Types of Credit Cards and Choosing One

Almost everyone over the age of consent has or wants a credit card these days and they are accepted almost everywhere. There are three major types of credit card very common in America. The first major kind of credit card is travel and entertainment cards such as American Express or Diners Card. These have to be paid completely at the end of the month and are liberal on spending limits.

The second major kind of credit card is the bank card such as Visa, Master Cards, GM, and Ford cards sponsored mainly by the banks. The bank defines the spending limit, which in bank speak, is known as the credit line and each bank offers different terms and conditions. Banks offer a selection of payment means: you may either repay the balance in full with no interest charges or pay the minimum (or some part of the balance) with an interest.

The other major kind of card is the retail store card, such as Sears, J.C. Penney, Shell or Mobil. These store cards and the ones from gas companies, which are known as fuel cards, are only accepted in specific countries. They usually do not carry annual charges. There is a wide variance in the terms and conditions for these cards.

Different types of credit cards offer different options. Some are designed for individual consumers, while others are designed in ways that work best for small business needs. To know what kind of credit card fits your requirements, you should review a few options.

How to Choose a Credit Card.

Credit cards have become a part of life for most people living in the west. It’s becoming increasingly impossible to avoid them, especially for business men. So, if this is the first time you are thinking to enter into the world of plastic money, here are some of the basic things you should look out for.

First, compare the interest charged by all the credit cards you are interested in. While the rate may not stay fixed for ever, it’s always better for novices to apply for the one charging the lowest interest rates.

Make sure you read the small print carefully, especially on the other charges that may be made, like late-payment fees, annual fees, and whether there is a grace period.

You should decide which spending limit is most appropriate for someone on your income level. Furthermore, the fewer credit cards you have, the better placed you will be to track your spending pattern.

Compare the services and other features such as the cash back incentives, or warranties, rebates and such like. Check whether the card is widely enough accepted to cater for your needs.

You will do yourself a favour by familiarizing yourself with the following terms: 1] Annual Percentage Rate: this is the measure of the annual cost of the credit. 2] Finance Charges: these are the total charges of the transaction. 3] Period of Grace: This is the period the issuer gives you before he starts charging you interest on new purchases. (Note that not all credit cards have a grace period).