card, and determine whether your current financial situation makes it worth it to apply for one of these cards. Depending on your needs and goals, you may want to consider some other options.

First, here are some of the terms and costs you should consider when applying for a bad credit unsecured credit card:

Interest Rate: The interest rate you pay will of course be higher than standard good credit rates, but these bad credit rates can vary so be sure to check multiple products before you decide on one card. Interest rates are higher for cash advances than for purchases you make with your card. The interest rate may also go up if you are late with a payment or go over your approved credit limit. Some rates can go as high as 35% in those cases. Be sure you know what the terms are when you apply.

Annual Fee: Just as with good credit cards, you will pay an annual fee of anywhere from $50 to over $100 for a bad credit unsecured card. Be sure to find out what this annual fee is, and find out whether you can break up the payment over more than one month.

Application Fees: With bad credit unsecured credit cards, you will usually pay a one-time application fee or account opening fee. This charge can be more than $100, and the lender will use this to cover its risk that you may default and fail to pay your credit card balance.

Monthly Maintenance Fees: Some bad credit card lenders also charge a monthly maintenance fee. This is a fee to make sure the bank is making money on your account, and gives the bank some income against the possibility that you could default.

Other Fees: There may be additional fees charged by the credit card lender in addition to the fees listed above. Be sur to read all of the terms and conditions to know what all of the fees are. Even better, ask the lender to go over all the fees with you on the phone, and highlight where these fees show up in the terms and conditions as set out on the lender’s web page or printed documents.

As you can see, the fees you start your bad credit unsecured credit card can total as much as $300 or more. You could also have monthly fees due in addition to having to pay for your purchases, and interest on those purchases. Some lenders will allow you to pay these fees over more than one moth – but should you pay them at all?

The question you need to ask is, is it worth it? Is it worth putting $300 up front to have an “unsecured” credit card, when that $300 is money you are basically giving to the bank for the privilege of having a credit card?

In the alternative, you might consider a secured card. For the same $300, you could put that money into a bank and get a credit card issued against your balance. All applicants are generally approved, since the bank holds onto your $300 until you pay your card as agreed. Many secured card products are reported to the credit bureaus so that you will get the benefit of improving your credit score for paying off your credit card as agreed.

Secured credit cards are temporary anyway, as you use them to rebuild good credit. After a few months of paying on time, you generally can apply for unsecured credit on better terms than you can get from the bad credit products. Often the company that gives you the secured card will offer you unsecured credit when you demonstrate a good payment history. Secured products can be a cheaper alternative to achieving the same result – restoring your good credit.

Unsecured credit is commonly thought of as the best choice for a credit product. However the high fees for a bad credit unsecured credit card can make these cards a poor choice financially. You will have to determine which is the right option for you – but knowing what to look for means you can now make an informed choice.

John Caskey
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/bad-credit-unsecured-credit-cards-are-they-worth-it-110766.html

I have always considered a credit card to be a risky proposition. This is true especially for people who feel a great urge to buy things when they have a credit card with them. There are many people who have ended up buying things with a credit card that they otherwise would never have purchased. But what we are talking about are the negative aspects of owning a credit card. On the other hand, look at the convenience that it offers. Be sensible and use it, do not abuse it. The credit card can be a really great financial tool to possess. There are different types of credit cards.

Secured Credit Cards

Secured credit cards are the safer bet when it comes to owning a credit card. These credit cards require the applicant to deposit some money in a special savings account with the credit card company. Based on the amount deposited and on the income source and credit history of the applicant, the application is accepted or rejected. Secured credit cards have always been compared to debit cards. But these cards are different. In debit cards, the money is directly debited from the bank account. But in secured credit cards, it is a loan that you avail of based on the amount in the savings account. If you make the monthly payments regularly and on time, the money in your savings account is never touched. It is intact. Only if you default on payments, then the money is debited from the savings account. Secured credit cards are real credit cards. It can be a visa or a MasterCard.

Less risk involved

Credit card companies feel more secure when they deal with a secured credit card application. This is because, when the applicant is ready o deposit some amount of money, it creates an impression that he is serious about making the payments on time. Hence you will find that your application for a secured credit card has more chances of being accepted. These cards will also not cause a huge dent in your accredit scores. For those who do not know, a credit card is the easiest way for you to ruin your credit scores. So use a secured credit card and build up a good credit and payment history. It will help you when you apply for other credit cards or loans in the future.

Interest Rates

The interest rates for secured credit cards also vary according to the lender and the applicant. For example if an applicant is ready to deposit a large amount in the savings account, he may get a much lower interest rate. Some lenders have interest rates that start from as low as 9% and goes up to as high as 23% or more for Secured Credit Cards. The annual fees also vary from $0 or $65 or more.

Minimum deposit

The minimum amount that you need to deposit also varies from one credit card Company to the other. Some companies have a minimum balance requirement of $300 while there are others who require a minimum balance of $500 or more. Whichever company you sign up for, ensure that you shop around a bit before you sign up for anyone of them.

anonymous
http://www.articlesbase.com/finance-articles/secured-credit-cards-the-safer-bet-95398.html

Want to save on travel, pick out free merchandise, or receive checks in the mail? These are just some of the bonuses companies offer through rewards credit cards. With a little planning, you can make the most of your rewards credit cards.

How Rewards Credit Cards Work

Companies offer a vast array of reward plans. Yet the basic principle of all rewards credit cards is the same: you receive “rewards” for using the cards. For cash back cards, companies offer a certain percentage, such as 1%, return on all of your purchases. So if you spend $2,500 with your credit card, you can expect a check for $25. Some companies include a higher percentage, such as 5%, in cash back for shopping at grocery stores and gas stations. This way you earn more cash for regular household purchases. Think about it: the $2,500 you spend could bring in a $125 check – just for shopping!

Cash back cards are not the only type of rewards credit cards available; there are plenty of others to choose from. Some rewards credit cards offer a point system. You might receive one point for each dollar spent. You can then use your points to buy certain items. Others include rebates for gas purchases, discounts on hotels, and miles toward airline travel.

Do Your Homework

With so many options available for rewards credit cards, selecting a card can be a daunting task. To make sure you are taking full advantage of a rewards credit card, you first need to do some homework. Start by looking over your recent purchases. Do you always buy groceries at a certain store? Consider a credit card that offers a high percentage of cash back on grocery store purchases. Do you spend a lot on travel? If so, look into rewards credit cards that offer points toward free air travel. Do you have a long work commute? Rewards on a gas card will help you save on car travel. If straight-up cash is what you are after, a cash back rewards card can give you just that.

Besides considering your spending habits, think about your reward preferences. Perhaps you do not usually travel, but dream of taking a vacation to Hawaii. Sign up for a rewards credit card with travel benefits. You can take that fantasy vacation as a result of the reward plan. The bottom line: study your purchasing habits and lifestyle to find out which rewards credit card is right for you.

Make it Advantageous

While rewards credit cards offer great benefits, there are also potential drawbacks to consider. Some rewards credit cards include an annual fee or high interest rate. If you carry a large balance on your card, you may end up spending more on interest than you receive in benefits. However, if you use your credit card to make ordinary purchases, pay off the balance each month, or carry a low balance, then the rewards credit card can be very beneficial.

Enjoy the Rewards

By considering your spending habits and reward preferences, you can find the perfect credit card for your lifestyle. Apply for your rewards credit card today. Then start reaping the benefits. By next year, you could be flying for free – a great reward for using a credit card!

Ed Vegliante
http://www.articlesbase.com/finance-articles/how-to-take-advantage-of-rewards-credit-cards-88860.html

If you have taken a few shots to your credit report in the last couple of years, and let’s face it – who hasn’t, then you should look at Visa prepaid debit cards as a way to get your financial house back in order. During times of economic duress people get tempted to use their credit cards and usually end up maxing them out. If you are one of these people and are having a hard time getting new credit cards or are looking for a way to avoid further falling into the credit abyss, then you need Visa debit card.

Using Visa prepaid debits cards can be a great way to enjoy all of the benefits of a traditional credit card without the hassles or the cost. With prepaid debit cards there are no fee, interests or penalties because you are the one in control of your spending limits. No one but yourself tells you what to do. This can be a very good thing. And, if you are worried about being approved for a Visa prepaid debit card, don’t be. Approval is fast and easy with Visa’s online application process. No credit checks and no income verification means that you can be up and spending with your Visa prepaid debits cards just as quickly as you can fund them.

Being in control of your own finances will keep you from falling further into the perils of bad credit and with Visa prepaid debit cards you can even start to repair your credit. Since you can’t overspend, you won’t be subject to any more hits to you credit score, especially if you use your Visa prepaid debit card for all your purchases. Showing fiscal responsibility and the desire to get back on track will go far in repairing your credit.

You can use Visa prepaid debit cards in all of the places you can use a credit card too. Wherever Visa is honored whether it is online or in the real world you can make purchases. There are literally thousands of Visa vendors all over the world you can buy from. It’s safe too online or in person. Since you control how much money is in your account, you can keep a minimum to lessen your risk of exposure to thievery without fear of penalty. The road to recovery is in your hands and using Visa debit cards is smart.

James Moris
http://www.articlesbase.com/credit-articles/visa-prepaid-debit-cards-good-news-for-the-credit-challenged-745406.html

There are few more stressful things than dealing with dinged credit. Millions of Americans have experience with it, so there is a large pool of experience and options to draw from. The important thing to realize is that if you are determined to repair your credit, the right tools are available to help you. One option is The Orchard Bank MasterCard.

What to Expect in General

There is no “one-size-fits-all” explanation for choosing credit cards to fix up your FICO score. There are, however, a few general expectations across the category. Whether it is true or not, credit vendors consider lower FICO scores as higher risk. That pretty much means two things: higher interest rates and lower credit limits.

You can expect to see that for at least the first year of the rebuilding process. Initial credit limits will be anywhere from $250 to $1000, most likely somewhere toward the middle or lower end. The third feature to expect from this category, including Orchard’s cards, is an annual fee as well as a process fee. These fees are one of a few ways that banks mitigate the risk of default.

What to Expect from Orchard

Orchard Bank, a branch of credit giant HSBC, has an industry-wide reputation as a “go-to” card for those seeking to repair their credit. Orchard Bank offers a few features across its credit card products. Firstly, they promise an offer after the application process. While that may not mean an unsecured card, they do have relaxed approval restrictions to get almost everybody started. They offer an array of cards with different levels of obligations and credit requirements. Here are their primary offerings:

The Orchard Bank Platinum MasterCard – As the “Platinum” moniker might suggest, this is the top of the line option from Orchard. The Platinum MasterCard comes with every feature somebody recovering from bad credit could hope for. The Platinum MasterCard will offer a slightly higher credit limit and lower interest rate for its users, and nice features like hotel reservation and car rental service. The Platinum MasterCard has a $39-$59 annual fee based on credit worthiness. The Platinum card has the most (relatively) stringent credit history requirements of these four cards.

The Orchard Bank Gold MasterCard – The Orchard Bank Gold MasterCard extremely similar to it’s Platinum cousin. With a maximum initial credit line of $1000, the Gold MasterCard has the same features, but a slightly higher annual fee of $79 and a $19 process fee. As far as relative strictness goes, the credit guidelines for the Gold card fall in the middle of Orchard’s lineup.

The Orchard Bank Silver MasterCard – You guessed it: Silver. It’s the logical next step. And just like the Gold and Platinum MasterCard, the Silver offers all of the same features, albeit with a $49 annual fee in addition to a $49 process fee. We expect to see more approvals on the Silver, but probably with higher interest rates and lower limits.

The Orchard Bank Secured MasterCard – The Secured card is the bedrock of rebuilding bad credit. If you have trouble getting approved for the other offers, the this is the way to go. Secured cards, as the name implies, require a security deposit prior to usage. Typically companies, including Orchard Bank, will ask for 100%-200% of the desired credit limit upon approval. The Orchard Bank Secured cards look and act just like a regular credit card, and with time, can lead to unsecured cards with increased limits.

In general, all Orchard Bank cards share some common features. If you stay on top of your payments and refuse to let yourself get behind, then these cards will help you rebuild your credit; they do so by reporting to the three major credit bureaus every thirty days. This gives you an opportunity to show that you can handle credit card debt. These cards are accepted at over 22 million locations, and can get you a cash advance on over 770 thousand ATMs.

Since it’s inception, HSBC has helped over 2 million Americans take the first step toward rebuilding their credit. Apply today, and you could be the next to benefit from this great line of products!

Ed Vegliante
http://www.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/the-orchard-bank-credit-cards-the-answer-to-bad-credit-59956.html

TV commercial filmed in Bangkok posted by Gerald Gentemann

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(775) 321-9709 for 24hr Recorded Message…

CREDIT REPAIR: info from the credit secrets bible

Rebuild Credit: Insider Credit Repair Techniques to Improve Credit Score Fast!

What’s the fastest way to raise your credit score? To quote the classic magazine salesman from the movie Office Space “That all depends”…

While the removal of negative items from your credit report will almost always result in an increase in your credit score, there is a method that works better.

Here’s why. Adding positive accounts is actually more effective at improving your credit score (in the short term) than removing negative one. Unfortunately, few consumers or credit repair companies know this.

One of the biggest problems with trying to get approved for new credit is that you need to “have” credit in order to be approved. This causes a sort of catch 22.

How does one “get” credit if no one will give them credit because they don’t have any credit to begin with? A vicious cycle indeed, but a real one. However, if you have someone you can use a cosigner this is NOT a problem. Simply have them cosign on the new credit application for you. If you don’t have a cosigner, read on.

Contrary to popular belief (or what myfico and credit repair companies would like you to believe), the largest factor in building a solid foundation for your credit score comes down to two credit scoring factors:

1.) The “High Credit Limit”

and

2.) Your “Debt to Credit” Ratio

Your high credit limit is simply the total amount of primary unsecured revolving credit lines you have (i.e. three credit cards at $5,000 each equals a high credit limit of $15,000).

Get it? Good.

Your debt to credit ratio is simply the amount owed on these cards in relation to your high credit limit (i.e. if your high credit limit was $15,000 and you owed $7500 your debt to credit ratio would be %50).

Keep in mind, your high credit limit is comprise ONLY of your total amount of unsecured revolving lines of credit. Home mortgages, auto loans, student loans, equipment leases and debit cards do NOT count towards your high credit limit.

A debt to credit ratio of 25% or less is ideal. Of course, there are many other factors which come into play, but keeping it simple, how does one improve credit score via increasing their high credit limit and lowering their debt to credit ratio?

That is the question….

The fastest way we have found is by adding primary user unsecured revolving lines of credit which are guaranteed approval (note: these are NOT authorized user accounts!).
These are unsecured lines of credit which appear on your report just like a visa card, mastercard or department store card etc.

We have found that while unsecured credit is the most difficult to obtain, it has proven to be the highest scoring on ones credit report. To find out the fastest we’ve found to add primary unsecured revolving lines of credit to your credit report, please visit:

http://www.CSBCards.com

By opting in you’re receive more free valuable videos, reports and education on improving and maintaining your credit as well as information about our products and services. Your attention and support is appreciated.

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ConsumerAffairs.com’s Mark Huffman reports a “secured” credit card might be a good option, but make sure you don’t get an “advance fee” card instead.

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Making the most of your rewards cards can be a complicated thing. Gail Cunningham, spokeswoman for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, offers some helpful tips on how best to handle those Rewards Credit Cards.

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