Finance Globe

U.S. financial and economic topics from several finance writers.

The Danger of a 0% Introductory Rate Credit Card

A 0% interest credit card can be a valuable money-saver if you play your cards right. The key is not to fall into the trap that credit card issuers have set for you. Used wisely, a generous introductory period can buy you time to pay off debts, keep your money working for you longer, or allow you to finance a major purchase interest-free. But used carelessly, a new credit card with a super-low teaser rate can...
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Stoozing, and its Side Effects

We've all become accustomed to the fact that credit card companies charge us interest fees for the use of credit. That's just how it works. The average American consumer has anywhere from five to nine thousand dollars in credit card debt, depending on which source you get the number from.If we're lucky enough to get an offer for a card with a 0% introductory APR, we often jump at the chance to transfer existing credit card...
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Don't Get Caught in the Minimum Payment Trap

Smart shoppers know to look for good deals. We look for ads in the Sunday paper, listen for commercials on the radio, and hear from our friends about our favorite stores having a sale.When you find that perfect item at the perfect price, do you pay for it in cash? Do you use a credit card with a zero percent introductory rate, and then pay it all off before the introductory period ends? Or do you...
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Get the Most From Your Credit Card

Credit cards can be a valuable money management tool if used properly. We have many choices in card features, perks, and rewards. Getting the most out of any credit card starts with choosing the one (or several) that best suits your needs. Credit cards offer more than a convenient way to pay, and if you manage your credit card accounts well, you can be sure to get the most out of your credit card while paying...
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Variable Rate vs Fixed Rate Credit Cards

Smart consumers know to shop for credit cards based on the cost of using that credit. The card's annual percentage rate, or APR, is often one of the first factors many consider when choosing a card.All credit cards either have a fixed or variable rate, and understanding the difference between the two can prepare consumers for the possibility of a change in their credit card's current APR.Some credit cards may be a combination of both; it...
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Chase Credit Cards, Something for Everyone

Chase Bank History Chase Bank is the consumer and commercial division of JP Morgan Chase, and has a history in the banking business of over two hundred years. The first predecessor in Chase’s history was The Bank of The Manhattan Company, formed in 1799. Chase National Bank, formed in 1877, merged with The Bank of The Manhattan Company in 1955, and became known as The Chase Manhattan Bank. Many other companies over the many years played...
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The History of Credit and Credit Cards

The ancient credit and debt systemMerchants have been extending credit to buyers since ancient times. Credit was commonly used in Assyria, Babylon, and Egypt thousands of years ago. Since the days when people traded in grains and cattle, merchants have been able to increase sales by allowing consumers to buy now and pay later. Even before the written word, about 9000 years ago, people kept track of debts with tokens. Written language was encouraged along, as...
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Joint Credit Card Accounts

Many happy couples want to share everything…share a meal, share a home, share a credit card. Wait! Share a credit card? Consider the risks and rewards of opening a joint account with someone, before you sign your name on the dotted line. A joint account can be convenient if both people agree on how to handle credit and finances. Unfortunately, the decision to open a joint account may lead to trouble for some, when differences in...
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Juggling Your Credit Cards

So, you have a wallet full of credit cards. How do you choose the one you’re going to use every time you pay for something? Is it the card with the best rewards? Is it the card with the 0% introductory rate? Is it the only card you have that’s not maxed out?The more credit cards you have, the more complicated it can be to figure out which one is the best choice for every purchase....
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Using Credit Cards Wisely

Credit can make life so much easier - it allows us to enjoy things now while we pay for them later. Many of us would never become a homeowner or have a nice car if we had to save up the money to pay for them in cash. Every little emergency would be a major issue if it weren’t for the convenience of a credit card. Credit can help us get through tough times and allow...
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