If you are ready to look for a new business credit card, get started now with the FREE credit card finder above!

To learn about the best business credit cards on the market, check out the reliable listings from J.D. Power and Associates. These ratings will show you just how well or how poorly different credit card lenders are doing, according to the consumers who use them.

Why should I have a business credit card?

While not every business needs a credit card, many have at least one. For financially stable businesses that have a competent person in charge of finances, a business credit card is a good tool to have.

In fact, practically every business owner will find that there are advantages to having a business credit card. Different cards can prove useful depending on your needs. Low interest credit cards can be very useful for short-term financing. Balance transfer credit cards can be helpful if you already have existing credit cards with balances that are getting difficult to manage.

Rewards cards can often help save on the cost of travel for a business. As you make purchases, you accumulate points that can be redeemed for rewards of your choosing. Travel rewards programs can often provide you with free airline tickets, free hotel stays, free dining and more. Be aware of any restrictions on the rewards programs of the credit card you choose.

If a business is expanding, a business credit card can provide you with available funds as needed. This is a very good reason to carry a business credit card, so you can make decisions to help expand your business without running to the bank every time.

If you have different individuals in your business who travel or have other expenses, a business credit card is a guaranteed way to have reliable records of expenses. You can easily track purchases in order to facilitate taxes, monitor spending and help you budget.

What should I do before I look for a business credit card?

In order to find the best business credit card to meet your company’s needs, you must first know what you are looking for. Do you want a credit card that will let you earn rewards? Do you want one that gives you cash back? Do you want one that allows you the convenience of quickly accessing extra funds and having a low interest rate to pay on them?

Once you have determined what you will use the card for, it is time to evaluate how you use credit cards. You can do so by examining your spending habits with existing business credit cards, as well as personal credit cards. Do you pay them off every month or will you carry a balance on your new card? This is a very important factor in your choice of a business credit card.

You should also be aware of your company’s credit rating. In order to be eligible for some of the best credit card deals you will need an excellent credit rating. In order to learn what your company’s credit score is, go to Equifax.com or one of the other credit bureaus for a comprehensive credit report.

Remember that it is often difficult for new businesses to qualify for business credit cards. You may need to find a willing co-applicant for your business credit card. Alternatively, a secured business credit card may be an option to help you improve your credit score.

What aspects make one business credit card differ from others?

Business credit cards differ from one another in a variety of ways. Interest rates, annual fees, other fees, rewards programs, and requirements necessary for acceptance are all aspects that differ from one credit card to another. Taking the time to examine and compare such differences is important to choosing the right card.

The way a company deals with its customers is another important difference from one company to another. You can find out what consumers are saying about the credit card issuer you are considering using by checking out resources like J. D. Power and Associates and the Better Business Bureau.

When you are ready for your new business credit card, let the FREE credit card chaser help with your search!

Click on the FREE credit card chaser tool now and find credit cards that meet your personal financial needs!

If you must close some accounts, there are several recommendations for when to close them and which accounts to close to lessen any potential effect on your credit history. It is important to keep in mind, while you think you may be something positive, it could result in negative consequences if not done correctly.

What happens when you cancel unused credit cards?

When you close credit card accounts that you are not using, you will see a negative impact on your credit rating, which is due to two main factors. First, any positive payment history associated with this credit card is wiped out. Additionally, your credit utilization rate will be affected which will result in a lower credit score. MSN Money, describes this rate as the amount of credit you have in total compared to the amount you have available. If you close out a card with a zero balance and $5,000 of credit, you have just reduced your amount of available credit by $5,000. When your credit score is reviewed lenders typically like to 35% or less of your available credit used up at any given time.

Is there ever a positive side to cancelling unused credit cards?

There can be some pros to cancelling unused credit cards says Mint.com. If you have several credit cards in your possession, by reducing the number of active accounts you also reduce the chance you will have one of these accounts stolen or used in a fraudulent manner. In addition, if you have difficulty controlling your spending, you lessen the chances of using your credit cards to spend beyond your financial limits by getting rid of some of your cards. If you do plan to cancel your unused credit cards, here are some tips you should consider:

Do not cancel all of your unused cards at one time. Instead, spread out your account closures.

Try to close lower limit, higher interest cards and keep higher limit cards open. This will affect your credit score less. Retail cards are typically a good place to start.

Do not close a credit card account just before you plan to apply for a loan and will need your credit rating to be at its strongest.

Some say that you should keep your oldest accounts open to preserve the age of your credit history. Mint.com says that this is not true anymore. Credit card companies now base the age of your credit history on the average age of all of your open and closed accounts.

Will the banks take any action if you keep your unused credit cards open?

Some banks may choose to close unused credit card accounts after a significant period of inactivity. Reducing credit limits is another action they may take. Whether you initiate the account closure or the bank does, it will still hurt your credit rating. Other times banks will charge credit card inactivity fees.

It is important to check your credit card statements even when you have not used your card as these fees can appear at any time although typically not until there has been no activity on the card for several months. The reason for doing this is that banks do not make any money off credit card accounts that are never used.

What is your best option with your unused credit cards?

To conclude, your best option is to keep most of your unused credit card accounts open. If you have a very large number of credit cards you may consider closing a few accounts that have low credit limits, but it will negatively affect your credit rating. To prevent inactivity fees or closure of accounts by your bank, it is advisable to use all of your credit cards periodically and pay off credit card balances each month. You might consider paying one of your utility bills each month with a typically unused credit card and then just send your payment to the credit card company instead of the utility.

Find credit cards that meet your needs so they will not remain unused with our FREE credit card finder now!

Use the FREE credit card chaser to find and compare reward credit cards now!

The only way to be sure you’ll reap any rewards from reward credit cards is to read the fine print carefully and pay attention to details. You want to reap benefits from your reward credit cards, not end up losing money with a credit card that only seems like a good deal.

How could I lose money with a reward credit card?

One of the caveats with reward credit cards is that the company needs a way to make up for all the rewards it offers its credit card holders. This can often result in annual fees, according to the California Department of Consumer Affairs (CDCA). Although reward credit cards are not the only credit cards that may come with annual fees, the fees associated with the reward credit cards can be steeper than those imposed on other credit cards since the company does need extra income to pay off rewards.

If you go for a reward credit card just because you want its great credit card rewards even though it has a high annual fee, you may lose money by paying out more in annual fees than you gain from cashing in on the rewards. CDCA also notes that 25% of reward credit cardholders never even bother to redeem the points that earn them rewards, which means the credit card companies can be making an automatic profit by collecting more in fees than they pay out in rewards.

To turn the tables and ensure you do not lose money with a reward credit card, make sure the rewards you reap at least match the credit card annual fee. Also make sure you cash in the points or do whatever you need to do to collect the rewards you’re due.

What are the rewards I’ll get from a rewards credit card?

Another important thing to look at when choosing the best rewards credit card is the type of the rewards offered. Credit card rewards can include everything from discounts on car rentals, hotels or at specific stores or restaurants to frequent flier miles and gift certificates, CDCA notes. They can also include customized rewards that let you choose from available options, according to an article on MSN Money Central. The credit card rewards can also pay you back in cash back for certain purchases.

Is cash back always the best rewards option?

The best option for rewards from a credit card is choosing a reward you will actually use. Don’t go for a rewards credit card that rewards you with frequent flier miles, for instance, if the only traveling you do is in your car. Likewise, you are not likely to reap many benefits if the rewards are for a slate of restaurants or stores where you never eat or shop.

Cash back may seem like a reward that pays off every time, although there are still certain things you need to watch out for. The cash back option often only comes if you spend over a specific amount of money, MSN Money Central says, and sometimes there is a limit on the maximum amount of monetary rewards you can collect regardless of how much you spend.

It’s also imperative to watch your spending to ensure you don’t charge your credit card over your credit limit, which can result in a fee for exceeding your credit. You also want to make sure you can pay back the money in a timely fashion to avoid late fees and excessive money spent on interest rates from carrying credit card debt over an extended amount of time.

Cash back rewards can be particularly beneficial in certain circumstances, with MSN Money Central offering a prime example with one man who was about to remodel his kitchen. Putting the remodeling costs on his reward credit card saved him about $1,000 while spending $10,000 with a 10% back cash reward.

If you know big spending is coming up, cash back may be the most beneficial option, although you still need to make sure the cash back rewards come from money spent at places you will be buying as part of the major expenditure.

Also, be aware of any additional fees that may come with your reward credit card, as well as stipulations that are part of the agreement. You may have a set amount of time to use up rewards before they expire, for instance, or follow other rules to ensure you are reaping the best benefits.

Use the FREE credit card finder now to see what rewards may be in store for you!

One place to find and research the best credit cards for balance transfers is to use the FREE credit card chaser tool at the top of this page!

Researching the fees associated with balance transfers and the terms and conditions of the new credit card is the best way to find the most money-saving credit card for balance transfers. Many consumers use credit cards as money-management tools. Credit cards can be used for emergencies, for large purchases and when cash is in short supply. Some consumers also use credit cards for balance transfers.

What is a balance transfer?

A balance transfer is using one credit card to pay off the debt from another. The debt shifts from the original card to the new card. Many consumers choose to transfer credit card debt from one card to another to try to save money. For instance, the original card may have a higher interest rate than the new card or the spending limit has been reached.

The new card usually has an attractive introductory interest rate, better rewards, or lower fees. However, many credit card companies and banks charge fees for balance transfers that could cut into any long-term saving.

What fees are charged with balance transfers?

Each credit card will differ, but most will have a credit card transfer fee. A 2010 report on CNNMoney.com put the average balance transfer fee at 4%. In effect, you would be charged $4 for every $100 of debt transferred to the new card. A $4,000 balance transfer from one card to another will result in a fee around $160.

Some low interest credit card companies offer low initial balance transfer fees as an incentive to new customers. Some go so far as to offer 0% fees in an effort to attract credit-worthy customers. Under the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009, credit card companies must be upfront about the terms and conditions for credit card agreements. However, always check the fine print to understand what happens to your low introductory fee if you miss a payment.

When is a balance transfer a good idea?

Transferring debt to a new credit card is a good idea if it will save you money in the long run. This can be achieved through low fees and low interest rates on the new card.

For instance, if your old card’s low interest rate is about to expire, then transferring the balance to a new card could be a money-saving move. Credit card companies must extend introductory interest rates for at least six months, but after that, the rates could go up. If your credit card’s interest rate is about to jump from 1% to 8%, then a balance transfer to a new credit card with a 2% interest rate could be a wise move as it would save $240 in interest charges a month.

Also, many credit card companies charge penalty interest rates if a customer misses a payment. A credit card penalty rate can run to 20% and beyond, compounding credit card debt. If the interest rate on your old credit card has jumped to an excessive amount, then transferring the balance to a new credit card with a reasonable rate would most likely be a sound financial move.

When is it a bad idea?

Transferring debt from one credit card to another can be a sound financial decision as long as it is not used improperly. If you are constantly using balance transfers to juggle credit card debt, then the fees will soon wipe out any savings. If you transfer a $4,000 credit card balance four times, then the total fees of $640 likely wipe out any savings from the lower interest rate. Similarly, high penalty rates will increase your debt at an alarming pace if you miss a payment.

Likewise, balance transfers are not a good idea if you will not have a big enough spending limit to transfer all of your debt to the new credit card. If you have $8,000 in debt on a high-interest credit card but can only transfer $5,000 to a low-interest card, then the chances of missing a payment on either will only double.

Lastly, transferring the balance of a credit card is usually more of a bandage than a cure-all from a financial standpoint. Curbing spending and paying off credit cards are often better ways to save money in the long run.

Where can I research credit cards and balance transfer fees?

JD Power conducts annual studies on consumers’ satisfaction with credit card companies and banks. These ratings are a first step in finding a credit card company with low interest rates and reasonable fees.

Next, after choosing a credit card company or bank with a high customer service satisfaction rating, you should research the terms and conditions of all of the credit cards offered. Understanding the fine print of the agreement will allow you to choose the best credit card rates for balance transfers. Crunch the numbers between your old interest rate versus the new interest rate and make sure the savings will be more than any fees that are charged.

Lastly, use balance transfers only as tool in your long-term financial plan to use credit cards sparingly and pay off debt.

Get all of the facts on credit card terms and conditions for balance transfers by using the FREE credit card finder now!

Your search for that credit card can end by using the FREE credit card finder today!

If you are tired of paying high credit card interest rates and would you like to find the lowest rate credit card that you possibly can, there are ways to do that. You need to look over credit card company offerings to be able compare rates and features. A new card may be better for you, one with a lower rate.

Why are credit card rates so high?

A quick glance at three-month credit card rates shows that the range being offered by companies today varies from about 10.9% to 19.9%. Fixed credit cards are averaging just under 13.8% and variable rate credit cards are being running around 14.5% at the current time.

These rates are all based on the prime rate, the rate that banks charge other banks and their very best customers. This rate is determined by a survey of the top 30 banks conducted by the Wall Street Journal. The rate the average consumer pays is based on this, and goes up and down as it does. The rates you pay will follow the prime rate over a period of time, rates don’t automatically change, but the Prime’s direction will give you the future trend. The Wall Street Journal has an overview of these rates at their website, along with other important financial indicators and information.

Credit card interest rates are usually higher than home mortgage and automobile loans for one reason, collateral. When a person cannot pay a car loan, the bank or other lending institution can repossess the car and cover some of its loss through a resale of the vehicle. Likewise, a home can be foreclosed upon, and resold to provide the bank with all or part of the money it originally lent for the purchase.

Credit cards are called unsecured debt because there is no collateral, there is nothing the bank can acquire for resale that would offset their loss if you cannot or do not pay. The difference in the rate that one consumer pays over another is determined by how much of a risk the lender feels them to be. The bank considers the amount of money you earn, the value of your assets and your credit score. All these things are factored in when a bank decides how much they are going to charge you in interest.

Is there any way to get a lower rate on my credit card?

Yes, there is. Improving your credit score will almost certainly get you better offers and rates. You can do things to improve your credit score, and although this takes time, it is worth it in the long run. These things would include making sure you pay all your bills on time every month.

Reducing the amount of money you owe will also improve your credit score. Keeping unused accounts open, rather than closing them, has a positive effect on your score as it provides more data to be evaluated and accounts that are paid up are a good thing to have on your record. The Federal Reserve has a website with good tips on improving your credit score.

You can also check with your bank and ask if they can offer you a better rate than they are currently giving you. Such a request will signal to them that you may be shopping around for a better rate, and may result in them offering you one. If they don’t take the hint, you can let them know that you are looking for a better rate and see if they make you an offer.

Which leads us to actually searching for a better rate. There many banks, credit unions and other financial institutions out there with credit card offerings, it cannot hurt to look and see what you can find in the way of a lower rate for yourself.

Your search for that credit card can end by using the FREE credit card chaser!

You can use our FREE credit card finder to search for both ordinary credit cards and smart credit cards!

It is important to know what type of credit card you have so you can take the proper precautions and prevent credit card fraud that could eventually harm your credit score.

What is the difference between ordinary credit cards and smart credit cards?

Ordinary credit cards have a narrow magnetized stripe on the back of the card. This stripe contains the data needed to access the bank accounts associated with the card. You use this stripe every time you swipe your credit card through credit card readers at a store, restaurant, or ATM.

Smart credit cards also have a magnetic stripe, but what makes them smart is the addition of a tiny computer chip called an RFID chip that transmits data through radio signals. This chip allows you to use your credit card by simply waving it in front of a special reader, making credit card transactions easier, faster, and more convenient.

Because ordinary credit cards and smart credit cards store and use their data differently, they require very different protections.

Why does the magnetic stripes on credit cards need to be protected?

Ordinary credit cards store all their data on the magnetic stripe. If anything happens to the magnetic stripe, the card becomes unreadable and useless.

Scratches, cuts, abrasions, or even wear can physically harm the magnetic stripe on a credit card. If these physical damages are extensive enough, they can make the card unreadable.

Additionally, if the magnetic stripe on a credit card is exposed to a strong magnet, it can become demagnetized. A demagnetized card is also unreadable.

Once the magnetic stripe on a credit card becomes unreadable, that card must be replaced.

How can I protect the magnetic stripe on my credit card?

The simplest way to protect your cards’ magnetic stripe is to carry them in a way that eliminates the chance for anything to rub against the stripe and damage it. Carry credit cards in individual slots in your wallet rather than carrying cards loose. Do not double up your cards. If you must double up your cards, place them face-to-face rather than back-to-back and keep the stripe covered by the material of your wallet.

Another solution is to buy protective holders for your cards. Companies like Information Packaging and Dupont make plastic and paper sleeves for credit cards. These holders will protect your credit cards regardless of how you carry them, as long as you remember to return the cards to the sleeve after you use it.

The only way to protect your credit cards from demagnetization is to keep your cards away from strong magnets. There is no special sleeve that will protect your credit card from the power of a magnet.

Why does a smart credit card need to be protected?

Obviously, the magnetic stripe on a smart credit card needs to be and can be protected in the same manner as an ordinary credit card. It is the special feature of a smart credit card, the RFID chip that needs special protection.

Credit card fraud and identity theft are problems with all credit cards. The features that make smart credit cards so fast and convenient also leave them vulnerable to a different type of theft.

Smart credit cards work by continually emitting a weak radio signal. The danger for smart credit cards is that a thief with portable card reader could pass the reader near your card sitting in your purse or pocket and read the information off the card.

While smart credit cards protect your information by encrypting the data and through authorization procedures, these safeguards are not perfect.

To augment these built-in protections, several companies, such as Identity Stronghold and Information Packaging, sell wallets and sleeves manufactured to protect RFID credit cards. These work by blocking the radio signal emitted by the cards. No reader can access the signal unless the card is removed from the protective sleeve or wallet.

Many analysts predict that credit cards with magnetic stripes will soon become obsolete. They will be replaced by smart credit cards. Your understanding of how these cards work and how to protect yourself is imperative.

If you are ready to embrace the new technology now, use the FREE credit card chaser today to locate a smart credit card that meets your needs!

To find the best re-loadable credit cards available use the FREE credit card finder today!

The biggest difference between re-loadable credit cards is often the fee structure. You can purchase a prepaid credit card but you will usually be charged an activation fee, a reload fee and maybe even monthly fees, annual fees or inactivity fees. A different type of re-loadable card can be obtained online, one in which there are less fees or even no fees, but the card has to be reloaded through regular direct deposits from your paycheck or bank account.

A secured credit card is also technically a reloadable card, since you would supply the cash balance that is used on the card and you could reload it. The difference is that a secured credit card has a more traditional application process, so you will need to submit to a credit check to get one, whereas prepaid cards are generally given to anyone who puts up the money for them.

Do re-loadable credit cards help me build credit?

Basic re-loadable prepaid cards do not always help build credit, but they can. Some card companies will periodically report activity to credit agencies, so if you pay your cards on time, they may be helping you build good credit. Other cards do not report to the credit bureaus, so they have no effect on your credit whatsoever.

Secured credit cards do report to credit bureaus and are an excellent way to build credit, again assuming that you pay your bills on time. Conversely, they can hurt your credit if you are habitually late to pay. If you are unsure of what your credit rating may look like, you should get a report from a credit bureau like Experian.

What are the benefits of re-loadable credit cards?

One huge benefit of re-loadable credit cards is that you can obtain them with no credit or bad credit. In this day and age, you simply can’t do some things without a credit card anymore, like renting a car, getting a hotel room, or shopping at many websites. A re-loadable card not only lets you do this with questionable credit, it saves you the hassle of having to keep buying single-use prepaid cards.

Re-loadable credit cards are great for theft protection, because you know that if someone steals your card they only have access to the current balance. They can’t run up bills all the way to your credit limit like on a normal credit card. For similar reasons, re-loadable credit cards are good for students. Parents can load the card with however much money they want their child to have and they can spend up to that amount and no more with all the ease of a credit card.

There is some merit to the idea of using re-loadable cards as gift cards, too, particularly for employees. If you give sales staff a monthly performance bonus, for instance, you can issue them a re-loadable credit card and simply add their bonus money to it each month. They can be used for personal gifts as well, but the fees attached to some may make it counterproductive.

Another benefit of some re-loadable cards is that they offer a certain degree of anonymity. Many that you buy over the counter do not require a lot of personal information, so this can be an anonymous credit card.

What are the problems with re-loadable credit cards?

The biggest problem with most re-loadable credit cards is the fees. According to an article in USA Today, re-loadable credit cards may charge fees for activation, deposits, monthly use, ATM withdrawals, balance inquiries, paper statements, customer service calls and even closing the account. Of course, not all cards charge all those fees, but most have at least a few of them.

Another problem with re-loadable credit cards, and really prepaid credit cards in general, is that they are not always accepted everywhere a traditional credit card is accepted. This seems to be the case for some online merchants and subscription services.

If you are ready to find a credit card with the lowest fees and the fewest hassles, use the FREE credit card chaser now!

You can look over many credit card offers, including regular and premium card offers, and compare rates and features with the FREE credit card finder!

There are differences between a regular credit card and a premium card and you should know what they are, what they cost, and what to look out for.

Regular Credit Card Details

A regular credit card is one where you can charge merchandise or services up to a set limit each month. The total amount of credit available for you to use decreases with each purchase of goods or services and is available again after you make your payment. These cards usually have a minimum monthly credit card payment and do not offer any special programs such as cash back, frequent flier miles, or any other type of reward program. These cards can include gas credit cards or store specific cards in addition to a general-purpose charge card.

Regular credit cards are what most people starting out are issued, a very basic card with few frills. As your income and credit history grow you will be able to get premium credit cards that come with added benefits.

Information on What a Premium Credit Card Is

These premium cards are known by different names, gold or platinum cards for example, and have a variety of extra features included with them. They can offer frequent flier miles, cash back incentives, reward points used in a special catalog or airline and hotel upgrade plans. Credit card cash back calculator programs often do not pay out in cash directly to you, but rather generally allow you to apply the cash earned towards paying down your outstanding balance. There are a few credit card companies that will apply the cash to your home mortgage or credit the amounts to any investment account you may have.

Examine the details of any premium card offer you may be considering, you may only accrue rewards after you have charged a set minimum amount over the course of a year. Also take note of how you can redeem the rewards, there are often restrictions that can make it tough to use the points, or miles you accumulate. You should also look at the expiration time of any reward if there are any, and be aware that these reward plans can change at any time. Be sure to check and keep your credit card statements each month to see if any changes have been made from the previous billing period.

The Comptroller of the Currency has a website that answers many questions regarding credit card terms.

Keep in mind that getting one of these premium cards means you will likely have to qualify in one of a number of ways. Some companies will require a certain annual income before they will issue you one of their premium cards, others only offer such cards to people with a set minimum credit score.

One last thing to note is that many companies will erase any rewards you’ve earned if you fall behind on your monthly payments. It pays to pay on time every month.

Premium Credit Cards Cost More than Regular Cards

Generally, yes, they do. They will often have a higher annual fee, sometimes reaching several hundred dollars more per year. They may also have a higher credit card APR. You should weigh any costs to use the card against any rewards you may earn by using them. Sometimes they are a good deal, sometimes not. Fox Business has some very good information on the subject of premium credit cards at their website.

It is also worth noting that most credit card companies even charge merchants a higher fee per transaction when these premium cards are used, so if you are running a small business, you may wish to explore the kinds of cards you accept and see what kinds of additional fees you are paying. These extra fees can run up to a full percentage point more on some cards.

Compare credit card companies and their current offers with the FREE credit card chaser now!

Use the FREE credit card finder to get the best gas credit cards now!

Gas credit cards are a good option if you plan to use them enough to generate savings. They are also only a good option if they have reasonable fees and interest rates. Gas credit cards should be used responsibly as you would any other credit card.

There are advantages and disadvantages to every credit card, and gas credit cards are no exception. You should apply for a gas credit card if it is going to save you money, improve your credit score and you are reasonably sure your application will be accepted.

What is a gas credit card?

A gas credit card is one that can be used to purchase gas at particular stations such as Texaco, Chevron, or Exxon Mobil; some gas credit cards can also be used for general purchases or to get cash advances at ATMs. Gas credit cards are backed by banks or major credit card companies such as Visa and MasterCard through partnerships with the gas station franchises.

The application process to get a gas credit card is similar to regular credit cards; your financial information such as your credit history and credit score will be used to approve or deny your application.

What are the benefits of a gas credit card?

The main benefit of a gas credit card is savings at the pump. They have introductory offers such as $.10 off per gallon for the first 60 days or 3% on non-gas purchases. Some gas rebate credit cards lower your gas bills by offering ongoing cents-off per gallon, cash back or other rewards programs.

Special travelers’ gas credit cards also have rewards such as discounts on hotels and rental cars, roadside assistance, or traveler’s insurance.

What are the disadvantages?

Like all credit cards, gas credit cards have fees and restrictions. Every card will have its own terms and conditions, but common fees include annual membership fees, cash advance fees, late payment fees and overcharge fees.

Gas credit cards also charge interest on the balance on the card. While interest rates may start out low, they can change after six months, and they can become quite high if you miss a monthly payment; likewise, rewards such as cents-off per gallon cannot be used if your account is in default due to a missed payment.

In addition, many gas credit cards have limits on their rewards. Many of the rewards are good only for a limited time, for up to a certain number of gallons of gas a month or a maximum dollar amount that can be saved annually. Gas credit cards are only a good idea if your reward amounts are greater that the interest and fees charged.

When should I apply for a gas credit card?

All credit cards use your credit history and credit score to determine the likelihood that you will repay the debt placed on the card. All credit companies will have their own minimum scores and histories to get accepted; but if you have very low credit and need to improve your credit score, negative information on your credit score such as bankruptcies and judgments or if you have no credit history, then it is very likely that your credit card application will be denied.

Every American is entitled to a free credit report once every year from the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You should only apply for any credit card once you are reasonably sure you will be approved. An inquiry into your credit can reduce a credit score by as much as five points for each inquiry, according to SmartMoney.com.

When should I not apply for a gas credit card?

You should not apply for a gas credit card if you know that it is unlikely that you will be accepted based on your current credit history and credit score; an inquiry will only make your low score even lower. Look for a way to clear your bad credit history before applying.

Furthermore, you should not get a gas credit card if you are having trouble making ends meet. Many people think that a new credit card will help during financial troubles, but more than likely, it will only push them further into debt. Living within your means is the best way to weather financial storms.

Where can I find the best gas credit cards?

Each gas credit card has its own perks and rewards to fit the different needs and requirements for a variety of people. The best gas credit card is found through carefully weighing which rewards will work best for you.

Research all of the gas cards for gas stations that you frequent often. Comparing the minimum credit scores needed to be accepted, rewards, fees and interest rates of multiple cards would help you to decide which card is the best for you.

Compare gas credit cards now with the FREE credit card chaser tool at the top of the page!

Click on the FREE credit card finder to search for credit cards that might offer you a lower rate than what you currently have!

Being unemployed can affect every facet of your life, especially your finances. Losing your main source of income is a staggering blow. However, debt must be repaid, regardless of whom the creditors may be.

How do I know which bills to pay?

Knowing which bills to pay and which can be put on temporary hold can be the key to financial survival. Paying the mortgage and heating bills should always take precedence over paying something such as the cable bill. When looking for ways to cut back on spending, you will need to decide what you can (and cannot) live without.

Nothing can put things into perspective like a good old-fashioned list. Start by gathering all of your monthly expenses. You may not have tracked every penny when you had an income, but now it is important to be as diligent as ever in being able to account for every penny of your spending.

Prioritize the list with the most important expenses on top and the least important ones closer to the bottom. You cannot find ways to curb your spending if you do not know where your money is going. Credit card payments should usually end up somewhere in the middle of the list.

Should I continue paying my credit cards while unemployed?

As a rule, you should always have enough funds in your savings account to cover all of your expenses for at least three months in case of financial emergencies. But if you do not, your best bet would be to pay the most essential bills first (mortgage, car, insurance, heat, etc.) and contact the other creditors to arrange a suitable alternative.

Credit card companies want your money. They do not want you to miss a payment any more than you do. Sometimes, they may offer to defer your payments, waive late fees, re-establish a payment schedule, or lower your monthly payment. All of these routes could be extremely helpful to avoid late payments and hits on your credit rating, so it is in your best interest to try to negotiate with credit card companies if all possible.

According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you are guaranteed a free credit report from the three main credit-reporting companies. AnnualCreditReport.com is the only source that is authorized by law to offer a free credit report per person on an annual basis.

What are some of my options of paying my credit card balance?

Another suggestion is to request your credit card company lower your credit card interest rate. If you have a decent payment history, most credit card companies are willing to lower it if possible.

A credit card balance transfer is another way to go that could help to stretch your precarious dollar. If you have multiple credit cards, contemplate transferring the balances of the other cards to the credit card with the lowest interest rate. There could be a transfer fee, but that fee could be worthwhile if it lowers your total monthly payment.

Some credit cards offer cash back or reward points. Use the cash back rewards towards the next monthly payment.

Are there consequences for not paying my credit cards bills?

Any type of late payment can negatively affect your credit score. However, this may be a hit worth taking in order to keep other more important payments up to date such as the rent or car payment. Being homeless and without transportation to and from a new job site is worse than losing a few points on your credit score.

Be sure to call your credit card lenders and explain that you are unemployed so that it can be noted into your account. Some companies are willing to work out a delayed payment schedule until you get back on your feet. It is better for them to be informed that you are unable to pay your credit card bill at this time rather than you are simply unwilling or irresponsible.

Never tap into your retirement funds in order to pay a credit card bill. The associated fees and taxes for early withdrawal can hurt more than a help.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, your credit information can be used as reference information when you apply for things such as credit cards, insurance, and even some types of employment. If you are already unemployed, you might not want a bad credit score to prevent you from gaining new employment.

Use  the FREE credit card chaser for more information on balance transfer credit cards to consolidate your credit card debt!