Finance Globe

The federal government on Tuesday ordered Citibank and its subsidiaries to pay back consumers approximately $700 million harmed by the bank's illegal practices conducted from 2003 through 2012. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) said that roughly 7 million of the bank's customers were affected by Citibank and its vendor's deceptive marketing, unfair billing practices, and administration of debt protection and credit monitoring services. Citibank's debt protection services "AccountCare," "Balance Protector," "Credit Protection," "Credit Protector," and "Payment...

Your credit card issuers gave you a Cardholder Agreement with their terms and conditions when you opened a new account, and it's your responsibility as the card holder to abide by them, or be hit with fees and interest charges. But we're all human and make the occasional mistake, or life happens beyond our control. While a creditor may seem like the last one to be understanding of personal excuses, it never hurts to speak to a customer...

What do you see when you look at your credit card statement? While there is nothing better than a “0” next to your balance, for many people this is not realistic at the present time. Instead, they realize they have some level of debt that must be taken care of. The way you approach your credit card debt may not be the same as the next person. However, there are basic steps you can take, just...

A credit card that treated you well in the past may not do the same for you in the future. Despite the fact that you may not want to make the move, there are times when it is a good idea to cancel a credit card. The use of a credit card is supposed to improve your financial situation, not hold you back. If you find that things are not going as planned, regardless of the...

There is no denying the many benefits associated with applying for and using a credit card. For example, you may earn reward points that can be used for everything from travel to gift cards (and much more). Along with this, a credit card affords you the opportunity to make big purchases, all without having to spend your cash. Conversely, there are some potential downfalls associated with credit card use. Most notably, you can find yourself in...

Are you the type of person who is “dangerous” with a credit card? In other words, you have no restraint. If your plastic is in hand you won’t be able to stop until you make at least a few purchases. There is nothing wrong with carrying a credit card. In fact, this is a good idea for many reasons, including the fact that it could come in handy in the event of an emergency. On the...

Choosing a credit card at Finance Globe is designed to be fast, simple and efficient. However, choosing the wrong card can lead to unnecessary costs or fees, a feeling of resentment and unpleasant surprises. With your credit and wallet at stake, you really need to know how to choose the right card. Most credit card offers - from your mailbox, the bank, or on the web - can be confusing. The headlines are bolded, bright and...

Using a rewards card can be a smart way to cover your normal expenses. And if you're going to spend the money anyway, you might as well get something back from it. Depending on the card issuer's rewards program, rewards may be used for anything from cash-back, gift cards, merchandise, travel, or donations to your favorite charity. Rewards cards typically give you one point for every dollar spent, and some cards give you bonus points if...

Getting your first credit card is a major stepping stone to financial independence. It's nice to be able to cover surprise expenses or emergencies without having to borrow money from relatives. You will have the freedom to make purchases based on an anticipated paycheck. Even if you're smart enough to only buy things when you have the cash, it's important to establish your credit history now. After showing a history of responsible credit card use, you...

Do you have a wallet full of credit cards you don’t use, multiple cards with a balance, or cards that are costing you more than they are worth? It may be time for a credit card spring cleaning. Take a good look at your cardholder agreements and most recent credit card statements and figure out what you're really paying to keep your credit cards. Then ask yourself these questions when deciding which cards are keepers and...