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 kinds of credit card very common in America. The first main sort of credit card is travel and entertainment cards such as American Express or Diners Card. These have to be repaid in full at the end of the month and are generous on spending limits.

The second major type 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 parlance, is known as the credit line and each bank offers different terms and conditions. Banks offer a choice of payment means: you may either pay 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 those from gas companies, widely 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 type of credit card fits your needs, you should review a few options.

How to Choose your Credit Card.

Credit cards have become a part of everyday life for most people who live in the west. It’s becoming increasingly impossible to avoid them, especially for business men. So, if this is the first time you are about to enter into the realm of credit cards, here are some of the basics you ought to look out for.

First, compare the interest charged on all the credit cards you are interested in. While the rate will not stay fixed for ever, it’s always best for novices to apply for the one charging the least interest.

Make sure you study the small print carefully, especially regarding the other charges that can be applied, like late-payment fees, annual fees, and whether there is a grace period, which is normally given before the finance charges kick in.

You should decide which spending limit is most appropriate for someone on your income level. Furthermore, the fewer credit cards you use, 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 the like. Check whether the card is widely enough accepted to cater for your needs.

You should acquaint yourself with the following terms: 1] Annual Percentage Rate: this is 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 of time the card issuer allows you before they begin charging you interest on your purchases. (Not all credit card issuers give a grace period).