The Discover Platinum American Flag Card may be a card you are more than just proud to carry with you. This credit card is given to individuals that have very good credit and are looking for a reward program that allows for cash back benefits. If you are interested in cash back, consider what it can do for you. The Discover card is issued by Morgan Stanley.

The Discover Platinum American Flag Card will provide you with excellent benefits in interest rates even before you get to the need for rewards. You will have 12 months time in which you have a 0% introductory offer on your purchases and balance transfers made within that time period. You will need to consider specific details of this offer. When it is over, you will have an APR at 10.99% variable for those purchases that you make and 20.99% on cash advances that you make (fixed.) Although there is no annual fee to this credit card, you do have the two cycles average daily balance method of calculations which can make it a bit more expensive in the long run if you do carry a balance.

The Rewards are a plus, though for the Discover Platinum American Flag Card. You will earn from .25% to 5% in rebates. To get the full 5%, use the card at participating retailers that work through the Cashback Bonus program. You earn just .25% at warehouses and discount stores. You can get double CashBack Bonus when you use the card at participating departments of Discover. You can redeem your rebates in $20 increments and there is no expiration date. The amount you get back depends on the amount that you spend.

The Discover Platinum American Flag Card provides for a good amount of reward in the form of cash back. You will appreciate the lower fees and the very good APR on this credit card. In addition, you are sure to find benefits in the double bonus rewards.

For more information or to apply for the Discover Platinum American Flag Card, Beth Derkowitz recommends Find Credit Cards.

Ahh, credit cards. All those offers, tons of fine print… what does it all mean? Whether you’re applying for your first credit card or are a long-time cardholder investigating alternate options, it’s wise to get the facts before moving ahead with a new plan of action. Read on for answers to commonly asked questions.

What’s a low interest credit card?

A low interest credit card offers reduced APR (annual percentage rate) for cardholders with an excellent payment history. If you consistently pay your total monthly balance, or if you at least pay the minimum payment due on time, you may be eligible for a low interest credit card. Look into money-saving options with a low interest credit card!

Exactly how low are we talking?

First-time credit card holders may be required to pay anywhere from 17.999%-23.99% interest on your balance per month. If you’ve maintained good standing with your credit card company for at least a year, you may be able to have your interest lowered to 12.9% or even 10.24%.

Are the offers for 0% APR too good to be true?

0% APR Credit Card Offers are real and legitimate promotions that can save you a ton of cash in the long run. All it takes is a balance transfer from your existing credit card. Depending on the promotional details, you can enjoy exceptionally low rates for as long as a full year. Smart consumers know that offers like these are a great way to start chipping away at that outstanding debt and get back on track toward financial freedom!

What’s a cash back credit card?

A cash back credit card affords solid value to cardholders who pay their balance every month. Interest rates are typically the highest, but that’s not a concern for a customer who incurs little or no debt. With this type of credit card, you’ll earn rebate dollars which arrive in the form of mailed checks. Free money back on purchases you’d be making anyway… now that’s a wise move.

How much money can I earn with a cash back card?

For every supermarket, gas station or drugstore purchase, a typical cash back credit card reward is 5%. For most other purchases, 1% is given. To put this in perspective: if you spend $2,000 on merchandise that yields a 5% return, you’ll earn $100 cash back.

When can I expect to be paid?

Credit card companies have now put the ownes on their customers to request payouts for cash rebates. So make that call or put in that online request during the time that the card is active, and reap the rewards of a credit card that just keeps on giving. No matter which offer you’re considering, read the Terms and Conditions and keep a copy of this information handy. This way, you can take advantage of every opportunity to save money while building your credit. Before you know it, you’ll be making informed credit card decisions with confidence!

Copyright 2005. Ed Vegliante. All rights reserved.

Ed Vegliante is the owner of http://www.credit-card-surplus.com a well organized credit card directory enabling the user to compare and apply for a variety of credit card offers. Links to secure online credit card applications.

Smart use of your credit cards is important, and it is not how many cards you possess.

If there are advantages to possessing many credit cards it is in their proper use, not in their dollars of potential credit.

Here’s how credit cards work:

Banks cooperate with each other to closely to track their cardholders, and most banks want to know how many credit cards you now have before they issue one of their own.

Banks share computer files to trade cardholder information. When a bank discovers you have too many cards (each bank has their own policy on how many cards are ?too many?), they automatically reject your application.

Banks that offer the same card usually disallow repeat cards to a cardholder.

You normally may obtain only one card from an interconnected network of cooperating banks.

How does a bankcard system actually work?

When you apply for a credit card at your local bank, many events occur. While your local bank?s name is displayed on your credit card, odds are that your card was instead issued by a different bank.

Interconnected banks trade favors and reciprocate functions.

Banks also hire each other to perform different services to cut their overall costs.

Bank card systems are complicated.

First, they must accept new applications, obtain credit reports, and establish approved accounts.

Then the actual cards must be printed and embossed. Ongoing paperwork includes preparing and mailing billing statements, sales brochures, late payment notices, and other details that make a credit card program succeed.

Few banks undertake every function required to operate a credit card program. To avoid complicated and costly processes, some banks act as credit card agents for others. Usually smaller banks contract with the larger banks for card-related services.

The largest card processing centers usually handle accounting, credit checks, mailings, statements, collections, and administrative details for smaller banks.

The smaller banks pay, as a fee, a percentage of its annual credit volume. Both the large and small banks benefit from this relationship.

Bank networks commonly share parts of the credit card process.

One bank may offer applications; another may handle credit checks; a third (or fourth) bank the embossing and monthly statement function.

Major networks may have many lines of agent banks stretching out in a lengthy chain. Other networks may encompass only three or four agent banks.

So what happens if you simultaneously apply for credit cards from several local banks?

Although you may apply to different banks, many will be connected to the same major bank. This, of course, raises two possibilities:

1) The major bank will have a relationship with the agent banks that prevents the applicant from obtaining more than one card from the major bank. Even if you apply to twelve banks connected to the same major bank, the major bank will only issue one card.

All others are automatically cancelled as they enter the central computerized system. Your credit card will bear the name of the accepting bank. But in the process you generated potentially harmful numbers of inquiries on your credit report.

2) A major bank will issue several cards to the same individual if the agent bank assumes responsibility for your credit. The agent bank would then assume responsibility for any default in payment.

So before you apply for a credit card make sure that you do not already have one from that issuing bank.

Gus Skarlis is considered as of of the foremost automotive credit experts and has numerous websites devoted to educating the public about credit. You can find his website at: http://www.helpmycarcredit.com

Now that summer’s here you may be getting ready for that long awaited European vacation. Have you checked to be sure you have the right travel credit card? Although using credit cards are best when you travel, you need to be sure you’ve selected the best credit card for overseas use.

If you’re getting ready to travel, you need to take care of a few matters regarding your credit card before you leave. You should check with your credit card issuer about fees or charges when using the card outside of the U.S. Many of the financial institutions charge additional fees for foreign transactions, such as three percent when converted to U.S. dollars.

It is recommended that while you have your bank on the line, you advise them of the dates you’ll be traveling and the countries you will be in. If they don’t know you’re out of the country and start getting charges from Paris, they may cancel your account until you contact them.

You should take credit cards from two banks. If there’s a problem and one bank cancels your credit card while you?re traveling, if the two cards are from the same institution they would cancel both. The second card could just be a back-up. It?s best to use just one credit card as it?s easier to keep track of your spending.

Seasoned travelers recommend when vacationing in Europe, you use a debit card for getting local currency. Cash machines are common throughout Europe and you can go to any ATM machine and get cash back. The drawback with this is that there are quite often limits of the amount of cash you can withdraw at one time. You may also want to set-up with your financial institution in advance, a daily allowance of the amount of cash that can be withdrawn from your debit card just in case it is lost or stolen.

With the debit card, there is a fee for each transaction. So you wouldn’t want to use the debit credit card in place of a credit card as you might do here in the U.S., as each charge would generate an added fee. You can keep the debit card just to replenish your cash. It is suggested you have enough cash on hand, as there are times when a credit card sign is posted at the door at say a restaurant, but when the bill comes they don?t accept that card.

Use caution while traveling of being too liberal when using your credit card number. Keep your travel credit cards and your debit card in a safe place. Keep all receipts so that you can verify the charges upon your return. Maintain your pin number in a safe place. Be sure you have the financial institution?s phone numbers just in case you lose your credit card.

Now that you have your travel credit card and debit card information, it?s time to make those final plans and start packing. Oh, ??and don?t forget to take lots of pictures and have fun!

About the author: Bradley Carson is the webmaster and editor of Apply Online for a Credit card at http://www.cards-king.com A website established to provide concise information about credit cards and credit card offers from premier financial institutions.

Credit card debt is way too easy to get into these days. It seems like every time I check my mail there is at least one or two pre-approved credit card applications. It doesn?t matter if you have good credit, bad credit, or no credit; they still send bushels of these offers everyday. You?re in college and you have expenses and no money so you grab one and sign up. It?s easy and only takes a few short minutes and you?re approved but little do you know you just picked up a loaded gun!

It?s shiny, small, and so accessible when money is tight. So much so that we don?t feel like we are spending real money until the bill comes, and then it?s too late.

When establishing good credit, one of the things we?re told to do is to get a credit card and then use it to spend wisely. Having a credit card is important to having good credit but it?s not everything. A large part of your credit score is comprised of utility payments, car payments, and other debt like loan payments. Your credit card is only a portion of a bigger picture that makes up your credit score. The problem is that there are always going to be times when credit is necessary and at some point you are going to have to take that plunge. Ever want to rent a car? Has your car ever broken down suddenly and you realize you have no cash to fix it? These are just 2 of millions of scenarios where credit is good as well as a necessity.

Experts advise us to pay our bills on time and not to exceed the credit limit. More specifically to avoid accumulating credit debt only spend what you think you can payback that same month and try not to carry a balance. Not only does that improve your credit, it saves you a lot on interest. However, no one really talks to us when we get that first card about how easily and quickly we hit that limit, or how easy it is to miss that first monthly payment. Once you get behind it can be impossible to catch up. Oftentimes, credit cards come with introductory interest rates that are nothing or very low. If you miss a payment suddenly you find your paying 21% interest on a payment you already cannot afford and on top of that you?re getting charged late fees! Before you know it, you are getting bad reports on your credit reports for credit card debt on a card you got for emergency purposes in the first place.

Unfortunately, when times are hard, abusing credit cards is all too easy. When the economy is bad and cash is tight, you might find yourself putting your daily living expenses on your credit cards because you do what you have to do to get by. When you are not making your payments, the credit card companies do inquiries to verify your address or other information and every time someone makes an inquiry on your credit report, it makes you look like even more of a high risk. All the credit card debt on your report, even if some of it is good, can make you look high risk for future car loans or mortgages. Even worse a bad credit report can keep you out of rental apartments or from getting a job that requires a background check.

As tempting as it is to pay with plastic, choose the ?debit? option next time and keep your future in mind. It?s normal to risk it all when times are tough, but doing so creates more problems later that can take years with a credit counselor to fix and you end up paying triple what you put in. Remember when your at the register ask yourself some very real questions about what your need and what you want. Think ahead about what your budget is and be realistic when formatting it. Remember to account for food, gas, a night out with friends, and most importantly try your best to save money to prevent the emergency credit card swipe. Build your credit slowly by making small purchases and paying them off every month. In the end you?ll thank yourself from avoiding the stress of bills you cannot pay back. You?ll thank yourself in the future!

Jason Jell is the editor and webmaster of http://www.internetcreditcardlist.com A site geared towards providing people with clear concise information about credit cards and credit card offers.

I hear people all the time use the terms ?credit card,? and ?debit card? in the same breath, but they are actually two very different things. A credit card is just as it sounds; when you use it, you are making purchases on credit. But when you use a debit card, you are extracting money from your bank account to pay for the purchase.

Let?s take a look at each one in depth.

Credit Cards

You may think all credit cards are alike, but just like fingerprints, they differ greatly. Knowing that, you should shop around in order to get the best terms that you can find. Some people pay their credit cards off in full monthly, and if you?re one of those lucky few that can afford to do this, then you should probably look for a credit card with no annual fee or one that offers bonuses to their card holders. If you are the type of person that carries a balance on your credit card, then you should look for a card that will charge the least amount of interest.

The bottom line is that you need to take the time to learn the terms before agreeing to accept the credit card. Here?s a short list of things that you should ask (or read in the terms section of the paperwork)

* What is the A.P.R or annual percentage rate? Will it change after a specified period of time? Or is it a fixed rate * Is there a grace period and how long is the grace period? (That time between charges and when the interest on those charges begins to accrue.) * Do they charge an annual fee? Is so, how much? * How will your finance charges be accumulated? * How much are the late fees? * Will there be a charge if I transfer balances to and from this account? * What are the cash advance fees? * What will happen if I go over my credit limit?

In most stores or businesses, the retailer does not charge the customer any fees for using a credit card. And Federal regulation gives the consumer purchase protection. In other words, if you have a problem with merchandise or services and make a good faith effort to reconcile that problem with the seller with no success; you have the right to withhold payment for the merchandise or services.

Debit Cards

Recently debit cards have become a really big item, the use of debit cards has doubled; often when asked debit or credit; the answer is debit more and more. In fact, twenty percent of all credit transactions are now done with a debit card. No interest fees are charged on debit cards; however, at certain retailers, they do charge a small fee for using them. Anytime you make a purchase, the money is automatically withdrawn from your checking or savings account. Debit cards look like credit cards and to a certain extent act like one. But because the amount comes straight out of your bank account, you may have a financial fiasco if a debit card falls into the wrong hands or if you forget to deduct the transaction amount when reconciling your account balance.

No matter which card you choose to use?a credit card or a debit card or both?you will experience convenience and ease-of-transactions. It’s up to you to decide what’s best for you!

If you would like to get more credit information you can visit our website which contains many credit resources. http://www.my-credit-report.info

This article is copyright 2005, but can be freely reprinted, as long as no changes are made, including hyperlinks.

The Discover Platinum American Flag Card may be a card you are more than just proud to carry with you. This credit card is given to individuals that have very good credit and are looking for a reward program that allows for cash back benefits. If you are interested in cash back, consider what it can do for you. The Discover card is issued by Morgan Stanley.

The Discover Platinum American Flag Card will provide you with excellent benefits in interest rates even before you get to the need for rewards. You will have 12 months time in which you have a 0% introductory offer on your purchases and balance transfers made within that time period. You will need to consider specific details of this offer. When it is over, you will have an APR at 10.99% variable for those purchases that you make and 20.99% on cash advances that you make (fixed.) Although there is no annual fee to this credit card, you do have the two cycles average daily balance method of calculations which can make it a bit more expensive in the long run if you do carry a balance.

The Rewards are a plus, though for the Discover Platinum American Flag Card. You will earn from .25% to 5% in rebates. To get the full 5%, use the card at participating retailers that work through the Cashback Bonus program. You earn just .25% at warehouses and discount stores. You can get double CashBack Bonus when you use the card at participating departments of Discover. You can redeem your rebates in $20 increments and there is no expiration date. The amount you get back depends on the amount that you spend.

The Discover Platinum American Flag Card provides for a good amount of reward in the form of cash back. You will appreciate the lower fees and the very good APR on this credit card. In addition, you are sure to find benefits in the double bonus rewards.

For more information or to apply for the Discover Platinum American Flag Card, Beth Derkowitz recommends Find Credit Cards.

Simple Steps Consumers Should Take to Protect Against Credit Card Fraud

The quintessential tool of the modern shopper, credit cards have revolutionized the way we all conduct our business. Unfortunately, as credit cards have made it ever easier to buy, they have also made it ever easier to steal. The troubling problems of credit card fraud and identity theft have reached epidemic proportions as credit card use grows more widespread.

Americans use credit cards to pay for everything from gas to groceries, from clothing to college tuition. More than half of American credit card holders use their cards every day. Every time they hand that card over to someone to swipe, or give out that number to place a phone order, they are giving someone the opportunity to commit fraud. Because using credit cards to pay for things is so easy, obtaining the credit card numbers can give thieves ample opportunities to steal.

Consumers can make it harder for thieves by taking a few basic steps to protect their information:

• Actively track credit card receipts. Bring them home from the store and check them against the credit card statement when it arrives in the mail. Shred receipts with credit card numbers after checking the statement.
• Be suspicious. Do not give out credit card information to anyone other than trusted vendors. Do not reply to e-mails that request credit card information. Do not give out credit card information over the phone unless placing a phone order with a reputable company.
• Closely check credit card statements. Report and dispute any suspicious charges immediately with the credit card company. Call the credit card company preemptively and ask to be notified of any unusual activity occurs on the card. If possible, enroll in the credit card?s fraud protection plan to cover any fraudulent use; the cost of the plan is worth the peace of mind it will bring.

Because the threat of fraud looms so large, it is important to report a lost credit card immediately to the issuing company. The moment the loss is noted, it should be reported in order to suspend activity on the card. Consumers who believe they may have misplaced the card at home should still call the credit card company; this is one instance where it is definitely better to error on the side of caution. Ask the company to place a hold on the account, or to call before authorizing any charges for a period of 24 hours to allow for a through search. If the missing card turns up, a simple call to the company should reinstate charging privileges. If the card cannot be found, the company can cancel that number and reissue a card with a new account number. Payment history and account age with the company will transfer, with no negative impact on credit score.

Michael Martin is a knowledge seeker and publisher of FinancialKnowledgeCenter.com Here he provides more information on credit cards, credit counseling and How To Prevent Fraud that will engage your curiosity and stimulate your mind.

People know of the existence of credit cards. They know how to use these, and how it functions. They also know that there are different kinds of credit cards (and accompanying rewards programs) which can suit the lifestyle of any consumer. People think they know everything about credit cards. But they don?t.

Very few people are aware that there are two different kinds of credit cards, and these are not visas and mastercards. The two types of credit cards are the secured and the regular (or unsecured) credit cards.

Secured credit cards are those wherein the card and the credit limit that is assigned to you is based on the amount of money you have deposited into the savings or deposit account of the card-issuing institution. The credit line given is traditionally between 100 ? 200% of the money he has deposited.

Like regular credit cards, the cardholder must pay for whatever purchases he makes. In cases of default payments, the issuer may recover the cost of the items purchased by paying the merchant using the money that has been deposited. This, however, is not done when the card holder misses one or two payments. This is only done as a last recourse, when the account holder requests that the account be closed, or when the account is deemed delinquent.

Secured credit cards are options for those who cannot secure a regular credit card due to their poor credit ratings (or lack of it thereof) as these cards are great ways for you to rebuild your credit history. It is also ideal for those who need to always be within budget. There is no need to worry about universal acceptance. These secured credit cards usually carry either the Visa (and) or the MasterCard logo, thus, these cards will be honored in places that recognize Visa and MasterCard.

Regular credit cards are those that are issued to people, even if they do not have an account in the card issuing establishment. The credit limit that will be given would depend largely on the applicant?s income and his credit rating. Credit limits are usually higher and sometimes, card holders of regular credit cards enjoy more perks, which normally come in the form or rewards programs or bigger rebates, than those holding secured lines of credit.

Apart from these, secured credit cards and regular cards vary in terms of their fees. Regular credit cards just charge an annual fee and may even waive the application fee and the annual fee for the first year for newly approved applicants. This does not necessarily hold true for secured credit cards. Those interested to own a secured credit card are usually asked to pay the application fee and the annual fee upfront (apart from the monetary deposit).

Both kinds of credit cards have their own pros and cons and the choice as to which card would be best for you would depend mostly on your needs and your preferences. Choose the service that best matches your lifestyle. Don?t feel intimated if you hold a secured credit card and your colleagues all carry the regular card. It?s all just labels. What matters is that you are able to use the credit card and that you are completely satisfied with the services they provide. Everything else is insignificant.

This article is brought to you by CardsRatings.net, where you will find over 100 credit cards to choose from. After comparing credit card offers, Card Ratings allows you to apply for the credit card of your choice by clicking the Apply Online button. All applications are secure, and in many cases you will receive a response right away.

Do you have an excellent credit score? If you do, then you should be glad to know that you are qualified to apply for cashback credit cards. If you are interested in some cashback credit cards offers, make it a point to study all the features and charges of each card, and not just the offers that give you cash back or bonus points. Know the interest rate during and after the introductory offer, the duration of the introductory offer, the annual fee, and other details of the fine print on every credit card application.

Many people recommend the American Express Card for those who are in search of good cashback credit cards. This card offers a zero percentage introductory APR, no annual fee, and a fixed transfer fee of 4.99 percent. You can also benefit from a five percent of cash back when you use this card to purchase gas for your car.

This card also enables users to set up an automatic monthly bill paying system that gives cash back on telephone and cable bills, parking fees, and even transportation expenses. This card also enables you to order more than one card on the same account at no additional activation charge in the name of any family member 18 years or older. They can even qualify for a no-fee transfer from other higher rate credit cards.

A remarkable feature that makes this card one of the best cashback credit cards for customers is the advantage of being able to keep track of expenses and card use for tax preparation and budgeting. An online feature called Summary of Charges permits users to access their account information for the entire year. It allows users to sort the use of the card by vendor or merchant name, by date, or by the amount of the charge.

It?s easy to categorize the charges and review them by category. You can assign a travel category, a business equipment category, a restaurant category, and so forth. Other available online information includes, monthly charge totals, billing information, and a history of the payments on the card balance

These cashback credit cards also make point of sale purchases easy. They allow the user to hold the card up to the point of the point of sale reader. They don?t have to bother with swiping the card or signing anything. Other features and benefits, along with those mentioned here makes the American Express Card, truly one of the best cash back credit cards that a customer can depend on.

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Credit Cards. Get the information you are seeking now by visiting Cashback Credit Cards