A credit card that offers a reward point scheme means that as you use the card you accumulate a certain number of points which can then be converted into a reward of your choice. It can be air miles, gift vouchers, or a purchase of some kind. But to get the most benefit out of a reward card you need to ensure that it offers good value for your money. Did you know it could take over five years and an expenditure of over US$ 5000 to get a free ticket within the US. Read more...

Buy now and pay later. It's become the American way. There's no doubt that a credit card can be a powerful and useful tool. However, as more and more Americans discover every year, too much of a good thing can lead to big trouble. Read more...

All a person needs is your name, address, SSN (Social Security number), and sometimes your date of birth and mother's maiden name, and he can open an account in your name or even access existing accounts. In some cases, when a thief opens accounts using bogus addresses, the major credit reporting bureaus switch your contact information over to the new address, so you may not even know what's happening until it is too late. Read more...

Contrary to what many college students would like to believe, credit cards don't give you "free" money. They simply change the way you pay. In fact, using a credit card is like getting a flexible, short-term loan. Whenever you purchase an item with your credit card, you basically borrow money from the credit card companies and repay it when the bill comes in later. Read more...

If you have been in bankruptcy in the past, you are probably finding it difficult to build up your credit rating again. One of the reasons for this is that most of the major companies will not offer you a credit card or other loan due to your past bankruptcy. There are a few things that you can do in order to lessen the effect that that bankruptcy has on your credit now, but one of those options (wait until it is no longer on your credit report) is not a good idea if you need a credit card or loan now. Read more...